American Masters 1986
What is American Masters?
American Masters is a PBS television series that explores the lives of influential figures in American culture. The show focuses on enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, filmmakers, and others who have made significant contributions to the United States' cultural landscape.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1986
- Status
- Returning Series
- Episodes
- 311
- Runtime
- 90 minutes
- First aired
- Jun 23, 1986
- Last aired
- Mar 17, 2026
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- PBS
- Genres
- Documentary
- Updated
Where to watch
Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 311 episodes and an average 90-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
American Masters is a PBS television series that explores the lives of influential figures in American culture. The show focuses on enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, filmmakers, and others who have made significant contributions to the United States' cultural landscape. Produced by WNET in New York City, the series presents biographical documentaries that celebrate the achievements and lasting impact of its subjects. Through in-depth storytelling, American Masters provides insight into the personal and professional journeys of individuals whose work has shaped American arts and culture. The program has covered a wide range of notable personalities, reflecting the diversity and richness of creative expression in the country. Episodes are available through PBS platforms, offering audiences access to detailed explorations of cultural icons. The series continues to honor those who have left an indelible mark on American society through their artistic and creative contributions.
Should you watch it?
“This PBS series explores the lives and legacies of influential figures in American arts and culture.”
- in-depth artist profiles
- historical cultural context
- subject matter is academic
- pacing is deliberate
Watch it if you are interested in learning about the individuals who shaped the American cultural landscape.
The series features biographical content suitable for general audiences interested in the arts.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 12 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 Private Conversations: On the Set of 'Death of a Salesman' Jun 23, 1986
- E2 Philip Johnson, Self Portrait Jun 30, 1986
- E3 Katherine Anne Porter: The Eye of Memory Jul 7, 1986
- E4 The Unknown Chaplin (1) Jul 14, 1986
- E5 The Unknown Chaplin (2) Jul 21, 1986
- E6 The Unknown Chaplin (3) Jul 28, 1986
- E7 Billie Holiday: The Long Night of Lady Day Aug 4, 1986
- E8 James Levine: A Life in Music Aug 11, 1986
- E9 Aaron Copland: A Self Portrait Aug 18, 1986
- E10 Thomas Eakins: A Motion Portrait Aug 25, 1986
- E11 Georgia O'Keeffe Sep 1, 1986
- E12 Eugene O'Neill: A Glory of Ghosts Sep 8, 1986
Season 2 · 10 episodes
- E1 Isaac in America: A Journey with Isaac Bashevis Singer Jul 6, 1987
- E2 Directed by William Wyler Jul 13, 1987
- E3 Rubinstein Remembered Jul 20, 1987
- E4 Nik and Murray Jul 27, 1987
- E5 George Gershwin Remembered Aug 24, 1987
- E6 Maurice Sendak: Mon Cher Papa Aug 31, 1987
- E7 The Negro Ensemble Company Sep 14, 1987
- E8 Unanswered Prayers: The Life and Times of Truman Capote Sep 21, 1987
- E9 The Ten-Year Lunch: The Wit and Legend of the Algonquin Round Table Sep 28, 1987
- E10 Buster Keaton: Hard Act to Follow Nov 18, 1987
Season 3 · 8 episodes
- E1 Lillian Gish: The Actor's Life for Me Jul 11, 1988
- E2 A Duke Named Ellington Jul 18, 1988
- E3 Andre Kertesz of the Cities Aug 8, 1988
- E4 Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul Aug 22, 1988
- E5 Rivera in America Aug 29, 1988
- E6 Saint-Gaudens: Masque of the Golden Bowl Sep 5, 1988
- E7 Neil Simon: Not Just for Laughs Mar 8, 1989
- E8 Broadway's Dreamers: The Legacy of the Group Theatre Jun 26, 1989
Season 4 · 10 episodes
- E1 Harold Clurman: A Life of Theatre Jul 3, 1989
- E2 Stella Adler: Awake and Dream! Jul 10, 1989
- E3 Satchmo: The Life of Louis Armstrong Jul 31, 1989
- E4 James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket Aug 14, 1989
- E5 Celebrating Bird: The Triumph of Charlie Parker Aug 17, 1989
- E6 Jasper Johns: Ideas in Paint Sep 11, 1989
- E7 Mort Sahl: The Loyal Opposition Sep 18, 1989
- E8 W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult Sep 25, 1989
- E9 Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius Nov 15, 1989
- E10 Milos Forman: Portrait Dec 20, 1989
Season 5 · 8 episodes
- E1 Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer Jul 2, 1990
- E2 John Cassavetes Jul 9, 1990
- E3 Martin Scorsese Directs Jul 16, 1990
- E4 You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story Jul 23, 1990
- E5 Edward R. Murrow: This Reporter Jul 30, 1990
- E6 John Hammond: From Bessie Smith to Bruce Springsteen Aug 20, 1990
- E7 Sanford Meisner: The American Theatre's Best Kept Secret Aug 27, 1990
- E8 John Cage: I Have Nothing to Say and I Am Saying It Sep 17, 1990
Frequently asked questions
What is American Masters?
It is a PBS television series that produces biographies on significant contributors to American culture.
Who is featured in the series?
The series profiles writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, and filmmakers.
What is the focus of the biographies?
Each episode focuses on individuals who have left an indelible impression on the cultural landscape of the United States.
Is this a documentary series?
Yes, the series produces biographies documenting the lives and work of enduring creative figures.
Where can I watch this series?
The series is broadcast on PBS.