I thought the same thing this morning with regards to the timing.
There's a lot of very divided reviews and opinions that I've already read about the PBS doc, most centering around how Walt is portrayed. The opening segment mention by Neal Gabler of Walt having a "dark soul' has raised a ruckus and some fears among folks that the doc will be a slam job on Walt. I doubt it will be. A notable Disney historian, Michael Barrier, has already pretty much given up on the program and I don't think he's even seen the final cut. He invoked 'where are you Ken Burns, when we need you'...
Earlier in my career I made documentaries, got some nice recognition for them and did one on baseball in Cleveland. It aired locally about a year or so before Burns' did. When I watched the Burns doc I was amazed at how much was left out and how out-of-balance and incomplete it was as seen from the viewpoint of the lifelong baseball fan and amateur historian that I am. However, as a filmmaker I also knew that no matter how hard you try to get everything important in, be balanced and still be 'watchable' for the general public that you will NEVER keep everyone happy. This will likely be the case with the reviews and discussion following the "American Experience" doc. Finally, I found this quote from Walt on a FB page regarding the 'darkness' that folks seem to fear that the program will bring up..."I always look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter...life is composed of lights and shadows and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows."
Hear, Hear!