The Vietnam War (2017)

The Vietnam War (2017) season 1 on PBS
Watch The Vietnam War (2017) on PBS
Status:
Ended
Season 1:
Ended on September 28, 2017
Watched: 0%
0 of 10 Episodes
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IMDB
Season: 1
# Air Date Episode Name Watched?
E1 Sep 17, 2017 Déjà Vu (1858–1961)
E2 Sep 18, 2017 Riding the Tiger (1961–1963)
E3 Sep 19, 2017 The River Styx (January 1964–December 1965)
E4 Sep 20, 2017 Resolve (January 1966–June 1967)
E5 Sep 21, 2017 This is What We Do (July 1967–December 1967)
E6 Sep 24, 2017 Things Fall Apart (January 1968–July 1968)
E7 Sep 25, 2017 The Veneer of Civilization (June 1968–May 1969)
E8 Sep 26, 2017 The History of the World (April 1969–May 1970)
E9 Sep 27, 2017 A Disrespectful Loyalty (May 1970–March 1973)
E10 Sep 28, 2017 The Weight of Memory (March 1973–Onward)
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Mark Season 1:
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Production Note - Limited Series
Production Type:
Limited Documentary Series

The Vietnam War (2017) is a standalone Limited Documentary Series that concluded its 10-episode run in September 2017. Directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, the project represented a monumental decade-long undertaking to chronicle one of the most divisive eras in American history. The production involved digitizing over 100,000 feet of archival film and conducting nearly 100 interviews with veterans and civilians from all sides of the conflict.

The series was designed as a comprehensive historical record rather than an ongoing narrative, providing a definitive look at the geopolitical and human costs of the war. Because the subject matter centers on a specific, finite historical period from the mid-20th century, the storytelling reached its natural conclusion with the fall of Saigon and the long-term reconciliation efforts that followed. Its status as a closed-ended documentary epic ensures that no further installments are planned or necessary to complete the historical arc.

Directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. Produced by Florentine Films and WETA Washington, D.C. Distributed by PBS. The series consists of 10 episodes with a total runtime of approximately 18 hours.
Confidence: 5% Last Refined: March 2026
Why Watch:
"Discover the definitive 18-hour chronicle that redefined how television handles historical trauma and national reconciliation."
Series Analysis:
Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s The Vietnam War remains a monumental achievement in non-fiction broadcasting. By integrating perspectives from American soldiers, protestors, and Vietnamese combatants on both sides, the series challenged long-standing myths. Its cultural footprint is defined by a refusal to offer easy closure, instead forcing viewers to confront the raw friction of a divided era. The production’s legacy lies in its meticulous archival restoration and the emotional weight of its oral histories, which transformed a polarizing conflict into a shared human tragedy. It effectively recalibrated how modern audiences process historical trauma through the lens of public television. As archival discoveries emerge, it is wise to set a reminder for any future expansions or news updates regarding this definitive record of the twentieth century.
Tone: Reflective, academic, and culturally significant. Last Updated: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions

No, The Vietnam War is a standalone documentary miniseries designed to provide a definitive and comprehensive account of the historical conflict. Because the series covers the entire scope of the war from the colonial era to its aftermath, there are no plans for a second season or additional episodes.

The series is a historical documentary based on true events, utilizing ten years of research and interviews with nearly 80 witnesses from all sides of the conflict. While it is an original production, a companion book titled The Vietnam War: An Intimate History was released by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns to coincide with the broadcast.

The production team filmed interviews in various locations across the United States and Vietnam to capture the perspectives of veterans, journalists, and civilians. Additionally, the series features a massive collection of archival footage and photographs sourced from over 100 different global archives and private collections.

The complete miniseries consists of 10 episodes, which total approximately 18 hours of content. Each episode is structured chronologically, beginning with the end of French colonial rule and concluding with the fall of Saigon and the lasting impact on both nations.

The series is narrated by actor Peter Coyote, a frequent collaborator of directors Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. The production also utilizes various voice actors to read personal letters and historical documents, providing a more intimate perspective on the archival materials presented.

Directors Ken Burns and Lynn Novick spent over 10 years researching, filming, and editing the series to ensure historical accuracy and a balanced narrative. This extensive production timeline allowed the team to track down rare footage and conduct deep-dive interviews with survivors from both the North and South.
FAQs Updated: March 2026
Network:
PBS
Seasons:
1
Years:
2017 - 2017
Genre:
Documentary, History, War
Rating:
TV-MA
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