PBS’s American Masters continues its exploration of significant figures with “Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny,” airing Friday, June 27, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET. This 90-minute documentary zeroes in on the German-American political theorist whose experiences as a World War II political prisoner and refugee shaped her profound understanding of the human condition and the nature of totalitarianism.
The film looks into Arendt’s challenging life circumstances, which directly fueled her intellectual pursuits. Her work offers lasting insights into refugee crises and the workings of authoritarian regimes, ideas that remain highly relevant today. The program also highlights her warnings about American democracy during periods like McCarthyism and Watergate, observations that still resonate within contemporary political discussions.
American Masters presents original and thoughtful portraits of enduring artists and thinkers. For those interested in history, political theory, or simply a well-made biography, this looks to be a worthwhile watch.
American Masters: Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny airs Friday, June 27, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET on PBS.
