What Time Is Ken Burns American Revolution On

The question “what time is Ken Burns American Revolution on” matters today more than ever, as viewers across the United States prepare for the debut of one of PBS’s most anticipated documentary events. The confirmed national broadcast time for the premiere is Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT, with every episode of the six-part series scheduled to air in the same nightly prime-time block through Friday, November 21, 2025. The series also becomes available for streaming on PBS platforms at the same time the premiere begins.

A Complete Look at the Air Time

Ken Burns’ new documentary, The American Revolution, follows the traditional PBS prime-time release pattern. The network has confirmed a consistent schedule for all six episodes:

• Episode 1: Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 – 8:00 p.m. ET
• Episodes 2–6: Monday–Friday, Nov. 17–21, 2025 – 8:00 p.m. ET nightly

Each installment runs approximately two hours, making the nightly viewing window 8:00–10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Time Zones at a Glance

*Some local PBS stations may choose to delay or adjust the schedule. Viewers should confirm with their local affiliate for exact regional timing.

The consistency of the schedule—six consecutive nights at the same hour—helps ensure viewers never have to guess when the next chapter of the series airs.

Streaming Release: When Episodes Go Live

If you prefer watching online, the streaming availability aligns with the broadcast release. The full series becomes available through:

• PBS.org
• The PBS App
• Local PBS station websites and mobile platforms

Episodes are released simultaneously with the national broadcast, meaning streaming begins at 8:00 p.m. ET on November 16. Viewers across the country can start streaming as soon as their local time zone hits the official release hour.

After the initial run, on-demand access remains available for a limited period before shifting into PBS Passport, the platform’s member-exclusive catalog.

Why the Time Slot Matters

The question “what time is Ken Burns American Revolution on” carries weight because PBS reserves its 8:00 p.m. Eastern slot for its most significant programming. This is the same position in the schedule historically used for major Burns premieres—such as The Civil War, The Vietnam War, and The Roosevelts.

Choosing this time signals PBS’s confidence in the series as a major national event tied closely to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

The prime-time positioning also ensures accessibility for students, families, history enthusiasts, and educators who rely on PBS for historically rich, deeply researched programming.

What the Series Covers Across Its Six Episodes

Although the heart of this article is the broadcast timing, understanding the structure helps explain why viewing at the scheduled time may be appealing for many.

Each night presents a self-contained chapter arranged chronologically through the Revolutionary era.

Here is the six-night format:

• Night 1: Rising tensions, colonial unrest, and the path to armed conflict
• Night 2: Early battles and the struggle to organize a unified resistance
• Night 3: The expanding war effort and shifting international dynamics
• Night 4: Life on the home front and the deeply human experiences of the revolution
• Night 5: The turning points that shaped the outcome of the conflict
• Night 6: Victory, independence, and the forming of a new national identity

The full documentary spans approximately 12 hours, making it one of Burns’ most ambitious recent releases.

How to Prepare to Watch

If you plan to tune in on television, set reminders for each night at the same hour. The predictable 8:00 p.m. ET start time makes it easier to follow the entire six-night run.

Here are helpful tips for U.S. viewers:

• Check your PBS station’s schedule early to confirm there are no regional changes.
• Enable notifications in the PBS App for streaming alerts.
• Use closed captioning options for clearer historical narration.
• Bookmark PBS.org to access episodes as soon as they go live.

Because episodes are lengthy, plan your evening so you can watch the full two hours without interruptions.

Why Viewers Are Asking the Time

Interest in the exact air time has risen for several reasons:

• The documentary marks one of the final major history projects from Ken Burns before the nation enters its 250th year.
• Major newspapers, educational groups, and history organizations have been promoting the premiere date.
• The six-night consecutive format makes timing crucial—missing one night means missing a significant piece of the narrative.
• Streaming options differ after the initial release window, making the live air time important for viewers who do not use PBS Passport.

Because of this, the phrase “what time is Ken Burns American Revolution on” continues to trend across search platforms.

A Quick Reference Table for All Episodes

This lineup confirms that every episode airs at the same national time, making it easy to follow the documentary from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been waiting to learn what time is Ken Burns American Revolution on, the answer is set and official: 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on November 16, 2025, with the same start time continuing each night through November 21. Whether watching live or streaming, this series promises powerful storytelling and a clear, compelling view of the nation’s earliest defining struggle.

Share your thoughts below if you plan to watch or want to discuss the series as it airs.