TV series
The American Revolution was at once a war for independence, a war of conquest, a civil war, and a world war, fought by neighbors on American farms and between global powers an ocean or more away. It impacted millions from Vermont’s Green Mountains to the swamps of South Carolina, from Indian Country to the Iberian Peninsula. In defeating the British Empire and giving birth to a new nation, the American Revolution turned the world upside-down. Thirteen colonies on the Atlantic Coast united in rebellion, won their independence, and established a republic that still endures. The American Revolution will present the story of the men and women of the Revolutionary generation, their humanity in victory and defeat, and the crisis that they lived through.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 4, 2026
The American Revolution is available to stream on Hoopla in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
The American Revolution was at once a war for independence, a war of conquest, a civil war, and a world war, fought by neighbors on American farms and between global powers an ocean or more away. It impacted millions from Vermont’s Green Mountains to the swamps of South Carolina, from Indian Country to the Iberian Peninsula. In defeating the British Empire and giving birth to a new nation, the American Revolution turned the world upside-down. Thirteen colonies on the Atlantic Coast united in rebellion, won their independence, and established a republic that still endures. The American Revolution will present the story of the men and women of the Revolutionary generation, their humanity in victory and defeat, and the crisis that they lived through.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Opposition in colonial North America to British policies over taxes, land and sovereignty escalates into violent confrontation; war gives 13 colonies a common cause.
Directed by Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. SchmidtWritten by Geoffrey C. WardGuest stars Adam Arkin, Josh Brolin, Josh Charles, Hugh Dancy, Claire Danes, Marcus Davis-Orrom, Alden Ehrenreich, Craig Ferguson
Episode 2
Congress puts George Washington in command of a new Continental Army; Congress declares American independence in July 1776.
Directed by Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. SchmidtWritten by Geoffrey C. WardGuest stars Adam Arkin, Josh Brolin, Josh Charles, Hugh Dancy, Claire Danes, Craig Ferguson, Paul Giamatti, Amanda Gorman
Episode 3
British General Howe defeats General Washington, forcing the Americans to abandon New York; Washington's army regroups in New Jersey before attacking an outpost at Trenton.
Directed by Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. SchmidtWritten by Geoffrey C. WardGuest stars Adam Arkin, Josh Brolin, Hugh Dancy, Claire Danes, Marcus Davis-Orrom, Alden Ehrenreich, Craig Ferguson, Paul Giamatti
Episode 4
General Howe takes Philadelphia, but the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to support the U.S.
Directed by Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. SchmidtWritten by Geoffrey C. WardGuest stars Adam Arkin, Josh Brolin, Josh Charles, Hugh Dancy, Claire Danes, Alden Ehrenreich, Craig Ferguson, Paul Giamatti
Episode 5
The French-American alliance changes the war and moves it to other theaters; navies battle off England and in the Caribbean, while armies advance in Indian Country and the South; the British take Charleston.
Directed by Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. SchmidtWritten by Geoffrey C. WardGuest stars Adam Arkin, Josh Brolin, Josh Charles, Hugh Dancy, Claire Danes, Alden Ehrenreich, Craig Ferguson, Paul Giamatti
Episode 6
British General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states; supported by the French, a victory at Yorktown secures independence for the Americans.
Directed by Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. SchmidtWritten by Geoffrey C. WardGuest stars Adam Arkin, Josh Brolin, Josh Charles, Hugh Dancy, Claire Danes, Alden Ehrenreich, Tom Hanks, Ethan Hawke
Episode information updated Sep 17, 2026
Peter CoyoteNarrator (voice)
Adam ArkinJames Parker / Ashbel Green / Andrew Hunter / Enoch Anderson / Timothy Dwight / Robert Morris (voice)
Josh BrolinGeorge Washington (voice)
Josh CharlesJoseph Warren / John Peters / David Ramsey (voice)
Hugh DancyHugh Percy / John Burgoyne / Banastre Tarleton / Comte de Vergennes (voice)
Claire DanesAbigail Adams (voice)
Alden EhrenreichJoseph Plumb Martin (voice)
Craig FergusonJohn Murray / John Jones / John Purrier / Martin Hunter / William Harcourt (voice)
PBSUnited States
Florentine FilmsUnited States
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