Episode 1
Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer
1h 30m6.5 / 10
The life of the famous director and scriptwriter, from his writings for the stage to his Hollywood acclaim.
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 5 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
John Cassavetes
1h 30m10.0 / 10
A documentary that follows the varied career of the noted film director.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 3
Martin Scorsese Directs
1h 30m6.0 / 10
Interviews and film clips document the hard-hitting film work of Scorsese.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 4
You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story
1h 30m7.0 / 10
The career of Porter as seen through filmed versions of his work and commentary from performance stars.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 5
Edward R. Murrow: This Reporter
1h 30m
The fascinating life of the model for the "hard-boiled" radio and television journalist.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 6
John Hammond: From Bessie Smith to Bruce Springsteen
1h 30m
A documentary on the 50 year career of a legendary producer of recording artists and musicians.
Where to watch American MastersEpisode 7
Sanford Meisner: The American Theatre's Best Kept Secret
1h 30m10.0 / 10
The work of an acting coach and instructor who had a profound impact on the American stage.
Episode credits
Guest stars Peter Falk
Episode 8
John Cage: I Have Nothing to Say and I Am Saying It
1h 30m7.0 / 10finale
The outrageously odd and original compositions of an avant-garde musician.
Where to watch American MastersEpisode information updated Sep 3, 2026
Available now in United States
What to watch instead
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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