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.
#1 - Unknown Chaplin: Part 1 - My Happiest Years
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 7/14/1986
Charlie Chaplin was one of the greatest and widely loved silent movie stars. From “Easy Street” (1917) to “Modern Times” (1936), he made many of the funniest and most popular films of his time. He was best known for his character, the naive and lovable Little Tramp.
Watch Now:Amazon
#2 - Philip Johnson: A 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.
Watch Now:Apple TV
#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
#4 - Unknown Chaplin: Part 2 - The Great Director
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 7/21/1986
Second of a three-part series on the life and work of Charlie Chaplin.
#5 - Unknown Chaplin: Part 3 - Hidden Treasures
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 7/28/1986
Third of a three-part series on the life and work of Charlie Chaplin.
#6 - Arthur Miller: Private Conversations
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
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.