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The Best Episodes of American Masters Season 29

Every episode of American Masters Season 29 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Masters Season 29!

Binge this in 12h 0m•Peaking at 8.2/10

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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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    American Masters Season 29 Episode 1 - Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice
    6.8/10(45 votes)

    #1 - Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice

    S29:E1

    This portrait of the inimitable magician Ricky Jay delves into the mysterious world of sleight-of-hand and its small circle of eccentric devotees. Jay is also a best-selling author, historian, actor and a leading collector of antiquarian books and artifacts. Told largely in Jay’s own distinctive voice, the documentary traces the story of his achievement and that of other master magicians.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. American Masters Season 29 Episode 2 - August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand
    7.7/10(81 votes)

    #2 - August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand

    S29:E2

    Unprecedented access to Wilson’s theatrical archives, rarely seen interviews and new dramatic readings bring to life his seminal 10-play cycle chronicling a century of African-American life. Wilson won two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama.

    Director:Sam Pollard
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. American Masters Season 29 Episode 3 - Jascha Heifetz: God's Fiddler
    6.9/10(42 votes)

    #3 - Jascha Heifetz: God's Fiddler

    S29:E3

    A profile of legendary violin virtuoso Jascha Heifetz (1901-87), featuring remarks from violinists Itzhak Perlman, Ivry Gitlis and Ida Haendel; former students Ayke Agus and Sherry Kloss; and biographers John Anthony Maltese and Arthur Vered.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. American Masters Season 29 Episode 4 - American Ballet Theatre: A History
    8.2/10(67 votes)

    #4 - American Ballet Theatre: A History

    S29:E4

    Delving into the rich history of one of the world’s preeminent ballet companies, Ric Burns combines intimate rehearsal footage, virtuoso performances and interviews with American Ballet Theatre’s key figures.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. American Masters Season 29 Episode 5 - Harper Lee
    8.0/10(29 votes)

    #5 - Harper Lee

    S29:E5

    One of the biggest American bestsellers of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) was thought to be the first and only novel by Harper Lee. However, on July 14, 2015, Go Set a Watchman was released, featuring characters from Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Newly updated version of Mary McDonagh Murphy’s 2012 documentary, Harper Lee: Hey, Boo.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. American Masters Season 29 Episode 6 - Althea
    7.5/10(55 votes)

    #6 - Althea

    S29:E6

    This is the story of Althea Gibson (1927-2003), a truant from the rough streets of Harlem, who emerged as the unlikely queen of the highly segregated tennis world in the 1950s. She was the first African American to play and win at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals (precursor of the U.S. Open) — a decade before Arthur Ashe. Interviewees include Wimbledon champion Dick Savitt and Billie Jean King.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of American Masters

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  7. American Masters Season 29 Episode 7 - Pedro E. Guerrero: A Photographer's Journey
    7.0/10(15 votes)

    #7 - Pedro E. Guerrero: A Photographer's Journey

    S29:E7

    An exclusive interview with Mexican-American photographer Pedro E. Guerrero explores his life and work. He collaborated with iconic American artists of the 20th century -- architect Frank Lloyd Wright and sculptors Alexander Calder and Louise Nevelson -- and became one of the most sought-after photographers of the “Mad Men” era.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. American Masters Season 29 Episode 8 - The Women's List
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #8 - The Women's List

    S29:E8

    Meet 15 women who define contemporary American culture in Timothy Greenfield-Sanders’ new “List” film featuring Madeleine Albright, Margaret Cho, Edie Falco, Betsey Johnson, Alicia Keys, Nancy Pelosi, Rosie Perez, Wendy Williams and more. All trailblazers in their fields, these women share their experiences struggling against discrimination and overcoming challenges to make their voices heard.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 29 Ratings Summary

"Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice" is the best rated episode of "American Masters" season 29. It scored 6.8/10 based on 45 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/23/2015. This episode is rated 0.9 points higher than the second-best, "August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand".