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The Best Episodes of The American Revolution

Every episode of The American Revolution ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The American Revolution!

Best episode
S1E1 In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
8.3477 votes
Worst episode
S1E5 The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)
7.9262 votes
Top season
Season 1
8.1avg
Binge time
11h 56m
6 episodes
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons1

All1

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 1 - In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
    8.3/10(477 votes)

    S1:E1

    Opposition in colonial North America to British policies over taxes, land and sovereignty escalates into violent confrontation; war gives 13 colonies a common cause.

    Directors:Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  2. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 2 - An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)
    8.2/10(359 votes)

    S1:E2

    Congress puts George Washington in command of a new Continental Army; Congress declares American independence in July 1776.

    Directors:Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  3. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 6 - The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)
    8.1/10(246 votes)

    S1:E6

    British General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states; supported by the French, a victory at Yorktown secures independence for the Americans.

    Directors:Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  4. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 4 - Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)
    8.1/10(282 votes)

    S1:E4

    General Howe takes Philadelphia, but the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to support the U.S.

    Directors:Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  5. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 3 - The Times That Try Men's Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)
    8.1/10(316 votes)

    S1:E3

    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.

    Directors:Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  6. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 5 - The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)
    7.9/10(262 votes)

    S1:E5

    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.

    Directors:Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The American Revolution

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Best Episodes Summary

"In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)" is the best rated episode of The American Revolution. It scored 8.3/10 from 477 votes. Directed by Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, it aired on November 16, 2025. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)".

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