DocumentaryPBS

The Best Episodes of American Masters Season 36

Every episode of American Masters Season 36 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Masters Season 36!

Binge this in 10h 20m·Peaking at 8.5/10
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons41

All1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    American Masters Season 36 Episode 3 - Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha
    8.5/10(54 votes)

    S36:E3

    The journey and legacy of five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku, who broke swimming records and popularized modern-day surfing while overcoming racism.

    Director:Isaac Halasima
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. American Masters Season 36 Episode 2 - Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands
    8.0/10(49 votes)

    S36:E2

    Exploring the life and legacy of singer Marian Anderson and her work as an advocate for the civil rights advocate.

    Director:Rita Coburn Whack
    Writers:Rita Coburn Whack, Philip Gittelman

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. American Masters Season 36 Episode 5 - Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road
    8.0/10(61 votes)

    S36:E5

    Follow musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and co-founder of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson on a drive through Los Angeles with his longtime friend and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine. With Fine behind the wheel and Wilson selecting the music, they reflect on the formative and creative periods in Wilson’s life as they revisit the places that helped to shape his career.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. American Masters Season 36 Episode 8 - Groucho & Cavett
    7.6/10(162 votes)

    S36:E8

    Discover the enduring friendship between television personality Dick Cavett and his mentor iconic comedian Groucho Marx. Their relationship is chronicled through interviews with Cavett, archival footage and interviews with George Burns and others.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. American Masters Season 36 Episode 6 - Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On
    7.1/10(33 votes)

    S36:E6

    Experience the story of the Oscar-winning Indigenous artist from her rise to prominence in New York’s Greenwich Village folk music scene through her six-decade groundbreaking career as a singer-songwriter, social activist, educator and artist.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. American Masters Season 36 Episode 4 - Joe Papp in Five Acts
    7.0/10(26 votes)

    S36:E4

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of American Masters

    READ
  7. American Masters Season 36 Episode 7 - The Adventures of Saul Bellow
    6.7/10(32 votes)

    S36:E7

    Explore Nobel Prize winner Saul Bellow's impact on American literature and how he navigated through issues of his time, including race, gender and the Jewish immigrant experience. Featuring interviews with Philip Roth, Salman Rushdie and others.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. American Masters Season 36 Episode 1 - Ailey
    6.6/10(37 votes)

    S36:E1

    The life and career of choreographer Alvin Ailey, whose dances focus on the Black experience, interviews with those close to him and a glimpse into his dance studios.

    Director:Jamila Wignot
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 36 Ratings Summary

"Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha" is the best rated episode of American Masters season 36. It scored 8.5/10 from 54 votes. Directed by Isaac Halasima and written by Unknown, it aired on May 10, 2022. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands".