The BEST episodes of American Masters season 29

Every episode of American Masters season 29, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of American Masters season 29!

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: 11/6/2024Network: PBSStatus: Continuing
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American Ballet Theatre:  A History
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9.50
2 votes

#1 - American Ballet Theatre: A History

Season 29 - Episode 4 - Aired 5/15/2015

Delving into the rich history of one of the world’s preeminent ballet companies, Ric Burns combines intimate rehearsal footage, virtuoso performances and interviews with American Ballet Theatre’s key figures.

Watch Now:Amazon
star
9.00
1 votes

#2 - Harper Lee

Season 29 - Episode 5 - Aired 7/10/2015

One of the biggest American bestsellers of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) was thought to be the first and only novel by Harper Lee. However, on July 14, 2015, Go Set a Watchman was released, featuring characters from Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Newly updated version of Mary McDonagh Murphy’s 2012 documentary, Harper Lee: Hey, Boo.

Watch Now:Amazon
August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand
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8.00
3 votes

#3 - August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand

Season 29 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/20/2015

Unprecedented access to Wilson’s theatrical archives, rarely seen interviews and new dramatic readings bring to life his seminal 10-play cycle chronicling a century of African-American life. Wilson won two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama.

Watch Now:Amazon
Jascha Heifetz: God's Fiddler
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8.00
1 votes

#4 - Jascha Heifetz: God's Fiddler

Season 29 - Episode 3 - Aired 4/16/2015

A profile of legendary violin virtuoso Jascha Heifetz (1901-87), featuring remarks from violinists Itzhak Perlman, Ivry Gitlis and Ida Haendel; former students Ayke Agus and Sherry Kloss; and biographers John Anthony Maltese and Arthur Vered.

Watch Now:Amazon
Althea
star
7.50
2 votes

#5 - Althea

Season 29 - Episode 7 - Aired 9/4/2015

This is the story of Althea Gibson (1927-2003), a truant from the rough streets of Harlem, who emerged as the unlikely queen of the highly segregated tennis world in the 1950s. She was the first African American to play and win at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals (precursor of the U.S. Open) — a decade before Arthur Ashe. Interviewees include Wimbledon champion Dick Savitt and Billie Jean King.

Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice
star
7.00
1 votes

#6 - Ricky Jay: Deceptive Practice

Season 29 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/23/2015

This portrait of the inimitable magician Ricky Jay delves into the mysterious world of sleight-of-hand and its small circle of eccentric devotees. Jay is also a best-selling author, historian, actor and a leading collector of antiquarian books and artifacts. Told largely in Jay’s own distinctive voice, the documentary traces the story of his achievement and that of other master magicians.

Pedro E. Guerrero: A Photographer's Journey
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#7 - Pedro E. Guerrero: A Photographer's Journey

Season 29 - Episode 6 - Aired 9/18/2015

An exclusive interview with Mexican-American photographer Pedro E. Guerrero explores his life and work. He collaborated with iconic American artists of the 20th century -- architect Frank Lloyd Wright and sculptors Alexander Calder and Louise Nevelson -- and became one of the most sought-after photographers of the “Mad Men” era.

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#8 - The Women's List

Season 29 - Episode 8 - Aired 9/25/2015

Meet 15 women who define contemporary American culture in Timothy Greenfield-Sanders’ new “List” film featuring Madeleine Albright, Margaret Cho, Edie Falco, Betsey Johnson, Alicia Keys, Nancy Pelosi, Rosie Perez, Wendy Williams and more. All trailblazers in their fields, these women share their experiences struggling against discrimination and overcoming challenges to make their voices heard.