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The Best Episodes of Independent Lens Season 27

Every episode of Independent Lens Season 27 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Independent Lens Season 27!

Binge this in 8h 30m•Peaking at 9.0/10

This acclaimed Emmy Award-winning anthology series features documentaries and a limited number of fiction films united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement and unflinching visions of their independent producers and featuring unforgettable stories about a

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Independent Lens Season 27 Episode 1 - Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution
    8.1/10(10 votes)

    #1 - Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution

    S27:E1

    Phil Sharp's RNA discovery reshaped science, medicine, and the global biotech industry.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Independent Lens Season 27 Episode 2 - Ratified
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #2 - Ratified

    S27:E2

    A bipartisan coalition continues a century-long fight to add gender equality into the Constitution.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Independent Lens Season 27 Episode 3 - Life After
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #3 - Life After

    S27:E3

    Disabled filmmaker Reid Davenport investigates assisted dying and uncovers how ableism, policy, and systemic failures can make death seem like the only option. With gripping stories and a personal mission, Life After explores who gets real choice, and who doesn’t, in life and death.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Independent Lens Season 27 Episode 4 - Vivien's Wild Ride
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #4 - Vivien's Wild Ride

    S27:E4

    When legendary film editor Vivien Hillgrove begins losing her sight, she confronts memories of loss and resilience while reinventing herself as an artist with a disability. From her groundbreaking career in cinema to her life on a small farm with her partner, Karen, Vivien’s story reveals how creativity, care, and connection can reshape what it means to see and belong.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Independent Lens Season 27 Episode 5 - The Librarians
    9.0/10(9 votes)

    #5 - The Librarians

    S27:E5

    When lawmakers seek to review a list of books, librarians find themselves on the frontlines of a national battle. Across the U.S., librarians face the impact of uniting against library collection standards that include restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content. Drawing on historical context, The Librarians explores the broader implications for education and public life.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Independent Lens Season 27 Episode 6 - The Inquisitor
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #6 - The Inquisitor

    S27:E6

    Explore the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan in The Inquisitor. Jordan was a groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose sharp intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics. From Nixon’s impeachment to civil rights battles, her voice demanded accountability, while she privately faced struggles few ever knew of.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 27 Ratings Summary

"Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution" is the best rated episode of "Independent Lens" season 27. It scored 8.1/10 based on 10 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 10/6/2025. This episode is rated 8.1 points higher than the second-best, "Ratified".