Episode 1
Lillian Gish: The Actor's Life for Me
1h 30m
The famed career of the silent movie actress and an examination of the role of women in film during that era of American cinema.
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 3 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
A Duke Named Ellington
1h 30m10.0 / 10
Detailed biography of the renowned jazz performer/conductor Duke Ellington and his band, including his easy-going grace and sophistication.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 3
Andre Kertesz of the Cities
1h 30m
A retrospective of the urban photography of Andre Kertesz, told by tracking him in the final years before his death.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 4
Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul
1h 30m9.0 / 10
Franklin's life - from gospel to Grammy Awards.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 5
Rivera in America
1h 30m
The murals and politics of the famed Mexican artist Diego Rivera.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 6
Saint-Gaudens: Masque of the Golden Bowl
1h 30m
A dramatic recreation of the work and career of a renowned sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 7
Neil Simon: Not Just for Laughs
1h 30m
The whimsical work of the beloved playwright.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 8
Broadway's Dreamers: The Legacy of the Group Theatre
1h 30m6.5 / 10finale
The story of "method" acting.
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