DocumentaryPBS

The Best Episodes of American Masters Season 5

Every episode of American Masters Season 5 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of American Masters Season 5!

Binge this in 12h 0m·Peaking at 8.4/10

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    American Masters Season 5 Episode 6 - John Hammond: From Bessie Smith to Bruce Springsteen
    8.4/10(124 votes)
    S5:E6

    A documentary on the 50 year career of a legendary producer of recording artists and musicians.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. American Masters Season 5 Episode 4 - You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story
    7.8/10(163 votes)
    S5:E4

    The career of Porter as seen through filmed versions of his work and commentary from performance stars.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. American Masters Season 5 Episode 5 - Edward R. Murrow: This Reporter
    7.8/10(143 votes)
    S5:E5

    The fascinating life of the model for the "hard-boiled" radio and television journalist.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. American Masters Season 5 Episode 3 - Martin Scorsese Directs
    7.6/10(75 votes)
    S5:E3

    Interviews and film clips document the hard-hitting film work of Scorsese.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. American Masters Season 5 Episode 2 - John Cassavetes
    7.4/10(278 votes)
    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

  6. American Masters Season 5 Episode 8 - John Cage: I Have Nothing to Say and I Am Saying It
    7.3/10(122 votes)
    S5:E8

    The outrageously odd and original compositions of an avant-garde musician.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of American Masters

    READ
  8. American Masters Season 5 Episode 7 - Sanford Meisner: The American Theatre's Best Kept Secret
    7.2/10(59 votes)
    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

  9. American Masters Season 5 Episode 1 - Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer
    6.3/10(9 votes)
    S5:E1

    The life of the famous director and scriptwriter, from his writings for the stage to his Hollywood acclaim.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 5 Ratings Summary

"John Hammond: From Bessie Smith to Bruce Springsteen" is the best rated episode of American Masters season 5. It scored 8.4/10 from 124 votes. Written and directed by Unknown, it aired on August 20, 1990. This episode is rated 0.6 points higher than the second-best, "You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story".