Playlist Culture
Culture
What to Watch in July
A new nature show exploring Americans' surprising relationships to the outdoors from a bestselling author, a look at the world of plants from Sir David Attenborough, new seasons of dramas and mysteries, and more.
Architect Brian Lee Brings the Expertise Required for Skyscrapers to Neighborhood Buildings
Brian Lee has designed one of the tallest buildings in the world as well as neighborhood-level buildings such as three libraries in Chicago. "To be able to reinforce and maybe enhance a neighborhood with a building—I think that’s a great positive goal of architecture and urban design,” he says.
What to Watch in June
A new fish-out-of-water dramedy that might remind you of The Durrells in Corfu, a new season of a favorite mystery, an exciting cooking competition show, and more are on the docket for June.
Celebrate Pride Month with WTTW's Programming in 2022
June is LGBTQ+ or Pride Month, and as always WTTW has plenty of programming to celebrate these too-often unheard or repressed stories, including a music special, a focus on Silicon Valley, and a touching tale of human generosity.
The Performers of the National Memorial Day Concert 2022
The 33rd annual National Memorial Day Concert is back this weekend. Meet the musicians and performers who will honor the people who have served in the armed forces.
Nine Asian Architects Whose Work Can Be Found in Chicago
Whereas once Chinatown leaders had to turn to Norwegian architects, now there are noteworthy buildings and sites by Asian architects throughout Chicagoland, from skyscrapers to a library to a synagogue. Geoffrey Baer explores some.
A Q&A with the Producer of 'Chicago Stories: The Birth of Gospel'
"The story of gospel music is actually a more universal story of American music and our country’s history," says the producer of a new Chicago Stories documentary about the genre's origins in Chicago.
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with WTTW in 2022
From an Olympic medal-winning, innovative swimmer and surfer to a terrifying outbreak of bubonic plague, tales from New Zealand and Samoa to the shameful chapter of Japanese American internment camps, there is a lot to learn, savor, and explore.
What to Watch in May
A new period drama set in 1960s London, a documentary about the stresses of high school and applying to elite colleges, and a new series on little-understood chapters of British history, plus more.
Innovative Chicagoland Buildings Striving for Sustainability
Geoffrey Baer highlights some Chicago buildings addressing climate change by striving for net-zero energy, incorporating renewal energy sources, repurposing existing buildings, and incorporating agriculture, among other things.
New Stamp Commemorates Chicago-Born Shel Silverstein’s Beloved Book
A memorable image from Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree is now preserved on a U.S. postage stamp.
Exploring the Diversity of American Music Through Its Influences—and Food
In the third season of Now Hear This, Scott Yoo explores the idea of American classical music through several composers and their influences, which range from samba to spirituals to Hindustani music—with explanatory pit-stops for food along the way.
What to Watch in April
Chicago stories covering everything from the birth of gospel to the ad executives behind the Pillsbury Doughboy and other icons to a Mexican American church that lost a disproportionate number of soldiers in the Vietnam War, and much more.
Women Architects Who Have Made Their Mark on Chicago
Architecture remains a male-dominated field, but women architects have made their mark upon Chicago and architectural history. Discover a few of them and their projects, from downtown skyscrapers to transit centers and schools.
How Marin Alsop Has Persevered in a World Full of Obstacles for Women Conductors
Marin Alsop is currently the only woman who has ever led one of America's top 25 orchestras as music director. A new documentary on Great Performances follows her obstacle-filled rise. We talked to her about the obstacles women conductors continue to face.
