He was a three-time heavyweight boxing champion and a force of nature in the ring, captivating fans across the world. At the height of his career, he challenged racial and religious prejudice as an outspoken advocate of civil rights. His charming, boastful persona was synonymous with empowerment, and even after his death, he inspires untold millions with a message of pride and self-affirmation.
In a new, four-part documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, Muhammad Ali paints a vivid portrait of this larger-than-life athlete, activist, and American icon. Written and co-directed by Sarah Burns and David McMahon, whose previous collaborations include The Central Park Five (2012), Jackie Robinson (2016), and East Lake Meadows: A Public Housing Story (2020), the series is a deep, soulful exploration of sports, race, and culture.
Drawing from a trove of archival footage, photographs, expert interviews, and eyewitness accounts, Burns crafts a sweeping, comprehensive biopic of the man who proclaimed himself "the Greatest.” The series details some of the most dramatic and widely-viewed bouts of Ali’s career, including the “Fight of the Century,” the “Thrilla in Manila,” and the “Rumble in the Jungle” – revered chapters in the chronicle of sports history.
The series also captures Ali’s principled life outside the ring, including his vocal opposition to the Vietnam War, his conversion to Islam, and his complicated relationship with Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X. Despite the cultural magnitude of his story, Ali the man was marked by nuance and irony. Known for his bold and brash nature, he became a symbol of peace and pacifism. Committed to a faith that values traditional, dignified behavior, he was notorious in his extramarital affairs. An unapologetic showman and a prideful self-promoter, he frequently made anonymous donations and signed autographs for every last fan.
Learn the compelling, complete story of Muhammad Ali, a four-part series premiering Monday, September 27 at 9 p.m. on WSBE Rhode Island PBS. Parts two, three, and four air the following Mondays at 9 p.m. through October 18.
WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits over the air in high definition on digital 36.1; Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD in MA; DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36. Live stream the full broadcast schedule at watch.ripbs.org/livestream.