The American Revolution (2025)
Ken Burns' sweeping six-part PBS documentary series chronicles the Revolutionary War and the birth of the American republic.
The American Revolution - Series Information
- Original Title: The American Revolution
- First Air Year: 2025
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Ken Burns
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary, War, Politics
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 6
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: November 16, 2025 (United States - TV-PG)
- Networks: PBS
- Production Companies: Florentine Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
The American Revolution - Plot
The American Revolution was at once a war for independence, a war of conquest, a civil war, and a world war, fought by neighbors on American farms and between global powers an ocean or more away. It impacted millions from Vermont's Green Mountains to the swamps of South Carolina, from Indian Country to the Iberian Peninsula. In defeating the British Empire and giving birth to a new nation, the American Revolution turned the world upside-down. Thirteen colonies on the Atlantic Coast united in rebellion, won their independence, and established a republic that still endures. The American Revolution will present the story of the men and women of the Revolutionary generation, their humanity in victory and defeat, and the crisis that they lived through.
The American Revolution - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Revolutionary era come to life:
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The American Revolution - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ken Burns
Main Cast
- Peter Coyote
- Adam Arkin
- Josh Brolin
- Hugh Dancy
- Claire Danes
- Tom Hanks
- Damian Lewis
- Tobias Menzies
- Liev Schreiber
- Kenneth Branagh
Writers
- Geoffrey C. Ward
Executive Producers
- Ken Burns
The American Revolution - FAQs
Where can you stream The American Revolution?
The American Revolution is available to stream on PBS and through the PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel. It can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on KQED.
Who are the voice cast members in The American Revolution?
The series features an exceptional ensemble of voice performers, including Peter Coyote as narrator, Josh Brolin as George Washington, Claire Danes as Abigail Adams, Damian Lewis as King George III, Paul Giamatti as John Adams, Liev Schreiber as Samuel Adams, and Tom Hanks, among others.
Is The American Revolution a Ken Burns documentary?
Yes, The American Revolution is directed and executive produced by Ken Burns through his production company Florentine Films, in association with PBS. Written by Geoffrey C. Ward, it follows the signature Burns documentary style of archival imagery, first-person readings, and expert commentary.
How many episodes does The American Revolution have?
The American Revolution consists of 6 episodes, presented as a single miniseries season. It premiered on PBS on November 16, 2025, and has since concluded its run, offering a comprehensive multi-part exploration of the Revolutionary War era.
What is The American Revolution documentary about?
The series examines the Revolutionary War as simultaneously a war for independence, a civil war, a war of conquest, and a global conflict. It traces the human stories of the Revolutionary generation — from Vermont's Green Mountains to South Carolina's swamps — and how thirteen colonies overthrew the British Empire to forge a lasting republic.
Is The American Revolution worth watching on PBS?
For fans of Ken Burns' acclaimed documentary work, this series is essential viewing. It brings the founding era to vivid life through powerful voice performances from a star-studded cast, Geoffrey C. Ward's authoritative writing, and Burns' signature blend of archival imagery and intimate human storytelling.
When did The American Revolution premiere on PBS?
The American Revolution premiered on PBS on November 16, 2025, in the United States. The series carries a TV-PG content rating and was produced by Florentine Films, Ken Burns' long-standing production company behind landmark documentaries such as The Civil War and The Vietnam War.
What are similar documentaries to The American Revolution?
Viewers who enjoy this series may also appreciate Ken Burns' The Vietnam War (2017) and The Roosevelts: An Intimate History (2014), as well as World War II: From the Frontlines (2023) and Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror (2021) for similarly immersive historical documentary storytelling.
More About The American Revolution
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