Ken Burns‘ epic new documentary series The American Revolution debuts on PBS this coming Sunday, November 16, 2025. The six-part, 12-hour documentary brings history alive with an all-star cast. Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson, and more voice the revolutionary figures. It’s Burns’ most ambitious project yet.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- 6 episodes premiere Nov. 16-21, 2025 on PBS
- 12 hours of groundbreaking documentary storytelling
- Voices include Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson
- All episodes stream free on PBS.org and the free PBS App immediately
- Directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt
What Happened: Hollywood’s Biggest Stars Voice History
Ken Burns assembled one of television’s most impressive voice casts. Tom Hanks voices no fewer than eight different characters, showcasing his incredible range. Meryl Streep brings Mercy Otis Warren to life with signature grace and depth. How does he convince A-listers to his projects? Burns’ reputation speaks volumes.
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The voice cast reads like an awards show roster. Morgan Freeman voices the Black abolitionist James Forten. Samuel L. Jackson portrays multiple figures. Josh Brolin takes on George Washington. Michael Keaton plays the complex Benedict Arnold. Paul Giamatti voices John Adams. The ensemble even includes Amanda Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate.
“What begins as a political clash between colonists and the British government grows into a bloody struggle that will engage more than two dozen nations.”
Why This Matters: Historical Storytelling for Right Now
This documentary tackles America’s founding at a crucial moment. The revolution shaped democracy worldwide. Burns explores perspectives beyond just the winners. You’ll hear from soldiers, enslaved people, Native Americans, and women. Their stories rarely make it to mainstream documentaries.
The timing feels intentional. 2025 marks 250 years since the Revolutionary War began in spring 1775. Burns crafted this series to explore what independence truly meant. Did it deliver on its promises? The documentary wrestles with uncomfortable truths about America’s complicated past.
These untold stories matter for understanding today. The revolution wasn’t just battles and famous white men. It was everyday people fighting for something bigger. Nearly 200 historical figures appear throughout the series. Each gets a voice. Each deserves to be heard.
The Details: When and Where to Watch Everything
The premiere schedule spans an entire week. Episodes air on PBS from November 16-21, 2025. Each episode airs Sunday through Friday from 8-10 PM ET. Your local PBS station might have slightly different times. Check your cable guide or PBS website for specifics.
| Episode Number | Air Date | Focus | Time Slot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | Sunday, Nov. 16 | The First Shot | 8-10 PM ET |
| Episode 2 | Monday, Nov. 17 | George Washington Goes to War | 8-10 PM ET |
| Episodes 3-6 | Tue-Fri, Nov. 18-21 | Continuing saga | 8-10 PM ET |
Streaming is absolutely free and immediate. All 6 episodes drop simultaneously on PBS.org and the free PBS App. You don’t need a cable subscription to watch. Download the app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV. Sign-ups take two minutes. Start streaming anytime after November 16.
The PBS App works on every major platform: iPhone, Apple TV, Android devices, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio. If you prefer physical media, the DVD will eventually be released. Pricing and availability haven’t been announced yet.
What To Watch For: The Voices Behind the Figures
- Peter Coyote narrates as he always does for Burns
- Kenneth Branagh voices British General Thomas Gage with gravitas
- Father-daughter team: Ethan Hawke and Maya Hawke portray patriots
- Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy (real-life couple) voice Abigail Adams and six other figures
- Jonathan Groff plays American soldier Erkuries Beatty
The casting choices reveal Burns’ meticulous approach. He selected actors who bring emotional depth beyond famous names. Hearing Amanda Gorman recite Phillis Wheatley’s poetry promises to be unforgettable. The younger generation connects modern audiences to history.
Professional continuity matters too. Mandy Patinkin returns after voicing Benjamin Franklin in a previous Burns documentary. Some actors reunite: Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin, and Damian Lewis previously worked together on the hit series Homeland. These connections deepen the production’s authenticity.
Can Documentary Television Compete With Streaming Shows?
Here’s the reality: attention spans are shrinking. Documentaries compete against Netflix, Disney+, and scrolling social media. Yet Burns’ documentaries break through consistently. His style feels cinematic. The music haunts you. The stories stick.
The American Revolution spans 12 hours, which sounds epic. But Burns structures it to compel viewers forward. He interweaves familiar narratives with forgotten voices. You’ll recognize the war’s major battles. You’ll also discover perspectives history textbooks omitted.
Will you commit to twelve hours of historical documentary? Consider this: Stranger Things season 5 drops November 26, just 10 days later. The American Revolution ends November 21. You have time for both. Start with Burns while the premiere excitement peaks.
What does it mean that America’s greatest living documentary filmmaker tackles revolution again? It suggests he sees parallels between 1776 and now. Democracy itself remains fragile. The fight for it never truly ends. That’s worth watching for twelve hours.
Sources
- PBS Official – Complete streaming and premiere information
- Boston Globe – Comprehensive voice cast breakdown and interviews
- Wikipedia – Series production details and episode structure
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.