What to Watch in May

Lisa Tipton

May 1, 2024

'Nature: Saving the Animals of Ukraine' witnesses the effect of war on animals. Credit: Dmitry Revnyuk

There's a huge amount of worthwhile TV out there nowadays, so it can be hard to choose what to watch. But who better to recommend shows than the person who programs them? Lisa Tipton, WTTW’s Head of Programming and Pledge, constructs the WTTW schedule by searching through offerings from many different sources which include the national PBS network, the BBC, and independent filmmakers to put together a varied and engaging broadcast schedule. Each month, she’ll recommend a few shows that she thinks you should watch.

Find all the ways to watch WTTW here. Many of the below shows are available to stream or will be once they premiere.

MaryLand

Sundays beginning May 5 at 8:00 pm

A mother's death brings two estranged sisters back together in this new drama, while the revelation of a secret second life helps them rebuild a relationship.

We'll have recaps to help you keep up.

Frontline

Tuesdays, May 14 and 28 at 9:00 pm

In A Dangerous Assignment: Uncovering Corruption in Maduro's Venezuela on May 14, Frontline joins with the Venezuelan news outlet Armando.info to investigate a corruption scandal and a controversial prisoner sway with the U.S. May 28's South Korea's Adoption Reckoning investigates allegations of fraud and abuse in South Korea's extensive adoption program over the past seven decades.

Nature and NOVA

Wednesday, May 15

May 15 brings two engaging science documentaries back to back. First up at 8:00pm is Nature: Saving the Animals of Ukraine, which shows the effect of war on animals. Next up is the frightening NOVA: Secrets in Your Data, which reveals just how your personal data can be found and used.

Pompeii: The New Dig

Wednesdays beginning May 15 at 9:00 pm

Pompeii is endlessly fascinating and endlessly revealing about life millennia ago. This three-part series follows the latest archaeological dig to study the city, the largest in years.

Field Trip with Curtis Stone: Hong Kong

Monday, May 20 at 9:00 pm

Hong Kong has one of the more vibrant food cultures in the world, with modernity and tradition mixing in equal measure. Join Chef Curtis Stone as he explores it.