DocumentaryWar & PoliticsPBS

The Best Episodes of The American Revolution Season 1

Every episode of The American Revolution Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The American Revolution Season 1!

Binge this in 11h 56m·Peaking at 8.3/10
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons1

All1

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of The American Revolution

    READ

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)" is the best rated episode of The American Revolution season 1. 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 is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)".