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Documentary•War & Politics

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!

Binge this in 11h 56m•Peaking at 4.0/10

The American Revolution was at once a war for independence, a war of conquest, a civil war, and a world war, fought by neighbors on American farms and between global powers an ocean or more

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 3 - The Times That Try Men's Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)
    4.0/10(18 votes)

    #1 - The Times That Try Men's Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)

    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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  2. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 1 - In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
    3.8/10(18 votes)

    #2 - In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)

    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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  3. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 6 - The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)
    3.7/10(18 votes)

    #3 - The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)

    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 2 - An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)
    3.6/10(17 votes)

    #4 - An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)

    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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  5. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 4 - Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)
    3.6/10(17 votes)

    #5 - Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)

    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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  6. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 5 - The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)
    3.6/10(17 votes)

    #6 - The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)

    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

"The Times That Try Men's Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)" is the best rated episode of "The American Revolution". It scored 4/10 based on 18 votes. Directed by Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, it aired on 11/18/2025. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)".