The Civil War (1990)
Ken Burns's landmark PBS documentary series brings the American Civil War to vivid life through photographs, letters, and unforgettable voices.
The Civil War - Series Information
- Original Title: The Civil War
- First Air Year: 1990
- Last Air Year: 1990
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary, War, Politics
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 76 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 9
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, German
- First Air Date: September 23, 1990 (United States - TV-14), September 23, 1990 (United Kingdom - 15), September 23, 1990 (Germany - 12), September 23, 1990 (Spain - TP)
- Networks: PBS
- Production Companies: Florentine Films, American Documentary Films Inc., Kenneth Lauren Burns, WETA, Time-Life Video
- Alternative Titles: The Civil War 25 Years Anniversary Reissue (US), The American Civil War (UK)
The Civil War - Plot
A documentary on the American Civil War narrated by Ken Burns, covering the secession of the Confederacy to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
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The Civil War - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ken Burns
Main Cast
- David McCullough
- Sam Waterston
- Julie Harris
- Jason Robards
- Morgan Freeman
- Paul Roebling
- Garrison Keillor
- George Black
- Arthur Miller
- Christopher Murney
Writers
- Ken Burns
- Geoffrey C. Ward
Executive Producers
- Ken Burns
The Civil War - FAQs
What is The Civil War documentary series about?
The Civil War is a nine-episode PBS documentary series directed by Ken Burns that chronicles the American Civil War from the secession of the Confederate states through the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, weaving together photographs, letters, diaries, and expert commentary to bring the conflict to life.
Who narrates and voices characters in The Civil War?
David McCullough serves as the primary narrator. A distinguished ensemble of voices portrays historical figures, including Sam Waterston as Abraham Lincoln, Morgan Freeman as Frederick Douglass, Jason Robards as Ulysses S. Grant, Julie Harris as Mary Chesnut, and Garrison Keillor as Walt Whitman.
Is The Civil War series based on a true story?
Yes. The Civil War is a historical documentary grounded entirely in factual record. Ken Burns and writer Geoffrey C. Ward drew on thousands of period photographs, official military records, personal letters, and diaries to construct an authoritative account of the war that claimed over 620,000 American lives.
How many episodes does The Civil War have?
The Civil War consists of 9 episodes across a single miniseries season, each running approximately 76 minutes. The episodes aired on PBS beginning September 23, 1990, and collectively span the entire arc of the conflict from its political origins to its devastating conclusion.
Where can you stream The Civil War series?
The Civil War is available to stream through several platforms, including Hoopla, PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel, HISTORY Vault (via Apple TV and Amazon channels), Thirteen, and WETA+. It can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies, or watched with ads on KQED.
Did The Civil War win any awards?
Yes. The Civil War earned numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and a duPont-Columbia Award. It was one of the most-watched programs in PBS history at the time of its broadcast, drawing an estimated 40 million viewers and setting a new standard for documentary filmmaking.
Is The Civil War worth watching today?
Widely regarded as one of the greatest documentary series ever made, The Civil War remains essential viewing. Critics and audiences consistently praise its emotional depth, meticulous research, and cinematic power. Its innovative use of still photography and first-person readings transformed the documentary form and continues to resonate with modern viewers.
Who directed and wrote The Civil War series?
The Civil War was directed and produced by Ken Burns, who also served as cinematographer. The screenplay was written by Ken Burns and Geoffrey C. Ward, with Ward drawing on his deep expertise in American history. Jay Ungar composed the series' iconic score, and Paul Barnes edited the finished episodes.
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