The American Revolution: A New Epic from Ken Burns and Tom Hanks on PBS

The story of America’s founding is one we think we know. This fall, get ready to see the birth of a nation in a whole new light. A landmark television event, “The American Revolution” is set to air on PBS this fall to redefine our understanding of the nation’s formative years.

This nine-part, 11.5-hour documentary series, directed by the acclaimed trio of Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt premieres on Wednesday, November 27, 2025, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. EST on PBS. This epic production promises to be a comprehensive examination of the Revolutionary War, digging deep into the causes, conflicts, and consequences of the historic struggle.

The Power of Storytelling

What makes “The American Revolution” a must-watch event is the unique approach to storytelling. Rather than focusing solely on the well-known Founding Fathers, the series depicts the era through the eyes of the everyday people who lived through it. You’ll hear the voices of soldiers, farmers, enslaved individuals, Native Americans, and women who were all effected in different ways by the political upheaval.
The series explores the political and military maneuvers that shaped the war, but it also delves into the personal stories of sacrifice, courage, and heartbreak. In classic Ken Burns fashion, the actors lend their voices to historical figures. Through their reading of letters, diaries, and documents, the impact provides a direct window into the thoughts and feelings of the people who lived through one of the most critical moments in American history.

Diverse Perspectives

A key goal of the series is to present a more inclusive and honest account of the Revolution. Much like Burn’s previous works, the series hits viewers with including the often-overlooked groups.

African Americans

Both free and enslaved African Americans are examined through the series, with a focus on difficult decisions the population had to make. Many fought for the Patriot cause in hopes of freedom, while others sided with the British who promised emancipation in exchange for service.

Native Americans

The Revolution was a catastrophic event for many Native American nations. With the idea of manifest destiny pushing American settlers to continue to encroach on their land, most Native Americans sided with the British.

Women

From managing farms and businesses to serving as spies and soldiers, women played vital roles in the war effort. Not to be forgotten, the series highlights women’s efforts on both the domestic front and directly towards the war effort.

This intersectional storytelling ensures that the series isn’t just a simple recap of what audiences have already seen and heard. In a quintessential Ken Burns take on historical documentaries, it is as historically accurate as it is emotional.

A Star-Studded Cast

To bring these historical accounts to life, producers and filmmakers have assembled an extraordinary cast of voice actors. Expect to hear performances from acclaimed actors, such as, but not limited to:
Tom Hanks
Meryl Streep
Liam Neeson
Josh Gad
Joe Morton

Broadcast and Streaming

“The American Revolution” will premiere on PBS with a special two-hour broadcast on November 27, 2025. The series will continue to air on Wednesdays through December 18, with the final three episodes airing in January 2026.
For those who prefer to stream, you won’t miss out. The entire nine-part series will be available for streaming on PBS.org and the PBS App on the night of its premiere. This means PBS station members with PBS Passport can binge-watch the entire epic series at their own pace.

The Impact of “The American Revolution”

PBS and Florentine Films are launching a massive educational and public outreach campaign to engage communities across the country.

Educational Materials

There are projects in works to bring resources for students and teachers to bring this educational documentary’s lessons into the classroom.

Public Conversations

Local events and discussions will be hosted by PBS stations nationwide to encourage dialogue about the themes of the series.

Digital Content

An immersive website and social media campaign will provide deeper dives into the stories and figures featured in the film.

Understanding the Revolution

“The American Revolution” is more than just a history lesson. By presenting a fuller, more truthful account of the nation’s birth, Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt unapologetically present the historic event in a real and multifaceted way. This is a story of a people’s revolution, messy and contradictory, that launched a radical experiment in democracy.

Mark your calendars for November 27. “American Revolution” will be sure to resonate with all of us in some way as well as make us reconsider our preconceived notions of history.