Benjamin Franklin
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.
- Metascore76
- 2022-2022
- 1 season
- PBS
- Documentary
- TV-14
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
7 Episodes 2022
Episode 1
Join or Die (1706-1774)
Mon, Apr 4, 2022 115 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.
Episode 2
An American (1775-1790)
Tue, Apr 5, 2022 113 mins
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.
Episode 101
Franklin And Writing
Thu, Mar 3, 2022
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Episode 102
Franklin And Innovation
Tue, Mar 8, 2022
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Episode 103
Benjamin Franklin And American Diplomacy
Mon, Mar 21, 2022
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Episode 104
Franklin And Revolution
Tue, Mar 29, 2022
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Episode 105
A Discussion With Mandy Patinkin And Michael Douglas
Fri, Apr 1, 2022
Ken Burns speaks with Mandy Patinkin and Michael Douglas.