Ken Burns‘ epic American Revolution premiered on PBS on Nov. 16, 2025. The six-part, 12-hour documentary series aired nightly through Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. ET. Top actors including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Samuel L. Jackson narrate the story. All episodes now stream on PBS.org and the free PBS App.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Nine-person voice cast includes Peter Coyote, Laura Linney, Keith David, and more
- Co-directed by Sarah Botstein and David P. Schmidt with Ken Burns
- Features nearly 200 individual historic figures with unique voices
- All episodes free to stream on PBS.org and PBS App immediately
- Theatrical tour planned for 2026 with Ken Burns and Lin-Manuel Miranda
The Story Behind the Revolution Burns’ New Vision
Ken Burns spent years reimagining America’s founding story with fresh perspective. This 12-hour epic goes beyond traditional history lessons. It tells how 13 colonies fought an eight-year war, defeated the world’s strongest military power, and established a brand-new nation.
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The documentary doesn’t shy away from complexity. Burns and his co-directors reframe the revolution as brutal and chaotic. The war wasn’t just colonists versus Britain. It involved Native Americans, enslaved people, loyalists, and soldiers fighting across multiple continents.
“The American Revolution was also a civil war” — Ken Burns, filmmaker
Why Star Power Matters in Telling History
Watching Tom Hanks voice George Washington brings gravitas to pivotal moments. Meryl Streep lending her iconic voice to key figures elevates emotional resonance. This isn’t gimmick casting. These talented narrators breathe life into people who shaped your nation’s destiny.
The documentary premieres at a unique moment culturally. With PBS facing budget pressures, this series makes a statement. Quality historical storytelling matters. Americans deserve documentaries that challenge and inspire them about their founding.
Episode Guide and Runtime Details
Each episode runs roughly 2 hours, allowing viewers to dive deep into specific periods. Here’s what you’ll watch:
| Episode | Time Period | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| 1: In Order to Be Free | May 1754 – May 1775 | 116 minutes |
| 2: An Asylum for Mankind | May 1775 – July 1776 | 124 minutes |
| 3: The Times That Try Men’s Souls | July 1776 – January 1777 | 114 minutes |
| 4: Conquer by a Drawn Game | January 1777 – February 1778 | 115 minutes |
| 5: The Soul of All America | December 1777 – May 1780 | 113 minutes |
| 6: The Most Sacred Thing | May 1780 – Onward | 130 minutes |
The episodes flow chronologically. Start with Episode 1 to understand colonial frustration under British rule. Then watch how Washington emerges, independence gets declared, and the war transforms into something nobody predicted.
What Streaming Platforms Have This Revolution
All six episodes dropped immediately on PBS.org and the free PBS App on Nov. 16. You don’t need cable. You don’t need a paid subscription. This is genuine public television.
- Stream free on PBS.org right now
- Download the free PBS App for your favorite device
- Watch on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, or Samsung Smart TV
- All episodes available through December 14, 2025
- If you missed the live broadcast, catch up anytime
The strategy is brilliant marketing. Free access drives viewers immediately. People discover a quality documentary and share it on social media. PBS gains cultural relevance precisely when it needs it most.
Will Ken Burns Tour America With His Revolution?
Burns isn’t stopping after broadcast. He’s planned theatrical screenings across America starting July 4, 2026. Imagine watching this epic documentary on a big screen with your community. Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton, will join Burns for interactive conversations about the revolution.
This theatrical component matters enormously. It brings history alive in a shared experience. Think of it as PBS Documentary + Broadway Storytelling + Civic Engagement all combined. Schools, libraries, and theaters nationwide will host these screenings throughout 2026.
Critics and historians are already praising the series. Roger Ebert called it compelling cinema. The New York Times noted its urgency feels necessary right now. Americans are hungry for honest conversations about their nation’s founding.
Sources
- PBS – Official American Revolution documentary landing page
- Deadline – TV review and premiere coverage
- USA Today – Profile on celebrity voice casting decisions
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.