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American Masters Season 31 Episodes
Season 31 Episode Guide
10 Episodes 2017 - 2017
Episode 1
By Sidney Lumet
Tue, Jan 3, 2017116 mins
Prolific and versatile filmmaker Sidney Lumet made 44 films in 50 years, earning the Academy Honorary Award for lifetime achievement after four Oscar nominations. Considered a quintessential New York filmmaker, Lumet frequently used New York City's urban mettle to infuse his films with a realism and intensity that kept audiences in suspense while prodding them to consider their own morality. He tells his own story in a never-before-seen interview shot in 2008. With candor, humor and grace, Lumet reveals what matters to him as an artist and as a human being. Weaving Lumet's personal stories and commentary with scenes from his films creates a portrait of one of the most accomplished, influential and socially conscious directors in the history of cinema. The American Masters broadcast features a new, exclusive interview with Golden Globe- and Emmy Award-nominated actor Treat Williams, who starred in Lumet's Prince of the City.
Episode 2
Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise
Tue, Feb 21, 2017
As a singer, dancer, activist, and writer, Maya Angelou inspired generations with boundary-pushing, African-American writings. Trace Angelou's incredible journey as she unwraps untold aspects of her life through rare footage, photographs, and her own words.
Episode 3
Patsy Cline
Sat, Mar 4, 201760 mins
Despite growing commercial success and a rigorous schedule, Patsy Cline continued to manage her household herself. Even as "Crazy" rocketed to the top of the charts in 1962, she balanced domestic duties like cooking, cleaning and raising her children with all of the demands of life as a performing artist.
Episode 4
James Beard: America's First Foodie
Fri, Apr 28, 201753 mins
This show explores food through the life of James Beard, who spoke of the importance of localism and sustainability long before those terms had entered the vernacular. A chef with many hats, Beard helped pioneer and expand the food media industry.
Episode 5
Jacques Pépin: The Art of Craft
Fri, May 26, 201754 mins
Jacques Pépin's story is a tale even his legions of devoted fans may not be familiar with. Today he is known as a kitchen supernova, but in telling his own story in this documentary profile, he acknowledges that the very notion of being a "celebrity chef" was not only unplanned, it was virtually unthinkable in the profession and world in which he grew up.
Episode 6
Richard Linklater: Dream is Destiny
Fri, Sep 1, 2017
This episode page reflects the reshowing of the original title Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny (2016) as part of the American Masters Series
Episode 7
Tyrus
Fri, Sep 8, 2017
Until his death at the age of 106, Tyrus Wong was America's oldest living Chinese-American artist and one of the last remaining artists from the golden age of Disney animation. The quiet beauty of his Eastern-influenced paintings had a pioneering impact on American art and popular culture.
Episode 8
Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive
Mon, Oct 30, 201784 mins
The life of noted American author and poet Edgar Allan Poe is examined in this PBS documentary.
Episode 9
Inspiring Woman Web Series
Wed, Nov 8, 2017
Today, American Masters, THIRTEEN's 28-time Emmy-winning arts and culture documentary series on PBS, launched its first web series, Inspiring Woman. The six-part web series features inspiring influencers.
Episode 10
This Is Bob Hope...
Fri, Dec 29, 2017115 mins
Explores the entertainer's life with unprecedented access to his personal archives including writings voiced by Billy Crystal, clips from his body of work, and interviews with Woody Allen, Margaret Cho, Conan O'Brien, Tom Selleck and Brooke Shields.