TV series
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
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.
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.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
A documentary that tells the inspiring story of how six iconic African American women entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 2
Explore the life of Flannery O’Connor whose provocative fiction was unlike anything published before. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, newly discovered journals and interviews with Mary Karr, Tommy Lee Jones, Hilton Als and more.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 3
Explore legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp’s career and famously rigorous creative process, with original interviews, first-hand glimpses of her at work and rare archival footage of select performances from her more than 160 choreographed works.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 4
The life and career of jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen, leader of the band for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," who continued a schedule of touring and performing into his 90s.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 5
The life and work of neurologist and storyteller Oliver Sacks, including personal details about his battles with drug addiction and homophobia.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 6
The life and career of author Amy Tan, with archival imagery, home movies, photographs, animation and original interviews.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 7
The story of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, a company of men who dance on pointe as ballerinas.
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Episode 8
Dive into the career of the legendary blues guitarist, a pioneer of Chicago’s West Side sound and major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. Featuring new performances and interviews with Carlos Santana and more.
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Episode 9
Discover how Moreno defied her humble upbringing and racism to become one of a select group of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winners. Explore her 70-year career with new interviews, clips of her iconic roles and scenes of the star on set today.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 10
Revisit the complex life and legacy of the author, advocate and human rights pioneer. Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, used her celebrity and wit to champion rights for women, people with disabilities and people living in poverty.
Where to watch American MastersEpisode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Scarlett JohanssonSelf
Goran VišnjićRobert Capa (voice)
Patsy ClineSelf (archive footage)
Maya AngelouSelf
Sidney LumetSelf
Oprah WinfreySelf
CommonSelf
Bill ClintonSelf
PBSUnited States
Eagle Rock EntertainmentUnited Kingdom
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