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Documentary•War & Politics

All Episodes of The American Revolution

Browse all 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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Season 1

  • The Times That Try Men's Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)
    4.0/1018 votes

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

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 11/18/2025

    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.

    Director: Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt

    Writer: Geoffrey C. Ward

  • In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
    3.8/1018 votes

    In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 11/16/2025

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

    Director: Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt

    Writer: Geoffrey C. Ward

  • The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)
    3.7/1018 votes

    The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 11/21/2025

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

    Director: Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt

    Writer: Geoffrey C. Ward

  • An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)
    3.6/1017 votes

    An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 11/17/2025

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

    Director: Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt

    Writer: Geoffrey C. Ward

  • Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)
    3.6/1017 votes

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

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 11/19/2025

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

    Director: Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt

    Writer: Geoffrey C. Ward

  • The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)
    3.6/1017 votes

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

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 11/20/2025

    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.

    Director: Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt

    Writer: Geoffrey C. Ward