American Masters backdrop
Documentary

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

Airs on
PBS
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons40

All12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    American Masters Season 3 Episode 2 - A Duke Named Ellington
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #1 - A Duke Named Ellington

    S3:E2

    Detailed biography of the renowned jazz performer/conductor Duke Ellington and his band, including his easy-going grace and sophistication.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. American Masters Season 4 Episode 6 - Jasper Johns: Ideas in Paint
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #2 - Jasper Johns: Ideas in Paint

    S4:E6

    The mind of a famed neo-abstractionist painter as it expresses itself on canvas.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. American Masters Season 5 Episode 2 - John Cassavetes
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #3 - John Cassavetes

    S5:E2

    A documentary that follows the varied career of the noted film director.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. American Masters Season 5 Episode 7 - Sanford Meisner: The American Theatre's Best Kept Secret
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #4 - Sanford Meisner: The American Theatre's Best Kept Secret

    S5:E7

    The work of an acting coach and instructor who had a profound impact on the American stage.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. American Masters Season 1 Episode 10 - Thomas Eakins: A Motion Portrait
    9.0/10(1 votes)

    #5 - Thomas Eakins: A Motion Portrait

    S1:E10

    The strikingly realistic and unsentimental paintings of the noted artist from Philadelphia.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. American Masters Season 2 Episode 3 - Rubinstein Remembered
    9.0/10(1 votes)

    #6 - Rubinstein Remembered

    S2:E3

    A trip through the life and works of the piano virtuoso Arthur Rubinstein conducted by his son John.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of American Masters

    READ
  7. American Masters Season 2 Episode 5 - George Gershwin Remembered
    9.0/10(1 votes)

    #7 - George Gershwin Remembered

    S2:E5

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. American Masters Season 3 Episode 4 - Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul
    9.0/10(1 votes)

    #8 - Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul

    S3:E4

    Franklin's life - from gospel to Grammy Awards.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. American Masters Season 4 Episode 8 - W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult
    9.0/10(1 votes)

    #9 - W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult

    S4:E8

    The work of the provacative photographer for Life magazine.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. American Masters Season 12 Episode 4 - Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart
    9.0/10(1 votes)

    #10 - Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart

    S12:E4

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. American Masters Season 25 Episode 7 - Woody Allen: A Documentary (1)
    9.0/10(1 votes)

    #11 - Woody Allen: A Documentary (1)

    S25:E7

    A film that traces the life and accomplishments of America's unique and recognized comedian/writer/filmmaker.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. American Masters Season 25 Episode 8 - Woody Allen: A Documentary (2)
    9.0/10(1 votes)

    #12 - Woody Allen: A Documentary (2)

    S25:E8

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. American Masters Season 27 Episode 3 - Mel Brooks: Make a Noise
    9.0/10(1 votes)

    #13 - Mel Brooks: Make a Noise

    S27:E3

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. American Masters Season 1 Episode 3 - Katherine Anne Porter: The Eye of Memory
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #14 - Katherine Anne Porter: The Eye of Memory

    S1:E3

    A biography of the well-known social critic and author Katherine Anne Porter.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. American Masters Season 4 Episode 2 - Stella Adler: Awake and Dream!
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #15 - Stella Adler: Awake and Dream!

    S4:E2

    A retrospective on the career of one of America's finest teachers of acting technique.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. American Masters Season 4 Episode 7 - Mort Sahl: The Loyal Opposition
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #16 - Mort Sahl: The Loyal Opposition

    S4:E7

    The biting comedic satire of Mort Sahl and his rise to prominence in the 1960s.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. American Masters Season 12 Episode 2 - Vaudeville
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #17 - Vaudeville

    S12:E2

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. American Masters Season 19 Episode 8 - Bob Dylan: No Direction Home (2)
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #18 - Bob Dylan: No Direction Home (2)

    S19:E8

    No description available

    Director:Martin Scorsese
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. American Masters Season 26 Episode 5 - Johnny Carson: King of Late Night
    8.0/10(1 votes)

    #19 - Johnny Carson: King of Late Night

    S26:E5

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. American Masters Season 27 Episode 1 - Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll
    8.0/10(2 votes)

    #20 - Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll

    S27:E1

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. American Masters Season 2 Episode 2 - Directed by William Wyler
    7.7/10(6 votes)

    #21 - Directed by William Wyler

    S2:E2

    A retrospective on the rich legacy of cinema directed by Wyler with clips and commentary.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. American Masters Season 10 Episode 5 - Nichols and May: Take Two
    7.7/10(3 votes)

    #22 - Nichols and May: Take Two

    S10:E5

    A chronicle of the 1950s comedy team and the short-lived but memorable career of the duo.

    Director:Phillip Schopper
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. American Masters Season 34 Episode 1 - Miles Davis Birth of the Cool
    7.3/10(8 votes)

    #23 - Miles Davis Birth of the Cool

    S34:E1

    Discover the man behind the legend. With full access to the Miles Davis Estate, the film features never-before-seen footage, including studio outtakes from his recording sessions, rare photos and new interviews.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. American Masters Season 1 Episode 1 - Private Conversations: On the Set of 'Death of a Salesman'
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #24 - Private Conversations: On the Set of 'Death of a Salesman'

    S1:E1

    A behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman for television.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. American Masters Season 2 Episode 4 - Nik and Murray
    7.0/10(1 votes)

    #25 - Nik and Murray

    S2:E4

    A story of two talented personalities, Alwin Nikolais and Murray Louis, and their collaborations in the world of dance.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

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".