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The Congress

7.619891h 29mGMovieDocumentaryHistory

For 200 years, the United States Congress has been one of the country's most important and least understood institutions. In this elegant, thoughtful and often touching portrait, Ken Burns explores the history and promise of this unique…

DirectorKen Burns
WritersDavid McCullough·Bernard Weisberger

Where to watch

PBS Documentaries Amazon ChannelPBS Documentaries Amazon ChannelWETA+WETA+KanopyKanopyHooplaHoopla
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Ken Burns

DMDavid McCullough
David McCullough
Self - Writer / Narrator
CRCokie Roberts
Cokie Roberts
Self - Journalist
ACAlistair Cooke
Alistair Cooke
Self - Journalist
AMArthur Miller
Arthur Miller
Self
CM
Charles McDowell
Self - Newspaperman
BF
Barbara Fields
Self - Historian
JS
John C. Stennis
Self - Former Senator
DB
David S. Broder
Self - Reporter
GT
George Tames
Self - Photographer
JB
James MacGregor Burns
Self - Historian
JD
Jerome Dempsey
(voice)
SF
Shelby Foote
(voice)

More from David McCullough · Lead actor

American Experience
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1988 · 6.5
The Civil War
The Civil War
1990 · 8.0
Seabiscuit
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2003 · 7.1
FDR
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1994
Napoleon
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2000 · 8.0
Huey Long
Huey Long
1985 · 7.4
The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God
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1984 · 7.1
The Donner Party
The Donner Party
1992 · 7.0
George Washington: The Man Who Wouldn't Be King
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1992 · 9.0
Ike
Ike
1993
See all fromDavid McCullough

More from Ken Burns · Director

Baseball
Baseball
1994 · 7.6
The Vietnam War
The Vietnam War
2017 · 8.3
The Civil War
The Civil War
1990 · 8.0
Jazz
Jazz
2001 · 7.5
The American Revolution
The American Revolution
2025 · 6.1
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
2022 · 7.8
The War
The War
2007 · 8.2
Prohibition
Prohibition
2011 · 7.9
The National Parks: America's Best Idea
The National Parks: America's Best Idea
2009 · 7.9
Country Music
Country Music
2019 · 7.5
See all fromKen Burns

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The Congress — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams The Congress?

The Congress is streaming on PBS Documentaries, WETA+ and Kanopy in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is The Congress on Netflix?

No, The Congress is not on Netflix in United States as of November 2026. It's currently on PBS Documentaries and WETA+.

Is The Congress on Amazon Prime Video?

The Congress isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United States, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Where can I watch The Congress for free?

The Congress is available to stream free (with ads) on Kanopy and Hoopla in United States.

Is The Congress based on a true story?

Yes — The Congress is based on true events, dramatising real people and events (some details may be fictionalised for the screen).