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The Best Episodes of American Masters

Every episode of American Masters ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of American Masters!

Binge this in 18d 15h•Peaking at 10.0/10

American Masters is a PBS television series which produces biographies on enduring writers, musicians, visual and performing artists, dramatists, filmmakers, and others who have left an indelible impression on the cultural landscape of the United

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#1 Fan Favorite
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10.0/10(1 votes)
#1 - A Duke Named Ellington
S3:E27/18/1988
Detailed biography of the renowned jazz performer/conductor Duke Ellington and his band, including his easy-going grace and sophistication.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
10.0/10(1 votes)
#2 - Jasper Johns: Ideas in Paint
S4:E69/11/1989
The mind of a famed neo-abstractionist painter as it expresses itself on canvas.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
10.0/10(1 votes)
#3 - John Cassavetes
S5:E27/9/1990
A documentary that follows the varied career of the noted film director.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
10.0/10(1 votes)
#4 - Sanford Meisner: The American Theatre's Best Kept Secret
S5:E78/27/1990
The work of an acting coach and instructor who had a profound impact on the American stage.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
10.0/10(1 votes)
#5 - Andrew Wyeth
S32:E69/7/2018
Wyeth tells the story of one of America’s most popular, but least understood, artists – Andrew Wyeth. Son of the famous illustrator N.C. Wyeth, Andrew had his first exhibition at age 20, and his painting “Christina’s World” was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in 1948. While Wyeth’s exhibitions routinely broke attendance records, art world critics continually assaulted his work. Detailing the stunning drawings and powerful portraits he created in Chadds Ford, Pa., and on the coast of Cushing, Maine, Wyeth explores his inspirations, including neighbor Christina Olsen and his hidden muse, the German model Helga Testorf, who he painted secretly for 15 years. Through unprecedented access to Wyeth’s family members, including sons Jamie and Nicholas Wyeth, and never-before-seen archival materials from the family’s personal collection and hundreds of Wyeth’s studies, drawings and paintings, American Masters presents the most complete portrait of the artist yet — bearing witness to a legacy just at the moment it is evolving.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
9.0/10(1 votes)
#6 - Thomas Eakins: A Motion Portrait
S1:E108/25/1986
The strikingly realistic and unsentimental paintings of the noted artist from Philadelphia.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown

The 20 WORST Episodes of American Masters

9.0/10(1 votes)
#7 - Rubinstein Remembered
S2:E37/20/1987
A trip through the life and works of the piano virtuoso Arthur Rubinstein conducted by his son John.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
9.0/10(1 votes)
#8 - George Gershwin Remembered
S2:E58/24/1987
The music of the unique American master composer (as well as his brother Ira) with insights from his collaborators and friends.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
9.0/10(1 votes)
#9 - Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul
S3:E48/22/1988
Franklin's life - from gospel to Grammy Awards.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
9.0/10(1 votes)
#10 - W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult
S4:E89/25/1989
The work of the provacative photographer for Life magazine.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
9.0/10(1 votes)
#11 - Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart
S12:E44/29/1998
Profile of one of the major leaders of new directions in rock music.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
9.0/10(1 votes)
#12 - Woody Allen: A Documentary (1)
S25:E711/20/2011
A film that traces the life and accomplishments of America's unique and recognized comedian/writer/filmmaker.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
9.0/10(1 votes)
#13 - Woody Allen: A Documentary (2)
S25:E811/21/2011
Iconic writer, director, actor, comedian, and musician Woody Allen allowed his life and creative process to be documented on-camera for the first time. With this unprecedented access, Emmy®-winning, Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Robert Weide followed the notoriously private film legend over a year and a half to create the ultimate film biography.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
9.0/10(1 votes)
#14 - Mel Brooks: Make a Noise
S27:E35/20/2013
A profile of Mel Brooks, the comic mastermind behind such classics as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Featured are remarks from friends and associates, including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Cloris Leachman, Carl Reiner and Joan Rivers, as well as archival comments from his wife of 41 years, Anne Bancroft (1931-2005).
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
9.0/10(1 votes)
#15 - Ted Williams: “The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived”
S32:E37/23/2018
American Masters: Ted Williams (w.t.) will also look at the impact the iconic hitter has had on the current generation of stars in Major League Baseball. Superstars like Kris Bryant, Daniel Murphy and Josh Donaldson have credited Williams’ methods to hitting as guides in their own approach today.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
8.0/10(1 votes)
#16 - Katherine Anne Porter: The Eye of Memory
S1:E37/7/1986
A biography of the well-known social critic and author Katherine Anne Porter.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
8.0/10(1 votes)
#17 - Stella Adler: Awake and Dream!
S4:E27/10/1989
A retrospective on the career of one of America's finest teachers of acting technique.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
8.0/10(1 votes)
#18 - Mort Sahl: The Loyal Opposition
S4:E79/18/1989
The biting comedic satire of Mort Sahl and his rise to prominence in the 1960s.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
8.0/10(1 votes)
#19 - Vaudeville
S12:E211/26/1997
The origins and growth of a unique form of live entertainment in the 20th century.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
8.0/10(1 votes)
#20 - Bob Dylan: No Direction Home (2)
S19:E89/27/2005
No description available
Director:Martin Scorsese
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Martin Scorsese
Writer:Unknown
8.0/10(1 votes)
#21 - Johnny Carson: King of Late Night
S26:E55/14/2012
Quite possibly the biggest star that television has ever produced, Carson commanded, at his peak, a nightly audience of 15 million viewers – double the current audience of Leno and Letterman – combined. Rarely giving interviews, Carson chose to remain a very private man whose public persona made him an American superstar.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
8.0/10(2 votes)
#22 - Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll
S27:E12/22/2013
Despite not being a household name today, Sister Rosetta Tharpe is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Her flamboyance, skill, and showmanship on the newly electrified guitar played a vital role in the conception of Rock & Roll as a genre of music. Featuring archival performances and using new interviews with fellow musicians, producers, friends, and colleagues, this film tells the story of a talented and determined woman that introduces spiritual passion of her gospel music background into Rock & Roll. Learn more about Sister Rosetta Tharpe, her life story, and lasting artistic legacy.
Director:Mick Csáky
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Mick Csáky
Writer:Unknown
8.0/10(1 votes)
#23 - Jacques Pépin: The Art of Craft
S31:E55/26/2017
Discover the story of Chef Jacques Pépin (b. December 18, 1935), a young immigrant with movie-star looks, a charming Gallic accent, and a mastery of cooking and teaching so breathtaking he became an early food icon—joining James Beard and Julia Child among the handful of Americans who transformed the way the country views the food world.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
8.0/10(1 votes)
#24 - HOPPER: An American Love Story
S38:E11/2/2024
Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works. Known for “Nighthawks” and other evocative paintings of American life, Hopper has left a lasting impression on our culture. Meet the man behind the brush, and see how his marriage to fellow artist Josephine Nivison Hopper shaped his art and career.
Directors:Michael Cascio, Phil Grabsky
Writers:Michael Cascio, Phil Grabsky
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Directors:Michael Cascio, Phil Grabsky
Writers:Michael Cascio, Phil Grabsky
7.7/10(6 votes)
#25 - Directed by William Wyler
S2:E27/13/1987
A retrospective on the rich legacy of cinema directed by Wyler with clips and commentary.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown

Best Episodes Summary

"A Duke Named Ellington" is the best rated episode of "American Masters". It scored 10/10 based on 1 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 7/18/1988. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Jasper Johns: Ideas in Paint".