Stories by Daniel Hautzinger

2020 may be an unprecedented year, but one constant is PBS programming, featuring such stalwarts as Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Masterpiece dramas, and new kids shows. Here's a preview of some of what's coming in the fall and summer.

John's friends continue to try to clear his name and free him from jail while his Indian and English lives finally meet, in the season finale of Beecham House.

Geordie and Will discover a strange convent that appears suspicious, while Will tries to grapple with his guilt in the wake of the scandal at the boxing gym and Leonard's father visits, in the season finale of Grantchester

Nella Larsen existed in disparate worlds, never quite finding her place: born to a Danish mother and West Indian father in a Chicago vice district, she eventually became a part of the Harlem Renaissance and Black professional class, producing a neglected classic novel. 

Chicago looms large in the creation of baseball's Negro Leagues, for reasons both positive and negative. One influential player-manager spearheaded the creation of the Negro National League 100 years ago; another helped solidify the sport's color line decades earlier.

John's whole life in India threatens to fall apart when he incurs the wrath of the emperor. Chanchal is placed in a humiliating situation by Daniel, while Daniel tries to save his brother with the help of Margaret. 

A tragedy at the boxing gym leaves Will shattered as he learns about the plight of his favorite charge, Matthew, as well as the other boys and their desperate attempt to escape their troubles. 

Summer in Chicago is typically fully of fun activities from dancing to movies to concerts to summer camps held in the parks of the city. This year, WTTW is partnering with the Chicago Park District and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to bring those activities to you in your home.

As a rumor swirls around John, he is finally forced to reveal his past and the relationship between himself and his son August's mother. Plus, he is drawn into a potentially dangerous scheme involving the emperor's family.

A young man streaks through the streets yelling about aliens, then is found dead in a fen. The incident leads Geordie and Will into the world of LSD trials and psychotherapy, while Cathy and Geordie deal with Cathy's mother. 

On the 40th anniversary of PBS's A Capitol Fourth, the Fourth of July celebration is a bit different due to COVID-19, but there are still star performers and fireworks that you can enjoy from your home. 

Daniel and Chanchal grow closer despite warnings against a relationship, while John discovers the perfect gift for the empress but is stymied when things go awry during its delivery.

A disturbance at a movie theater has a connection to a minor crime committed against Mrs. C. It eventually reveals a part of her husband's past that was hidden, while Will struggles to help the troubled young Matthew.

Lucy Parsons was full of contradictions: an anarchist who defended marriage, a Black woman born into slavery who claimed her dark skin came from Mexican and Native American ancestry, a supporter of rights for women who didn't trust elections and thus never aligned herself with suffragists.

A new arrival at Beecham House fights with Henrietta over control of the household, while John and Samuel search for John's brother, Daniel, and John is eventually forced to reveal a small slice of his past.