American Masters

Discover insightful profiles of important figures in America's artistic and cultural life.

Episodes

  • José Clemente Orozco: Man of Fire

    Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco led a life filled with drama, adversity & triumph.
  • Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes

    Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach.
  • A Song for Cesar

    Trace the life and legacy of labor activist Cesar Chavez through music and the arts.
  • Floyd Abrams: Speaking Freely

    Follow the 50-year career of First Amendment lawyer and legal expert Floyd Abrams.
  • Jerry Brown: The Disrupter

    Experience the political and personal journey of California governor Jerry Brown.
  • Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll

    Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard.
  • Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV

    See the world through the eyes of Nam June Paik, the father of video art.
  • In The Making

    Follow two performers as they break down barriers in opera and country music.

Specials

  • Steve Martin on how David Geffen thrived through friendships

    Steve Martin discusses how David Geffen found Hollywood success through his friendships.
  • Filmmaker Jonas Mekas on living in Andy Warhol's New York

    Filmmaker Jonas Mekas describes the burgeoning art scene of New York City in the 1960s.
  • Protactile: A Language of Touch

    DeafBlind people are creating a new language called Protactile, based solely on touch.
  • Protactile: A Language of Touch [Audio Description + ASL]

    DeafBlind people are creating a new language called Protactile, based solely on touch.
  • Protactile: A Language of Touch [Extended Audio Description]

    DeafBlind people are creating a new language called Protactile, based solely on touch.
  • André Leon Talley on Mae West’s impact on fashion and style

    André Leon Talley recounts how Mae West used fashion and her sexuality to empower herself.
  • Fran Drescher on being a showrunner for the American sitcom

    Fran Drescher talks about how she took inspiration from Lucille Ball for "The Nanny."
  • James Earl Jones on Sidney Poitier and acting

    James Earl Jones talks Sidney Poitier's impact on himself and other young Black actors.

About American Masters

American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

Extras