Watch Ken Burns: American Lives

Ken Burns is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and in 1997, he created a series for PBS titled "Ken Burns: American Lives." This series is a collection of profiles on some of the most influential and notable figures in American history, exploring their lives and legacies in detail.

Each episode focuses on a different individual and consists of interviews with experts, historians, and family members, as well as archival footage and photos. The subjects of the episodes include people from diverse backgrounds such as politicians, writers, athletes, musicians, and civil rights leaders.

The first episode of "Ken Burns: American Lives" is about the architect of the Vietnam War, former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. The episode explores McNamara's role in America's involvement in Vietnam as well as his experience in World War II and his career at Ford Motor Company. The episode also delves into McNamara's leadership style, which was controversial and polarizing, and his later work to prevent nuclear war.

Other episodes in the series cover subjects such as scientist and environmentalist Rachel Carson, abolitionist Frederick Douglass, playwright Eugene O'Neill, and comedian Richard Pryor. The series highlights the struggles and triumphs of each person, and the impact they had on American culture and society.

One of the strengths of "Ken Burns: American Lives" is the way it presents a multifaceted view of each individual. Rather than simply glorifying their accomplishments, the episodes explore the complexities and contradictions of each person. For example, the episode on Frederick Douglass looks at both his abolitionist work and his complicated personal life, including his relationship with the white woman who became his wife.

The series also provides a broader historical context for each subject's life. For instance, the episode on Rachel Carson explores not only her pioneering work in environmentalism but also the social and political climate of the time. She faced significant opposition from the chemical industry and politicians who didn't believe in the dangers of pesticide use.

"Ken Burns: American Lives" is not just a collection of biographies—it's a look at the evolution of American culture and politics through the lens of some of its most influential figures. The series touches on important topics such as civil rights, the Vietnam War, and the intersection of politics and the media.

Overall, "Ken Burns: American Lives" is an engaging and informative series that shines a light on some of America's most influential individuals. Through compelling storytelling and insightful analysis, the series paints a vivid picture of America's past and provides an illuminating look at its present.

Ken Burns: American Lives is a series that ran for 1 seasons (15 episodes) between November 7, 1999 and on PBS