Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau (2026)



9.3 2026 173 min —

Director: Erik Ewers

Cast: George Clooney, Jeff Goldblum, Ted Danson, Meryl Streep

Documentary
Henry David Thoreau shaped the foundations of today’s environmental movement and the philosophy of peaceful protest, but the real man has been buried beneath legend. The mind behind *Walden* and *Civil Disobedience*, he was a genius with blind spots, a dreamer who could be stubbornly set in his views. Poet, naturalist, and crusader, his voice cuts through the noise of modern crises, offering timeless guidance as we search for balance with the wild—and with one another.

More About This Film

Henry David Thoreau is a 2026 three-part American historical documentary from the filmmakers Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers, executive produced by Ken Burns and Don Henley. The film presents Thoreau as more than the mythical hermit of Walden Pond, examining his work as a writer, scientist, environmental thinker, abolitionist, and critic of government.

The three-hour documentary connects Thoreau's ideas to present-day questions about environmental responsibility, civil resistance, race, gender, and meaningful living. Jeff Goldblum voices Thoreau, while George Clooney narrates, with additional voices from Ted Danson, Tate Donovan, and Meryl Streep.

  • The documentary premiered on PBS on March 30 and 31, 2026.
  • Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers directed the film.
  • Ken Burns and Don Henley served as executive producers.
  • Jeff Goldblum voices Thoreau and George Clooney narrates.
  • PBS makes all three episodes available to stream through PBS.org and the PBS app.

Where to Watch

Henry David Thoreau is officially available through PBS and the PBS app.