Playlist Culture
Culture
The Chinese New Year Begins
It's the most important holiday for Chinese people across the globe and spurs the largest human migration in the world. What are some of the traditions, superstitions, and symbols associated with the fifteen days of celebration?
What to Stream This Month
Celebrate Black History Month with some monumental surveys of history that cover everything from Chicago's African American community to the most American of music to Africa's civilizations. Plus, two documentaries about indomitable black women.
What to Watch in February
The story and legacy of the Pullman Porters, a documentary about a tradition enjoyed by our neighbors to the north, delightful kids' shows that are great for adults, a timely film for these divided times, and Frontline in the Middle East. February has a lot to offer.
The Selfless Volcanologist Who Saved a Life at Mt. St. Helens
Mindy Brugman was a doctoral student studying glaciers on Mt. St. Helens when it erupted in 1980 and avoided the blast because of a scientist's warning. Now, nearly four decades later, she wants to express proper gratitude, on Ann Curry's show We'll Meet Again.
What Does it Mean to Be American?
In the new documentary American Creed, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy investigate American ideals, while citizen activists such as Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon attempt to realize their own conception of those ideals.
What to Stream on PBS
Whether you want to binge-watch some of your favorite period dramas, skip ahead of the broadcast schedule for Victoria, or catch up on great episodes or programs that you missed, we're recommending some of our most popular shows to stream.
7 Exciting New Shows Coming Soon
Take a look at not-to-be-missed programs airing between now and the end of April, from a timely show discussing the #MeToo movement, to a documentary about a beloved Science Guy, to Benedict Cumberbatch's return to Masterpiece.
PBS Programs Nominated for a 2018 Academy Award
Two films that aired on PBS were nominated today for an Academy Award in the Documentary category: Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, and Last Men in Aleppo. Revisit our various interviews with the directors about their films.
Hunting for the Treasure of – and in – Books
“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.
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.
