Ken Burns Explores America’s Revolutionary Roots in New Documentary Series

GREENVILLE, TN — As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, acclaimed documentarian Ken Burns has released a new series titled “The American Revolution.” The series, spanning 12 hours, premieres on November 16 on PBS.

In the documentary, Burns and his team aim to provide a comprehensive look at the complicated birth of the nation. The series covers events from May 1780 to present the ongoing narrative of America’s fight against tyranny. “It’s our creation myth, our creation story,” said Pulitzer Prize-winning author Rick Atkinson, who is featured in the series.

Brought to life through the work of co-directors Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, and writer Geoffrey Ward, the documentary explores how a rebellion against British control became a profound struggle for independence. The series emphasizes that this was not just a revolutionary war but also a civil war, deeply polarizing communities and families.

“We want history to poke a hole at things that we don’t typically learn about,” Botstein explained. The documentary recognizes not only well-known figures like George Washington but also lesser-known participants such as a teenage fife player and other colonists impacted by the war.

Throughout the episodes, the series highlights the roles of Native Americans and free and enslaved Black people on both sides of the conflict. Historical accounts are illustrated with panoramic visuals, sound effects, and animated maps that depict troop movements, creating a vivid experience for viewers.

Featuring narration by Peter Coyote and an impressive voice cast, including actors like Ethan Hawke and Samuel L. Jackson, the series aims to strip away romanticized notions of history. Burns emphasizes the importance of examining both achievements and failures from America’s past.

The urgency of the series reflects contemporary issues, indirectly referencing today’s political landscape without targeting specific figures. “No kings” then means “no kings” now, Burns suggests, as the documentary calls viewers to gather a shared understanding of America’s journey.

The American Revolution will premiere on Sunday, November 16, at 8 p.m. ET on PBS, with new episodes airing daily through November 21.