Ken Burns American Revolution doc premieres Nov. 16, free on PBS

Ken Burns delivers a landmark six-part documentary about the American Revolution. The series premieres on PBS on November 16, 2025. This 12-hour documentary explores how 13 British colonies rebelled and won independence. All six episodes premiere simultaneously, a first for any Ken Burns film.

What Happened: Ken Burns Brings America’s Founding to Life

New documentary filmmaker Ken Burns explores 200+ years of American history. The American Revolution examines how 13 colonies united against British rule. Burns spent years researching archives and historical documents. The result spans 12 hours across six meticulously crafted episodes.

Each episode focuses on a different phase of the revolution. Part 1 begins with colonial grievances and political tension. The series follows George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and lesser-known figures. Burns includes personal letters, period music, and archival paintings. The narrative builds from the Boston Tea Party through the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

“Thirteen American colonies unite in rebellion, win an eight-year war to secure their independence, and establish a new form of government that would inspire democratic movements at home and around the globe.”

The documentary details major battles including Lexington and Concord. Burns also covers the Battle of Yorktown and foreign alliances. He weaves together personal stories from soldiers, leaders, and ordinary citizens. The documentary reveals how the revolution shaped world democracy for centuries.

Why This Matters: Understanding America’s Origin Story

This documentary arrives at a critical moment for national reflection. Burns examines how America’s founding applies to modern citizens. The film explores themes of liberty, sacrifice, and competing visions. Understanding the revolution’s complexity helps viewers grasp contemporary debates.

Burns doesn’t sanitize history or gloss over uncomfortable truths. The series addresses slavery, indigenous peoples, and loyalists who opposed independence. It shows the revolution as a divisive conflict, not a unanimous cause. This nuanced approach appeals to viewers seeking deeper historical understanding.

Teachers, students, and history enthusiasts will find rich material for discussion. PBS partnered with OurAmericanStory.org to provide educators with free classroom resources. The documentary supports curricula across high schools and universities. Burns’ signature style combines archival photographs, period music, and expert narration.

Streaming all episodes simultaneously represents a significant shift. Viewers can binge-watch or spread episodes across multiple evenings. This flexibility democratizes access to quality historical programming. Burns’ reputation attracts millions who cherish American documentary cinema.

The Details: Schedule, Watching Options, and Episode Breakdown

Here’s everything you need to watch this landmark series:

Episode	Title	Broadcast Date	Time (ET)
1 of 6	In Order to Be Free	Sunday, Nov. 16	8:00 PM
2 of 6	An Asylum for Mankind	Monday, Nov. 17	8:00 PM
3 of 6	The Times that Try Men’s Souls	Tuesday, Nov. 18	8:00 PM
4 of 6	Conquer by a Drawn Game	Wednesday, Nov. 19	8:00 PM
5 of 6	The Soul of All America	Thursday, Nov. 20	8:00 PM
6 of 6	The Most Sacred Thing	Friday, Nov. 21	8:00 PM

Streaming availability starts immediately on November 16 across multiple platforms. Viewers can access all episodes through pbs.org without payment. The free PBS App works on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, and Android devices. This marks the first Ken Burns series released this way.

After four weeks, streaming requires a PBS Passport membership (minimum $60 donation or $5/month). Early access ends in mid-December for free viewers. The 12-hour runtime gives ample material for discussion and reflection. Episodes range from 2 to 2.5 hours each.

What To Watch For: Key Themes and Historical Highlights

Burns weaves several critical themes throughout the documentary:

• Personal stories of soldiers, civilians, and leaders shape the narrative.
• Competing ideologies show how colonists disagreed on independence.
• International involvement reveals how France, Spain, and others affected the war.
• Archival narration from historical letters and documents brings era voices alive.
• Musicality uses period instruments and compositions to enhance storytelling.

Mark your calendar for the marathon weekend starting November 22. Both television and digital platforms offer back-to-back episodes. Educators should plan classroom screenings after November 16. Family viewing parties become cultural events when Burns documentaries premiere. The documentary proves that two-hour episodes allow deep historical exploration impossible in streaming-era shortcuts.

Is Ken Burns’ American Revolution Really Worth Your Time?

Burns spent years developing this passion project about America’s founding conflict. His work earned 15 Emmy nominations across his prestigious career. The American Revolution represents his most ambitious historical undertaking. Critics and historians have praised the preview screenings extensively.

This documentary transcends typical historical programming through intimate storytelling. Burns doesn’t lecture viewers—he draws them into the revolution’s human drama. By streaming all episodes simultaneously, Burns trusts audiences to engage meaningfully. Viewers appreciate his refusal to oversimplify complex historical events.

Will you watch from premiere day or wait for the perfect weekend? Will you binge all 12 hours or savor episodes across weeks? Ken Burns has created more than entertainment—he’s built a national conversation starter about America’s identity, sacrifice, and democracy itself.

Sources

• PBS Official – Ken Burns documentary premiere announcement and streaming details
• WQED Pittsburgh – Complete broadcast schedule and viewing options
• Hollywood Reporter – Ken Burns documentary review and production details