Netflix has officially announced the development of a new documentary series focused on one of America’s most iconic historical figures — Paul Revere. Titled Midnight Ride: The Legend of Paul Revere, the series will explore the life, legacy, and lasting impact of the silversmith-turned-revolutionary whose midnight ride became a symbol of American resistance and patriotism.
Set to premiere in early 2026, the multi-part series aims to go far beyond the well-known story of Revere’s legendary ride to alert colonial militia of British troop movements. Through newly uncovered historical documents, dramatized reenactments, expert commentary, and insights from historians, the show will paint a more complete and human portrait of the man behind the myth.
Paul Revere, born in 1734 in Boston, was more than just a messenger. He was a skilled artisan, a savvy businessman, and a passionate political activist. In addition to being a key figure in the Sons of Liberty, Revere was deeply involved in spreading revolutionary ideas through print and speech. His contributions to the American Revolution, from intelligence gathering to organizing local militias, were extensive and often overlooked in traditional retellings.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Sarah Ellis (The Revolutionaries), Midnight Ride promises a visually rich and intellectually compelling journey through pre-revolutionary America. The series will feature high-end cinematography, period-accurate sets, and narration from prominent American voices, designed to make Revere’s 18th-century world feel immediate and alive to 21st-century audiences.
“This is not just about one midnight ride,” Ellis stated. “It’s about the larger context of rebellion, identity, and the power of ordinary citizens to shape extraordinary history. Revere was not a lone hero—he was part of a much larger movement, and that’s the story we’re telling.”
The documentary will also delve into how the legend of Paul Revere was shaped by later generations, particularly by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, whose 1860 poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” immortalized the event but took historical liberties. Netflix’s series will explore the tension between myth and reality, offering viewers a chance to examine the making of an American legend.
Historians and educators are already praising the project as an opportunity to bring nuanced history to a global audience. As America continues to reexamine its founding figures, Midnight Ride is expected to spark fresh conversations about patriotism, legacy, and the power of storytelling.
With its blend of scholarship, drama, and cinematic flair, Netflix’s Midnight Ride: The Legend of Paul Revere is poised to become a defining documentary for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
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