Arkansas PBS is gearing up for the Nov. 16 premiere of Ken Burns’s six-part documentary “The American Revolution,” which examines how America’s founding turned the world upside down. In the meantime, take a journey through his previous films with Arkansas PBS Passport.
Dig into films by America’s premiere storyteller, learning about American history and identity; prominent political and historical figures; cultural artists and icons; music and culture; nature and exploration; science, health and institutions; and the sports that all helped shape what the United States of America has become as we head toward the country’s 250th birthday.
HOW TO WATCH
Members who contribute a tax-deductible gift of at least $5 per month, or an annual gift of $60 or more, are eligible for Arkansas PBS Passport – an extended, on-demand library of your favorite PBS shows, films and specials.
As a reminder, you can watch anywhere, anytime on myarkansaspbs.org, or by using the PBS app, available on your TV, phone or tablet.
American History and Identity
“The U.S. and the Holocaust” – Inspired in part by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s “Americans and the Holocaust” exhibition and supported by its historical resources, “The U.S. and the Holocaust” examines the rise of Hitler and Nazism in Germany in the context of global antisemitism and racism, the eugenics movement in the United States and race laws in the American South.
“America: Brooklyn Bridge”
“America: Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio”
“America: Statue of Liberty”
“America: The Shakers”
“Horatio’s Drive”
“Prohibition”
“The Dust Bowl”
“The Vietnam War”
“The War”
Political and Historical Figures
“Ben Franklin” – Ken Burns’s two-part, four-hour documentary "Benjamin Franklin" explores the revolutionary life of one of the 18th century's most consequential and compelling personalities, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States.
“America: Huey Long”
“The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony”
“Thomas Jefferson”
Cultural Icons and Artists
“Hemingway” – Ken Burns and Lynn Novick explore the life and work of the legendary writer and his enduring influence on literature and culture.
“Leonardo da Vinci” – A 15th-century polymath of soaring imagination and profound intellect, Leonardo da Vinci created some of the most revered works of art of all time. Still, his artistic endeavors often seemed peripheral to his pursuits in science and engineering. Through his paintings and thousands of pages of drawings and writings, “Leonardo da Vinci” explores one of humankind’s most curious and innovative minds.
“America: Thomas Hart Benton”
“Frank Lloyd Wright”
“Mark Twain”
Music and Culture
“Country Music” – Explore the history of country music – from its roots in ballads, hymns and the blues to its mainstream popularity – and meet the unforgettable characters and storytellers who made it “America’s Music.”
“Jazz”
Nature and Exploration
“The American Buffalo” – The dramatic story of America’s national mammal, which sustained the lives of Native people for untold generations, being driven to the brink of extinction, before an unlikely collection of people rescued it from disappearing forever. Ken Burns recounts the tragic collision of two opposing views of the natural world – and the unforgettable characters who pointed the nation in a different direction.
“Lewis and Clark”
“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea”
Science, Health and Institutions
“Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness” – Follow the journeys of more than 20 young Americans from all over the country and all walks of life who have struggled with thoughts and feelings that have troubled – and, at times overwhelmed – them. Ken Burns's “Hiding in Plain Sight” presents an unstinting look at the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faced by those who live with mental disorders and the hope that many have found after that storm.
“The Mayo Clinic: Faith, Hope, Science”
“The Address”
Sports
“Muhammad Ali” – This film brings to life one of the most indelible figures of the 20th century, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who captivated millions of fans across the world with his mesmerizing combination of speed, grace and power in the ring, and charm and playful boasting outside of it. Ali insisted on being himself unconditionally and became a global icon and inspiration to people everywhere.
"Baseball"
“Baseball: The Tenth Inning”
“Jackie Robinson”
“Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson”
HOW TO WATCH
Members who contribute a tax-deductible gift of at least $5 per month, or an annual gift of $60 or more, are eligible for Arkansas PBS Passport – an extended, on-demand library of your favorite PBS shows, films and specials.
As a reminder, you can watch anywhere, anytime on myarkansaspbs.org, or by using the PBS app, available on your TV, phone or tablet