The release of The American Revolution Ken Burns streaming is one of the most anticipated television events of 2025. This new documentary series, directed by Ken Burns along with Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, offers an in-depth look at America’s founding conflict. It will officially premiere on PBS on November 16, 2025, captivating audiences with its storytelling and historical depth. The series will also be available for streaming across multiple platforms, making it accessible to viewers everywhere.
Table of Contents
Where to Watch The American Revolution by Ken Burns
The six-part documentary will air on PBS starting November 16, 2025, spanning six consecutive nights. Each episode dives deeply into the events that shaped America’s struggle for independence. For viewers who prefer streaming over live television, The American Revolution Ken Burns streaming will be available through several digital platforms associated with PBS.
You can stream the full series directly on PBS.org or through the PBS App, which is compatible with iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TVs, and more. In addition, the documentary will be available through PBS Passport, a member-exclusive benefit that gives users early or extended access to PBS content, including Ken Burns’ vast documentary library. For those who prefer other services, the documentary will also appear on the PBS Documentaries channel available via Amazon Prime Video and other affiliated channels.
This wide range of access ensures that fans can enjoy the documentary from their preferred devices and platforms, whether watching live or on demand.
Key Points Summary
- The American Revolution documentary by Ken Burns premieres November 16, 2025, on PBS.
- The full series will be available for streaming through PBS.org, the PBS App, PBS Passport, and PBS Documentaries on Amazon Prime Video.
- The project consists of six parts, running approximately twelve hours in total.
- The series explores both the well-known and overlooked aspects of the Revolutionary War, focusing on political ideals, social divisions, and human cost.
- Teachers, students, and history enthusiasts will have access to additional educational materials and guides through PBS platforms.
A New Lens on the American Revolution
Ken Burns’ The American Revolution is not just another retelling of battles and famous figures. The series approaches the Revolutionary War as a multi-dimensional event that shaped not just America, but the world. It tells the story of a divided nation at war with itself and with the British Empire, exploring how personal ideals, racial contradictions, and global politics intersected during this era.
The filmmakers highlight how the Revolution was both a war for independence and a civil war that pitted friends and neighbors against each other. It delves into how the ideals of liberty and democracy were challenged by the reality of slavery and inequality. Through interviews, original documents, and stunning visuals, the series brings to life the personal struggles, courage, and resilience of those who lived through the revolution.
Streaming Details and Viewing Options
For those eager to experience The American Revolution Ken Burns streaming, PBS offers several convenient ways to watch. Each episode will be available in high-definition, ensuring a cinematic viewing experience from home. Viewers can tune in live on PBS or stream the series on-demand via PBS.org or the PBS App.
PBS Passport members will enjoy exclusive access to the entire series, along with other Ken Burns documentaries like The Civil War, Vietnam War, and The U.S. and the Holocaust. Those who prefer streaming through Amazon can find the series on the PBS Documentaries Channel on Prime Video, where it will be listed alongside other major historical titles.
For educational purposes, PBS will also provide lesson plans, discussion guides, and short clips to facilitate classroom learning and public discussions about the Revolutionary War and its modern relevance.
Why the Series Release Timing Matters
The release of The American Revolution in November 2025 coincides with the 250th anniversary of key Revolutionary War milestones, including early protests and organizing efforts that led to the Declaration of Independence. This timing amplifies the documentary’s significance, encouraging Americans to reflect on how the founding ideals continue to shape the country today.
Ken Burns has often said that the Revolution is not just a story of victory—it’s a story about the ongoing struggle to live up to the values of freedom and equality. This perspective aligns perfectly with current discussions about democracy, national identity, and the meaning of independence.
The streaming release also ensures that this important historical narrative reaches the widest possible audience, from classrooms to living rooms, across generations and regions.
What Makes Ken Burns’ Approach Unique
Ken Burns has long been known for his meticulous research, rich visual storytelling, and emotional depth. In The American Revolution, these strengths come together to provide a comprehensive view of the Revolutionary era. Burns and his co-directors blend archival documents, expert commentary, animation, and first-person narration to make the 18th-century world feel alive and immediate.
The documentary will feature not only political leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams but also women, enslaved people, Native Americans, and common soldiers whose stories are often overlooked. This inclusive approach highlights the complexity of the era and gives voice to those who helped shape the nation’s birth in unseen ways.
How to Prepare to Stream the Series
Before The American Revolution Ken Burns streaming launches, viewers can take a few steps to ensure a smooth experience.
- Set up your PBS account: Register on PBS.org or the PBS App in advance to save your preferences and enable easy access.
- Check your local PBS schedule: While the series will stream nationwide, specific airtimes may vary by location.
- Consider PBS Passport: Becoming a PBS member not only supports public broadcasting but also gives you early and uninterrupted access to the series.
- Plan your viewing sessions: With six episodes totaling about twelve hours, watching one episode per night or weekend might help you enjoy it fully.
What to Expect from the Series Themes
The American Revolution was not just about defeating Britain—it was about defining a nation’s character. Burns’ documentary explores the philosophical, social, and human dimensions of that transformation.
Themes explored in the documentary include:
- The tension between liberty and inequality in the new republic.
- The war’s devastating impact on Native nations and enslaved communities.
- How women and families participated in resistance and survival.
- The influence of global powers such as France and Spain on the Revolution’s outcome.
- The personal sacrifices made by ordinary citizens in pursuit of a greater ideal.
Each episode weaves these themes into a cohesive narrative, helping viewers understand how the Revolution’s promises and contradictions still resonate today.
Who Should Watch This Documentary
This series will appeal to a wide audience:
- History enthusiasts who crave an immersive and factual portrayal of the Revolution.
- Students and teachers who want reliable, engaging educational content.
- Civic-minded viewers interested in exploring the roots of American democracy.
- Fans of documentary filmmaking who admire Ken Burns’ distinctive narrative and visual style.
By streaming the documentary, viewers can learn at their own pace while enjoying one of the most important historical documentaries of the decade.
Final Thoughts
With The American Revolution Ken Burns streaming soon to be available, viewers worldwide will gain access to a deeply researched, emotionally moving, and visually stunning exploration of America’s founding conflict. Whether you stream it through PBS.org, the PBS App, or PBS Passport, the series promises to deliver a captivating viewing experience that connects the past to the present.
Mark your calendar for November 16, 2025, prepare your streaming setup, and get ready to experience one of Ken Burns’ most ambitious projects yet. As you watch, consider sharing your thoughts about the stories, figures, and lessons that stand out most—because the story of the American Revolution still speaks to the heart of who we are today.