Season guide

American Masters: Season 12

6 episodes Premiered Sep 17, 1997 Updated Sep 30, 2026

Previously on American Masters

Season 12 Lore Primer

Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.

⚡ Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of American Masters Season 11.
⚡ Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
⚡ Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
⚡ Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.

Season 12 Episodes

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Binge Efficiency Engine

Filter episodes by narrative weight. Focus on essential mytharc and skip standalone side quests.

50%

Mytharc (3): Crucial lore & season climaxes

Core (3): Character development & subplots

Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler

S12·E1 Mytharc

Sep 17, 1997 · 90 min

The poetry of the noted "beat generation" poet and the post World War II lifestyle and values reflected within his works.

S12·E2 Core

Nov 26, 1997 · 90 min

The origins and growth of a unique form of live entertainment in the 20th century.

S12·E3 Core

Feb 4, 1998 · 90 min

A profile of writer-director Billy Wilder.

S12·E4 Core

Apr 29, 1998 · 90 min

Profile of one of the major leaders of new directions in rock music.

S12·E5 Mytharc

May 1, 1998 · 90 min

The work of Don Hewitt in the CBS news department and the story of the long-running new magazine 60 Minutes.

S12·E6 Mytharc

Jun 17, 1998 · 90 min

A biography of the acclaimed sculptor known for his mobiles and large public art pieces.