Isabella Thornton
Here’s everything you need to know about the PBS Original documentary produced by Afrochine Productions, King of Them All: The Story of King Records (2025) — including its premiere date, streaming availability, full cast lineup, and a complete step-by-step guide on how to watch it online from outside the US. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below — I’ll respond quickly to help you start streaming this powerful music documentary without any hassle.
How can I watch King of Them All: The Story of King Records outside the US on PBS
To watch King of Them All: The Story of King Records on PBS.org or the PBS App from outside the US, you’ll need to use a trusted VPN to bypass geo-restrictions. By connecting to a US-based server, you can access PBS as if you were streaming from within the United States. This allows international viewers to enjoy the full documentary safely, securely, and in high quality on any compatible device.
King of Them All: The Story of King Records Synopsis
King of Them All captures the rise of King Records, the groundbreaking label founded in the 1940s by Syd Nathan, an outsider who defied industry conventions. Driven by his belief that music should belong to everyone, Nathan created a studio where every step — from recording to distribution — happened in-house. This revolutionary process led to some of the most influential sounds of the 20th century, launching artists like James Brown, Little Willie John, and The Stanley Brothers. Through a blend of archival footage, animation, and intimate narration, the film transforms history into rhythm, revealing how the label united genres and broke racial barriers. Guided by the insights of Vince Gill, Seymour Stein, and Christian McBride, the documentary celebrates King’s audacious spirit and lasting influence. Ultimately, it reminds us that King Records wasn’t just a label — it was a cultural revolution.
When does King of Them All: The Story of King Records premiere?
The documentary premiered on October 10, 2025, in the United States. It aired nationwide on PBS at 9/8c and became available for online streaming on PBS.org and the PBS App shortly after.
King of Them All: The Story of King Records Cast
- Vince Gill — The country music legend reflects on how King Records united artists across genres.
- Christian McBride — The jazz virtuoso connects King’s sound to the evolution of modern jazz.
- Seymour Stein — The founder of Sire Records shares his early experiences working at King and its lasting cultural influence.
- Daru Jones — The acclaimed drummer provides insight into King’s rhythmic innovations.
- John Curley — Music historian and performer offering a deep dive into Cincinnati’s music scene.
- Nick Clooney — Veteran journalist bringing historical and social context to the label’s journey.
- Alan Leeds — Former James Brown tour manager discussing the artist’s impact and King’s creative power.
- Tammy L. Kernodle — Musicologist exploring how King Records advanced African American artistry.
- Christine Anderson — Cultural researcher highlighting the label’s progressive approach to race and sound.
- Jon Hartley Fox — Author and music historian chronicling the rise and fall of King Records.
- Steve Halper, Randy McNutt, John Morris Russell, RJ Smith, and Terry Stewart — Scholars, musicians, and industry voices expanding on King’s enduring musical footprint.
Why is King of Them All: The Story of King Records not more widely known?
The documentary focuses on a niche but profoundly influential label, King Records, whose contributions were often overlooked in popular music histories. Director Yemi Oyediran spent nine years researching, rewriting, and restoring archival materials to bring the story to light.
Where to watch King of Them All: The Story of King Records in the US
As of October 10, 2025, you can watch King of Them All: The Story of King Records exclusively on PBS in the United States. The documentary premiered on PBS and is now available for streaming anytime on PBS.org and the PBS App. Viewers can enjoy the full film in high quality across multiple devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, and web browsers.
Is there a official way to watch King of Them All: The Story of King Records online for free?
Yes, you can officially watch King of Them All: The Story of King Records online for free through PBS.org or the PBS App during its broadcast period in the United States. The documentary is available to stream on PBS without a subscription when it airs.
Devices You Can Use to Watch PBS:
| Device Type | How to Watch |
|---|---|
| Desktop & Laptop | Stream on PBS.org via browsers like Chrome, Safari, or Edge. |
| iPhone & iPad | Use the PBS App from the Apple App Store. |
| Android Phones & Tablets | Download the PBS App from Google Play. |
| Apple TV & Roku | Install the PBS App from the device’s app store. |
| Amazon Fire TV / Stick | Watch using the PBS App from Amazon Appstore. |
| Android TV / Google TV | Access PBS through the PBS App on Google Play. |
| Chromecast | Cast content from mobile or desktop devices. |
| Samsung & VIZIO Smart TVs | Stream using the built-in PBS App. |
| Comcast X1 / Flex / XUMO | Available through the PBS App on these devices. |
King of Them All: The Story of King Records Trailer
FAQs
- Who should watch King of Them All: The Story of King Records?
Anyone passionate about music, history, or cultural evolution will find this documentary deeply rewarding. It’s especially ideal for fans of American roots music, music historians, and storytelling enthusiasts seeking to understand how one record label changed the sound of a nation. - What is the runtime of the documentary?
The director’s cut runs about 75 minutes, a compact but dense presentation of King Records’ legacy. - Was the documentary ever shown at a film festival?
Yes, it debuted at the Over-the-Rhine (OTR) Film Festival in March 2025 before its PBS release.
You May Also Check This Out
When you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about how this works.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings