In 1990, a young filmmaker accomplished what seemed unthinkable. Over nine nights in September on PBS, Ken Burns captivated millions of Americans with his series The Civil War, vividly recounting the brutal 1861-1865 conflict between the states. While many had quickly forgotten their high school lessons on the Civil War, Burns’ series transformed a pivotal historical epoch into an engaging narrative. His storytelling not only brought the war’s extensive scale and profound losses to life but also made it relevant and enthralling for those far removed from the events.

The series was a visual confrontation with the war’s photographic records, marking the first major conflict captured through the lens of photography. Burns delved deep into the past, uncovering connections and stark warnings for the future. His influential filmmaking method, which featured slow pans over haunting battlefield images and weathered faces, became so iconic that even Apple incorporated it as a feature in its iMovie software.

Coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the Civil War, the documentary spotlighted the continuing effects of the war’s deep-seated scars on current policies, societal progress, and basic human decency, all without alienating viewers of varying perspectives. The series begins with a powerful quote from historian Barbara J. Fields, “If there was a single event that caused the war, it was the establishment of the United States in independence from Great Britain with slavery still a part of its heritage.”

Now, 35 years later, Burns returns to explore the implications of Fields’ statement with The American Revolution, a significant new series launched as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of its struggle for independence. The series investigates the foundations of a nascent free nation and examines how choices made centuries ago have paved our challenging path to today. This thought-provoking, six-part series is packed with detail yet remains absorbing throughout. However, the tone is far from celebratory, especially considering The American Revolution arrives amid the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and a daily barrage of societal upheavals and distortions of the truths proclaimed by the Founding Fathers. In these turbulent times, the series poignantly honors the origins of U.S. patriotism while confronting the lasting wounds of its foundational sins.

At 12 hours, this comprehensive documentary is hefty. Burns’ earlier works, like The Civil War and The Vietnam War, were similarly extensive, yet he has mastered the art of pacing, blending personal anecdotes with political narratives, and cultural insights with military strategies. Familiar collaborators, including writer Geoffrey C. Ward and narrator Peter Coyote, join new and returning voices such as Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Samuel L. Jackson, enriching the storytelling. Josh Brolin brings a gritty realism to his portrayal of George Washington.

Yet, The American Revolution faces unique challenges compared to Burns’ previous series. Lacking the visual richness of poignant photographs and archival footage, the series leans more on narration, supplemented by maps, portraits, and digital reconstructions of historical landscapes. A notable scene in episode two uses CGI to depict a Revolutionary War ambush in Canada, a modern twist on Burns’ traditionally simple yet effective military maps.

The filmmakers skillfully weave the war’s strategic developments with its human stories, challenging the sanitized narratives of America’s founding. They address misconceptions about the revolution, often portrayed as a genteel dispute among elite white men in wigs, and highlight the vital roles played by figures like Abigail Adams, who implored her husband to “Remember the Ladies.” This series takes a hard look at the glorified image of the Founding Fathers and the political ideologies that still shape the U.S. today, including a critical examination of George Washington’s engagement with slavery.

Without malice, The American Revolution aims to present an unvarnished look at the origins of American freedoms and the ongoing challenges to those ideals. The series’ meticulous attention to detail and its compelling narrative invite viewers to reconsider the glossy myths of U.S. history and acknowledge the complex reality of its past and its implications for today.

Not everyone will gravitate towards a 12-hour historical documentary, especially in an era dominated by quick content consumption. However, in these critical times, Ken Burns’ thorough and evocative portrayal of American history on the beleaguered PBS network is more vital than ever, serving as a rare form of art and commentary in contemporary television.

The American Revolution debuts November 16 on PBS.

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Avery Sandridge

Avery Sandridge has an unmatched love for storytelling and the screen. From detailed analyses of your favorite shows to behind-the-scenes scoops, Avery offers a fresh and engaging take on everything TV series.