Series synopsis
The Man Will Burn is an American documentary television series that premiered on HBO on July 9, 2026.
Explores the definitive story of the Burning Man festival, filmed over three years with the co-operation of the Burning Man Project, the non-profit behind it, and featuring archive from the last 30 years.
Premise
Explores the definitive story of the Burning Man festival, filmed over three years with the co-operation of the Burning Man Project, the non-profit behind it, and featuring archive from the last 30 years.
Premise: 80,000 people. One social experiment.
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 4 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 4 | July 8, 2026 | July 30, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Great Unknown Burning Man grows from an anti-establishment group in San Francisco, founded by Larry Harvey in the 1980s, to a multi-million-dollar event with thousands of attendees and the backing of billionaire tech donors. First time "Burners" look forward to the experience, while repeat attendees and organizers prep for the unpredictable as COVID-19 threatens the event. |
July 9, 2026 |
| 2 |
Welcome to the Shit Show Burning Man is canceled for the second year in a row. A renegade group of "Burners" hold their own event in the desert, and, to many, the Renegade Burn feels like a return to the event’s origins, and exposes complex dynamics within the leadership. |
July 16, 2026 |
| 3 |
Waking Dreams Burning Man is back in full force with the musicians, singers, and artists that create and run the spectacular art installations. A growing unease resurges among the creatives who fear that the advent of social media influencers and the influx of tech money threaten the original philosophy of the Burning Man community spirit. |
July 23, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | HBO |
|---|---|
| First aired | July 9, 2026 |
| Status | continue |
| Schedule | Thursday at 21:00:00 |