Atlanta, GA – PBS has announced a major new one-hour television special designed to delve into the enduring significance of the United States’ founding values in the 21st century. Titled “A MORE PERFECT UNION: INSPIRING CIVIC & CIVIL CONVERSATIONS ACROSS AMERICA,” the program aims to foster dialogue on core American ideas at a time marked by pronounced political division.
The announcement came on May 20, 2025, during the network’s annual meeting held in Atlanta, Georgia. The special, produced by WETA Washington, D.C., is part of the broader, multiyear PBS America @ 250 initiative, which anticipates the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.
Exploring Fundamental American Principles
The program will examine the relevance of the country’s foundational concepts, as articulated in documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, to contemporary issues of governance and public life. Its central goal is to inspire Americans to engage in civic and civil conversations rooted in these historical texts and the overarching American idea.
The special is set to be recorded live in September 2025 at the historic National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This location provides a fitting backdrop for discussions centered on the nation’s foundational legal framework.
A Distinguished Panel Takes On Core Themes
Leading the conversation will be acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, known for his deep dives into American history. He will be joined by a panel of distinguished experts representing diverse perspectives on the nation’s past and present.
The panel includes Jeffrey Rosen, who serves as the President and CEO of the National Constitution Center. He will bring his extensive knowledge of constitutional law and history to the discussion. Also participating is Melody Barnes, the Executive Director of the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy, offering insights into democratic institutions and civic life. Rounding out the panel is Yuval Levin, the Director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, providing analysis on cultural and constitutional matters.
These participants are expected to explore a range of critical themes, including liberty, equality, democracy, the separation of powers, and civil rights. The conversation aims to illuminate how these enduring principles apply to the challenges and opportunities facing the nation today.
Context and Premiere Timing
“A MORE PERFECT UNION” is strategically scheduled to premiere nationally on Monday, November 24, 2025. This date follows the national premiere of Ken Burns’s highly anticipated series, THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, which is scheduled to air from November 16 to November 21, 2025. The proximity of the two programs underscores PBS’s commitment to providing context for understanding American history and its contemporary implications as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
The special’s focus on civic and civil dialogue is particularly pertinent given the current political climate. By returning to the foundational ideas that shaped the nation, the program seeks to provide a framework for more constructive engagement on difficult issues.
Part of a Broader Initiative
The one-hour special is a key component of the PBS America @ 250 initiative, a multiyear effort designed to explore American history, civics, and culture in the lead-up to the 2026 Semiquincentennial. This initiative includes a range of programming and outreach efforts aimed at engaging Americans in reflection on the nation’s past and future.
By bringing together prominent voices to discuss the core tenets of American democracy at a landmark historical site, “A MORE PERFECT UNION” intends to offer viewers across the country an opportunity to consider the enduring power and contemporary relevance of the nation’s founding values, encouraging thoughtful conversation amidst division.
