THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, a new six-part, 12-hour documentary from Ken Burns.
Premieres Sunday, Nov. 16, at 8 PM
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION examines how America’s founding turned the world upside-down. Thirteen British colonies on the Atlantic Coast rose in rebellion, won their independence and established a new form of government that radically reshaped the continent and inspired centuries of democratic movements around the globe.
The much-anticipated series, which has been in production for eight years, was directed and produced by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt and written by long-time collaborator Geoffrey C. Ward. The series was produced to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the war, which began in the spring of 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence.
“The American Revolution is one of the most important events in human history,” said Ken Burns. “We went from being subjects to inventing a new concept, citizens, and set in motion democratic revolutions around the globe. As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding, I’m hopeful that people throughout the country will come together to discuss the importance of this history and to appreciate even more what our ancestors did to secure our liberty and freedoms.”
Episode One:
In Order To Be Free (May 1774–May 1775)
PBS WESTERN RESERVE (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Sunday, Nov. 16, at 8 PM
Sunday, Nov. 16, at 10 PM
Monday, Nov. 17, at 1 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Nov. 29, at 7 PM
Opposition to British policies in colonial North America escalates into violence, but war gives thirteen otherwise disunited colonies a common cause.
Episode Two:
An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775–July 1776)
PBS WESTERN RESERVE (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Monday, Nov. 17, at 8 PM
Monday, Nov. 17, at 10:10 PM
Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 1 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7 PM
George Washington takes command of the Continental Army and joins New England’s fight to liberate Boston. Congress declares American independence.
Episode Three:
The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776–January 1777)
PBS WESTERN RESERVE (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 8 PM
Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 10 PM
Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 1 M
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7 PM
The British overwhelm Washington’s army, forcing him to abandon New York City and flee across New Jersey. Americans attack a garrison at Trenton.
Episode Four:
Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777–February 1778)
PBS WESTERN RESERVE (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 8 PM
Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 10 PM
Thursday, Nov. 20, at 1 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Dec. 20, at 7 PM
The British take Philadelphia, and Congress flees the city. But an American victory at Saratoga allows France to openly support the United States.
Episode Five:
The Soul of All America (December 1777–May 1780)
PBS WESTERN RESERVE (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Thursday, Nov. 20, at 8 PM
Thursday, Nov. 20, at 10 PM
Friday, Nov. 21, at 1 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Dec. 27, at 7 PM
After Valley Forge and Monmouth, the war moves to other theaters. Navies battle overseas, while armies advance further into Native land and the South.
Episode Six:
The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780–Onward)
PBS WESTERN RESERVE (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):
Friday, Nov. 21, at 8 PM
Friday, Nov. 21, at 10:15 PM
Saturday, Nov. 22, at 1 AM
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):
Saturday, Jan. 3, at 7 PM
Supported by the French, Washington wins the decisive victory at Yorktown. In peacetime Americans aspire for a more perfect union.
Western Reserve and the American Revolution
In conjunction with the new series from Ken Burns, PBS Western Reserve is highlighting our region’s ties to the war in our new storytelling initiative WESTERN RESERVE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. The series showcases the creation of the Western Reserve and its complex history that includes displacement of the Wyandot, Shawnee and Delaware tribes. Current episodes include “Fort Laurens,” “Moses Cleaveland,” and “Trumbull County’s Connections.”
Discover Ohio’s lone Revolutionary War fort where conflicts happened on multiple occasions.
Learn about the man behind the city’s name.
Did you know that American Revolutionary War veterans are buried in Warren, OH?
In its 20th year, this Revolutionary War reenactment and encampment is held in Willard, Ohio.
Events
American Revolution Panel Discussion
On Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, PBS Western Reserve, in collaboration with the Western Reserve Historical Society, offered an exclusive sneak preview of Ken Burns’ highly anticipated documentary THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the event was held at the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland. Attendees experienced a white glove ceremony featuring artifacts from the American Revolution era, an abbreviated screening of the film and a panel discussion led by experts on the subject.
The panelists (from left to right) were Jason Opal, Professor of History and Dean and Director of the Ohio State University Mansfield Campus, John Grabowski, Historian and Adjunct Professor at Case Western Reserve University and Todd Kleismit, Executive Director of America 250-Ohio and host of the Ohio and the Revolution Webinar series. Kelly Falcone, President and CEO of the Western Reserve Historical Society, moderated the panel.
In the Classroom
Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
