The question “when does the American Revolution air on PBS” has a clear answer as of today: The American Revolution premieres Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT on PBS. This major six-part documentary event will run across six consecutive nights, concluding Friday, November 21, 2025. The full series will also release for streaming on PBS platforms on the same day the first episode airs.
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PBS Premiere Schedule Confirmed
PBS has finalized the national broadcast schedule for The American Revolution, a 12-hour historical series exploring the events, figures, and turning points that shaped the nation’s fight for independence. The premiere takes place during primetime across the country, making it accessible to the widest audience.
Here’s the confirmed structure:
- Premiere Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025
- Premiere Time: 8:00 p.m. Eastern | 7:00 p.m. Central
- Pacific Air Time: 5:00 p.m. PT
- Duration: Six parts, two hours each
- Broadcast Window: November 16–21, 2025
- Streaming Availability: All episodes available beginning November 16 on PBS.org and the PBS app
The staggered six-night rollout lets viewers watch the documentary in digestible segments while preserving the narrative arc.
Where and How Viewers Can Watch
PBS will air The American Revolution nationwide through its network of local stations. Whether you’re watching over-the-air, through a cable provider, a smart TV app, or a PBS-compatible streaming device, the series will be available at the confirmed national time.
Live Broadcast Options
Viewers can tune in through:
- Local PBS affiliate channels
- Digital antenna access
- Cable packages that include PBS
- Live TV streaming services that carry PBS in select markets
While the premiere time is standardized nationally, local stations may carry encore airings or bonus programming around the documentary. For those who want a precise local schedule, the PBS station finder tool allows quick access to updated listings.
Streaming Options
All six parts of the documentary will also be available for streaming starting November 16 on:
- PBS.org
- The PBS app on mobile, tablets, and smart TVs
- PBS apps on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and other connected devices
This same-day digital release offers flexibility for viewers who prefer to watch on demand.
After December 8, 2025, continued access to the episodes will require a PBS Passport membership, which is available to eligible donors through local PBS stations.
Episode Rollout Over Six Nights
The format is structured to make the viewing experience both immersive and manageable. Each episode is roughly two hours and focuses on a key chapter in the Revolutionary era.
Six-Night Schedule
- Night 1: November 16
- Night 2: November 17
- Night 3: November 18
- Night 4: November 19
- Night 5: November 20
- Night 6: November 21
Every night’s airing begins at the same time as the premiere: 8:00 p.m. Eastern / 7:00 p.m. Central. Pacific stations adjust for time zones and air the program at 5:00 p.m. PT.
Why This Release Matters
The debut of The American Revolution is one of PBS’s most anticipated documentary events, arriving as the country moves toward the 250th anniversary of the Revolution. The production explores political, cultural, and military developments of the era in a detailed, modernized way.
Key reasons this broadcast stands out:
- It offers a fresh, comprehensive presentation of the Revolutionary period.
- Viewers get six full nights of new content without long gaps in the schedule.
- Streaming access from day one expands availability for busy viewers.
- The primetime release ensures broad national reach.
PBS has also emphasized accessibility, meaning most households in the United States can watch the broadcast or stream it at no additional cost.
How the Air Time Aligns Across U.S. Time Zones
Because PBS is a decentralized network, local adjustments occur, but the national framework remains consistent. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Time Zone | Premiere Time |
|---|---|
| Eastern | 8:00 p.m. |
| Central | 7:00 p.m. |
| Mountain | Typically 6:00 p.m. |
| Pacific | 5:00 p.m. |
| Alaska | 4:00 p.m. |
| Hawaii | 3:00 p.m. |
This table helps U.S. viewers quickly verify when to tune in should they prefer watching the live broadcast rather than streaming.
Tips for Watching the Premiere
To ensure a smooth viewing experience on November 16, here are helpful steps:
- Check your local PBS station’s schedule. Some regions may feature pre-shows or extended introductions.
- Update the PBS app if watching via a smart device.
- Test your streaming login to confirm access before the premiere.
- Set reminders on your phone or TV so you don’t miss the start time.
- Plan for consecutive nights if you want to watch the entire series as it airs.
This is one of PBS’s largest historical releases in years, so planning ahead ensures you catch the documentary from the beginning.
The Key Question Answered Clearly
For audiences searching specifically for when does the American Revolution air on PBS, the answer is straightforward: November 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern, launching a six-night broadcast event. The schedule is firm and verified, and both broadcast and streaming options are ready for viewers across the country.
If you’re excited for this major release, share your thoughts below or check back soon for more updates.