The question “when does the American Revolution air on PBS” has become one of the most searched queries among U.S. viewers eager for the network’s next major historical release. As of today’s confirmed schedule, The American Revolution premieres Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, launching a six-night primetime broadcast across PBS stations nationwide. The series continues nightly through Friday, November 21, 2025, and all six episodes will be available for streaming on PBS digital platforms starting the same day the first episode airs.
This comprehensive guide expands on everything viewers in the United States need to know—from the premiere date and nightly schedule to time-zone breakdowns, streaming access, and helpful tips for watching at home.
A Major PBS Event Arrives: Full Premiere Details
PBS has officially designated The American Revolution as one of its leading documentary releases heading into 2026, aligning with the nation’s growing interest in its early history. The network confirmed a national launch date of November 16, 2025. The premiere begins at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT, allowing viewers across the country to tune in during primetime hours.
The series consists of six episodes, each running approximately two hours, creating a total 12-hour deep dive into the events, battles, leaders, and social forces that shaped the nation’s path to independence.
Nightly Broadcast Breakdown
- Episode 1: Sunday, November 16, 2025
- Episode 2: Monday, November 17, 2025
- Episode 3: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
- Episode 4: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
- Episode 5: Thursday, November 20, 2025
- Episode 6: Friday, November 21, 2025
Each part airs at the same time nightly, creating a consistent viewing experience for audiences across the U.S.
How Time Zones Impact the Premiere
PBS broadcasts operate through local member stations, which follow the national schedule while adjusting for regional time differences. Because the documentary premieres simultaneously across the country, viewers in different time zones should note the following:
| U.S. Time Zone | Premiere Time on Nov. 16, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 8:00 p.m. |
| Central (CT) | 7:00 p.m. |
| Mountain (MT) | 6:00 p.m. |
| Pacific (PT) | 5:00 p.m. |
| Alaska (AKT) | 4:00 p.m. |
| Hawaii (HST) | 3:00 p.m. |
This staggered timing ensures that every U.S. region receives the premiere during local evening hours.
For viewers who prefer live television, checking a local PBS station’s listing is always helpful, as some affiliates include short previews or community-focused content before major airings.
Streaming Availability on PBS Platforms
One of the biggest advantages of this release is that PBS will make all six episodes available for streaming the same day the first episode airs. This allows viewers to choose between watching the documentary in nightly installments or streaming the entire series on demand.
Where You Can Stream the Series
- The official PBS website
- The PBS App on mobile and tablet
- Smart TV platforms including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more
- PBS apps on select gaming consoles
On November 16, all six parts appear in the streaming library simultaneously. This flexibility is ideal for viewers who want to pace the documentary differently from the nightly schedule or watch multiple episodes without waiting.
However, beginning December 8, 2025, continued access requires a PBS Passport membership, a benefit offered through local stations for eligible donors. Viewers without Passport access will need to watch the episodes before that date.
Why the Release Timing Matters
The November 2025 release arrives during a moment of heightened interest in early American history, as the nation approaches milestones connected to the Revolutionary era. PBS has positioned The American Revolution as a flagship program heading into 2026, bringing new analysis, rich storytelling, and modern cinematic techniques to a deeply familiar subject.
The choice to air the documentary over six consecutive nights strengthens viewer engagement. This format mirrors PBS’s long tradition of multi-evening historical series while allowing audiences to absorb each chapter without long delays between episodes.
Additionally, launching all episodes on streaming platforms on the same date makes the content widely accessible to viewers with varied schedules—a shift that aligns with current viewing habits.
What Viewers Can Expect From the Six-Part Series
While the schedule is the primary focus of this article, understanding the documentary’s structure helps explain why interest in the question “when does the American Revolution air on PBS” has surged.
The series delivers:
- Detailed storytelling about the political and military arcs of the Revolution
- Newly examined perspectives from scholars and historical institutions
- Expansive coverage of both well-known and lesser-known figures
- Modern production elements that enhance historical visuals
- A comprehensive look at the cultural, economic, and ideological forces behind the conflict
PBS designed the documentary to appeal to a broad U.S. audience, including educators, families, history enthusiasts, and viewers seeking high-quality programming.
Tips for Watching the Premiere Night
Viewers who want the best possible experience for the premiere can consider the following:
1. Check Local PBS Listings Before November 16
Some local PBS affiliates modify their schedules slightly for community-focused programming or pledge events. A quick look at your local station’s online guide ensures accuracy.
2. Update the PBS App Ahead of Time
Streaming apps occasionally require updates. Installing updates before the premiere avoids delays or login issues.
3. Ensure Your Device Supports PBS Streaming
PBS streaming works across most smart TVs and devices, but older models may need separate streaming hardware.
4. Set Reminders for Each Night
If you want to watch live for all six nights, adding calendar alerts can help you stay on track with the nightly broadcasts.
5. Watch in HD Where Available
PBS typically offers HD-quality broadcasts, and newer stations even offer 4K upscaling.
6. Prepare for Post-December 8 Access Requirements
If you plan to rewatch the series after December 8, you’ll need PBS Passport access.
How the Key Phrase Fits Into the Larger Viewer Interest Trend
Searches for “when does the American Revolution air on PBS” have grown because the series is one of the most anticipated historical releases currently scheduled on U.S. television. As viewers seek reliable, accurate, and up-to-date broadcast details, PBS has emphasized clarity in its national rollout.
The confirmed dates and times provided here reflect the most recent information available, ensuring that viewers get precise scheduling without outdated or speculative elements. This accuracy is essential for audiences planning to watch live or stream on November 16.
A Quick Reference Guide for the Premiere
For fast access, here’s a condensed version of the essential details:
- Premiere Date: November 16, 2025
- Premiere Time: 8 p.m. ET (adjusts by time zone)
- Episodes: Six
- Broadcast Length: November 16–21, 2025
- Streaming Release: All episodes available November 16
- Post-December 8 Requirement: PBS Passport needed
This snapshot allows readers to confirm the entire viewing timetable at a glance.
Final Thoughts
The confirmed answer to “when does the American Revolution air on PBS” is clear: the six-part documentary premieres on November 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, marking the start of a full week of historical programming across PBS stations. With streaming options available the same day and continued access through PBS Passport afterward, viewers across the United States have multiple ways to experience this major release.
If you’re planning to tune in, feel free to share your thoughts or check back here for more updates as the premiere approaches.