American Masters (1986)
A landmark PBS documentary series celebrating the artists, writers, musicians, and cultural icons who have shaped American life for nearly four decades.
American Masters - Series Information
- Original Title: American Masters
- First Air Year: 1986
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Created by: Susan Lacy
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (90 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 40
- Number of Episodes: 311
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 23, 1986 (United States - TV-14), June 23, 1986 (Canada - PG)
- Networks: PBS
- Production Companies: Eagle Rock Entertainment, Thirteen
- Production Countries: United States of America
American Masters - Plot
American Masters is a PBS television series which produces biographies on enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, filmmakers, and others who have left an indelible impression on the cultural landscape of the United States.
American Masters - Trailer
See the series in action with the official American Masters preview below.
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American Masters - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Susan Lacy
Main Cast
- Hillary Clinton
- Mike Nichols
- Gloria Steinem
- Steve Martin
- Scarlett Johansson
- Goran Višnjić
- Patsy Cline
- Maya Angelou
- Sidney Lumet
- Oprah Winfrey
Writers
- Helen Whitney
- Barbara Leibovitz
- John Scheinfeld
- Dave Kehr
- Joe Lauro
Executive Producers
- Michael Kantor
- Susan Lacy
- Bette Midler
- Paul Hardart
- James Sears Bryant
American Masters - FAQs
Where can you watch American Masters online?
American Masters is available to stream on PBS and the PBS app at no cost. Additional streaming options include YouTube TV and Thirteen. WETA+ offers access with ads, and KQED also carries the series with ads. Check JustWatch for a full breakdown of current availability in your region.
Who created American Masters?
American Masters was created by Susan Lacy, who also served as a long-running executive producer. Lacy developed the series for PBS and guided its editorial vision for decades, establishing it as one of public television's most respected and enduring documentary franchises.
What is American Masters about?
American Masters profiles the writers, musicians, visual artists, filmmakers, and performers who have left a lasting mark on American culture. Each episode offers an in-depth biographical portrait, drawing on archival footage, interviews, and critical commentary to illuminate the lives and legacies of iconic figures.
How many seasons does American Masters have?
American Masters has 40 seasons and 311 episodes in total. The series premiered on June 23, 1986, and continues to air on PBS as a returning series, making it one of the longest-running documentary programs in American public television history.
Has American Masters won any major awards?
Yes. American Masters has earned numerous Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, and Grammy Awards over its long run. The series is widely regarded as one of the most decorated documentary programs on American television, recognized for its rigorous research, compelling storytelling, and cultural significance.
Is American Masters still being made in 2024?
Yes, American Masters is currently a returning series and remains in production. Season 40 is underway, confirming the show's continued presence on PBS. The series shows no signs of ending, having aired consistently for nearly four decades and continuing to produce new biographical documentaries.
Who are some notable subjects featured on American Masters?
American Masters has profiled an extraordinary range of cultural figures, including Maya Angelou, Patsy Cline, Sidney Lumet, Mike Nichols, Gloria Steinem, Oprah Winfrey, and Steve Martin, among hundreds of others. The series spans music, literature, film, theater, and the visual arts.
What is the content rating for American Masters?
American Masters carries a TV-14 content rating in the United States, indicating that some material may be unsuitable for children under 14. Individual episodes may vary in content depending on the subject matter being explored, including mature themes in the lives of the profiled artists.
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