Episode 1
Arthur Miller, Elia Kazan and the Blacklist
1h 30m
The dispute between one of America's most influential playwrights and a respected movie director over actions taken during the "red scare" of the 1950s.
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.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
American Masters is available to stream on YouTube TV in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play and Apple TV. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Stream
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 18 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
James Brown: Soul Survivor
1h 30m
The highs and lows of the life of James Brown, the colorful and controversial "Godfather of Soul".
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 3
Cary Grant: A Class Apart
1h 30m
“Eternally elegant” screen superstar Cary Grant (1904-86) is profiled. Included are clips from his films and interviews with ex-wife Betsy Drake and widow Barbara Grant. There are also comments from biographers and film critics, and costars Eva Marie Saint and Martin Landau. Helen Mirren is the narrator, and Jeremy Northam provides the voice of Grant.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 4
Balanchine
1h 30m
A retrospective on the life and work of George Balanchine, a founder of American ballet.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 5
Judy Garland: By Myself
1h 30m
A detailed examination of the celebrated vocalist's career, from her amazing successes to her self-doubts and personal problems.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 6
Henry Luce and Time-Life's America: A Vision of Empire
1h 30m
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 7
Hank Williams: Honky Tonk Blues
1h 30m
The brief but impressive career of the man most responsible for defining what is modern "country music".
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 8
Julia! America's Favorite Chef
57mfinale
Through an interview with Julia herself, filmed in her fabled kitchen, and rare images from the photo collection of Paul Child and from family photo albums, Julia Child is revealed as few have seen her before in this tribute and testament to a great American icon.
Episode credits
Directed by Marilyn H. MellowesWritten by Marilyn H. MellowesGuest stars Julia Child, Michael Murphy, Jody Adams, Dan Aykroyd, Simone Beck, Paul Child, Geoffrey Drummond, Judith Jones
Episode information updated Jul 25, 2026
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
- 311
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
PBSUnited States
Eagle Rock EntertainmentUnited Kingdom
ThirteenUnited States
Themes
artbiographypeople
You may also like
More shows like American Masters.
