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The Best Episodes of American Masters Season 27

Every episode of American Masters Season 27 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Masters Season 27!

Binge this in 7h 30m•Peaking at 8.0/10

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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    American Masters Season 27 Episode 1 - Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll
    7.3/10(88 votes)

    #1 - Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll

    S27:E1

    Despite not being a household name today, Sister Rosetta Tharpe is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Her flamboyance, skill, and showmanship on the newly electrified guitar played a vital role in the conception of Rock & Roll as a genre of music. Featuring archival performances and using new interviews with fellow musicians, producers, friends, and colleagues, this film tells the story of a talented and determined woman that introduces spiritual passion of her gospel music background into Rock & Roll. Learn more about Sister Rosetta Tharpe, her life story, and lasting artistic legacy.

    Director:Mick Csáky
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. American Masters Season 27 Episode 2 - Philip Roth: Unmasked
    6.7/10(21 votes)

    #2 - Philip Roth: Unmasked

    S27:E2

    A profile of literary lion Philip Roth. Interviewed at his New York City apartment and Connecticut farmhouse, he reflects on his upbringing in Newark, N.J., writing process and psychoanalysis, as well as the inspiration behind his most famous characters, including Alexander Portnoy, and his historical novels. The documentary also features insights from such friends as Mia Farrow; literary critic Claudia Roth Pierpont (New Yorker); and writers Jonathan Franzen, Nicole Krauss and Nathan Englander.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. American Masters Season 27 Episode 3 - Mel Brooks: Make a Noise
    7.9/10(460 votes)

    #3 - Mel Brooks: Make a Noise

    S27:E3

    A profile of Mel Brooks, the comic mastermind behind such classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Featured are remarks from friends and associates, including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Cloris Leachman, Carl Reiner and Joan Rivers, as well as archival comments from his wife of 41 years, Anne Bancroft (1931-2005).

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. American Masters Season 27 Episode 4 - Billie Jean King
    8.0/10(116 votes)

    #4 - Billie Jean King

    S27:E4

    A profile of Billie Jean King, who won 39 Grand Slam tennis titles; helped form a precursor to the WTA Tour; founded the Women's Sports Foundation and Women's Sports magazine; cofounded World TeamTennis; and defeated Bobby Riggs at a much-ballyhooed "Battle of the Sexes" match in 1973. The documentary includes remarks from past and current tennis stars Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Maria Sharapova, and Serena and Venus Williams; Riggs' son Larry; Hillary Clinton; and Gloria Steinem.

    Director:James Erskine
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. American Masters Season 27 Episode 5 - Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train a Comin'
    7.6/10(598 votes)

    #5 - Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train a Comin'

    S27:E5

    A profile of Jimi Hendrix (1942-70), featuring footage from the 1968 Miami Pop Festival, home movies and remarks from family, friends and fellow musicians, including Paul McCartney; band members Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox; sound engineer Eddie Kramer; Steve Winwood; Vernon Reid; Billy Gibbons; Dweezil Zappa; and Dave Mason.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 27 Ratings Summary

"Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll" is the best rated episode of "American Masters" season 27. It scored 7.3/10 based on 88 votes. Directed by Mick Csáky and written by Unknown, it aired on 2/22/2013. This episode is rated 0.6 points higher than the second-best, "Philip Roth: Unmasked".