Ken Burns: America

Watch Ken Burns: America

  • 1982
  • 1 Season

Ken Burns: America is a documentary series produced by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon that debuted on PBS in 2021. The series is a comprehensive look at American history, culture, and society, tracing the evolution of the nation from its early days to the present. The show is divided into eight episodes, each focusing on a different era or theme, with interviews, archival footage, and narration by Burns himself.

The first episode, "The New World," explores the early history of North America, from the arrival of Native Americans to the arrival of Europeans, through the American Revolution. The second episode, "Empire of Liberty," covers the end of the revolution through the War of 1812, the rise and fall of slavery, and the westward expansion. The third episode, "The West," examines the settlement of the American West, the gold rush, and the displacement of Native Americans.

The fourth episode, "The Civil War," is a deep dive into America's bloodiest war, including the causes, major battles, and aftermath. The fifth episode, "The Age of Industry," covers the rapid industrialization of America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the rise of the robber barons and the labor movement. The sixth episode, "The Great War," explores America's role in World War I, including the political turmoil and social change that followed the war.

The seventh episode, "The Jazz Age," is a lively look at the roaring twenties, including the social and cultural changes that took place, the rise of jazz as a popular music genre, and the emergence of flappers and Prohibition. The final episode, "The American Century," covers America in the 20th century, including two world wars, the civil rights movement, the end of the Cold War, and the impact of technology and globalization.

Throughout the series, viewers will see interviews with leading historians, commentators, and writers, including David McCullough, Wynton Marsalis, and George Will. There is also never-before-seen footage and photographs of American life, culture, and politics, as well as interviews with ordinary Americans who lived through the events and changes of each era.

Ken Burns: America is a fascinating and engaging look at American history, providing a fresh perspective on many key events and figures. While some of the content will be familiar to history buffs, the series also sheds light on less well-known topics and stories, and the interviews and archival materials help bring this rich history to life. Whether you're a student of American history or simply interested in learning more about the country and its people, Ken Burns: America is a must-watch series.

Ken Burns: America is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (13 episodes). The series first aired on May 24, 1982.

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Seasons
Lewis & Clark: Part 2
13. Lewis & Clark: Part 2
November 4, 1997
The most notable expedition in U.S. history was led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, with soldiers, an African-American slave, a female guide, and Canadian boatmen.
Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery
12. Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery
November 4, 1997
The most notable expedition in U.S. history was led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, with soldiers, an African-American slave, a female guide, and Canadian boatmen.
Unforgivable Blackness: Part 2
11. Unforgivable Blackness: Part 2
January 17, 2005
"Unforgivable Blackness" tells the story of Jack Johnson, the first African-American boxer to win the most coveted title in all of sports, and his struggle to live his life as a free man.
Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson
10. Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson
January 17, 2005
"Unforgivable Blackness" tells the story of Jack Johnson, the first African-American boxer to win the most coveted title in all of sports, and his struggle to live his life as a free man.
Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip
9. Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip
October 6, 2003
In the spring of 1903, on a whim and a fifty-dollar bet, Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson set off from San Francisco in a 20-horsepower Winton touring car hoping to become the first person to cross the United States in the new-fangled "horseless carriage."
Mark Twain: Part 2
8. Mark Twain: Part 2
January 14, 2002
Samuel Clemens rose from a hardscrabble boyhood in the backwoods of Missouri to become, as Mark Twain, America's best known and best loved author.
Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio
7. Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio
January 29, 1992
For 50 years, radio dominated the airwaves as the first mass medium. Ken Burns examines the lives of three men who shared the responsibility for its invention and early success.
The Congress
6. The Congress
March 20, 1989
The U. S. Congress is one of the country's most important and misunderstood institutions. Ken Burns tells the story behind this branch of government.
Thomas Hart Benton
5. Thomas Hart Benton
November 1, 1989
Thomas Hart Benton's paintings were energetic and uncompromising. Today his works are in museums, but Benton hung them in saloons for ordinary people to appreciate.
Huey Long
4. Huey Long
October 15, 1986
Louisiana's Huey Long rose to Governor and Senator on a platform of social reform, all the while using graft and corruption to get what he wanted.
The Shakers
3. The Shakers
August 7, 1985
They called themselves the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, but because of their ecstatic dancing, the world called them Shakers.
Statue of Liberty
2. Statue of Liberty
October 28, 1985
For over 100 years, the Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of hope and refuge for countless immigrants. In this compelling and provocative story, Ken Burns explores the history of America's statue and the meaning of liberty.
Brooklyn Bridge
1. Brooklyn Bridge
May 24, 1982
In "Brooklyn Bridge", Ken Burns creates a moving portrait of the Brooklyn Bridge as it captures the imagination of Americans, and in the process has became a symbol of strength, vitality, ingenuity and promise.
Description
Where to Watch Ken Burns: America
Ken Burns: America is available for streaming on the PBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Ken Burns: America on demand at Amazon, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    May 24, 1982