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‘American Masters’ Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary with New Doc Lineup

'American Masters' Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary with New Doc Lineup
'American Masters' Celebrates 30-Year Anniversary with New Doc Lineup


PBS is releasing a new batch of documentaries to usher in the 30th anniversary of one of its most acclaimed series, “American Masters.” The five films, which will air over a four-month period beginning January 2016, will highlight some of the very artistic careers and modern personalities which helped usher in a sea change of American culture and identity.

Jan. 29 at 9p: American Masters: Mike Nichols

America’s late director Mike Nichols (“The Graduate,” “Angels in America”) discusses his life and 50-year career, from the comedy duo Nichols & May to his final film “Charlie Wilson’s War.” The documentary directed by Nichols’ old partner-in-crime, screenwriter-director Elaine May, and produced by Julian Schlossberg, includes new interviews with Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks

Feb. 19 at 9p: American Masters — Carole King: You’ve Got a Friend 

This profile delves via home movies, performances and photos into the hit singer-songwriter’s life and career from 1960s New York to the music mecca of 70s LA to the present. Carole King joins collaborators and family in interviews.
Feb 26 at 9p: American Masters — Janis: Little Girl Blue 

Oscar-nominated director Amy Berg (“Deliver Us From Evil,” “West of Memphis”) presents a portrait of a complex, driven, and troubled artist through intimate letters and rare footage in the first in-depth celebration of the iconic rock singer. Chan Marshall (also known as Cat Power) narrates.

March 4 at 9p: American Masters — Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl

Appalachia-born Loretta Lynn fought hard to achieve stardom, as shown in the Oscar-winning biopic of her life, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” starring Sissy Spacek.  Lynn always struggled to balance family and music and is still going strong after more than 50 years.
May 27 at 9p: American Masters — The Highwaymen: Friends Till the End 

The story behind the pioneering outlaw country music supergroup —Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson— is told through vintage performances and new interviews about life on the road and in the studio.

For more info, click here.

READ MORE: ‘American Masters’ Profiles Jimi Hendrix in Upcoming Doc ‘Hear My Train A Comin’

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