The Rebels is a 1979 American made-for-television drama film based on the historical novel, The Rebels, written by John Jakes, originally published in 1975. It is second in a series known as The Kent Family Chronicles or the American Bicentennial Series.The story mixes fictional characters with historical events and figures, to narrate the nascent United States of America during the time of the American Revolution. While it continues the story of Philip Kent, started in The Bastard, a large portion focuses on Judson Fletcher (Don Johnson), a newly introduced character, as a different rebel. In 1979, the novel was made into this television film by Operation Prime Time.The Rebels was preceded by The Bastard, first in the series, and followed by The Seekers, third in the series.