Playlist Culture
Culture
What to Stream This Month
We have four shows with plenty of episodes to stream this month: something for dads on Father's Day, an uproarious sitcom for LGBTQ Pride Month, and extra seasons of beloved British favorites that return with new episodes at the end of the month.
"Respect Yourself": The Power of The Staple Singers
The Staple Singers combined the Delta blues of Pops Staples' birthplace with the gospel of his adopted home in Chicago to become international stars and civil rights activists. Hear Bob Dylan and Harry Belafonte reminisce on the Staples and learn their history before Mavis headlines the Chicago Blues Fest.
From the Archive: 'Dune' Author Frank Herbert
The author of the world's best-selling science fiction novel discusses the broad base of knowledge he draws on in imagining other worlds, as well as his environmentalism. "I refuse to be put in the position of having to tell my grandchildren, 'I'm sorry, there's no more world for you, we used it all up.' "
Chicago, The "Vatican and Mecca" of Gospel Music
Gospel music's "Father," and "Mother," "Queen" and "King," all made their career or were born in Chicago, where the soul-stirring music was first developed and popularized. Discover the development of gospel and its main players in Chicago.
What to Watch in June
This month, two British favorites return for new seasons – the final season for one – the life and work of a trailblazing black Chicagoan is celebrated, 50 years of LGBTQ history is explored, and a legendary star is saluted by fellow musicians.
The Performers of the 2018 National Memorial Day Concert
Every year American troops are honored with a National Memorial Day Concert on the lawn of the Capitol, broadcast live by PBS the day before Memorial Day. Meet the performers, including some famous Chicago natives, in this patriotic special here.
Can You Guess the Book by Its Cover?
We're always being told not to judge a book by its cover, but in this case you should: can you identify 20 books from The Great American Read's list of America's 100 favorite novels by just their covers? Test your knowledge here, and get reading!
Royal Rules: The Odd Restrictions the Royal Family Follows
From who curtsys to whom to the various forms of deference shown to the queen to restrictions regarding travel and dress, the royal family has some unusual strictures that they follow. Brush up on them before the royal wedding this Saturday.
What to Stream This Month
May brings a lot to celebrate: mothers, spring, a royal wedding. Watch two classic American portrayals of mother-daughter relationships, enjoy some spring-themed cooking, and indulge your craving for all things royal with documentaries that go behind the scenes of kings and queens.
Five Extraordinary Conversations from the Studs Terkel Radio Archive
Studs Terkel talked to everyone, from people down on their luck to people at the top of their career. Now many of his insightful conversations are available through the Studs Terkel Radio Archive – discover five exceptional conversations with remarkable people here.
Beyond 'Little Women': Louisa May Alcott's Other Writings
Louisa May Alcott may be best-known for her classic Little Women, but she also wrote racy potboilers in which women transgress societal norms under a pseudonym that wasn't traced to her until decades after death, as well as children's fables and moralisti young adult books.
Brandis Friedman Wants to Dance (And Eat, And Shop)
She's not just a Chicago Tonight correspondent – Brandis Friedman has also been a beauty and lifestyle writer, considered becoming a professional dancer, and loves eating out. Go behind the scenes with her while she shoots a story and learn why she became a journalist.
America's Favorite Novels, in TV Form
PBS loves books. From Masterpiece adaptations of classic novels to documentaries about authors, literature plays a big role in our programming. As we celebrate reading with The Great American Read, discover which of America's favorite novels, plus some other worthy books, can be seen on TV.
How Many of America's 100 Favorite Books Have You Read?
PBS's The Great American Read has created a list of America's 100 most-loved novels, ranging from classics to sci-fi to romance to humor. See how many you've read, before the series premieres and voting on America's favorite book opens on May 22.
What to Watch in May
This month, travel through Southeast Asia with a familiar host, celebrate reading with an adaptation of a classic novel and a book-centric special, learn about a shameful chapter of American history, honor Memorial Day, and meet a Chicagoan who has changed his many students' lives.
