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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Notes:

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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Watched / Unwatched
Mark Season 1:
Watched / Unwatched
Production Note - Limited Series
Production Type:
Miniseries

The Vietnam War is a standalone Miniseries that concluded its 10-episode run in September 2017. Directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, this monumental production represents the definitive cinematic history of one of the most divisive chapters in American history. Over ten years in development, The Vietnam War utilizes digitally remastered archival footage, rare home movies, and testimony from nearly eighty witnesses from all sides of the conflict. This 18-hour masterpiece offers an immersive, non-partisan narrative that transcends traditional documentary filmmaking. Recognized with multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, it remains a pillar of historical storytelling, capturing the visceral reality of the era with unparalleled depth and artistic precision. Its conclusion marks the final word on this expansive archival undertaking.

The production took 10 years to complete and features testimony from 79 witnesses, including Americans who fought and those who opposed the war, as well as Vietnamese combatants and civilians.
Confidence: 100% 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
Network:
PBS
Seasons:
1
Years:
2017 - 2017
Genre:
Documentary, History, War
Rating:
TV-MA
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