The Great Courses US review
Updated October 17, 2026 · AcademyCue Editorial Team
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Our verdict
For lifelong learners who want to own courses outright, The Great Courses US offers expert-led video learning across subjects like history, science, cooking and photography. It pairs a broad catalog of classics with new monthly releases from trusted professors for continued discovery.
Key facts
- Best for
- Curious adults seeking expert-led video learning
- Price from
- €24.99 (Source, checked October 17, 2026)
- Number of courses
- 900 (Source, checked October 17, 2026)
- Markets
- US
- Subjects
- Science, Humanities
- Official website
- shop.thegreatcourses.com
Pros and cons
Pros
- Thousands of expert-led video courses across many popular subjects
- New monthly releases from trusted professors with rigorous content
- Playback on mobile devices and connected TVs through dedicated app
- Individual courses remain available without a subscription commitment
Cons
- Focus stays on video lessons, so other learning formats are absent
Who it suits
- Lifelong learners curious about history and science
- Home cooks and photographers wanting structured video lessons
Who should look elsewhere
- Learners seeking in person classroom instruction
What it does well
The Great Courses US centers on expert-led video courses that span history, science, math, cooking and photography. Shoppers can explore thousands of titles, including hundreds of new and classic courses across many subjects. New lessons arrive every month and feature trusted professors with rigorous educational content. Playback extends to favorite mobile devices and connected TVs through a dedicated app, which supports learning at home or on the move.
Subjects and course structure
Courses are built from a series of lectures that each cover one idea in depth. Topics range from equations that explain everyday phenomena to the history behind familiar events, with cooking and photography offering a more hands on angle. Learners can take a course in short sittings and return to it when time allows, which suits people who like to study in manageable steps. Each lecture builds on the previous one, which means a learner gains a clear picture of the whole subject over time.
Who teaches the courses
Lessons are taught by professors and specialists who bring real expertise to each subject. The teaching style favours clear explanation over quick summaries, so learners can follow the reasoning behind an idea rather than memorising a list of facts. Each course names its lecturer, making it easy to see who stands behind the lessons. Lecturers often share their own enthusiasm for the subject, which gives the course a personal voice. Their expertise is reflected in the depth of each explanation.
Revisiting purchased courses
Courses a learner acquires stay available for repeat viewing, so a personal library builds up over time. Revisiting a lecture can deepen understanding and help ideas stick, especially with subjects that rely on careful reasoning. Keeping the lessons on hand means a learner can return to a subject whenever curiosity strikes again. Courses a learner acquires stay with them, so the library grows as curiosity grows. Learners can follow a subject across several courses and build a deeper understanding over time.
Watching on different screens
Lessons work well on a large living room screen as well as on a small handheld device. Moving between screens lets learners continue a course in the evening or during a commute without losing their place in the lessons. Sound and clear visuals matter for demonstrations in cooking and photography, so a good display helps. A large screen suits demonstrations and visual subjects such as photography, while a handheld device works well for listening during a walk or a commute. Sound quality matters for lectures, so a good speaker or headphones help.
Our full take
Online shop for expert-led video courses across subjects from history and science to cooking and photography.
How The Great Courses US compares
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Frequently asked questions
What does The Great Courses US sell?+
The Great Courses US sells expert-led video courses for personal learning and curiosity. The catalog covers thousands of titles that shoppers can browse by subject and explore at their own pace.
Which subjects does the catalog cover?+
The catalog spans history and science alongside cooking, photography and math. Shoppers can explore hundreds of new titles plus classic courses across many subjects to find a favorite topic.
Who teaches the courses?+
Courses feature trusted professors and experts who lead each lesson. The content emphasizes rigorous educational standards and explains ideas shaping the world in an approachable way.
How often are new courses released?+
New courses are developed and released every month. The ongoing releases add fresh topics while keeping the same expert-led style and rigorous educational approach.
Where can courses be watched?+
Courses can be watched on favorite mobile devices and connected TVs through a dedicated app. The app option supports flexible learning at home and while traveling.
How long are the lectures in each course?+
Lectures are sized to hold attention, with each course built from several lessons that each cover one idea in depth. Learners can take a course in short sittings and return when time allows. The structure keeps longer subjects manageable from start to finish. Learners will find the lessons clear and approachable, even when the subject is complex.
Can learners revisit a course later?+
Learners who own a course can return to it whenever they like. Lessons stay accessible for repeat viewing, which helps with memory and deeper understanding. Revisiting a subject after time away often reveals details that were missed the first time. The approach gives learners room to follow a long lecture without losing track of the thread.
Sources
- shop.thegreatcourses.com checked October 17, 2026
Backs: Price from, Subjects, Description
“€29.99 €24.99 12 Lectures”
- shop.thegreatcourses.com/faq checked October 17, 2026
Backs: Number of courses
“a library of over 900 Great Courses”
Compiled from 2 source pages, checked October 18, 2026. We did not open an account.
Not confirmed yet: Free tier, Money-back period, Platform type.