The question what time is Ken Burns American Revolution on is one many viewers are asking as the highly anticipated historical documentary makes its national debut. The new six-part, 12-hour series The American Revolution from filmmaker Ken Burns airs Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT on PBS, with the remaining five episodes airing across consecutive nights through November 21. Viewers can also stream every episode on the PBS app and PBS.org beginning the same evening.
This article provides the most current broadcast times, streaming details, and episode schedule. Everything here reflects verified information available as of today.
Table of Contents
Latest Confirmed Broadcast Time
PBS has set a national premiere time of 8/7c for the first episode. This means:
- 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- 7:00 p.m. Central Time
For Pacific Time, many PBS stations follow a simultaneous release at 5:00 p.m. PT, while others hold to a traditional 8:00 p.m. PT airing. Because each PBS affiliate can adjust its local lineup, viewers are encouraged to confirm their station’s exact time, though the established national time remains consistent at 8/7c.
This time slot applies to the November 16 premiere, as well as the additional nightly episodes that run from November 17–21.
Six-Night Premiere Rollout
The documentary unfolds across six consecutive evenings, with one episode airing each night. This format mirrors earlier Ken Burns releases and allows viewers to follow America’s fight for independence in a structured, immersive way.
Full Episode Schedule (National Times)
- Episode 1 — Sunday, Nov 16, 2025 — 8/7c
- Episode 2 — Monday, Nov 17, 2025 — 8/7c
- Episode 3 — Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 — 8/7c
- Episode 4 — Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025 — 8/7c
- Episode 5 — Thursday, Nov 20, 2025 — 8/7c
- Episode 6 — Friday, Nov 21, 2025 — 8/7c
The national schedule remains the same for all U.S. households, though slight local variations may occur depending on your PBS station’s programming block.
Streaming Availability
In addition to the live broadcast, The American Revolution becomes available to stream on:
- PBS.org (web browser)
- PBS App (mobile, smart TVs, and streaming devices)
Streaming unlocks on November 16, the same night as the television premiere. This means viewers can begin watching episodes as soon as they become available, without waiting for subsequent nightly airings.
PBS Passport members may receive an extended on-demand viewing window, but the general public still has full same-day access during the premiere week.
Why the Premiere Time Matters
The prime-time slot of 8/7c highlights the scale and importance of this project. Ken Burns releases are major television events, and the timing places the series at the center of Sunday evening viewing, where it will stay for six nights.
This slot ensures:
- Maximum visibility for one of PBS’s largest productions of the year.
- A consistent national time that allows households across the U.S. to watch together.
- Ideal access for classrooms, educators, and history enthusiasts who often use Burns’s documentaries in academic and public settings.
Understanding Local PBS Timing
Although the national premiere is set for 8/7c, PBS stations can choose slightly different times based on regional needs. Some stations, especially on the West Coast, may air the series:
- Simultaneously with the East Coast (around 5:00 p.m. PT)
- Delayed to traditional prime-time (8:00 p.m. PT)
To guarantee the most accurate time for your location:
- Check your local PBS channel guide.
- Look at your PBS station’s website.
- View the PBS app’s “Live TV” schedule.
Despite small variations, the nationwide answer to what time is Ken Burns American Revolution on remains rooted in the 8/7c broadcast schedule.
Episode Highlights (Spoiler-Free Overview)
The six episodes cover the Revolutionary War from the roots of colonial resistance through the struggle for independence and the birth of a new nation. Each episode focuses on pivotal phases of the conflict, including the ideological awakening, early battles, turning points, and the aftermath that shaped the emerging American character.
While this article does not reveal story details, viewers can expect:
- Rich historical analysis
- First-hand accounts and primary source materials
- Cinematic visuals
- Detailed timelines
- Personal stories of key figures
- A wide lens on political, military, and social movements
Ken Burns’ long-form narrative approach remains a signature of the series.
How Long Each Episode Runs
The full series spans approximately 12 hours, with each episode averaging around two hours. This extended runtime allows a comprehensive exploration of the revolution’s complexity.
The six-night release pattern ensures viewers can enjoy the series in manageable, structured segments.
Best Ways to Watch the Documentary
Here are the top options for viewing:
1. Live PBS Broadcast
- Tune in at 8/7c starting November 16.
- Check local listings for Pacific Time variations.
2. PBS App
- Available on smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, mobile devices, and tablets.
- Full streaming access begins the first night.
3. PBS.org
- Allows direct streaming from any browser.
- Offers high-quality playback without needing a subscription.
4. Encore Airings
Many PBS stations schedule repeat showings over the weekend following the premiere or later in the month. These secondary broadcasts give viewers additional chances to watch without relying on streaming.
Why This Documentary Has Nationwide Attention
The release comes during a period of heightened public interest in early American history, as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026. Ken Burns has spent decades documenting major chapters of U.S. history, and this project reflects a continuation of that work.
Reasons for strong interest include:
- Its relevance to ongoing discussions about democracy and national identity
- A renewed focus on the founding era as the U.S. nears a major milestone
- Burns’s established reputation for accuracy and high-quality storytelling
The premiere’s timing ensures that audiences across the country can experience the story together.
Final Answer to the Key Question
To restate clearly:
If you are asking what time is Ken Burns American Revolution on, the series premieres Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT on PBS, with new episodes airing each night at the same time through November 21. Streaming begins the same evening on PBS.org and the PBS app.
Have you marked your calendar yet? Share your thoughts on the premiere time or your excitement for the documentary in the comments below.