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Benjamin Franklin Season 1 Episodes

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Ken Burns's four-hour documentary, "Benjamin Franklin," explores the revolutionary life of one of the 18th century's most consequential and compelling personalities, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States. "Write things worth reading," he said in "Poor Richard's Almanack," "or do things worth the writing." Benjamin Franklin did both.

Season 1 Episode Guide

Season 1

7 Episodes 2022 - 2022

Episode 1

Join or Die (1706-1774)

Mon, Apr 4, 2022115 mins

Benjamin Franklin leaves Boston and reinvents himself in Philadelphia where he builds a printing empire. Turning to science, his experiments in electricity earn him worldwide fame. In London, he tries to build relationships.

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Benjamin Franklin, Season 1 Episode 1 image

Episode 2

An American (1775-1790)

Tue, Apr 5, 2022

Franklin returns to wartime Philadelphia and joins Congress. He helps Thomas Jefferson craft the Declaration of Independence. In Paris, he wins French support for the American Revolution then negotiates a peace treaty with Britain.

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Benjamin Franklin, Season 1 Episode 2 image

Episode 101

Franklin And Writing

Thu, Mar 3, 2022

Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.

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Episode 102

Franklin And Innovation

Tue, Mar 8, 2022

Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.

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Episode 103

Benjamin Franklin And American Diplomacy

Mon, Mar 21, 2022

Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.

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Episode 104

Franklin And Revolution

Tue, Mar 29, 2022

Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.

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Episode 105

A Discussion With Mandy Patinkin And Michael Douglas

Fri, Apr 1, 2022

Ken Burns speaks with Mandy Patinkin and Michael Douglas.

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