Aug. 27, 2026
Hemingway’s Arkansas years featured in documentary from Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas TV) — “Hemingway,” a three-part, six-hour documentary from Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein, will air on Arkansas TV and livestream at arkansastv.gov/live, beginning Monday, Aug. 31, at 8 p.m. The documentary explores the life, work and legacy of Ernest Hemingway, one of America’s most influential writers. Parts two and three will air Monday, Sept. 7, and Monday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m.
Hemingway and his second wife Pauline Pfeiffer, whose family lived in Piggott, were prominent residents of Northeast Arkansas during their 13-year marriage. Hemingway penned part of “A Farewell to Arms” while staying at their Arkansas home. Hemingway’s time in Arkansas is mentioned in the first episode, in the context of his and Pauline's move to Piggott just before their son Patrick was born.
Learn about Hemingway’s Arkansas ties through Arkansas TV’s digital series, featuring visits to the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center and conversations with historians and museum leaders about Hemingway’s time in the Natural State.
Today, Arkansas State University operates the restored Pfeiffer home and Hemingway Barn-Studio as one of its four Heritage Sites. The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center, 1021 West Cherry Street, Piggott, is open Monday-Friday with tours on the hour from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
"Hemingway" paints an intimate picture of the writer – who captured the complexities of the human condition on paper in spare and profound prose, and whose work remains deeply influential around the world – while also penetrating the myth of Hemingway, the man’s man, to reveal a deeply troubled and ultimately tragic figure. The film also explores Hemingway’s limitations and biases as an artist.
Narrated by long-time collaborator Peter Coyote, the series features an all-star cast of actors bringing Hemingway, voiced by Jeff Daniels, his friends and his four wives – voiced by Meryl Streep, Keri Russell, Mary-Louise Parker and Patricia Clarkson – vividly to life.
About Arkansas TV
Arkansas TV, Arkansas’s only statewide public television network, informs and inspires learners of all ages through local storytelling, educational resources and meaningful community partnerships. Local programs can be livestreamed at arkansastv.gov/live and accessed on-demand at youtube.com/@arkansastv, and the distinct channels Arkansas TV and AIRS on SAP. Arkansas TV depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering locally produced, Arkansas-focused programming. Additional information is available at arkansastv.gov. Arkansas TV is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Russellville), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Yancy) and KETS (Gaither).
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