Episode 1
Episode 1
Episode credits
Guest stars Lorna Luft, Melissa Manchester, Edward Albee
TV series
Great Performances
1971TV-1453 seasons6.1 / 10
The best in the performing arts from across America and around the world including a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Sep 1, 2026
Great Performances is available to stream on DirecTV On Demand and YouTube TV in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Synopsis
The best in the performing arts from across America and around the world including a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries.
Season 14 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch Great Performances
Episode 2
Episode 2
8.0 / 10
Episode credits
Guest stars Rex Harrison, Amy Irving, Rosemary Harris, Dana Ivey, George Martin, Tom Aldredge, Remak Ramsay
Episode 3
Episode 3
Episode credits
Guest stars Tom Bosley, Barry Bostwick, Susan Browning, Nell Carter, Len Cariou, Diahann Carroll
Episode 4
The Gospel at Colonus (Episode 4)
1h 28m8.0 / 10
The legendary gospel musical that transforms Sophocles’ timeless tale of the last days of Oedipus into a parable for our times. With its epic poetry and magnificent score, The Gospel at Colonus reminds us that out of the deepest sorrow, the highest and most uplifting hope can emerge.
Episode credits
Directed by Kirk BrowningGuest stars Morgan Freeman, Jevetta Steele, Carl Lumbly, Clarence Fountain, The Soul Stirrers, Robert Earl Jones, Jearlyn Steele
Episode 5
Episode 5
10.0 / 10
Episode credits
Guest stars Martin Balsam, Charles Grodin, Marilu Henner, Jean Stapleton
Episode 7
Episode 7
finale
Episode credits
Guest stars Jim Henson, Frank Oz
Episode information updated Sep 3, 2026
More about Great Performances
Cast
Bray PoorNarrator (voice)
Rue McClanahanFaye PreciousJoyce EbertMrs. Holroyd
Frederick CoffinSecond Guard
Geraldine FitzgeraldMrs.Atkins
Frank LangellaKonstantin Treplev
Charles KimbroughDr.Spiga
Stephen SondheimSelfProduction details
- Status
- Returning Series
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 717
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
PBSUnited States
ThirteenUnited States
Themes
anthologybased on novel or bookbased on play or musicalfilmed theaterliterary adaptation
