Three-part documentary series ‘Henry David Thoreau’ premieres

“Henry David Thoreau,” a three-part, three-hour documentary directed by Erik and Christopher Loren Ewers, premieres on PBS on March 30 and 31, 2026.

Executive produced by Ken Burns and Don Henley, it features Jeff Goldblum as the voice of Thoreau and George Clooney as narrator, exploring themes like nature, democracy, and authentic living.

Directed by the Ewers brothers (Erik and Chris), known for their work with Ken Burns, this film focuses on bringing Thoreau’s 19th-century insights to a modern audience.

The film explores his life, nature, and social justice, featuring discussions with scholar Lois Brown. Brown, from the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at Arizona State University, is listed as a panelist for special preview events discussing the film.

Release date: March 30 & 31, 2026, on PBS.

Dr. Lois Brown, the CSRD Director, alongside Erik Ewers, a Director, and Chris Ewers, a Director, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the documentary series.

“He was a remarkable man of the 19th century. He was a phenomenal reader, writer, thinker, naturalist, scientist,” Dr. Brown said, “…and he’s somebody that the Ewers brothers, Eric, and Chris are introducing us to all over again.”

Chris Ewers explained how he felt part of his job was to set the story straight and reintroduce Henry David Thoreau to the public.

“I mean, he’s not the prophetic hermit that at least I was taught,” Chris Ewers said, “…I think most people believe that he is, you know, in fact thinking of him as such. Sort of diminishes the relatability between, you know, what was, and every man full of contradictions, and discussing discoveries, and us.”

Erik Ewers emphasized how he was an ordinary person who was eccentric and social, associating with all different crowds.

“I think our goal was really to show the real Henry David Thoreau,” Erik Ewers said. “A man who’s much more complicated than anyone could possibly imagine…more relevant today than he was in his own time.”