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Ken Burns’s two-part, four-hour documentary, "Benjamin Franklin," explores the revolutionary life of one of the18th century's most consequential and compelling personalities, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States.

Watch • 1:54:59
Benjamin Franklin
“An American” (1775-1790)
Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:54:59
Watch • 0:31
Benjamin Franklin
Official Trailer
Ken Burns explores the revolutionary life of Benjamin Franklin.
Preview: 0:31
Watch • 1:58
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin Faces His Racial Prejudices
A visit to a school for Black children challenged Franklin’s racial prejudices.
Clip: 1:58
Corporate funding for BENJAMIN FRANKLIN was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by David M. Rubenstein. Major funding was also provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine; University of Pennsylvania; Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; Kissick Family Foundation; Deborah and Jon Dawson; Diane and Hal Brierley; McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Cappy and Janie McGarr; Lavender Butterfly Fund; and Susan and Charles Shanor Charitable Trust.
Episodes
Watch • 1:55:26
Benjamin Franklin
“Join or Die” (1706-1774)
After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.
Episode: S1 E1 | 1:55:26
Extras
Watch • 56:05
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin and American Diplomacy
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Special: 56:05
Watch • 59:03
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin and Innovation
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Special: 59:03
Watch • 1:01:26
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin and Writing
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Special: 1:01:26
Watch • 1:15:12
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin and Revolution
Filmmakers and special guests explore Franklin's writing in this virtual event series.
Special: 1:15:12
Watch • 25:27
Benjamin Franklin
A Discussion with Mandy Patinkin and Michael Douglas
Ken Burns speaks with Mandy Patinkin and Michael Douglas.
Special: 25:27
Watch • 4:37
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin’s Endlessly Quotable Poor Richard’s Almanack
Franklin’s popular "Poor Richard’s Almanack" offered an enduring brand of American humor.
Clip: 4:37
Watch • 2:39
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin Hears About Washington’s Victory at Yorktown
A month after the end of the battle, Franklin finally got the news from Yorktown.
Clip: 2:39
Watch • 7:05
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin and the Antislavery Movement
Late in life, Franklin petitioned Congress to end slavery in the United States.
Clip: 7:05
Watch • 6:36
Benjamin Franklin
Compromise and the Constitution of the United States
As impasse threatened the Constitutional Convention, Franklin appealed for Compromise.
Clip: 6:36
Watch • 5:15
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin House in London
This bonus scene features Benjamin Franklin House in London, his only surviving residence.
Clip: 5:15