The American Revolution

Watch The American Revolution

  • 2014
  • 1 Season
  • 8.5  (415)

The American Revolution is a historical documentary series that premiered on the American Heroes Channel in 1997. The show features prominent actors such as Edward Herrmann, Forrest Sawyer, Donna Murphy, Steve Zahn, and Victor Garber, who narrate the events leading up to and during the American Revolution.

The series is comprised of six episodes, each spanning an hour in length. The first episode, "The Road to Revolution," sets the stage for the series, painting a picture of the political, economic, and social landscape of the American colonies in the mid-eighteenth century. It delves into the causes that prompted colonists to rise up against their British rulers, including the Stamp Act, the Boston Massacre, and the Tea Act.

The second episode, titled "Declaring Independence," focuses on the pivotal moment when the Second Continental Congress decided to declare independence from Great Britain. Throughout the episode, the audience is provided with a detailed account of the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, and the ensuing debates and discussions that took place in Congress. The episode concludes with the iconic signing of the Declaration on July 4th, 1776.

The third episode, "Fight for Freedom," covers the beginning of the Revolutionary War, with a focus on the battles of Lexington and Concord. The audience is taken on a vivid journey through the early days of the war, including the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston. Through the use of authentic reenactments and expert commentary, the show provides a clear understanding of the tactics and strategies employed by both sides during this period.

The fourth episode, "Victory at Saratoga," chronicles the pivotal moments that led to the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga. It also sheds light on the role of Benedict Arnold in this key battle, and his eventual move to the British side. The audience is provided with a deep understanding of the events that occurred both on and off the battlefield during this complex and significant moment in Revolutionary War history.

The fifth episode, "The World Turned Upside Down," documents the latter years of the Revolutionary War, from the British's defeat at Saratoga to the ultimate American victory at Yorktown. This episode takes the audience through the many trials and tribulations of the war, including the hardships faced by the Continental Army and the political maneuverings of both the British and Continental Congress.

The final episode, "A More Perfect Union," is an exploration of the events that occurred immediately after the war, including the crafting of the United States Constitution and the challenges faced by the Founding Fathers in creating a new nation. The audience is shown an in-depth look at the state of the country following the war, including deep-seated political tensions and economic uncertainties.

Overall, The American Revolution is a powerful and engaging documentary series that provides viewers with a fascinating look at one of the most important events in American history. With its use of expert commentary, eye-catching reenactments, and top-notch production value, this series is a must-watch for anyone interested in the Revolutionary War and the birth of the United States.

The American Revolution is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between December 15, 2014 and on AMERICAN HEROES CHANNEL

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Seasons
24. "It Is All Over"
February 19, 2026
The course concludes with the fates of the war's major figures and a summation of what the conflict meant to most Americans.
A Sword for General Washington
23. A Sword for General Washington
February 19, 2026
Cornwallis moves into Virginia to cut off Greene's supply and recruiting and to establish a naval station. But he underestimates American and French strength.
The Reward of Loyalty
22. The Reward of Loyalty
February 19, 2026
Indian tribes loyal to Britain suffered the worst. On the American side, there was mutiny by the Pennsylvania Continentals and the betrayal of Benedict Arnold.
21. "The Americans Fought like Demons"
February 19, 2026
Nathanael Greene is appointed to take over the southern army after Gates's defeat at Camden. His innovative strategies are successful, ultimately forcing British general Cornwallis to admit that the Americans can "fight like demons."
Vain Hopes in the Carolinas
20. Vain Hopes in the Carolinas
February 19, 2026
The British believe victory might lie southward, but they cannot depend on the Loyalists.
The French Menace
19. The French Menace
February 19, 2026
With efforts to create an American navy stymied, the bulk of the French intervention will be carried by her navy, which proves a distraction to the British.
The American Revolution
18. The American Revolution
April 10, 2006
The American Revolution becomes a fight over Enlightenment ideas. The new republic and its constitution represent the first comprehensive attempt to put those ideas into practice and become a model and inspiration to Europeans who want reform.
With Washington at Valley Forge
17. With Washington at Valley Forge
February 19, 2026
Washington settles in for the winter of 1777-1778. Although there are no battles, he must deal with shortages of clothing, housing, and food as well as attempts by Gates and others to undermine his authority in Congress. There is one victory-new treaties with France.
16. "Not Yet the Air of Soldiers"
February 19, 2026
General William Howe, British commander in chief in America, sails from Staten Island, intent on reaching Philadelphia. Washington blocks his way but suffers a series of defeats. Even news of a great American victory by Horatio Gates at Saratoga carries rumors of threats to Washington's command.
15. "A Day Famous in the Annals of America"
February 19, 2026
Burgoyne suffers a series of defeats and surrenders near Albany. The news energizes parliamentary opposition to the war, but the king is unmoved. Then comes more bad news: The Americans have signed a treaty with the French.
14. "America Is Not Subdued"
February 19, 2026
News of Trenton and Princeton forces an unwelcome reassessment by Parliament of the requirements for victory. British Major General John Burgoyne is put in charge of his own strategy of invading from Canada, but things do not go according to plan.
13. "Congress Are Not a Fit Body"
February 19, 2026
In March 1777, the Continental Congress faces new tasks, including establishing, outfitting, and managing an army. Unable to solve these challenges, the delegates blame the costly army-and Washington-and move to ally with France.
Joy in Princeton
12. Joy in Princeton
February 19, 2026
After additional successes-again at Trenton and then at Princeton-a break in combat gives Washington time to reorganize his army, by building on a touching appeal for reenlistments. Britain, meanwhile, learns the Loyalists and fence sitters are badly shaken.
11. "A Glorious Issue"
February 19, 2026
With New York occupied by the British, Nathan Hale captured and hanged as a spy, and Washington's troops on the run, Thomas Paine provides inspiration with a new pamphlet, The American Crisis, and Washington provides further hope with a surprise victory at Trenton.
An Army Falls in Brooklyn
10. An Army Falls in Brooklyn
February 19, 2026
The optimism of July 4th proves short-lived. Washington's army is poorly manned, poorly supplied, and poorly trained, and his officers have little practical experience. Even worse, an incorrect reading of British intentions leads to a disastrous defeat and a retreat to Brooklyn.
Common Sense
9. Common Sense
February 19, 2026
While poor communication, unclear objectives, and the uncertainty of participation by southern Loyalists hamper Britain's strategies, another force comes into play-an extraordinarily popular pamphlet that helps turn the tide of American opinion toward the independence made official on July 4, 1776.
Conquering Canada, Reconquering Boston
8. Conquering Canada, Reconquering Boston
February 19, 2026
An American plan to conquer Canada nearly succeeds and costs Britain half its regulars. But even after the arrival of British reinforcements, American forces pull off a stunning improvisation: the overland transport of critical artillery, captured at Fort Ticonderoga, to Boston.
The King, the Conqueror, and the Coward
7. The King, the Conqueror, and the Coward
February 19, 2026
Ignoring the reconciliation implied by the colonies' Olive Branch Petition, the king and Parliament effectively declare war. On either side of the Atlantic, British leadership believes the many Americans still loyal to the Crown will bring victory.
Bunker Hill
6. Bunker Hill
February 19, 2026
Could rebel militia stand up to British regulars? The answer comes at a brutal battle where the British pay dearly for their "victory." Nevertheless, Washington arrives to find disorganization, overconfidence, and a reluctance to set aside regional differences in favor of a national army.
Standoff in Boston, 1775
5. Standoff in Boston, 1775
February 19, 2026
As Benedict Arnold helps win a key victory at New York's Fort Ticonderoga, the Second Continental Congress authorizes a new army under George Washington, a soldier and gentleman farmer well aware of the implications of the conflict, including the risk of potentially rebellious slaves.
4. "How the British Regulars Fired and Fled"
February 19, 2026
As tensions escalate and the first Continental Congress convenes, King George III finally heeds a request for reinforcements. Nevertheless, the British sorely underestimate American militia and suffer a humiliating defeat at Lexington and Concord.
Return of the Rebels
3. Return of the Rebels
December 16, 2014
The British army launches a bold new campaign in the South. The American Revolution seems doomed.
The Empire Fights Back
2. The Empire Fights Back
December 15, 2014
Time after time, American independence seems like a lost cause as George Washington's Continental Army teeters on the brink of annihilation. The heroics of five little-known patriots help the colonies live to fight another day.
Rise of the Patriots
1. Rise of the Patriots
December 15, 2014
Five unsung patriots strike pivotal blows for American liberty as unrest between Britain and the colonies explodes into a war for independence.
Description
Where to Watch The American Revolution
The American Revolution is available for streaming on the AMERICAN HEROES CHANNEL website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The American Revolution on demand at Discovery+, Prime Video, Philo, Amazon, , Fandango at Home, Google Play, Apple TV Store and AHC.
  • Premiere Date
    December 15, 2014
  • IMDB Rating
    8.5  (415)