WXXI TV

The American Revolution, a film series by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, explores the journey of the thirteen American colonies as they unite in rebellion, win an eight-year war to secure their independence, and establish a new form of government that would inspire democratic movements at home and around the globe. What begins as a political clash between colonists and the British government grows into a bloody struggle that will engage more than two dozen nations and forever change the world. More Air Dates & On-demand availability

On-Demand Access: Following the premiere airing of the series the episodes will all be available on PBS Passport through November 15, 2032. Learn how to access Passport!

The American Revolution 6-part series premiered in November and has many re-air dates listed below. The series is also available on-demand through PBS Passport.

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. Learn more about the 250th anniversary.

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Air dates on WXXI-TV & Live Stream

Upcoming Broadcasts & On-Demand Access in Passpport

For the summer to celebrate the 250th Friday, July 3^rd at 9pm – Episode 1 & Saturday, July 4^th from 9:30am-8pm – Episodes 2-6

The American Revolution brings an expansive look at the virtues and contradictions of the war and the birth of the United States of America, the film series follows dozens of figures from a wide variety of backgrounds. Through their individual stories, viewers experience the war through the memories of the men and women who experienced it: the rank-and-file Continental soldiers and American militiamen (some of them teenagers), Patriot political and military leaders, British Army officers, American Loyalists, Native soldiers and civilians, enslaved and free African Americans, German soldiers in the British service, French and Spanish allies, and various civilians living in North America, Loyalist as well as Patriot, including many made refugees by the war.

The Revolution began a movement for people around the world to imagine new and better futures for themselves, their nations, and for humanity. It declared American independence with promises that we continue to strive for. The American Revolution opened the door to advance civil liberties and human rights, and it asked questions that we are still trying to answer today. 

Episodes

Episode 1: In Order To Be Free: The American Revolution In Order to Be Free Opposition in colonial North America to British policies over taxes, land, and sovereignty escalates into violent confrontation. Fighting in Massachusetts.

Episode 2: An Asylum For Mankind: As New Englanders work to force the British Army from Boston, Congress puts George Washington in command of a new Continental Army. In July 1776, Congress declares American independence, insisting on the people’s right to resist tyranny..

Episode 3: The Times That Try Men’s Souls: British General Howe soundly defeats General Washington at Long Island and in Manhattan, forcing the Americans to abandon New York City. After fleeing across New Jersey, Washington’s army regroups before attacking an outpost at Trenton.

Episode 4: Conquer by a Drawn Game: After beating General Washington in battle, General Howe takes Philadelphia, forcing Congress to flee the city. But the Americans’ surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to openly support the United States.

Episode 5: The Soul of All America: After Valley Forge and Monmouth, the French American alliance changes the war and moves it to other theaters. Navies battle off England and in the Caribbean, while armies advance in Indian Country and the South. The British take Charleston.

Episode 6: The Most Sacred Thing: British General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states. Supported by the French, Washington wins the decisive victory at Yorktown. With independence secured, Americans aspire for a more perfect union

Past Broadcasts

· Airs nightly 11/16 through 11/21 at 8 p.m.

· Repeats nightly 11/16 through 11/21 at 10 p.m.

· Repeats 11/17 through 11/21 at 1 a.m. Saturday 11/22 at 2 a.m.

· Repeats daily 11/23 through 11/28  at 3 p.m.

Fri, Jan 9 – Fri, Feb 13, 2026 (six consecutive Fridays)
​​​Episodes will remain in Passport during this rebroadcast.

Mon, April 20 & Tues April 21; Mon, April 27 & Tues April 28; Mon May 4 & Tues May 5 (Three consecutive Mondays & Tuesdays)

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Interviews about The American Revolution Series

Connections on Friday, November 14th at Noon: Lessons from Ken Burns’ new series, “The American Revolution” Listen to the Podcast or Watch the YouTube Video

A highly anticipated documentary series launches on PBS this weekend. Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution: An Intimate History” is a six-part series about the men and women who fought and lived through the war for America’s independence. This hour, we’re joined by filmmaker David Schmidt and local history professors to preview the series and to discuss what we can learn  — and what we get wrong — about the Revolutionary War. Our guests:

(in studio) Michael Jarvis, Ph.D., professor of early American, Atlantic, and digital history and archeology at University of Rochester

(Teams) David Schmidt, co-director of “The American Revolution”

(in studio) Paul B. Moyer, Ph.D., professor of history at SUNY Brockport

NPR Interviews with Ken Burns about The American Revolution Series

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