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Season 1 – Jackie Robinson

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Jackie Robinson 2016 Documentary Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 16 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Director Ken Burns examines the life of Jack Roosevelt Robinson, who crosses the color barrier to become the first black man to play Major League Baseball when he takes the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. The documentary follows Robinson's determination to perform and play the game, despite death threats on and off the field. Using his fame and popularity to speak out against injustice and prejudice, Robinson perseveres in the fight against inequality and discrimination. The program also touches on Robinson's life after baseball, including his fight against diabetes.
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Jackie Robinson — Season 1

Jackie Robinson — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Jackie Robinson adds another strong entry to Ken Burns' remarkable filmography with a glowing two-hour portrait that draws additional power from its depiction of the baseball great's life off the field.

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Critics Reviews

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John Doyle Globe and Mail It is, in the acclaimed Burns fashion, enormously engaging and enlightening. At times it is subtly incandescent with rage at the past, mournful with shame at what America was. Apr 12, 2016 Full Review Daniel Fienberg The Hollywood Reporter Jackie Robinson is another nourishing and satisfying addition to the constantly growing Burns-PBS library, and the more fool anybody who had doubts. Apr 11, 2016 Full Review David Wiegand San Francisco Chronicle Jackie Robinson... does a workmanlike job telling the story of a pioneer who later struggled to find his place in the evolving discussion of race in America. Rated: 3/4 Apr 11, 2016 Full Review Danielle Solzman Dugout Dirt Jackie Robinson is another essential documentary from Ken Burns and company, showcasing the Baseball Hall of Famer's life both on and off the field as part of the Civil Rights Movement. Rated: 5/5 Apr 15, 2025 Full Review Allen Adams The Maine Edge Jackie Robinson is ideal for any baseball fan. It's a marvelous overview of Robinson's life suitable for the casual viewer, but there are some fascinating tidbits for the more knowledgeable fan as well Feb 20, 2019 Full Review Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice A thoughtful documentary on the life and sports career of the talented and courageous African-American broke down the walls keeping blacks from playing Major League baseball. Rated: 4/5 Apr 21, 2016 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member Phenomenal documentary by Ken Burns. A lot of great stuff I had never known about the man. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review johnny w "Jackie's nimble, Jackie's quick, Jackie's making the turnstiles click" ~ Wendall Smith. Nothing like success that breeds more success... Ken Burns, a national treasure in his own right, tells the story of another national treasure, Jackie Robinson. Ken Burns, a national treasure in his own right, tells the magnificent story about another national treasure, Jackie Robinson. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Jackie Robinson — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Keith David

Narrator

Jamie Foxx

Voice

Ken Burns

Director

Sarah Burns

Director

David McMahon

Director

Sarah Burns

Writer

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Apr 11, 2016 Part One Jackie Robinson rises from humble origins to become a Major League Baseball player, integrating the sport and playing strong despite death threats on and off the field. Details Episode 2 Aired Apr 12, 2016 Part Two Jackie Robinson uses his fame to speak out against injustice; after baseball, Robinson fights inequality and illness. Details

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Jackie Robinson — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, David McMahon
Executive Producer
Ken Burns
Screenwriter
Sarah Burns, Sarah Burns, David McMahon
Network
PBS
Rating
TV-PG (V|L)
Genre
Documentary, Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date
Apr 11, 2016