The upcoming documentary series Ken Burns American Revolution is set to captivate audiences nationwide when it premieres on PBS on November 16, 2025. The six-episode, twelve-hour series promises to deliver a sweeping, deeply human retelling of the nation’s founding—one that challenges long-held myths and explores the untold stories behind America’s independence.
A Fresh Take on the Revolutionary Era
Ken Burns, the acclaimed filmmaker behind The Civil War, Vietnam War, and Baseball, returns with a landmark project that aims to redefine how Americans understand the birth of their nation. The American Revolution doesn’t just focus on the famous figures like George Washington or Thomas Jefferson—it shines a light on the lesser-known heroes and communities that shaped history.
The series will explore the experiences of:
- Women who contributed to the war effort both on and off the battlefield.
- Native Americans whose alliances and losses defined much of the war’s geography.
- Enslaved and free Black Americans who fought on both sides of the conflict.
- Immigrants and Loyalists who faced divided loyalties and uncertain futures.
Filmed over hundreds of days across more than 150 locations, the documentary weaves together expert interviews, vivid re-creations, and archival material to tell a story that feels immediate and relevant.
Series Premiere and Schedule
PBS will air the six-part Ken Burns American Revolution over six consecutive nights from November 16 to November 21, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. Each episode runs approximately two hours, offering an immersive look at one of the most complex and transformative periods in U.S. history.
A companion book, also titled The American Revolution, written by Burns and longtime collaborator Geoffrey C. Ward, will be released on November 11, 2025—just days before the broadcast. The book expands on the series with essays from leading historians and rare historical images.
Themes and Vision
Ken Burns has described the American Revolution as both a war for independence and a civil war—one that divided families, neighbors, and entire communities. The series seeks to explore that duality, presenting the Revolution not as a perfect moment of unity but as a turbulent, often contradictory struggle for freedom.
Throughout the six episodes, viewers can expect themes of:
- Liberty and contradiction: How ideals of freedom coexisted with the institution of slavery.
- Conflict within communities: How the Revolution fractured homes, towns, and colonies.
- Global dimensions: How international players—France, Spain, and others—shaped the outcome.
- Legacy and meaning: How the Revolution’s promises continue to influence U.S. democracy today.
The Creative Team and Cast
The Ken Burns American Revolution features an all-star team of collaborators and voice talent. The narration combines historical readings with the voices of renowned actors, adding emotional depth to personal letters, diaries, and speeches.
Burns’s signature storytelling—marked by rich narration, slow pans across archival images, and compelling interviews—remains the cornerstone of this production. His co-directors, including longtime partners Dayton Duncan and Lynn Novick, bring decades of documentary expertise to ensure both historical precision and cinematic beauty.
Educational and Cultural Impact
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, The American Revolution arrives at a moment of national reflection. In classrooms, public discussions, and family living rooms, it will serve as a bridge between the past and present, helping viewers reconsider what independence truly meant—and what it continues to mean.
For educators, the series offers valuable context for teaching the complexities of America’s founding, from the political philosophies that inspired revolution to the moral contradictions that persisted. For general audiences, it provides a chance to rediscover the Revolution as more than a collection of dates and battles—it’s the story of ordinary people striving for extraordinary change.
Episode Breakdown
Each of the six episodes explores a distinct theme and period:
- “In Order to Be Free” – The roots of rebellion and the early sparks of resistance.
- “The Soul of All America” – The philosophical and moral debates defining liberty.
- “An Asylum for Mankind” – The international alliances that changed the war’s course.
- “The Winter of Despair” – The hardships faced by soldiers and civilians alike.
- “Liberty’s Paradox” – The contradiction of slavery amid the fight for freedom.
- “A More Perfect Union” – The aftermath of victory and the fragile beginnings of nationhood.
Historical Significance
Ken Burns’s approach emphasizes that history is never static. By revisiting the Revolution through the lens of contemporary scholarship and modern sensibilities, he aims to help Americans connect more honestly with their shared story.
This isn’t the first time Burns has tackled major historical subjects—his acclaimed series The Civil War changed how Americans viewed the 19th century. With The American Revolution, he applies the same storytelling mastery to the 18th century, focusing on both the ideals that defined the era and the contradictions that continue to shape American life.
Availability and Viewing Options
The series will be broadcast nationwide on PBS and available for streaming through PBS.org and the PBS App. Viewers will also be able to watch it on-demand after each night’s airing.
Additionally, a nationwide community outreach program is being organized, including local screenings, panel discussions, and educational events leading up to and following the premiere. These events aim to encourage dialogue about history, democracy, and civic engagement.
Why the Story Still Matters
The American Revolution remains one of the most defining moments in world history—not just for the creation of a new nation, but for the ideas of liberty and self-governance it inspired. Yet, as Burns’s series reveals, it was also a time of deep division, sacrifice, and moral complexity.
By including voices long left out of the traditional narrative, Ken Burns American Revolution offers a more inclusive and honest reflection of who “We the People” truly were—and are.
History is not about heroes alone—it’s about everyone who took part, struggled, and dreamed of a better future. The upcoming PBS series reminds us of that truth, inviting viewers to look at America’s founding story with fresh eyes.
Engage with us: Which stories from the Revolution resonate most with you? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more historical updates.