Atlanta, Georgia – In a significant announcement made on May 20, 2025, during its annual meeting, PBS revealed plans for a major one-hour television special aimed at fostering civic discourse ahead of the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.
Set to premiere nationally on Monday, November 24, 2025, the special, titled “A MORE PERFECT UNION: INSPIRING CIVIC & CIVIL CONVERSATIONS ACROSS AMERICA,” will explore the enduring meaning and contemporary significance of the United States’ founding values as articulated 250 years ago in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Contextualizing the Program
The program is strategically timed to follow the national premiere of Ken Burns’s highly anticipated new six-part series, “THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION,” which is scheduled to air the week prior, from November 16-21, 2025. This deliberate scheduling underscores PBS’s commitment to providing historical context and promoting thoughtful reflection on the nation’s origins leading into the 250th anniversary.
Taped at the historic National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the special is a production of WETA Washington, D.C. It is designed to serve as a crucial platform for examining how the core tenets of American democracy and liberty remain relevant in today’s complex society.
A Dialogue on Core Principles
The centerpiece of “A MORE PERFECT UNION” will be a compelling conversation moderated by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns. The program, which is slated to be recorded live in September 2025, will feature a distinguished panel of experts and thought leaders.
Joining Burns will be Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center; Melody Barnes, Executive Director of the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy; and Yuval Levin, Director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute.
Together, these prominent voices will delve into essential themes that form the bedrock of American governance and society. Discussions are expected to cover fundamental concepts such as liberty, equality, democracy, the vital principle of the separation of powers, and the ongoing evolution of civil rights.
The dialogue aims to bridge contemporary challenges with historical perspectives, encouraging viewers to engage in their own civic conversations rooted in a deeper understanding of the nation’s foundational documents and ideals.
Part of a Larger Initiative
“A MORE PERFECT UNION” is a cornerstone of “PBS America @ 250,” a comprehensive, multiyear initiative launched by PBS. This ambitious program encompasses a wide range of content exploring U.S. history, culture, and children’s programming, all building momentum towards the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.
“PBS America @ 250” represents the largest national and local engagement effort in the history of PBS. It involves planned community events and activities in over 75 markets nationwide, demonstrating a commitment to connecting with diverse audiences across the country and fostering a shared sense of history and civic responsibility.
By leveraging the power of public television and its local stations, PBS seeks to inspire and unite Americans through shared historical understanding and civic participation.
Accessibility and Engagement
Following its national broadcast premiere, the “A MORE PERFECT UNION” special will be readily available for streaming. Audiences will be able to access the program on PBS.org and through the widely used PBS App.
This digital availability ensures that the important conversations initiated by the special can reach a broad audience, allowing individuals and communities to engage with the themes and discussions at their own pace and convenience.
The special stands as a key element in PBS’s broader strategy to provide thoughtful, non-partisan programming that encourages reflection on America’s past, stimulates dialogue about its present, and inspires constructive engagement in its future as the nation approaches a significant historical milestone.
