For immediate release
Chicago, IL - August 20, 2025
Blizzards that brought the city to a standstill. A shocking murder case that remains unsolved. A governor's spectacular fall from power. Classic city foods that became world famous. And the magic of Marshall Field's legendary holiday windows. These are the iconic tales that will be told in a new season of WTTW's acclaimed documentary series, CHICAGO STORIES, beginning on September 26, 2025. Watch the trailer >>
“We are proud to debut this new season of Chicago Stories, WTTW's award-winning documentary series that illuminates the defining people, places, and moments in our city's history,” said WTTW President & CEO Sandra Cordova Micek. “We hope these stories spark conversation and inspire exploration of our shared history.”
The only weekly documentary series that uncovers the sweeping history, rich diversity, and breadth of human experience that shaped this great American city, Chicago Stories airs on Fridays at 8:00 pm on WTTW, and will stream on the PBS app and at wttw.com/chicagostories.
Friday, September 26, 8:00 pm
Legendary Blizzards
It takes a lot to stop the city of Chicago in its tracks. But two deadly blizzards in 1967 and 1979 did just that. The city's woefully inadequate response to the second one dealt a fatal blow to the political career of one mayor, Michael Bilandic, and jumpstarted the nascent campaign of another: Jane Byrne. This episode of Chicago Stories looks back on those two epic storms through the memories of veteran meteorologist Tom Skilling, former news anchor Bill Kurtis, and intrepid Chicagoans who share their own stories. Several who weathered the storms as children fondly recall the “snow days” that followed, and the film takes a lighthearted look at Chicago's famous custom of winter parking “dibs.” The companion website dives into Bilanic's story and presents an animated video about the 2011 “Snowmageddon” blizzard.
Friday, October 3, 8:00 pm
Inside the Tylenol Murders
It’s one of the most infamous crimes in American history – seven Chicagoans suddenly died after taking a popular over-the-counter pain reliever – Tylenol capsules that had been laced with cyanide. Who would commit such a heinous and random crime, and why? This episode of Chicago Stories follows the baffling twists and turns of a case that left an entire nation gripped with fear, triggered the biggest manhunt in Illinois history, and is still unsolved. Along with investigators, journalists, and medical personnel, Kasia Novak-Janus, who as a child tragically lost three family members, shares her recollections for the first time on camera, looking back on this chilling event that forever changed how pharmaceuticals and other products are “sealed for our protection.” On the website, read about the Janus family and how the media has covered the Tylenol case over the decades.
Friday, October 10, 8:00 pm
Rod Blagojevich
He could have been a character in a Greek tragedy. Rod Blagojevich, the Chicagoan familiarly known as “Blago,” was blessed with talent, drive, and charisma, and he capitalized on these qualities to rise to the position of Governor of Illinois. But after a series of disastrous decisions fueled by greed and ambition, he lost it all. With interviews with Blagojevich himself, this episode of Chicago Stories traces his ascent to the pinnacle of Chicago and Illinois politics, reveals how corruption brought about his spectacular downfall, and follows his attempts to rise again…at any cost. The companion website features a timeline of Blagojevich's career, an overview of Illinois governors who went to prison, and extended interview clips in which Blagojevich reflects on his childhood, record as governor, time in prison, and the commutation of his sentence.
Friday, October 17, 8:00 pm
Iconic Foods
Visitors to the Windy City quickly discover what the locals already know: Chicago ranks among the world's great food cities, with varied and distinctive flavors across the neighborhoods. In this episode of Chicago Stories, chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, and historians recall how some of Chicago's most iconic dishes were invented and sourced, and reveal why they are so popular. Learn about the controversy surrounding deep dish pizza, the origins of the Italian beef sandwich and Chicago hot dog (and the symbolism behind its essential condiments), and many other culinary innovations in a town where everything from cheap walk-ups to fine dining establishments abound. The website uncovers unique Chicago street foods and steakhouses and features a fun take on the Chicago-style hot dog, Italian beef, and deep-dish pizza.
Friday, October 24, 8:00 pm
Marshall Field's
“Give the lady what she wants.” “Meet me under the clock.” For generations of Chicagoans, these phrases evoke a single beloved institution: Marshall Field & Company. This episode of Chicago Stories revisits the rise and fall of the legendary department store — from its humble beginnings as a dry goods shop to its expansion into a national retail powerhouse, and ultimately, its demise. Recalling cherished traditions like the enchanting holiday windows and the Walnut Room's towering Christmas tree, the touchstones of family life in Chicago come to life in this nostalgic film. Visit the website for stories about Marshall Field's visionary founder and a gallery of the store’s iconic window displays.
Visit wttw.com/events for upcoming community events that enrich lives, engage communities, and inspire exploration throughout the Fall 2025 season of Chicago Stories.
CHICAGO STORIES Executive Producer: Anna Chadwick Gardner. VP, TV Original Content: Shelley Spencer. Produced and written by Eddie Griffin, Alex Dawson, Peter Marks, Daniel Andries, Monica Eng, Tania Lindsay, and Heidi Zersen. Directors of Photography: Oral Berat User, Eric Seals, Tim Boyd, and Brendan Walsh. Editors: David Fortney, Michael Buhrow, Bill Ward, Scott Holoubek, and Brian Clark. Narrator: Anthony Fleming III. Original score: Paul Brill.
Lead support for CHICAGO STORIES is provided by The Negaunee Foundation. Major support is provided by the Abra Prentice Foundation, Inc. and the TAWANI Foundation. (As of 8/19/25)
WTTW is the PBS member station in Chicago, committed to creating and presenting unique media content across distinct television and digital channels – WTTW, WTTW Prime, WTTW Create, WTTW World, WTTW/PBS Kids 24/7, wttw.com, and the PBS app. Recognized for award-winning journalism and local productions – such as Chicago Stories, Chicago Tonight, Chicago’s Lakefront, digital-first series Firsthand and Urban Nature; and national productions Prehistoric Road Trip and 10 That Changed America – WTTW presents the very best in public affairs, arts and culture, nature and science, history and documentary, and children's public media content. Connect with WTTW on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.
