Episode 1
Rod Serling: Submitted for Your Approval
1h 30m
A documentary on the man who pioneered the use of early television for dramatic storytelling.
Where to watch American Masters
TV series
American Masters
1986TV-1440 seasons7.0 / 10
American Masters is a PBS television series which produces biographies on enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, filmmakers, and others who have left an indelible impression on the cultural landscape of the United States.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Sep 1, 2026
American Masters premiered June 23, 1986. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
American Masters is a PBS television series which produces biographies on enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, filmmakers, and others who have left an indelible impression on the cultural landscape of the United States.
Season 10 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
William Styron: The Way of the Writer
1h 30m
A retrospective on the author's writings including commentary from his professional associates.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 3
Richard Avedon: Darkness and Light
1h 30m
“All photographs are accurate. None of them is the truth.” –Richard Avedon The notable images of one of the nation's most famous fashion photographers.
Episode credits
Directed by Helen WhitneyWritten by Helen WhitneyGuest stars Richard Avedon, John Lahr, Mike Nichols
Episode 4
Buckminster Fuller: Thinking Out Loud
1h 30m
An examination of the visionary and thinker and his most famous ideas.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 5
Nichols and May: Take Two
1h 30m7.7 / 10finale
A chronicle of the 1950s comedy team and the short-lived but memorable career of the duo.
Episode credits
Directed by Phillip SchopperGuest stars Elaine May, Steve Allen, Tom Brokaw, Jules Feiffer, Richard Lewis, Steve Martin, Arthur Penn, Jack Rollins
Episode information updated Sep 3, 2026
Available now in United States
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More about American Masters
Cast
Scarlett JohanssonSelf
Goran VišnjićRobert Capa (voice)
Patsy ClineSelf (archive footage)
Maya AngelouSelf
Sidney LumetSelf
Oprah WinfreySelf
CommonSelf
Bill ClintonSelfCredits
- Created by
- Susan Lacy
Production details
- Status
- Returning Series
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 315
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
PBSUnited States
Eagle Rock EntertainmentUnited Kingdom
ThirteenUnited States
Themes
artbiographypeople