American Masters

S33 E01 · 2019-01-02 · 90 min

Decoding Watson

Meet James Watson, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist behind the double helix as he confronts his complex legacy. With unprecedented access to Watson and his family, "American Masters: Decoding Watson" explores his life, achievements, controversies and contradictions.

S33 E02 · 2019-02-19 · 90 min

Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me

Sammy Davis, Jr. had the kind of career that was indisputably legendary, so vast and multi-faceted that it was dizzying in its scope and scale. And yet, his life was complex, complicated and contradictory. Davis strove to achieve the American Dream in a time of racial prejudice and shifting political territory.

S33 E03 · 2019-02-22 · 90 min

Charley Pride

Raised in segregated Mississippi, country performer Charley Pride proves artistic expression can triumph over prejudice and injustice.

S33 E04 · 2019-03-01 · 90 min

Holly Near: Singing for Our Lives

For 40 years, singer and activist Holly Near works on global social justice coalition-building in the women's and lesbian movements.

S33 E05 · 2019-04-12 · 90 min

Joseph Pulitzer: Voice Of The People

Hungarian immigrant Joseph Pulitzer becomes one of America's most feared and admired newspaper moguls and a crusader for freedom of the press.

S33 E06 · 2019-04-19 · 90 min

Garry Winogrand: All Things are Photographable

A documentary about an important American still photographer who captured New York City in the 1960s (his work there is said to have influenced the TV show Mad Men) and later the West in Texas and Los Angeles.

S33 E07 · 2019-06-14 · 90 min

Terrence McNally: Every Act of Life

Playwright, librettist, scriptwriter and outspoken LGBTQ activist Terrence McNally has long believed in the power of the arts to transform society and make a difference. The film lifts the curtain on the life, career and inspirations of the complicated and brilliant Emmy- and four-time Tony Award-winning writer.

S33 E08 · 2019-06-21 · 90 min

Robert Shaw -- Man of Many Voices

A profile of the conductor, his work with the civil rights movement, and his musical legacy.

S33 E09 · 2019-08-02 · 90 min

Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin

Explore the remarkable life and legacy of late feminist author Ursula K. Le Guin whose groundbreaking work, including “The Left Hand of Darkness,” transformed American literature by bringing science fiction into the literary mainstream.

S33 E10 · 2019-09-13 · 90 min

Raúl Juliá: The World’s a Stage

American Masters and Latino Public Broadcasting’s VOCES join forces to present the first documentary about Raúl Juliá, the versatile Puerto Rican actor whose work on stage and screen took the world by storm. Raúl Juliá: The World’s a Stage premieres Friday, September 13, 2019 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS, pbs.org/americanmasters and the PBS Video App in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

S33 E11 · 2019-10-25 · 90 min

Rothko: Pictures Must Be Miraculous

Explore the life of the celebrated artist whose luminous color field paintings helped define the abstract expressionist movement, which shifted the art world epicenter from Paris to New York.

S33 E12 · 2019-11-18 · 90 min

N. Scott Momaday: Words From a Bear

Delve into the enigmatic life and mind of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and poet N. Scott Momaday, best known for “House Made of Dawn” and a formative voice of the Native American Renaissance in art and literature.

S34 E01 · 2020-03-03 · 90 min

Miles Davis Birth of the Cool

Discover the man behind the legend. With full access to the Miles Davis Estate, the film features never-before-seen footage, including studio outtakes from his recording sessions, rare photos and new interviews.

S34 E02 · 2020-06-16 · 90 min

Mae West: Dirty Blonde

American Masters — Mae West: Dirty Blonde is the first major documentary film to explore Mae West’s life and career as she "climbed the ladder of success wrong by wrong" to become a writer, performer and subversive agitator for social change. West achieved great acclaim in every entertainment medium that existed during her lifetime, spanning eight decades of the 20th century. She possessed creative and economic powers unheard of for a female entertainer in the 1930s and still rare today.

S34 E03 · 2020-06-01 · 90 min

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

Toni Morrison leads an assembly of her peers and critics on an exploration of the powerful themes she confronted throughout her literary career in this artful and intimate meditation that examines the life and work of the legendary storyteller.

S34 E04 · 2020-07-10 · 90 min

Unladylike2020: The Changemakers

Mark the women’s suffrage centennial with stories of pioneering women who shaped American politics.

S34 E05 · 2020-10-20 · 90 min

Walter Winchell: The Power of Gossip

Meet Walter Winchell, the newspaper columnist, radio commentator and television personality who pioneered the fast-paced, gossip-driven, politically charged journalism that dominates today. At his peak, his audience was 50 million. Stanley Tucci portrays Winchell in a new American Masters documentary.

S34 E06 · 2020-10-23 · 90 min

Michael Tilson Thomas: Where Now Is

Explore the life and career of the Grammy-winning conductor, pianist and composer. A National Medal of Arts recipient and longtime Grammy-winning music director of the San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas helped set the standard that an American orchestra should champion modern music.

S34 E07 · 2020-12-04 · 90 min

Keith Haring: Street Art Boy

Explore the definitive story of international art sensation Keith Haring who blazed a trail through the art scene of ‘80s New York and revolutionized the worlds of pop culture and fine art. The film features previously unheard interviews with Haring.

S34 E08 · 2020-12-29 · 90 min

Laura Ingalls Wilder: Prairie to Page

An unvarnished look at the unlikely author whose autobiographical fiction helped shape American ideas of the frontier and self-reliance. A Midwestern farm woman who published her first novel at age 65, Laura Ingalls Wilder transformed her frontier childhood into the best-selling “Little House” series.

S35 E01 · 2021-01-18 · 90 min

How It Feels to Be Free

A documentary that tells the inspiring story of how six iconic African American women entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process.

S35 E02 · 2021-03-23 · 90 min

Flannery

Explore the life of Flannery O’Connor whose provocative fiction was unlike anything published before. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, newly discovered journals and interviews with Mary Karr, Tommy Lee Jones, Hilton Als and more.

S35 E03 · 2021-03-26 · 90 min

Twyla Moves

Explore legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp’s career and famously rigorous creative process, with original interviews, first-hand glimpses of her at work and rare archival footage of select performances from her more than 160 choreographed works.

S35 E04 · 2021-04-02 · 90 min

Never Too Late: The Doc Severinsen Story

The life and career of jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen, leader of the band for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," who continued a schedule of touring and performing into his 90s.

S35 E05 · 2021-04-09 · 90 min

Oliver Sacks: His Own Life

The life and work of neurologist and storyteller Oliver Sacks, including personal details about his battles with drug addiction and homophobia.

S35 E06 · 2021-05-03 · 90 min

Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir

The life and career of author Amy Tan, with archival imagery, home movies, photographs, animation and original interviews.

S35 E07 · 2021-06-04 · 90 min

Ballerina Boys

The story of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, a company of men who dance on pointe as ballerinas.

S35 E08 · 2021-07-27 · 83 min

Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away

Dive into the career of the legendary blues guitarist, a pioneer of Chicago’s West Side sound and major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. Featuring new performances and interviews with Carlos Santana and more.

S35 E09 · 2021-10-05 · 88 min

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It

Discover how Moreno defied her humble upbringing and racism to become one of a select group of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winners. Explore her 70-year career with new interviews, clips of her iconic roles and scenes of the star on set today.

S35 E10 · 2021-10-19 · 88 min

Becoming Helen Keller

Revisit the complex life and legacy of the author, advocate and human rights pioneer. Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, used her celebrity and wit to champion rights for women, people with disabilities and people living in poverty.

S36 E01 · 2022-01-11 · 84 min

Ailey

The life and career of choreographer Alvin Ailey, whose dances focus on the Black experience, interviews with those close to him and a glimpse into his dance studios.

S36 E02 · 2022-02-08 · 113 min

Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands

Exploring the life and legacy of singer Marian Anderson and her work as an advocate for the civil rights advocate.

S36 E03 · 2022-05-10 · 84 min

Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha

The journey and legacy of five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku, who broke swimming records and popularized modern-day surfing while overcoming racism.

S36 E04 · 2022-06-03

Joe Papp in Five Acts

S36 E05 · 2022-06-14 · 84 min

Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road

Follow musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and co-founder of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson on a drive through Los Angeles with his longtime friend and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine. With Fine behind the wheel and Wilson selecting the music, they reflect on the formative and creative periods in Wilson’s life as they revisit the places that helped to shape his career.

S36 E06 · 2022-11-22 · 90 min

Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On

Experience the story of the Oscar-winning Indigenous artist from her rise to prominence in New York’s Greenwich Village folk music scene through her six-decade groundbreaking career as a singer-songwriter, social activist, educator and artist.

S36 E07 · 2022-12-12 · 83 min

The Adventures of Saul Bellow

Explore Nobel Prize winner Saul Bellow's impact on American literature and how he navigated through issues of his time, including race, gender and the Jewish immigrant experience. Featuring interviews with Philip Roth, Salman Rushdie and others.

S36 E08 · 2022-12-27 · 82 min

Groucho & Cavett

Discover the enduring friendship between television personality Dick Cavett and his mentor iconic comedian Groucho Marx. Their relationship is chronicled through interviews with Cavett, archival footage and interviews with George Burns and others.

S37 E01 · 2023-01-24 · 90 min

Roberta Flack

Follow the music icon from a piano lounge through her rise to stardom. From “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to “Killing Me Softly,” Flack’s virtuosity was inseparable from her commitment to civil rights. Detailing her story in her own words, the film features exclusive access to Flack’s archives and interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Peabo Bryson and more.

S37 E02 · 2023-03-21

Dr. Tony Fauci

Follow Dr. Anthony Fauci as he grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic and his 50-year career as the nation’s leading public health advocate. American Masters: Dr. Tony Fauci reveals a rarely seen side of the physician, husband and father as he confronts political backlash, a new administration and questions of the future.

S37 E03 · 2023-03-24

In the Making

Follow two performers as they break down barriers in music. Opera singer J’Nai Bridges takes the stage in “A Knee on the Neck,” a choral tribute to George Floyd. Country artist Rissi Palmer redefines success as she works on her latest album, while uplifting other artists of color in the Americana genres.

S37 E04 · 2023-05-16

Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV

See the world through the eyes of Nam June Paik, the father of video art and coiner of the term “electronic superhighway.” Born in Japan-occupied Korea, Paik went on to become a pillar of the American avant-garde and transformed modern image-making with his sculptures, films and performances. Experience his creative evolution, as Academy Award nominee Steven Yeun reads from Paik's own writings.

S37 E05 · 2023-06-02 · 90 min

Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock 'n' Roll

Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard. With appearances by Keith Richards, Ringo Starr, Big Freedia and more, this portrait of the “King and Queen of Rock and Roll” explores his far-reaching influence — still felt in pop culture today — and his advocacy for the rights of Black artists in the music industry.

S37 E06 · 2023-09-15

Jerry Brown: The Disrupter

Experience the political and personal journey of Jerry Brown, the longest serving governor in California history. First elected at 36 years old and again at 72, explore Brown’s 50-year career tackling climate change and inequality.

S37 E07 · 2023-09-22 · 82 min

Floyd Abrams: Speaking Freely

Follow the 50-year career of preeminent First Amendment lawyer Floyd Abrams. See how his landmark cases—from the Pentagon Papers to Citizens United to Clearview AI—helped define free speech as it is known today. Join Dan Abrams, Ari Melber, Nina Totenberg and more as they explore how Abrams' career has shaped major changes in law, public discourse and civic action since the 1960s.

S37 E08 · 2023-09-29 · 82 min

A Song for Cesar

Trace the life and legacy of labor activist Cesar Chavez. Through interviews with Maya Angelou, Joan Baez, Carlos Santana and more, see how music and the arts were instrumental to the success of the farmworkers’ movement Chavez helped found.

S37 E09 · 2023-10-06 · 82 min

Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes

Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach, whose far-reaching ambitions were inspired and challenged by the inequities of the society around him.

S38 E01 · 2024-01-02 · 53 min

HOPPER: An American Love Story

Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works. Known for “Nighthawks” and other evocative paintings of American life, Hopper has left a lasting impression on our culture. Meet the man behind the brush, and see how his marriage to fellow artist Josephine Nivison Hopper shaped his art and career.

S38 E02 · 2024-03-29 · 105 min

Moynihan

Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Going beyond the "Moynihan Report," President Joe Biden, Ta-Nehisi Coates and others reflect on his decades-long fight to end national poverty.

S38 E03 · 2024-04-02

The Incomparable Mr. Buckley

S38 E04 · 2024-08-28

Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames

Explore the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.

S38 E05 · 2024-09-17

Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined

The Dominican-American poet and novelist Julia Alvarez burst onto the literary scene and blazed a trail for a generation of Latino authors.

S38 E06 · 2024-10-08

Renegades: Daniel K. Inouye

Explore the story of the U.S. Senator for Hawai’i who was injured in battle during World War II, resulting in the amputation of his right arm. Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his lifelong public service, Inouye championed the cause of justice and equality for all Americans, including people living with disabilities.

S38 E07 · 2024-12-16

Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around

Discover the story behind singer Brenda Lee’s iconic songs and explore how her early fame and life of poverty shaped her artistry across pop, rock ‘n’ roll and country. Known for her Christmas classic and Billboard hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” she is still a force in music today. The film features interviews with Keith Urban, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and many others.

S39 E01 · 2025-02-21

The Disappearance of Miss Scott

How could we forget the one and only Hazel Scott? She was not only the most famous jazz virtuoso of her time, but she was the first African-American to have her own television show. This feature documentary will shine a light on this incredible talent whose voice—like the voices of so many women, especially women of color—has been lost.

S39 E02 · 2025-04-01 · 134 min

LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story

Take an intimate look into the life of Liza Minnelli, best known for her Oscar-winning role in Cabaret. Following in the footsteps of her mother Judy Garland, Minnelli used her boundless raw talent to build her own legacy in showbiz.

S39 E03 · 2025-04-15 · 120 min

Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse

Explore the work of cartoonist Art Spiegelman and the impact of his Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel Maus, about his parents’ survival of the Holocaust. A defender of free speech, Spiegelman has spoken out as book bans spread across the country.

S39 E04 · 2025-06-20 · 150 min

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

Discover the life of singer-songwriter Janis Ian and how she rose as a folk icon and gay rights advocate. She broke ground with “Society’s Child” (1966), a bold take on interracial love, and “At Seventeen” (1975), a searing anthem about bullying.

S39 E05 · 2025-06-27 · 120 min

Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny

Discover Hannah Arendt, one of the most fearless political thinkers of the 20th century, who transformed her time as a political prisoner and refugee during World War II into daring insights about totalitarianism which continue to resonate today.

S39 E06 · 2025-07-11 · 83 min

Marcella

Discover how celebrated writer Marcella Hazan shaped Italian cuisine in America. After immigrating to New York in the 1950s, she began making authentic dishes from her Italian roots and inspired millions of Americans with her cookbooks.