“I have spent most of my life in a perennial quest to convince people that reading a book is actually worthwhile,” Amy Brent says. In her show Amy's Book Hunt, she proves that books can be exciting by tracking down rare books in unlikely places.
Playlist Culture
Culture
The Nobel Prize, 'Top Chef,' and HBO on 'The Interview Show'
In the first half of the new season of The Interview Show, Mark Bazer sits down with some outstanding guests with Chicago connections, including a Nobel Prize-winning economist, a Top Chef alum, and a screenwriter whose show was just picked up by HBO.
What to Watch in January
Sure, Victoria returns with a second season this month. But there are also some worthwile other shows: a powerful documentary about black history using James Baldwin's words, a heartfelt series from Ann Curry, and a curious local tale about a long-lost opera.
Spotlighting Artists with Chicago Connections
Articulate with Jim Cotter offers a look inside the minds of some outstanding and innovative artists, musicians, dancers, and authors. Unsurprisingly, many of them have Chicago connections - discover them all here.
The Communitarianism of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa "instills the concept of family in younger generations, and teaches who we as African Americans were, what we went through, and what we have achieved.” Learn more, courtesy the DuSable Museum of African American History.
The Longest Night of the Year
Cultures across the world have celebrated the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and its heralding of change. From ancient peoples in Peru, Ireland, and Egypt to continuing or modern traditions in England, China, and Iran, learn about the festivities.
How People Celebrate Christmas Around the World, with Studs Terkel
What Christmas traditions do different cultures, from Brazilians to Slavs to African Americans, have to celebrate the holidays? Hear global folk singers and a legendary children's librarian discuss festive customs with Studs Terkel.
The Land That Inspired the Brontës, 'Downton Abbey,' and Sally Wainwright
What do Last Tango in Halifax, the Brontë sisters, the Wars of the Roses, cute terriers, and Downton Abbey have in common? They're all grounded in the north English region of Yorkshire. Explore the outsize influence of Yorkshire on culture and history.
How Swedes Celebrate Light at the Darkest Time of the Year
In Scandinavia and especially Sweden, the feast day of Saint Lucia is an important celebration of light during the short days of winter. How do Swedes, Chicagoans, and Nobel Prize winners enjoy the feast day?
Christiane Amanpour's Most Impressive Journalistic Coups
Beginning December 11, WTTW Prime will broadcast the global affairs interview program Amanpour on PBS, hosted by CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour. Look back on some of Amanpour's major exclusive interviews and accomplishments.
Paris Schutz Sings a Holiday Song (That He Wrote)
Journalistic chops aren't Paris Schutz's only talent. The Chicago Tonight broadcaster also plays piano, sings, and writes songs, including his own "schmaltzy Christmas tune." Hear him perform "Lonesome Christmas Night."
What to Watch in December
The approach of the holidays means you'll probably be spending time with your family. Need a pleasant soundtrack? A festive portrayal of a loving but difficult family? A little-known story that has nothing to do with the holidays? See our picks.
The CTA Holiday Train And Bus Are Back
The Holiday Train is now in its 25th year, while the bus is in its fourth. Both offer photo sessions with Santa, colored lights, and bright decorations. Find their schedules here.
"Teetering Over the Abyss of Poverty": Child Poverty in the US
"When you're born into this world it's very hard to realistically change your life," says the director of the newly updated Frontline: Poor Kids. "Kids can escape into their dreams; adults escape into alcoholism or drugs. They didn't choose that."
6 Controversial Instances of Artistic Censorship
Freedom of speech is a fraught topic these days. Explore six infamous cases of censorship in the United States, from landmark court decisions on obscenity to the advent of parental advisory stickers to two examples of controversy from this year.
