FEATURED PROGRAMS on PBS Appalachia
Be sure to check our schedule for additional air times!
Aging in America: Survive or Thrive
Thursday, May 29 @ 8pm
Aging in America: Survive or Thrive, narrated by Martin Sheen, is a one-hour documentary that celebrates the promise of increased longevity while addressing crucial and unprecedented public policy challenges. Using Dr. Robert Butler’s Pulitzer Prize winning book, Why Survive? as a guide, the film explores critical topics such as ageism, healthcare, economic insecurity, and Alzheimer’s disease.
America the Bountiful
Thursdays @ 7pm
A series that takes viewers on a journey into America’s heartland to learn about culture and find inspiration in the evocative chronicles of farmers, artisans, restauranteurs and home cooks through the fare they grow, produce and eat.
May 22 – Corn in Arizona
Corn is a sacred food for all indigenous tribes of Arizona. Many of the original varieties of corn were lost since the time of colonization, but a handful of farmers and organizations are carrying on these traditions and creating a variety of memorable ancient and modern foods from blue, yellow and red flour-making maize.
May 29 – Ramps in West Virginia
Known for their pungent smell and uniquely delicious flavor, ramps have been foraged across North America for centuries. Capri forges for ramps in the West Virginian hills with a local family and celebrates the self-sufficient nature of Appalachian culture at a few seasonal ramp dinners and festivals.
American Masters
Tuesdays
Explore the lives and creative journeys of America’s most enduring artistic and cultural giants. With insight and originality, the series illuminates the extraordinary mosaic of our nation’s landscape, heritage and traditions.
May 13 @ 10pm – Hopper: An American Love Story
Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works. Meet the man behind the brush, and see how his marriage to fellow artist Josephine Nivison Hopper shaped his art and career.
May 27 @ 9pm – Tyrus Wong
Discover the art, life and enduring impact of Tyrus Wong, the renowned Chinese American painter behind “Bambi” and “Rebel Without a Cause,” who once exhibited with Picasso and Matisse, via new and never-before-seen interviews, movie clips and art.
Antiques Roadshow
Mondays @ 8pm
Part adventure, part history lesson, part treasure hunt
May 19 – Junk in the Trunk 14
Watch newly revealed treasures from all five stops of ROADSHOW's Season 29 Tour, including a German tin toy motorcycle, a Babe Ruth exhibition card, and a Patek Philippe dress watch. Guess the big find from the Junk in our Trunk!
May 26 – Charleston, Hour 2
This episode features highlights such as a collection of Marilyn Monroe stills from some of her greatest cinematic hits; a British rainbow spatterware pot, ca. 1860 purchased for $10; and an 1849 ship’s log and register chronicling the journey from Boston to San Francisco during the Gold Rush.
Bugs That Rule the World – NEW SERIES!!
Wednesdays @ 10pm
Explore the fascinating world of bugs, the most essential yet least appreciated creatures on our planet.
May 7 – Insect Apocalypse
Scientists and enthusiasts investigate the global insect "apocalypse," revealing the crucial roles bugs play on our planet and the bleak picture future without them.
May 14 – Lifegivers
Dive into the colorful world of Earth’s essential pollinators – bees, moths, and butterflies. Scientists and enthusiasts discuss life without these resilient creatures, whose impact goes far beyond their delicate appearance.
May 21 – Eat or Be Eaten
Uncover the ruthless realm of some of the stealthiest insects in the animal kingdom. From praying mantises and aquatic insects to dragonflies, nature has equipped these creatures with intelligence, agility, and necessary hunting skills for survival.
May 28 – Beetle Mania
As the world’s most diverse and abundant species, the tiny yet mighty beetle plays crucial ecological roles in nearly every environment. Why are these colorful and ingenious creatures often regarded as “the most important species on the planet”?
Code Name: Ayalon
Thursday, May 29 @ 9pm
The harrowing story of how a secret bullet factory was built, concealed, and operated under a kibbutz near Tel Aviv to defend the fledgling nation of Israel in a pivotal effort in the battle for statehood. Surviving members of the group of 45 teenagers who risked their lives for the mission share their stories along with re-enactments and historical commentary.
Great Performances
Fridays @ 9pm
Television’s longest-running performing arts anthology to enjoy the best in music, dance and theater.
May 23 – Girl from the North Country
Experience this musical by Conor McPherson featuring the music of Bob Dylan set in 1934 Minnesota.
May 30 – Kiss Me Kate
Experience this Cole Porter classic musical starring Tony winner Stephanie J. Block.
The Life of a Musician – NEW SEASON!
Saturdays @ 9pm
One-on-one conversations and performances with some of the best musicians in the country.
May 24 – Roy Bookbinder, part 1
Roy Bookbinder shares blues roots and wild stories from a legendary road life.
May 31 – Roy Bookbinder, part 2
Roy Bookbinder picks, preaches, and passes down the blues with heart and humor.
Nature
Tuesdays @ 8pm
Forty years on, Nature is the premier voice for the natural world, an essential lens on the creatures, great and small, that sustain us all on our living planet.
May 21 – Equus: The Story of the Horse: Origins
Travel around the world to uncover the history of mankind’s relationship with the horse.
May 28 – Equus: The Story of the Horse: Chasing the Wind
Travel around the world to uncover the history of mankind’s relationship with the horse.
NOVA
Tuesdays @ 9pm
Explore the science behind the headlines in PBS's premier science series.
May 7 & 14 – Ultimate Crash Test
Surprisingly little is known about the behavior of cars and drivers in uncontrolled, real-world accidents, despite rigorous testing in laboratory-controlled crashes. Now, a first-of-its-kind experiment aims to discover what really happens in a multi-vehicle pileup and how cars and driving could be made safer.
“Countdown” airs May 7 & “Impact” airs May 14.
May 21 – Decoding the Universe: Cosmos
How big is the universe? Will it ever end? Why is so much of it made of mysterious dark matter and energy? See how mind-bending discoveries over the past 50 years have revolutionized our understanding of the universe.
May 28 – Decoding the Universe: Quantum
Dive into the universe at the tiniest – and weirdest – of scales.
COMING IN JUNE!
AI: Unpacking the Black Box
Wednesdays, June 11-25 @ 7:30pm
A groundbreaking series that explores the future of humanity in the age of emerging Artificial Intelligence. Hosted by technical futurist John McElligott, this show features interviews with experts from around the globe, discussing how AI will impact everything from jobs and education to faith and the pursuit of AI-driven immortality. Each episode utilizes AI to create visuals that illustrate the themes, progressively showcasing the advancements of Artificial Intelligence throughout the series.
American Experience: Nazi Town USA
Tuesday, June 10 @ 9pm & Thursday, June 12 @ 10pm
Nazi Town, USA tells the story of the German American Bund, a pro-Nazi group which in the 1930s had scores of chapters across the country, representing what many believe was a real threat of fascist subversion in the United States. They held joint rallies with the KKK and ran summer camps for children centered around Nazi ideology and imagery, melding patriotic values with virulent anti-Semitism.
Aretha! With Shelea & the Pacific Symphony
Wednesday, June 4 @ 9:30pm
Celebrate the music of Aretha Franklin with this fun concert featuring vocal powerhouse Sheléa. The Grammy nominee performs the Queen of Soul’s greatest hits and Emmy-winning Music Director Rickey Minor conducts the Pacific Symphony.
Atlantic Crossing on Masterpiece - NEW SERIES!
Sundays @ 10pm
A princess steals the heart of the president of the United States in an epic drama based on the World War II relationship of Franklin Roosevelt and Norwegian Crown Princess Martha. Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks, Sex and the City) stars as Roosevelt, opposite Swedish star Sofia Helin (The Bridge) as the beautiful Martha, who flees the Nazis with her three young children and lives under Roosevelt’s protection. The eight-part series co-stars Tobias Santelmann as Crown Prince Olav and Harriet Sansom Harris as First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
June 15 – A year after visiting the U.S., the Norwegian prince and crown princess must flee a Nazi invasion.
June 22 – Martha and her children take refuge in Sweden, but a Nazi threat still looms.
June 29 – President Roosevelt extends a special invitation to Martha and her children.
Caregiving
Tuesday, June 24 @ 9pm
Caregiving will explore caregiving across themes such as seniors, veterans, cancer, youth, mental health and more. It will demonstrate the resourcefulness of the human spirit, as well as creative solutions and successful programs, both large and small, that exist throughout the United States.
Cooking with Legends Lidia Bastianich & Jacques Pepin
Sunday, June 1 @ 8:30pm
Discover the secrets of the "cozy mystery" in this exploration of the genre. Go behind-the-scenes of Grantchester, Magpie Murders, Moonflower Murders, The Marlow Murder Club, and Miss Scarlet to learn what makes these mysteries so enchanting.
Cozy Mysteries of Masterpiece Mystery!
Sunday, June 1 @ 7pm & Thursday, June 5 @ 9:30pm
Discover the secrets of the "cozy mystery" in this exploration of the genre. Go behind-the-scenes of Grantchester, Magpie Murders, Moonflower Murders, The Marlow Murder Club, and Miss Scarlet to learn what makes these mysteries so enchanting.
Grantchester, Season 10, on Masterpiece - NEW SEASON!
Sundays @ 9pm
Alphy has found a home in Grantchester and a best friend in Geordie, but love eludes him until a new case sparks an unexpected romance. Meanwhile, Geordie wrestles with expectations for his son, and Cathy takes steps to advance her career.
June 15 – Episode 1
Easter celebrations in Grantchester take a somber turn with a suspicious death.
June 22 – Episode 2
A death at the university plunges Geordie and Alphy into a world of academic adversaries, while Alphy faces a complication in his romantic life.
June 29 – Episode 3
Alphy’s romantic dinner is interrupted by an unannounced visit from a familiar face.
Great Performances at the Met: Aida
Friday, June 13 @ 9pm
Enjoy Verdi’s epic love story starring soprano Angel Blue in the title role with new staging by Michael Mayer featuring projections and animations that bring ancient Egypt to life. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the all-star cast.
The Life of a Musician
Saturdays @ 9pm
One-on-one conversations and performances with some of the best musicians in the country.
June 7 – Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Brandon Lee Adams sits down with bluegrass stars Darin & Brooke Aldridge for a heartfelt episode filled with stunning harmonies, soulful stories, and original songs.
June 14 – Billy Litz
At the Church of the Perpetual Boogie, host Brandon Lee Adams shares an honest, soulful session with Billy Litz—singer, songwriter, trumpet player, and frontman of Hustle Souls. T
June 21 – Brianna Harris
With stunning guitar work and soul-stirring originals like “Clyde” and “Sarah,” Brianna blends Appalachian roots with poetic storytelling. Host Brandon Lee Adams joins her for an intimate session that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
June 28 – Matt Crowder
Filmed at The Woods on Cabell Street in Danville, VA, this episode features singer-songwriter Matt Crowder. With honesty and humor, Matt shares songs full of grit, soul, and hard-earned truth—like the poignant “Old Truck That Runs” and the rousing “Don’t Call Me Outlaw.”
Lucy Worsley Investigates
Back-to Back- to Back Episodes! Tuesday, June 3 @ 8pm
Lucy Worsley re-investigates some of the most dramatic chapters in British history. She uncovers forgotten witnesses, re-examines old evidence and follows new clues.
Patience
Sundays @ 8pm
Witness Patience’s powerful deduction skills as she helps the York Police solve crimes. Patience’s autism and extraordinary ability to make connections that others overlook impress Detective Metcalf, who believes she could be an asset to her team.
June 15 – Paper Mountain Girl, Part 1
Detective Bea Metcalf is intrigued when Patience connects a suicide to other cases.
June 22 – Paper Mountain Girl, Part 2
Bea learns more about Patience’s difficult past and together they uncover a trail.
June 29 – The Missing Link
A body in a museum exhibit leads the team into the shadowy world of fossil smuggling.
Quilting Women of Gee’s Bend
Sunday, June 8 @ 7pm
Learn about the celebrated quilts made by a community of African American women in rural Alabama. Born out of necessity and now recognized as an artform, the quilting practice has been passed down from mothers to daughters for generations.
Rick Steves: Experiencing Europe
Thursday, June 5 @ 8pm
Rick shares lessons from a lifetime of European travel so that viewers can learn from his experiences and travel with minimal hiccups. From itinerary planning to venturing off the beaten path, this entertaining, information-packed program recorded in front of an audience teaches viewers the essential skills for smart travel. Get Rick's tips on packing light, avoiding crowds, outsmarting scams, and eluding pickpockets – all while maximizing the opportunities for cultural and culinary experiences.
Tommy Emmanuel: Live – Sydney Opera House
Wednesday, June 4 @ 8pm
Join the guitar virtuoso for magical performances in his native Australia recorded in May 2023. Featuring his beloved songs “Tall Fiddler,” “Mombasa,” and “Country Wide,” plus an iconic arrangement of “Classical Gas” and a thrilling Beatles medley.
The Underground Railroad: Paths and Places of Refuge
Wednesday, June 4 @ 7pm
Trace the perilous journey from slavery to freedom through the personal accounts of William and Ellen Craft. Follow the harrowing and secretive path from Georgia to Philadelphia and explore the myriad ways enslaved Africans found their way to freedom.
Wilson Fairchild: Statler Made
Sunday, June 8 @ 8:30pm
Langdon and Wil Reid, sons of Don and Harold Reid, of the legendary Statler Brothers, pay tribute to their roots and honor the legacy of their fathers with heartfelt renditions of hits including “I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You,” “The Class of ’57” and more. Hosted by award-winning Grand Ole Opry Announcer Bill Cody, the program finds the cousins adding their touch to these musical gems, showcasing their signature talents
Walking with Dinosaurs - NEW SERIES!
Monday-Wednesday, June 16-18 @ 8pm & 9pm
Step into the world of six iconic dinosaurs and experience them walking the Earth once more.
June 16 – The Orphan / The River Dragon
An orphaned baby Triceratops must outwit a deadly T. rex. Can she survive? / A Spinosaurus struggles to keep his family alive in the deadliest place in Earth’s history.
June 17 – Band of Brothers / The Pack
Follow a gang of armored dinosaurs battle to reach adulthood, pursued by ferocious raptors. / A young Albertosaurus, a relative of T. rex, earns her place in a fierce hunting pack.
June 18 – The Journey North / Island of Giants
Travel back in time to the dangerous journey of the Pachyrhinosaurus, where their survival is at stake. / Discover the story of Lusotitan, one of the largest dinosaurs ever, as it embarks on a quest for love.