One of the oldest public broadcast channels, PBS has been entertaining and educating viewers ever since its debut in 1969. Focused on providing educational programming and high-quality storytelling, PBS has made a name for itself through its mix of fiction and non-fiction TV shows and specials.
One of the channels most beloved types of programming are its documentaries. A stalwart genre for the channel since the early 1970s, PBS has produced some of the most influential and widely-acclaimed television documentaries.
The Vietnam War
Ken Burns' 18-hour long docuseries chronicles the Vietnam War and the global reaction to it at the time. Told from over 80 firsthand accounts, this series provides an all-encompassing look at a very controversial conflict.
A huge hit with audiences and critics alike, the docuseries was praised for its in-depth look at the conflict from both sides, as well as through accounts from those who weren't directly involved. Unafraid to show the follies of both sides, the series shows the effects that wars have long after they're over.
The Woodmans
This documentary follows a family of artists as they process the loss of their daughter Francesca, who took her own life. As they process her death, they use their art as a way to cope with their grief.
A powerful mediation on the power of art, this documentary shows how art can facilitate healing and also how creatives can become obsessed with obtaining mainstream artistic acceptance. This documentary explores the transcendent power of art and how it can last long after the artist's passing.
The Civil War
A landmark television event, Ken Burns' The Civil War has taught many people about the intricacies of the United States Civil War since its debut in 1990. Watched by over 39 million people in its initial broadcast, this nine-part documentary tells its story through archival documents, as well as voiceover narration.
Widely considered to be one of the most influential documentary series of all time, it has been praised for its in-depth look at the conflict, as well as its technical achievements. The documentary helped create a film technique named the "Ken Burns effect," which is widely used in documentaries today.
The Central Park Five
One of many Ken Burns documentaries on this list, this one focuses on the 1989 case of five teenagers that were wrongfully accused of sexual assault, known as the Central Park Five. Through interviews with those involved, Burns and his daughter Sarah explore one of the most infamous cases of the late '80s and early 1990s.
A feature film instead of a docuseries, this documentary was acclaimed for its in-depth presentation of the case as well as its potent political message. The film received a Peabody Award, an award given to works of high-quality reporting.
Baseball
Ken Burns' follow-up docuseries after The Civil War focused on America's favorite past-time: baseball. The nine-part television miniseries tells the history of the sport, from its founding in the 1800s all the way to the early 1990s, when the documentary was released.
Like Burns' other documentaries, this one was praised for its in-depth research but was somewhat criticized for its length of 18.5 hours. Nonetheless, this documentary won many awards, including the 1995 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Series.
Nova
A staple of PBS programming since its debut in 1974, NOVA is an award-winning popular science show that discusses various scientific issues. Focussing on a specific topic for each hour-long episode, NOVA strives to educate audiences in the most entertaining way that it can.
With multiple Peabody Awards and Emmy Awards under its belt, NOVA has garnered wide acclaim due to its episodic structure, pacing, and educational/entertainment value. Due to this, the show has also become a staple in schools around the world.
New York: A Documentary Film
Directed by Ric Burns, the younger brother of Ken Burns, this doc focuses on New York City, from its founding in 1609 up to the then-future, the year 2018. The series examines the events and people that helped shape the city, and how modern-day New York reflects that.
Periodically released over the span of four years, the series reached wide critical acclaim due to its depiction of the history of New York City alongside its depiction of modern-day New York. The series was nominated for multiple Emmy and Peabody awards, with special acclaim being given to the episode dealing with the attacks on the World Trade Center.
Jazz
Yet another docuseries from Ken Burns, this one documents the history of jazz music. Focusing on iconic composers/musicians as well as those that were influential but little-known, the documentary provides a full picture of how jazz music came to be.
One of Burns' most divisive documentaries for PBS, acclaim was heaved at Burns' talent for biographical storytelling. However, criticism has also been levied at the documentary's limited view of the art form, as well as its portrayal of the racial undertones in the documentary.
Frontline
A news-focused program, Frontline has become a landmark news show since its debut in 1983. With over 750 episodes examining a wide variety of issues, it has provided a template for the shows of its ilk that have followed.
In addition to receiving massive critical acclaim, Frontline's reports have occasionally had influence in the political world. They have led to the release of 13 wrongfully imprisoned citizens, and their 1999 report on Osama Bin Laden was used as research by The White House after the attacks on 9/11.
American Masters
This docuseries focuses on American artists who have left an indelible mark on the craft that they love. From Mel Brooks to John Muir, this series tells the stories of the dreamers behind some of the most important art in American history.
Debuting in 1986, this landmark series has introduced many artists and their works to a wide audience. In addition to educating audiences, it has also helped to inspire other artists and creatives to pursue their passions.