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The Best Episodes of American Masters Season 39

Every episode of American Masters Season 39 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Masters Season 39!

Binge this in 12h 0m•Peaking at 8.5/10

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 39 Episode 1 - The Disappearance of Miss Scott
    8.1/10(52 votes)

    #1 - The Disappearance of Miss Scott

    S39:E1

    How could we forget the one and only Hazel Scott? She was not only the most famous jazz virtuoso of her time, but she was the first African-American to have her own television show. This feature documentary will shine a light on this incredible talent whose voice—like the voices of so many women, especially women of color—has been lost.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. American Masters Season 39 Episode 2 - LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story
    8.0/10(34 votes)

    #2 - LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story

    S39:E2

    Take an intimate look into the life of Liza Minnelli, best known for her Oscar-winning role in Cabaret. Following in the footsteps of her mother Judy Garland, Minnelli used her boundless raw talent to build her own legacy in showbiz.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. American Masters Season 39 Episode 3 - Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse
    7.1/10(26 votes)

    #3 - Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse

    S39:E3

    Explore the work of cartoonist Art Spiegelman and the impact of his Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel Maus, about his parents’ survival of the Holocaust. A defender of free speech, Spiegelman has spoken out as book bans spread across the country.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. American Masters Season 39 Episode 4 - Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
    8.4/10(31 votes)

    #4 - Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

    S39:E4

    Discover the life of singer-songwriter Janis Ian and how she rose as a folk icon and gay rights advocate. She broke ground with “Society’s Child” (1966), a bold take on interracial love, and “At Seventeen” (1975), a searing anthem about bullying.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. American Masters Season 39 Episode 5 - Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny
    7.0/10(7 votes)

    #5 - Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny

    S39:E5

    Discover Hannah Arendt, one of the most fearless political thinkers of the 20th century, who transformed her time as a political prisoner and refugee during World War II into daring insights about totalitarianism which continue to resonate today.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. American Masters Season 39 Episode 6 - Marcella
    8.5/10(71 votes)

    #6 - Marcella

    S39:E6

    Discover how celebrated writer Marcella Hazan shaped Italian cuisine in America. After immigrating to New York in the 1950s, she began making authentic dishes from her Italian roots and inspired millions of Americans with her cookbooks.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of American Masters

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  7. American Masters Season 39 Episode 7 - Marlee Matlin Not Alone Anymore
    7.0/10(16 votes)

    #7 - Marlee Matlin Not Alone Anymore

    S39:E7

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. American Masters Season 39 Episode 8 - Starring Dick Van Dyke
    7.4/10(18 votes)

    #8 - Starring Dick Van Dyke

    S39:E8

    An episode of PBS' American Masters series, dedicated to the movie, TV and Broadway star Dick Van Dyke, with interviews with Dick plus many current and former colleagues and admirers.

    Director:John Scheinfeld
    Writer:John Scheinfeld

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Season 39 Ratings Summary

"The Disappearance of Miss Scott" is the best rated episode of "American Masters" season 39. It scored 8.1/10 based on 52 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 2/21/2025. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story".