Ken Burns’s PBS documentary The American Revolution premiered on November 16, 2025—not tonight, as of October 8, 2026. The six-part, 12-hour series was scheduled to air on PBS over six consecutive nights, through November 21, 2025. Current streaming access depends on your location and whether you have PBS Passport.
When did the series premiere?
PBS scheduled the premiere for Sunday, November 16, 2025, with broadcasts on six consecutive nights through November 21. The original “debuts tonight” wording is now outdated. PBS later announced a July 3–4, 2026 station rebroadcast, but that window has also passed; check your local PBS listings for any newer airing. PBS’s premiere announcement gives the original schedule.
What is Ken Burns’s American Revolution series about?
The American Revolution is a six-part documentary totaling 12 hours. Directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, it covers the colonies’ rebellion, the eight-year war for independence, and the creation of a new form of government. Burns described the subject as “one of the most important events in human history.” PBS’s announcement includes the quotation and credits.
Where can you watch it now?
Access depends on where you live and the date you are trying to watch. PBS’s stated free streaming period for viewers in the United States ran from May 25 through July 12, 2026, and has ended. PBS says Passport members in the United States and Canada can stream the film through November 15, 2032. Confirm your Passport eligibility and check current availability before starting.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- American History
- Textbook used for College
- PBS website or app: PBS lists pbs.org and the PBS app as viewing routes. The app is supported on Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio, among other listed devices. Availability still depends on the applicable viewing window and region.
- PBS Passport: The stated access period extends through November 15, 2032 for members in the United States and Canada. Passport is a membership benefit; check with your local station for eligibility and access details.
- DVD or Blu-ray: Physical editions are listed on the Ken Burns film page. PBS also lists Amazon among purchase options, but retailer availability can change.
PBS announced a free-streaming window and a station rebroadcast for July 2026, but both dates have passed. Its May 6, 2026 announcement does not establish a later free-streaming period or broadcast date.
How many people watched?
PBS reported 20 million broadcast viewers as of February 2026 and more than 4 billion streaming minutes across platforms as of that month. It also said the series accumulated 565 million minutes viewed during its premiere period. These are figures reported by PBS in its May 6, 2026 announcement, not independently audited totals cited here.
Rank #2
Is there a companion book?
Yes. Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns’s companion book, The American Revolution, was published by Penguin Random House on November 11, 2025. The publisher lists a 608-page hardcover and an ebook. The book is optional background reading, not required to watch the documentary. See the publisher’s book listing for format and publication details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
