Episode 1
Harold Clurman: A Life of Theatre
1h 30m
The life of the renowned Broadway director and arts critic, as well as co-founder of New York's Group Theatre.
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 4 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Stella Adler: Awake and Dream!
1h 30m8.0 / 10
A retrospective on the career of one of America's finest teachers of acting technique.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 3
Satchmo: The Life of Louis Armstrong
1h 30m
The evolution and extraordinary musical creations of the nation's best-known jazz musician.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 4
James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket
1h 30m
The noted author, his battles against racism, and its expression in his books.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 5
Celebrating Bird: The Triumph of Charlie Parker
1h 30m
A biographical documentary on the short-lived career of brilliant jazz musician Charlie Parker. Features his only television appearance and rare concert footage. Includes cameos by such greats as Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonius Monk, and Charles Mingus.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 6
Jasper Johns: Ideas in Paint
1h 30m10.0 / 10
The mind of a famed neo-abstractionist painter as it expresses itself on canvas.
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Episode 7
Mort Sahl: The Loyal Opposition
1h 30m8.0 / 10
The biting comedic satire of Mort Sahl and his rise to prominence in the 1960s.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 8
W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult
1h 30m9.0 / 10
The work of the provacative photographer for Life magazine.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 9
Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius
1h 30m6.8 / 10
Profile of the comedy standout from the silent era who is often mentioned third behind Chaplin and Keaton.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 10
Milos Forman: Portrait
1h 30mfinale
The movies of the Academy Award-winning motion picture maker.
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