The BEST episodes of American Masters season 1

Every episode of American Masters season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of American Masters season 1!

To honor America's most notable creative artists and the inspiration behind their work. Special broadcasts profiles a cross-section of the nation's finest artistic pioneers from the past and present.

Last Updated: 4/24/2024Network: PBSStatus: Continuing
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The Unknown Chaplin (1)
star
8.00
1 votes

#1 - The Unknown Chaplin (1)

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 7/14/1986

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Philip Johnson, Self Portrait
star
7.00
1 votes

#2 - Philip Johnson, Self Portrait

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 6/30/1986

One of America's best-known architects is profiled, with emphasis on his early career and his later movement away from minimalism.

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Katherine Anne Porter: The Eye of Memory
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7.00
1 votes

#3 - Katherine Anne Porter: The Eye of Memory

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 7/7/1986

A biography of the well-known social critic and author Katherine Anne Porter.

Watch Now:Apple TV
The Unknown Chaplin (2)
star
7.00
1 votes

#4 - The Unknown Chaplin (2)

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 7/21/1986

The Unknown Chaplin (3)
star
7.00
1 votes

#5 - The Unknown Chaplin (3)

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 7/28/1986

Private Conversations: On the Set of 'Death of a Salesman'
star
4.50
2 votes

#6 - Private Conversations: On the Set of 'Death of a Salesman'

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 6/23/1986

A behind-the-scenes look at the filming of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman for television.

Watch Now:Apple TV
Eugene O'Neill: A Glory of Ghosts
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0.00
0 votes

#7 - Eugene O'Neill: A Glory of Ghosts

Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 9/8/1986

An examination of the life and work of the intellectually serious and talented playwright and his impact on the world of theater.

Billie Holiday: The Long Night of Lady Day
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#8 - Billie Holiday: The Long Night of Lady Day

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 8/4/1986

A biography of Billie Holiday, one of America's most unique and emotional jazz singers and the tragic end of her life at an early age. Her story and career are portrayed through rare archival film and television appearances, memorable renditions of her greatest songs, and interviews with friends and colleagues.

James Levine: A Life in Music
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#9 - James Levine: A Life in Music

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 8/11/1986

The musical career of the long-time conductor of New York City's Metropolitan Opera as reflected by following his normal working day on camera.

Aaron Copland: A Self Portrait
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#10 - Aaron Copland: A Self Portrait

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 8/18/1986

One of America's signature classical composers and the unique elements he incorporated into his pieces.

Thomas Eakins: A Motion Portrait
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#11 - Thomas Eakins: A Motion Portrait

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 8/25/1986

The strikingly realistic and unsentimental paintings of the noted artist from Philadelphia.

Georgia O'Keeffe
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#12 - Georgia O'Keeffe

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 9/1/1986

A profile of the noted American artist originally produced to celebrate her 90th birthday.