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Political discourse in the United States is shaped by audacious ideas of what a society should be. But who are the influencers and disruptors of American political thought that have paved the way for the systems that we currently have—and those still to come? "Thought Leaders" examines the lives and legacies of political changemakers.

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Episodes
Explores the life, works and beliefs of the late writer and civil rights activist.
A father of bebop, Charlie Parker influenced generations of musicians.
Calder’s aesthetic revolution concerned a somewhat taboo topic in the art world - fun.
Alice Waters has made it her mission in life to make sure that people eat beautifully.
Explore the creative genius of I.M. Pei as he reshapes the future of architecture in China
Watch the full documentary on Lennon's life in New York City during the 1970s.
Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning novelist Philip Roth
The first documentary about the legend behind much of the bold television of the '70s.
Patsy Cline defined modern country music by using her singular talent and emotional depth.
Today’s American food movement can be traced back to one man: James Beard.
Tyrus Wong's pioneering artwork led to iconic works like Bambi and Rebel Without a Cause.
He lived fast, died young and created thousands of drawings and paintings.
Extras
Mel Brooks talks about the first Broadway show he ever saw—Cole Porter's "Anything Goes."
Composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb talk about how they have worked together.
Discover this portrait of the Cuban-American graphic artist and graphic novelist Edel Rodriguez.
Teacher Giuliano Hazan shows us how to make simple and delicious macerated orange slices.
Giuliano Hazan demonstrates his mother's Roman-style artichokes.
Follow Danielle Scott as she makes art that explores the wretched pain and beauty of her ancestors.
Follow Danielle Scott as she makes art that explores the wretched pain and beauty of her ancestors.
Photographer Gioncarlo Valentine documents intimacy as a radical act of self-exploration.
Photographer Gioncarlo Valentine documents intimacy as a radical act of self-exploration.
Watch chef Shola Olunloyo make Marcella Hazan’s simple roast chicken with lemons.