BREAKING NEWS: Ken Burns’ highly anticipated documentary series “The American Revolution” is set to premiere on PBS on November 16, 2025. This monumental six-part series marks the culmination of nearly a decade of research and filmmaking, offering an in-depth exploration of the conflict that shaped the United States.
According to co-director Sarah Botstein, the project, which began in 2015, has involved extensive collaboration with historians and scholars to unpack the complexities of the revolution. “Ken always says these films take 10 years,” she remarked, emphasizing the rigorous process that involved reading and interviews to construct an engaging narrative.
The series will air in two-hour episodes over six consecutive nights, concluding on November 21, 2025, followed by a rebroadcast marathon on November 22 and November 23. This format aims to captivate audiences with a detailed exploration of pivotal moments such as Lexington and Concord and Washington’s crossing of the Delaware.
The documentary delves into the often-overlooked truths of the revolution, revealing that the initial goals were not independence but rather the restoration of rights within the British Empire. The filmmakers highlight how the concept of democracy was an unintended outcome of the revolutionary struggle, with some founding figures initially fearing the very democratic principles they would later embody.
Botstein notes that the series addresses the contradictions within the Declaration of Independence, which professes equality while failing to extend rights to women, Black Americans, and Native Americans. “The Declaration says ‘all,’ right? Eventually people are going to hear that and be inspired to push,” she stated, highlighting the impact of historical documents on contemporary struggles for equality.
The lack of visual documentation from the 18th century posed a unique challenge for the filmmakers. Botstein explained that they relied on historical paintings, reenactments, and the expertise of living history museums such as Colonial Williamsburg to vividly reconstruct the era. “We want to see what it took to build the munitions, hammering away at a rifle as it’s being made,” Schmidt added, emphasizing the human effort behind the revolution.
As the series prepares to launch, both Botstein and Schmidt hope it will inspire viewers to reflect on the lessons of the revolution in today’s context. “Citizenship is at the heart of the movie, as is patriotism,” Botstein said, urging audiences to engage actively in their communities.
With its premiere just days away, “The American Revolution” promises to be a significant cultural event, inviting viewers to reconsider their understanding of a pivotal moment in history and its ongoing relevance today. Be sure to tune in to PBS starting November 16 for this groundbreaking series.
