Watch Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music

Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music is a documentary series from PBS that premiered in 2019. The show explores the history and evolution of bluegrass music, from its roots in traditional Appalachian music to its current status as a popular American genre. The series features interviews with some of the biggest names in bluegrass music, including Ed Helms, Bela Fleck, and Sam Bush.

The series is broken up into four episodes, each of which focuses on a different aspect of bluegrass music. The first episode, titled "Origins," explores the music's roots in traditional Appalachian music, which was brought to America by Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries. The episode features interviews with musicians and scholars who explain how bluegrass music evolved from traditional Appalachian music and how it became popular in the 20th century.

The second episode, "Innovation," explores how bluegrass music has evolved over time, incorporating new instruments, rhythms, and influences. The episode examines the contributions of musicians like Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, and Tony Rice, who helped to shape the genre and make it more accessible to a wider audience.

The third episode, "Community," focuses on the role that bluegrass music plays in bringing people together. The episode features interviews with musicians and fans who discuss the sense of community that is created by bluegrass music and the importance of passing the tradition down to future generations.

The fourth and final episode, "Inspiration," showcases the legacy of bluegrass music and its continued influence on American music. The episode features performances by some of the biggest names in bluegrass music, including Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, and Alison Krauss, and highlights the genre's ongoing impact on popular music.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to stunning performances and insightful commentary from some of the most influential figures in bluegrass music. Ed Helms, a well-known actor and comedian, serves as the host of the series and lends his own perspective on the genre.

Overall, Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music is a must-see for anyone who loves American music and wants to learn more about the history and evolution of bluegrass. The series is informative, entertaining, and beautifully shot, and is sure to leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for this uniquely American genre.

Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (1 episodes). The series first aired on August 30, 2019.

Where to Watch Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music

Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music is available for streaming on the PBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Big Family: The Story of Bluegrass Music on demand at and PBS.