Season 35

American MastersSeason 35

2021
10 Episodes

Episodes

How It Feels To Be Free
S35E01

How It Feels To Be Free

A documentary that tells the inspiring story of how six iconic African American women entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process.

18 Jan 202190m
Flannery
S35E02

Flannery

Explore the life of Flannery O’Connor whose provocative fiction was unlike anything published before. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, newly discovered journals and interviews with Mary Karr, Tommy Lee Jones, Hilton Als and more.

23 Mar 202190m
Twyla Moves
S35E03

Twyla Moves

Explore legendary choreographer Twyla Tharp’s career and famously rigorous creative process, with original interviews, first-hand glimpses of her at work and rare archival footage of select performances from her more than 160 choreographed works.

26 Mar 202190m
Never Too Late: The Doc Severinsen Story
S35E04

Never Too Late: The Doc Severinsen Story

The life and career of jazz trumpeter Doc Severinsen, leader of the band for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," who continued a schedule of touring and performing into his 90s.

02 Apr 202190m
Oliver Sacks: His Own Life
S35E05

Oliver Sacks: His Own Life

The life and work of neurologist and storyteller Oliver Sacks, including personal details about his battles with drug addiction and homophobia.

09 Apr 202190m
Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir
S35E06

Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir

The life and career of author Amy Tan, with archival imagery, home movies, photographs, animation and original interviews.

03 May 202190m
Ballerina Boys
S35E07

Ballerina Boys

The story of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, a company of men who dance on pointe as ballerinas.

04 Jun 202190m
Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away
S35E08

Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away

Dive into the career of the legendary blues guitarist, a pioneer of Chicago’s West Side sound and major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. Featuring new performances and interviews with Carlos Santana and more.

27 Jul 202183m
Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It
S35E09

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It

Discover how Moreno defied her humble upbringing and racism to become one of a select group of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winners. Explore her 70-year career with new interviews, clips of her iconic roles and scenes of the star on set today.

05 Oct 202188m
Becoming Helen Keller
S35E10

Becoming Helen Keller

Revisit the complex life and legacy of the author, advocate and human rights pioneer. Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, used her celebrity and wit to champion rights for women, people with disabilities and people living in poverty.

19 Oct 202188m