American Masters poster

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.

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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 38 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

← Season 37

Episode 1

HOPPER: An American Love Story

53m8.0 / 10

Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works. Known for “Nighthawks” and other evocative paintings of American life, Hopper has left a lasting impression on our culture. Meet the man behind the brush, and see how his marriage to fellow artist Josephine Nivison Hopper shaped his art and career.

Episode credits

Directed by Michael Cascio, Phil GrabskyWritten by Michael Cascio, Phil GrabskyGuest stars J.K. Simmons, Christine Baranski, Isabel May

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Episode 2

Moynihan

1h 45m1.0 / 10

Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Going beyond the "Moynihan Report," President Joe Biden, Ta-Nehisi Coates and others reflect on his decades-long fight to end national poverty.

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Episode 3

The Incomparable Mr. Buckley

Episode credits

Directed by Barak GoodmanWritten by Barak GoodmanGuest stars William F. Buckley Jr.

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Episode 4

Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames

Explore the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.

Episode credits

Directed by Danny GoldWritten by Danny Gold, Michael Mayhew

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Episode 5

Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined

1.0 / 10

The Dominican-American poet and novelist Julia Alvarez burst onto the literary scene and blazed a trail for a generation of Latino authors.

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Episode 6

Renegades: Daniel K. Inouye

1.0 / 10

Explore the story of the U.S. Senator for Hawai’i who was injured in battle during World War II, resulting in the amputation of his right arm. Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his lifelong public service, Inouye championed the cause of justice and equality for all Americans, including people living with disabilities.

Episode credits

Directed by TS BotkinWritten by TS Botkin

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Episode 7

Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around

1.0 / 10

Discover the story behind singer Brenda Lee’s iconic songs and explore how her early fame and life of poverty shaped her artistry across pop, rock ‘n’ roll and country. Known for her Christmas classic and Billboard hit “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” she is still a force in music today. The film features interviews with Keith Urban, Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo and many others.

Episode credits

Directed by Barbara HallGuest stars Brenda Lee, Trisha Yearwood, Neil Giraldo, Pat Benatar, Jackie DeShannon, Tanya Tucker, Keith Urban, Robert K. Oermann

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Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026

More about American Masters

Cast

Scarlett JohanssonSelf
Goran VišnjićRobert Capa (voice)
Patsy ClineSelf (archive footage)
Maya AngelouSelf
Sidney LumetSelf
Oprah WinfreySelf
CommonSelf
Bill ClintonSelf

Credits

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