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Documentary•War & Politics

The Best Episodes of The American Revolution Season 1

Every episode of The American Revolution Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The American Revolution Season 1!

Binge this in 11h 56m•Peaking at 4.0/10

The American Revolution was at once a war for independence, a war of conquest, a civil war, and a world war, fought by neighbors on American farms and between global powers an ocean or more

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 1 - In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)
    3.8/10(18 votes)

    #1 - In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)

    S1:E1

    Opposition in colonial North America to British policies over taxes, land and sovereignty escalates into violent confrontation; war gives 13 colonies a common cause.

    Directors:Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  2. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 2 - An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)
    3.6/10(17 votes)

    #2 - An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)

    S1:E2

    Congress puts George Washington in command of a new Continental Army; Congress declares American independence in July 1776.

    Directors:Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  3. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 3 - The Times That Try Men's Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)
    4.0/10(18 votes)

    #3 - The Times That Try Men's Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)

    S1:E3

    British General Howe defeats General Washington, forcing the Americans to abandon New York; Washington's army regroups in New Jersey before attacking an outpost at Trenton.

    Directors:Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  4. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 4 - Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)
    3.6/10(17 votes)

    #4 - Conquer by a Drawn Game (January 1777 – February 1778)

    S1:E4

    General Howe takes Philadelphia, but the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to support the U.S.

    Directors:Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  5. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 5 - The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)
    3.6/10(17 votes)

    #5 - The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)

    S1:E5

    The French-American alliance changes the war and moves it to other theaters; navies battle off England and in the Caribbean, while armies advance in Indian Country and the South; the British take Charleston.

    Directors:Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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  6. The American Revolution Season 1 Episode 6 - The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)
    3.7/10(18 votes)

    #6 - The Most Sacred Thing (May 1780 – Onward)

    S1:E6

    British General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states; supported by the French, a victory at Yorktown secures independence for the Americans.

    Directors:Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt
    Writer:Geoffrey C. Ward

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of The American Revolution

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"In Order to Be Free (May 1754 – May 1775)" is the best rated episode of "The American Revolution" season 1. It scored 3.8/10 based on 18 votes. Directed by Sarah Botstein, Ken Burns, David P. Schmidt and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, it aired on 11/16/2025. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "An Asylum for Mankind (May 1775 – July 1776)".