PBS Distribution has announced the international pre-sale of “The American Revolution,” a six-part, 12-hour documentary series from acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, to ARTE France. The agreement was finalized ahead of Mipcom 2025, where the series will headline PBS Distribution’s factual slate with an exclusive screening and a live Q&A with co-directors Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein.
The deal with ARTE France was brokered between Eniela Bella, Director of Co-Production Finance Sales at PBS Distribution, and Helene Ganichaud, Nicolas Portes, and Caroline Hocquard of ARTE France. Hocquard emphasized the project's historical importance and broad relevance: “'The American Revolution' is an engaging, insightful, and nuanced documentary series, which will become an essential reference for understanding a key period in history. It was clear to us that we had to commit to this project with the renowned director Ken Burns and our partner PBS Distribution.”
PBS Distribution’s Bella added, “Ken Burns has a rare ability to bring history to life in a way that resonates globally. This early deal with ARTE France underscores the broad international appeal and cultural relevance of the series. We’re proud to be launching it with such a trusted partner.”
Produced by Florentine Films and directed by Burns alongside Botstein and David Schmidt, “The American Revolution” offers a sweeping, in-depth look at the War of Independence and the individuals—both prominent and lesser known—who shaped the founding of the United States. Blending rare archival materials, immersive visuals, and scholarly insights, the series presents the war as both a global conflict and a transformative moment in the pursuit of liberty and self-governance.
The series will premiere in the U.S. on PBS on November 16, 2025, just ahead of the country's 250th anniversary in 2026. Notably, it highlights the critical international dimension of the conflict, including France’s pivotal role in supporting the American cause. The voice cast includes global stars such as Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Damian Lewis, Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman, and Josh Hutcherson, underscoring the project's premium positioning.
The series is launching at a moment when global discussions on revolution, democracy, and national identity are increasingly resonant. PBS Distribution is currently in advanced negotiations with additional broadcasters across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East for both linear and streaming rights.
With a robust international rollout strategy and the gravitas of Ken Burns’ storytelling, “The American Revolution” is positioned as a flagship factual title for 2025 and beyond, further reinforcing PBS Distribution’s standing as a leading global distributor of premium public media content.
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