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The Best Episodes of American Masters Season 30

Every episode of American Masters Season 30 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Masters Season 30!

Binge this in 13h 30m·Peaking at 8.2/10
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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    American Masters Season 30 Episode 8 - Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You
    8.2/10(111 votes)

    S30:E8

    Writer/producer Norman Lear's turbulent childhood, early success with sitcoms “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons,” “Good Times” and “Maude,” and social activism.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. American Masters Season 30 Episode 3 - Carole King: Natural Woman
    7.9/10(104 votes)

    S30:E3

    Rare home movies, performances and photos help illustrate the life and career of singer-songwriter Carole King, from 1960s New York to Los Angeles in the 1970s to the present.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. American Masters Season 30 Episode 5 - Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl
    7.8/10(116 votes)

    S30:E5

    A profile of country music icon Loretta Lynn, whose hard-fought road to stardom was dramatized in the 1980 film "Coal Miner's Daughter." Included: home movies, photos and concert footage, plus insights from family, friends and fellow musicians, including Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Willie Nelson, Jack White and Trisha Yearwood.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. American Masters Season 30 Episode 6 - Janis: Little Girl Blue
    7.8/10(67 votes)

    S30:E6

    One of the most revered and influential rock ’n’ roll singers of all time, Janis Joplin (January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970) thrilled audiences and blazed new creative trails before her death at age 27. Oscar-nominated director Amy Berg (Deliver Us From Evil, West of Memphis, Prophet’s Prey) examines Joplin’s story in depth, for the first time on film, presenting an intimate portrait of a complicated and driven artist.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. American Masters Season 30 Episode 2 - B.B. King: The Life of Riley
    7.7/10(44 votes)

    S30:E2

    The challenging life and career of blues guitarist B.B. King; candid interviews feature Bono, Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and Ringo Starr.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. American Masters Season 30 Episode 1 - Mike Nichols
    7.5/10(196 votes)

    S30:E1

    The life and 50-year career of director Mike Nichols, one of only two people who have won Peabody, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.

    Director:Elaine May
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. American Masters Season 30 Episode 4 - Fats Domino and the Birth of Rock 'n' Roll
    7.3/10(84 votes)

    S30:E4

    The New Orleans rhythm and blues of Fats Domino helped aid integration in the South.

    Director:Joe Lauro
    Writers:Rick Coleman, Joe Lauro

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  8. American Masters Season 30 Episode 7 - The Highwaymen: Friends Till the End
    7.3/10(58 votes)

    S30:E7

    Discover the story behind the pioneering outlaw country music supergroup that featured Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, told through vintage performances and new interviews about life on the road and in the studio.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. American Masters Season 30 Episode 9 - Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future
    7.3/10(32 votes)

    S30:E9

    The film explores the life and visionary work of Finnish-American modernist architectural giant Eero Saarinen (1910-1961). Best known for designing National Historic Landmarks such as St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch and the General Motors Technical Center (Warren, Mich.), Saarinen also designed New York’s TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Yale University’s Ingalls Rink and Morse and Ezra Stiles Colleges, Virginia’s Dulles Airport, and modernist pedestal furniture like the Tulip chair.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 30 Ratings Summary

"Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You" is the best rated episode of American Masters season 30. It scored 8.2/10 from 111 votes. Written and directed by Unknown, it aired on October 25, 2016. This episode is rated 0.3 points higher than the second-best, "Carole King: Natural Woman".