The long-awaited Ken Burns documentary “The American Revolution” has officially arrived — and for millions of history enthusiasts, it’s now easier than ever to watch. The much-anticipated release, titled “The American Revolution Ken Burns streaming,” premiered on November 16, 2025, and is now available on PBS, the PBS App, and PBS.org.
This six-part, twelve-hour masterpiece tells the story of how thirteen colonies came together to form a nation, forever changing the course of history. It’s one of Ken Burns’ most ambitious projects yet, combining cinematic storytelling, scholarly depth, and a fresh exploration of the founding ideals that still define America today.
A Major Streaming Release for U.S. Audiences
Ken Burns, known for iconic works such as The Civil War, The Vietnam War, and Benjamin Franklin, returns with what may be his most anticipated historical documentary in years. “The American Revolution” is available for both live viewing on PBS stations and on-demand streaming nationwide.
The PBS streaming release allows viewers to watch the entire six-part series at their own pace — a first for a Burns documentary. Instead of waiting week to week, audiences can now dive into every episode from start to finish, exploring the full scope of the Revolution as it unfolds.
How to watch:
- Broadcast: Airs nightly from November 16 through November 21, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on PBS.
- Streaming: All episodes are available to watch online via PBS.org or through the PBS App, accessible on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, tablets, and smartphones.
- PBS Passport: Members get extended access to behind-the-scenes interviews and bonus footage.
This streaming availability represents a huge step in accessibility, ensuring anyone in the United States can experience this monumental work — free and on demand.
Ken Burns’ Vision for “The American Revolution”
Ken Burns has spent over a decade creating this project, calling it “a rediscovery of who we are and how we began.” His goal wasn’t just to retell familiar stories of battles and founding fathers, but to re-examine the Revolution from every angle — political, social, and personal.
The film explores the Revolution not simply as a war for independence, but as a human drama of courage, conflict, and conviction. Through his signature use of powerful narration, rare images, letters, and expert voices, Burns invites viewers to see the Revolution as a story of ideas — about freedom, identity, and nationhood — that still echo today.
What the American Revolution Ken Burns Streaming Series Covers
Each of the six episodes focuses on a pivotal chapter in America’s transformation from colonies to an independent republic. Together, they paint a comprehensive picture of how the Revolution shaped not only the United States, but also the modern world.
- Seeds of Independence – How tension over taxes, trade, and self-rule planted the roots of rebellion across the colonies.
- Resistance and Revolution – The rise of militias, the Boston Tea Party, and the outbreak of war at Lexington and Concord.
- The War for Liberty – The formation of the Continental Army under George Washington and the realities of a long, brutal war.
- Alliances and Betrayals – How global powers like France and Spain influenced the Revolution — and the price of victory.
- Voices of the Forgotten – Stories of women, enslaved people, Native Americans, and others whose roles were often ignored.
- A New Nation is Born – The war’s end, the drafting of the Constitution, and the question of what freedom would truly mean.
Each episode blends sweeping narrative with intimate storytelling, showing that the Revolution was not only a political event, but also a deeply personal struggle for thousands of Americans.
A New Perspective on a Defining Chapter of History
What sets this series apart is its inclusivity. “The American Revolution” shines a light on the voices often left out of traditional retellings — the enslaved men and women who fought for freedom on both sides, the Native nations caught in the crossfire, and the women who kept the colonies functioning while men fought abroad.
The series reminds viewers that the Revolution was not just fought by generals and statesmen, but by ordinary people who dared to dream of liberty. It presents America’s founding not as a perfect beginning, but as a bold, flawed, and ongoing experiment in democracy.
The Significance of Streaming Access
For today’s U.S. audiences, the streaming release of “The American Revolution Ken Burns” means more than just convenience — it’s about accessibility and education.
- Free access: Viewers can watch through PBS without a paid subscription, making high-quality historical content available to all.
- Educational impact: Teachers and schools across the country are already using the series as a classroom resource leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence in 2026.
- Flexible viewing: Episodes can be watched individually or as a full marathon, accommodating modern streaming habits.
- Cultural reflection: As America prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for a nationwide reexamination of its revolutionary roots.
The Power of Ken Burns’ Storytelling
Ken Burns has built a career on capturing the soul of American history through film. His distinctive use of archival images, voiceover narration, period music, and first-hand accounts gives his work emotional depth and historical authenticity.
In “The American Revolution,” these techniques are elevated to new heights. Stunning visuals — from Revolutionary battlefields to surviving artifacts — are combined with expert narration and historically accurate soundscapes. The result is an immersive experience that makes history feel alive and immediate.
The documentary’s score, composed by longtime collaborator David Cieri, adds emotional resonance, blending classical and folk elements that reflect the spirit of 18th-century America.
A Timely Story for Modern America
Though the Revolution took place nearly 250 years ago, the themes explored in Ken Burns’ latest series resonate today. The documentary asks enduring questions: What does freedom mean? Who gets to define equality? How can a diverse people remain united under one vision?
By offering a nuanced look at the birth of the United States, “The American Revolution” encourages Americans to think about how the nation’s ideals continue to evolve — and where they have fallen short.
As debates about democracy, justice, and identity continue across the country, this documentary arrives at the perfect moment to remind viewers that America’s founding was never simple, but always driven by hope.
Why You Should Stream The American Revolution Ken Burns
This series is not just for history enthusiasts — it’s for anyone who wants to understand how the United States became what it is today.
- Educational: Ideal for students, educators, and families interested in learning together.
- Inspiring: Highlights the resilience, bravery, and vision of the people who built a nation.
- Accessible: Available for free streaming on PBS platforms.
- Visually stunning: High-definition cinematography captures the beauty and hardship of the 18th century.
- Thought-provoking: Encourages reflection on modern America through the lens of its founding struggles.
In short, “The American Revolution Ken Burns streaming” is not just a film series — it’s an experience.
A National Cultural Moment
As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, this documentary stands as both commemoration and challenge. It invites Americans to look back, not with blind reverence, but with curiosity and honesty — to understand the Revolution not as mythology, but as reality.
The streaming release ensures that every American can take part in that reflection. From classrooms to living rooms, this series has the power to shape the national conversation about who we were, who we are, and who we strive to be.
In closing, The American Revolution Ken Burns streaming marks one of the most important documentary releases in recent years. It’s an immersive journey through history — honest, human, and deeply relevant. Watch it, reflect on it, and share your thoughts below: what does America’s revolution mean to you today?