Ken Burns’ newest film explores the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the prolific writer and publisher, groundbreaking scientist and inventor, world-renowned diplomat and signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. This two-part, four-hour documentary separates the man from the myth, leaving us with a clearer picture of a uniquely American intellect that stood at the forefront of momentous change in science, technology, literature, politics and government.

Benjamin Franklin features interviews with some of the country’s leading scholars of early American history, including Franklin biographer Walter Isaacson. Voice actors include Mandy Patinkin as Franklin, Carolyn McCormick, Josh Lucas, Paul Giamatti and Liam Neeson.

PART 1: JOIN OR DIE (1706–1774)
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 7 PM

After building a printing empire in Philadelphia with his wife Deborah, Benjamin Franklin gains worldwide fame from electricity experiments, then spends years in London trying to keep Britain and America together as his family comes apart.

• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Mon, 04/04/2022 @ 7 PM
• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Mon, 04/04/2022 @ 9 PM
• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 04/05/2022 @ 1 AM
• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 04/06/2022 @ 3 AM
• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Sat, 04/09/2022 @ 2 AM
• WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sat, 04/09/2022 @ 12 AM
• WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sat, 04/09/2022 @ 8 AM
• WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sat, 04/09/2022 @ 2 PM

Behind the Scenes | Exploring Benjamin Franklin

Get an inside look from Ken Burns and those featured in the film on why they chose to explore the life of Benjamin Franklin.

PART 2: AN AMERICAN (1775–1790)
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 7 PM

In wartime Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin helps Thomas Jefferson craft the Declaration of Independence. In Paris, he wins French support for the American Revolution. Back home, he works on the Constitution of the new United States.

• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 04/05/2022 @ 7 PM
• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 04/05/2022 @ 9 PM
• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 04/06/2022 @ 1 AM
• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Thu, 04/07/2022 @ 3 AM
• WTVP-HD 47.1 - Sun, 04/10/2022 @ 2 AM
• WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sat, 04/16/2022 @ 12 AM
• WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sat, 04/16/2022 @ 8 AM
• WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sat, 04/16/2022 @ 2 PM