About this season
American Masters is a PBS television series which produces biographies on enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, filmmakers, and others who have left an indelible impression on the cultural landscape of the United States.
Episodes (10)
1. How It Feels to Be Free
Aired 18 January 2021 • 90 min
A documentary that tells the inspiring story of how six iconic African American women entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process.
2. Flannery
Aired 23 March 2021 • 90 min
Explore the life of Flannery O’Connor whose provocative fiction was unlike anything published before. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, newly discovered journals and interviews with Mary Karr, Tommy Lee Jones, Hilton Als and more.
3. Twyla Moves
Aired 26 March 2021 • 90 min
Explore legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp’s career and famously rigorous creative process, with original interviews, first-hand glimpses of her at work and rare archival footage of select performances from her more than 160 choreographed works.
4. Never Too Late: The Doc Severinsen Story
Aired 2 April 2021 • 90 min
The life and career of jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen, leader of the band for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," who continued a schedule of touring and performing into his 90s.
5. Oliver Sacks: His Own Life
Aired 9 April 2021 • 90 min
The life and work of neurologist and storyteller Oliver Sacks, including personal details about his battles with drug addiction and homophobia.
6. Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir
Aired 3 May 2021 • 90 min
The life and career of author Amy Tan, with archival imagery, home movies, photographs, animation and original interviews.
7. Ballerina Boys
Aired 4 June 2021 • 90 min
The story of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, a company of men who dance on pointe as ballerinas.
8. Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away
Aired 27 July 2021 • 83 min
Dive into the career of the legendary blues guitarist, a pioneer of Chicago’s West Side sound and major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. Featuring new performances and interviews with Carlos Santana and more.
9. Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It
Aired 5 October 2021 • 88 min
Discover how Moreno defied her humble upbringing and racism to become one of a select group of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winners. Explore her 70-year career with new interviews, clips of her iconic roles and scenes of the star on set today.
10. Becoming Helen Keller
Aired 19 October 2021 • 88 min
Revisit the complex life and legacy of the author, advocate and human rights pioneer. Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, used her celebrity and wit to champion rights for women, people with disabilities and people living in poverty.