Ken Burns The American Revolution Release Date — What You Need to Know

The key phrase “Ken Burns The American Revolution release date” refers to a major new documentary event, and the latest confirmed update is that the six-part series will premiere on Sunday, November 16, 2025, on PBS in the U.S. with all six episodes available for streaming the same day.

Bold Overview

• Title: The American Revolution (directed by Ken Burns together with Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt)
• Format: 6 episodes, approximately 12 hours in total
• Broadcast schedule: November 16 → November 21, 2025 (six consecutive nights)
• Streaming access: Begins Nov 16 on PBS.org and the PBS App in the U.S.
• Time slot: 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT on premiere night (local listings vary)

Why the Release Date Matters

The release date of November 16, 2025 places this documentary just ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary of independence in July 2026, making it timely for schools, public programming and historical reflection. The project reflects more than nine years of research, global filming and hundreds of historian interviews. In this sense, the “Ken Burns The American Revolution release date” is not just a calendar note—it marks a culmination of a major cultural and educational initiative.

Moreover, Burns has stated that what viewers “know” about America’s founding is often mythologized, and this documentary aims to re-examine the era, not just by retelling familiar stories but by exploring deeper contexts: the roles of Indigenous nations, enslaved peoples, Loyalists, global geopolitics, and the social upheaval of the late-18th century. All this gives the release date added significance—it’s the moment when that deeper history becomes widely accessible.

Details of the Premiere and Viewing Options

• On Sunday, November 16 at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT, the first episode airs. The remaining episodes follow nightly through November 21.
• U.S. viewers can stream all six episodes starting Nov 16 at PBS.org or via the free PBS App. No paid “passport” subscription is required for the initial release window.
• Local PBS affiliates may offer slightly different times or encore viewings; viewers should check local listings.
• The series will remain available for streaming for a limited time after broadcast (with full availability depending on regional rights).

What the Series Covers

While the phrase “Ken Burns The American Revolution release date” focuses on when the series begins, it’s useful to know what begins:

• Time period: The documentary spans early roots (mid-1750s French and Indian War) through post-Revolution, and touches on how the war set the stage for the young nation.
• Perspective: The series emphasizes ordinary people as well as great figures; it treats the Revolution as both a war for independence and a civil/imperial struggle.
• Themes:
  • Conflict beyond just Britain vs. Colonists—also internal dissent, Loyalist vs. Patriot, Indigenous agency.
  • Global dimensions: British Empire, French & Spanish involvement, shifting loyalties.
  • Legacy: How the Revolution reshaped govt, society, land and identity in the new United States.
• Style & Presentation: Burns and team used new maps, archival materials, first-person letters, reenactments and immersive cinematography to make the period vivid and nuanced.

Episode Breakdown (at a glance)

This schedule clarifies that by referencing the “Ken Burns The American Revolution release date,” you’re entering a defined timeframe and viewing plan.

Why U.S. Viewers Should Pay Attention

• Accessibility: With the release date confirmed and streaming available, any viewer in the U.S. can plan to watch.
• Education & Dialogue: The series is designed for broad audiences and is timely for classroom use, public discussions, and personal exploration of America’s roots.
• Fresh Narrative: Because Burns emphasizes underrepresented voices and places the Revolution in global context, what we often assume about “how it all happened” may be challenged.
• Cultural Moment: The release date ties into broader commemorations of America’s founding era; having it in November 2025 helps build momentum toward mid-2026 celebrations.

How to Prepare for the Premiere

• Set a calendar reminder for Sunday, November 16, 2025.
• Verify local PBS affiliate or streaming access via the PBS App.
• For binge-watchers: If you want to watch multiple episodes in quick succession, plan for the week of November 16–21.
• Consider pairing the series with supplementary material (books, historical sites, discussions) that reflect the broader themes Burns highlights.
• Encourage group viewings: Because the “release date” brings the series into public awareness, it’s a good time to invite friends, family, or colleagues to watch together and discuss.

What Changed and Why It Matters

The announcement of the “Ken Burns The American Revolution release date” reflects more than scheduling—it reflects how history is being retold.

• Researchers spent years filming across dozens of locations and creating new visual tools (e.g., annotated maps aligned to modern geography) to convey story in richer form.
• The filmmakers state that the Revolution has been too often reduced to a tidy narrative (taxes, independence, heroics) and instead present it as messy, contested, tragic and transformative.
• The decision to release in November 2025 – rather than right amid the 250th anniversary in mid-2026 – gives audiences a head start to engage, reflect and plan for commemoration.

Key Takeaways for the Release Date

• Confirmed release date: November 16, 2025 in the U.S. for broadcast and streaming.
• Six-night consecutive airing through November 21, 2025.
• Streaming access starts the same evening, giving flexibility to viewers.
• Local listings matter: Time zone differences, affiliate scheduling may vary.
• The “release date” serves as a pivot: For lifelong history buffs, educators, students, and general audiences, it’s the moment when the full series becomes available.

Why This Matters to U.S. Audiences

For Americans, the story of the Revolution isn’t just historical—it’s foundational. The “Ken Burns The American Revolution release date” is when that foundational story is revisited, reshaped and shared. Because Burns is a filmmaker whose work often defines generations of how we view American history, this release date gives us a moment to pause and reconsider our collective past, present and future. The series invites viewers to think about what “nation” means, how freedom was defined, and where the American experiment stands today in light of its origins.

Final Thoughts

Marking the “Ken Burns The American Revolution release date” on your calendar gives you the window to see one of the most ambitious history documentaries of the year. Whether you’re watching alone, with family, or as part of a class or forum, the series offers depth, scope and relevance. Plan ahead, tune in on November 16, 2025, and let the story challenge and enrich your understanding of America’s past.

We’d love to hear your thoughts once you’ve watched—join the conversation and stay informed about this landmark series.