In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States, South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is spotlighting South Carolina’s vital contributions to the Revolutionary War this November and beyond with two special programs and the national premiere of the highly anticipated documentary series The American Revolution. With additional content releasing in 2026, these programs are part of SCETV’s initiative to showcase South Carolina’s local impact and contributions to the war, as well as broader themes of civics, freedom and history.
A new episode of the SCETV digital series History in a Nutshell titled “Revolutionary War Generals of South Carolina” was broadcast on Nov. 10. Producer Andrew Davis explores the stories of three of the state’s most celebrated partisan generals— Andrew Pickens, Thomas Sumter and Francis Marion— whose leadership and tactics helped turn the tide of the war in the South. Viewers will discover details about their early lives, how prior conflicts with Native Americans influenced their wartime strategies and the origins of their famous nicknames: the “Swamp Fox,” the “Fighting Gamecock” and the “Wizard Owl.” These generals’ names live on across the state today, reflecting a lasting impact on South Carolina’s identity and history. Viewers who missed the Nov. 10 airing can watch the program on Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. on ETV World or on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. on ETV. The episode is also currently available to stream on KnowItAll.org, the SCETV YouTube channel and in the PBS App.
On Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., SCETV will air Dr. Walter Edgar & Ken Burns: The American Revolution and South Carolina’s Pivotal Role. This exclusive conversation features renowned South Carolina historian Dr. Walter Edgar and award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns discussing Burns’s latest project, The American Revolution. Filmed during Burns’ trip to South Carolina in early 2025, he shares insights into the research, production and storytelling that brought the series to life. Burns and Dr. Edgar also further examine South Carolina’s crucial role in the Southern Campaign. Their discussion highlights key figures and battles, including The Fall of Charleston, The Battle of Kings Mountain and The Battle of Sullivan’s Island. They also explore the deeply personal nature of the conflict, where neighbors and families were divided between patriots and loyalists. Burns and Dr. Edgar also reflect on how the Revolution was both a fight for independence and a civil war that reshaped communities across the South. The conversation will be available to stream on the SCETV website and in the SCETV App and PBS App.
Immediately following the conversation, at 8 p.m. on ETV, viewers can watch the national premiere of Ken Burns’ six-part, 12-hour documentary series The American Revolution. Airing nightly through Nov. 21, the series examines how thirteen British colonies rose in rebellion, won independence and established a new form of government that transformed the world. The series was directed and produced by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, and written by Geoffrey C. Ward. The full series will also be available for streaming on PBS.org and in the PBS App.
With SCETV releasing additional local content in 2026, these programs showcase South Carolina’s impact and contributions to the war as well as the enduring themes of civics, freedom and history that continue to shape our state and nation. Through documentaries, digital features, educational resources and community engagement, SCETV remains committed to sharing the stories and perspectives that bring South Carolina’s revolutionary legacy to life. More information on SCETV’s content around America’s 250th anniversary can be found on the SCETV website at SCETV.org/250.
Corporate funding for The American Revolution was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for the film was provided by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. The American Revolution was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
QUOTES
“SCETV is proud to present programming that deepens our understanding of South Carolina’s essential role in the founding of our nation. These programs remind us that the fight for independence was not only a national story, but also a deeply local one that shaped the people, places and ideals that continue to define South Carolina today.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“By pairing History in a Nutshell with this insightful conversation between Dr. Walter Edgar and Ken Burns, viewers can see how the stories of South Carolina’s Revolutionary War heroes connect to the broader narrative of America’s founding. It’s a powerful way to reflect on the courage, conflict and conviction that shaped both our state and our country.” –SCETV Director of Television Cheryl Nunnley
“The story of America’s Revolution cannot be told without South Carolina. The struggles, victories and sacrifices that happened here were pivotal to the outcome of the war and to the creation of the nation itself.” –Walter Edgar’s Journal and South Carolina From A to Z Host Dr. Walter Edgar
“South Carolina’s Revolutionary War history is rich, complex and deeply personal. Through History in a Nutshell and our conversation with Ken Burns, we’re proud to give audiences an opportunity to connect with the individuals and events that shaped our state’s place in America’s founding.” –SCETV Producer Andrew Davis
FAST FACTS
- The History in a Nutshell episode titled “Revolutionary War Generals of South Carolina” was broadcast on Nov. 10, highlighting generals Andrew Pickens, Thomas Sumter and Francis Marion. Viewers who missed the Nov. 10 airing can watch the program on Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. on ETV World and on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. on ETV.
- Dr. Walter Edgar & Ken Burns: The American Revolution and South Carolina’s Pivotal Role premieres Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. on ETV, featuring an in-depth discussion on South Carolina’s influence in the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War.
- Ken Burns’ six-part, 12-hour documentary series The American Revolution debuts Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. on ETV and continues nightly through Nov. 21.
- SCETV is showcasing South Carolina’s impact and contributions to the Revolutionary War in honor of the 250th anniversary. More information can be found on the SCETV website at SCETV.org/250.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
