The Civil War

Name: The Civil War
Genre: History, War, Documentary
Released: 1990-01-01
Rating: 7.8
Cast: David McCullough, Sam Waterston, Julie Harris, Jason Robards, Morgan Freeman

1990| 1 season| IMDb 7.8

The Civil War (1990) is currently available in the UK on PBS America On Demand and Entertainment. Last updated 20 January 2026.

Streaming availability last checked 20 January 2026

History War Documentary

This nine-part series is the work that made documentarian Ken Burns a household name. Burns uses contemporary cinematography alongside thousands of archival photographs, paintings, and newspaper images set to music to teach people about the American Civil War. A number of well-known actors and actresses lend their voices to the production as they read contemporary quotes from historical figures, including President Abraham Lincoln and General Stonewall Jackson.