Where can I watch Frontline?

Frontline is not currently available to stream, rent, or buy online. Check back later for updates.

What is Frontline about?

Since it began in 1983, Frontline has been airing public-affairs documentaries that explore a wide scope of the complex human experience. Frontline's goal is to extend the impact of the documentary beyond its initial broadcast by serving as a catalyst for change.

Frontline

Name: Frontline
Genre: Documentary, News
Released: 1983-01-17
Rating: 7.0
Cast: Will Lyman

TV Show TV-PG 1983 55m/ep 7.0 /10 Returning

A PBS Original

Created by David Fanning

Where to Watch "Frontline"

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Streaming availability last verified: January 31, 2026

About Frontline

Frontline began in 1983 as a public-affairs documentary series that presents long-form reporting on complex social, political and personal issues. Each episode dedicates time to investigation, interviews and archival material, building a rounded picture of what's at stake and how institutions and individuals respond. The show runs single investigations and multi-part projects that can reflect months or years of work. Reporters often piece together documents, court records and on-the-record testimony to explain context and consequences, and the series will return to stories when new developments emerge. Episodes are designed to do more than inform viewers, they aim to spark public discussion, press for accountability, and push for change without offering simple answers. The tone stays investigative, methodical and evidence driven.

Created by David Fanning, Frontline premiered on PBS in 1983 and has been guided by its in-house documentary team. The series draws on independent filmmakers and reporters for many films, and Will Lyman's voice has been a consistent narrative presence.

Across decades Frontline has received major journalism honors, including multiple Peabody Awards and Emmy Awards, acknowledging its investigative rigor and storytelling craft. Individual films have been singled out by critics and professional organizations, and the program's long run has generated a substantial body of recognized documentary work.

Critics and viewers tend to note Frontline's careful sourcing and willingness to go past headlines to show systemic issues. On user metrics it holds a 7.088/10 average from 51 votes, a small sample that nonetheless signals steady appreciation from audiences who value accountability, institutional scrutiny and nuanced reporting.

Over the years Frontline has shaped public debate, been cited in news coverage and used as a teaching resource in journalism and policy classes. Its long-form format helped normalize deep investigative programs on public television, and many of its films remain reference points for reporting standards and civic discussion.

Details

Release Date: January 17, 1983
Episode Length: 55m
Rating: TV-PG
User Ratings: 52 votes
Type: TV Series
Seasons: 45
Episodes: 847
Network: PBS
Status: Returning Series
Genres: Documentary, News
Country: United States
Studio: GBH +1 more
External Links: View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Will Lyman

Self - Narrator (voice)

Created by: David Fanning

Seasons (45 seasons, 847 episodes)

Season 1

25 episodes - 1983

Season 2

24 episodes - 1984

Season 3

21 episodes - 1985

Season 4

31 episodes - 1986

Season 5

15 episodes - 1987

Season 6

24 episodes - 1987

Season 7

19 episodes - 1988

Season 8

17 episodes - 1989

Season 9

28 episodes - 1990

Season 10

29 episodes - 1991

Season 11

21 episodes - 1992

Season 12

20 episodes - 1993

Season 13

19 episodes - 1994

Season 14

18 episodes - 1995

Season 15

18 episodes - 1996

Season 16

16 episodes - 1997

Season 17

19 episodes - 1998

Season 18

16 episodes - 1999

Season 19

16 episodes - 2000

Season 20

24 episodes - 2001

Season 21

21 episodes - 2002

Season 22

16 episodes - 2003

Season 23

16 episodes - 2004

Season 24

15 episodes - 2005

Season 25

15 episodes - 2006

Season 26

18 episodes - 2007

Season 27

17 episodes - 2009

Season 28

15 episodes - 2010

Season 29

19 episodes - 2010

Season 30

24 episodes - 2011

Season 31

19 episodes - 2013

Season 32

18 episodes - 2014

Season 33

20 episodes - 2015

Season 34

11 episodes - 2016

Season 35

21 episodes - 2016

Season 36

15 episodes - 2017

Season 37

22 episodes - 2018

Season 38

21 episodes - 2019

Season 39

10 episodes - 2020

Season 40

21 episodes - 2021

Season 41

16 episodes - 2022

Season 42

22 episodes - 2023

Season 43

17 episodes - 2024

Season 44

17 episodes - 2025

S45

Season 45

1 episodes - 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Frontline is not currently available to stream, rent, or buy online in the US. Check back later for updates.

Frontline has 45 seasons with a total of 847 episodes.

With a rating of 7.0/10 from 52 viewers, Frontline is well-regarded and recommended by viewers.

Frontline stars Will Lyman.

Frontline was created by David Fanning.

Frontline was released on January 17, 1983.

Frontline is a Documentary and News series.

Will Lyman is credited as the series narrator, listed as Self - Narrator (voice). His voice is a consistent element across many Frontline episodes.

Frontline debuted in 1983 and, according to the provided data, spans 45 seasons and 847 episodes. That makes it one of the longest-running public-affairs documentary series.

Frontline airs public-affairs documentaries that explore a wide scope of the complex human experience, including politics, society, and culture. Its stated goal is to extend a documentary's impact beyond the initial broadcast and act as a catalyst for change.

Frontline has an average rating of 7.088 out of 10 based on the provided score. Individual episode ratings can vary by topic and audience.

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2022

Frontline