The War (2007)
Ken Burns's landmark PBS documentary miniseries bringing World War II to life through the voices of ordinary Americans who lived it.
The War - Series Information
- Original Title: The War
- First Air Year: 2007
- Last Air Year: 2007
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary, War, Politics, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 7
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 23, 2007 (United States - TV-14), September 23, 2007 (Canada - PG), September 23, 2007 (Germany - 12), September 23, 2007 (France - 12), September 23, 2007 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: PBS
- Production Companies: Florentine Films, WETA
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 战争 (CN), The War (DE), The War - A Ken Burns Film (US)
The War - Plot
The story of the Second World War through the personal accounts of a handful of men and women from four American towns. The war touched the lives of every family on every street in every town in America and demonstrated that in extraordinary times, there are no ordinary lives.
Where to Watch The War
Looking for where to watch The War?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The War - Cast & Crew
Executive Producer(s)
- Ken Burns
Main Cast
- Keith David
- Tom Hanks
- Josh Lucas
- Bobby Cannavale
- Samuel L. Jackson
- Eli Wallach
- Robert Wahlberg
- Adam Arkin
- Carolyn McCormick
- Paul Fussell
Editors
- Paul Barnes
- Erik Ewers
- Tricia Reidy
The War - FAQs
Is The War based on real events and true stories?
Absolutely. The War is built entirely on real history and firsthand testimony. Ken Burns anchors the documentary in the lived experiences of actual veterans, civilians, and survivors from four American towns — Luverne, Minnesota; Waterbury, Connecticut; Mobile, Alabama; and Sacramento, California — weaving their personal accounts into the broader sweep of World War II.
Why did Ken Burns focus on four specific American towns?
Burns chose four towns to reflect the geographic, cultural, and racial diversity of wartime America. Luverne, Waterbury, Mobile, and Sacramento each represent distinct communities — including African American and Japanese American experiences — ensuring the documentary captures how the war reshaped life across the entire country, not just on the front lines.
Where can you stream or watch The War?
The War is available to stream on PBS Documentaries via Amazon Channel and WETA+. You can also buy or rent episodes on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free viewing options include KQED and Kanopy, making it widely accessible across platforms.
Did The War win any major awards or critical recognition?
The War earned widespread critical acclaim and won a Peabody Award, one of broadcasting's highest honors. It was also nominated for multiple Emmy Awards. Critics praised its emotional depth, meticulous research, and the power of its firsthand testimonies, cementing its place among the finest documentary series ever produced for American television.
Who narrates and voices The War documentary series?
The series features an exceptional ensemble of voice talent. Keith David serves as the primary narrator, with Tom Hanks, Josh Lucas, Bobby Cannavale, Samuel L. Jackson, Eli Wallach, and Robert Wahlberg lending their voices to letters and diaries. Real survivors and veterans, including Eli Wallach and Paul Fussell, also speak as themselves.
How does The War compare to Ken Burns's other documentary series?
Many consider The War Burns's most emotionally raw and intimate work. Unlike his sweeping series on baseball or jazz, this documentary stays close to individual human stories, making the scale of World War II feel deeply personal. Its unflinching portrayal of combat, loss, and sacrifice distinguishes it even within Burns's celebrated body of work.
Was there controversy surrounding The War's original broadcast?
Yes. Before its premiere, Latino advocacy groups protested the near-absence of Hispanic American veterans from the original cut. Burns responded by adding approximately 28 minutes of new footage featuring Latino soldiers and their stories, a significant revision that acknowledged the vital contributions of Hispanic Americans to the war effort.
What documentaries are similar to The War for WWII fans?
If The War captivated you, explore WWII in HD (2009) and World War II in Colour (2009) for stunning archival footage, or The World at War (1973) for a classic comprehensive account. For narrative drama, The Pacific (2010) and Masters of the Air (2024) bring the combat experience vividly to life through scripted storytelling.
More About The War
Explore further resources and official databases for The War.