PBS Series: Global Perspectives on American Revolution

**PBS Premieres Groundbreaking American Revolution Series, “A World on Fire,” with Houston Public Media Connection**

A landmark four-part documentary series, “The American Revolution: A World on Fire,” is set to premiere nationwide on PBS stations, including Houston Public Media (PBS 8), beginning Monday, May 13th, at 9 p.m. ET. The series promises a comprehensive and globally-focused re-examination of the conflict from 1775 to 1783, bringing to light diverse voices and experiences often overlooked in traditional narratives.

Directed and written by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Rob Rapley and narrated by Emmy winner Peter Coyote, “The American Revolution: A World on Fire” goes beyond familiar battlefields to explore the radical and globally impactful nature of the American Revolution. The series delves into the perspectives of enslaved people, Native Americans, women, and Loyalists, showcasing the far-reaching consequences and complex realities of the era.

Esteemed historians lending their expertise to the series include Dr. Joanne Freeman of Yale University, Pulitzer Prize winner Dr. Rick Atkinson, Dr. Woody Holton from the University of South Carolina, and Dr. Jane Kamensky of Harvard University, among others. Their insights contribute to a nuanced understanding of a pivotal period in world history.

Parts one and two of “The American Revolution: A World on Fire” will air on Monday, May 13th, at 9 p.m. ET, followed by parts three and four on Tuesday, May 14th, at the same time. Viewers can also stream the series online via PBS.org, the PBS App, and with PBS Passport. For more information and streaming options, visit pbs.org/americanrevolution.

Houston-area residents had a unique opportunity to experience a special preview of the series last week. In conjunction with Houston Public Media (PBS 8), Lone Star College-Montgomery’s Center for the Study of the American Revolution and American Democracy (CSARD) hosted an exclusive event on Wednesday, May 8th, at Lone Star College-Montgomery’s Building B Recital Hall. The evening commenced with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. screening of the first hour of the documentary.

The preview was capped by an engaging discussion panel featuring director Rob Rapley himself, alongside local historian Dr. Gregg Cantrell from Texas Christian University, and Dr. Paul N. Lockhart, Professor Emeritus from Wright State University. The panel offered local context and deeper insights into the Revolution’s enduring legacy, providing a valuable opportunity for community members to interact directly with the series’ creators and historical experts. Lone Star College-Montgomery’s CSARD focuses on fostering informed civic discourse and understanding of American history and democratic principles.

“The American Revolution: A World on Fire” is a co-production of Lone Wolf Media and WETA Washington D.C., the flagship public media station in the nation’s capital, known for producing acclaimed historical documentaries for PBS.