Seasons & episodes

Step behind the scenes of Ken Burns’s new film to see how The American Revolution came to life. Through shooting locations, historical re-enactments, and exclusive video clips, meet the master storytellers who brought the story of the Revolution to life in a compelling visual story.

S1 · E1In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775) 2025-11-16 · 116 min＋

Opposition in colonial North America to British policies over taxes, land and sovereignty escalates into violent confrontation; war gives 13 colonies a common cause.

S1 · E2An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776) 2025-11-17 · 124 min＋

Congress puts George Washington in command of a new Continental Army; Congress declares American independence in July 1776.

S1 · E3The Times That Try Men's Souls (July 1776 – January 1777) 2025-11-18 · 115 min＋

British General Howe defeats General Washington, forcing the Americans to abandon New York; Washington's army regroups in New Jersey before attacking an outpost at Trenton.

S1 · E4Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778) 2025-11-19 · 116 min＋

General Howe takes Philadelphia, but the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to support the U.S.

S1 · E5The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780) 2025-11-20 · 114 min＋

The French-American alliance changes the war and moves it to other theaters; navies battle off England and in the Caribbean, while armies advance in Indian Country and the South; the British take Charleston.

S1 · E6The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward) 2025-11-21 · 131 min＋

British General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states; supported by the French, a victory at Yorktown secures independence for the Americans.