The American Revolution — Season 1
Ken Burns' six-part film on the American Revolution.
About this season
Ken Burns' six-part film on the American Revolution.
Episodes (6)
1. In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
3.8Aired 16 November 2025 • 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.
2. An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)
3.6Aired 17 November 2025 • 124 min
Congress puts George Washington in command of a new Continental Army; Congress declares American independence in July 1776.
3. The Times That Try Men's Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)
4.0Aired 18 November 2025 • 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.
4. Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)
3.6Aired 19 November 2025 • 116 min
General Howe takes Philadelphia, but the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to support the U.S.
5. The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)
3.6Aired 20 November 2025 • 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.
6. The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)
3.7Aired 21 November 2025 • 131 min
British General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states; supported by the French, a victory at Yorktown secures independence for the Americans.