Episode 1
Helen Hayes: First Lady of the American Theatre
1h 30m
A chronicle of the extraordinary actress and those who were influenced by her universally-respected work.
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 6 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Miracle on 44th Street: A Portrait of the Actor's Studio
1h 30m
Inside the workings of the mecca of "method acting" techniques.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 3
A. Einstein: How I See the World
1h 30m
The life of the creative and imaginative physicist and his thoughts and writings after coming to the United States.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 4
Sarah Vaughan: The Divine One
1h 30m
A look at the soulful interpretations of the remarkable singer, mostly through filmed performances.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 5
Frederic Remington: The Truth of Other Days
1h 30m
The artistic career of a painter and sculptor who defined western art and influenced America's ideas of the west.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 6
Menuhin: A Family Portrait
1h 30m
The story of an American violin virtuoso, Yehudi Menuhin.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 7
Robert Motherwell and the New York School
1h 30m
A biography of the artist Motherwell and the growth of abstract expressionism in New York City.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 8
Ray Charles: The Genius of Soul
1h 30m
The obstacles overcome in the magnificent career of the famed musician.
Where to watch American Masters
Episode 9
Waldo Salt: A Screenwriter's Journey
1h 30mfinale
Documentary on the writer who made his way back from the entertainment industry "blacklist" and became an acclaimed success.
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