Episode 1
Goldwyn: The Man and His Movies
1h 30m
The story of the dreams and accomplishments of Samuel Goldwyn, a determined immigrant who founded a Hollywood movie dynasty.
Where to watch American Masters
TV series
American Masters
1986TV-1441 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 16 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
F. Scott Fitzgerald: Winter Dreams
1h 30m
An examination of the themes and characters of the noted novelist.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 3
Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest Sounds
1h 30m
The remarkable songs of America's best-known composer of music for the stage.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 4
Quincy Jones: In the Pocket
1h 30m
Profile of the career of the ground-breaking musician and producer.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 5
Good Rockin' Tonight: The Legacy of Sun Records
1h 30m
The story of how Sam Phillips founded the record company that pulled together some of the early legends of American Rock 'n' Roll.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 6
Merce Cunningham: A Lifetime of Dance
1h 30m
A biography of one of the 20th century's most innovative choreographers.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 7
Ralph Ellison: An American Journey
1h 30m
The impact of African-American author Ellison on the state of culture and literature in the United States.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 8
Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer
1h 30mfinale
The colorful life of the choreographer and performer who has often been acknowledged as America's most powerful and athletic dancer.
Where to watch American MastersEpisode 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