The Congress
1989, English. Directed by Ken Burns.
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 American institution. Using historical photographs and newsreels, evocative live footage and interviews with David Broder, Alistair Cooke, Cokie Roberts, Charles McDowell and others, the award-winning film chronicles the personalities, events and issues that have animated the first 200 years of Congress and, in turn, our country.
- Runtime
- 1h 29m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- G
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Where to watch The Congress
The Congress is streaming on PBS Documentaries and WETA+ in India.
PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel
WETA+
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Amazon Video
Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Ken BurnsDirector
- David McCulloughSelf - Writer / Narrator
- Cokie RobertsSelf - Journalist
- Alistair CookeSelf - Journalist
- Arthur MillerSelf
- Charles McDowellSelf - Newspaperman
- Barbara FieldsSelf - Historian
- John C. StennisSelf - Former Senator
- David S. BroderSelf - Reporter
- George TamesSelf - Photographer
- James MacGregor BurnsSelf - Historian
- Jerome Dempsey(voice)
- Shelby Foote(voice)
Details
- Released
- 19 March 1989
- Country
- Canada, United States of America
- Written by
- David McCullough, Bernard Weisberger
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News & fan talk
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The Congress: quick answers
Is The Congress worth watching?
The Congress doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Congress?
The Congress runs 89 minutes (1h 29m).
Does The Congress have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Congress. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Congress parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Congress is rated G in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is The Congress on?
The Congress is streaming on PBS Documentaries and WETA+ in India. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Congress?
If you liked The Congress, try The Untold History Of The United States, Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound, The Princess.
Who directed The Congress?
The Congress (1989) was directed by Ken Burns and stars David McCullough, Cokie Roberts, Alistair Cooke.