On December 31, 1862, free Blacks and Black slaves gathered to await the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation on New Year's Day. The Black community has continued to celebrate Watch Night or Freedom's Eve ever since.

A series exploring the response to natural disasters, a self-portrait of America, a new British mystery as well as a remake of a classic, more Finding Your Roots, and more.

The circus is coming to Poplar as the holidays approach, and the ringmaster's daughter is pregnant. Shelagh reconnects with a woman who has had many miscarriages but is pregnant once again, and Monica Joan has a fall.

The cherished drama about a veterinarian working in rural Yorkshire in the 1930s is getting a new adaptation that premieres on WTTW through Masterpiece this January.

When it comes to Chicago’s early history, people like William Ogden or Cyrus McCormick and their families are often brought up as the city’s founders. But, according to one expert, one of Chicago’s “forgotten founders" is the writer and historian Juliette Kinzie.

To make sense of this remarkable year, WTTW sought to address some of the most important issues of our time with our content, while educating and entertaining children and families. Our Vice President of Community Engagement shares some of his favorites.

Try Pati Jinich's "favorite cookie of ALL time," a sandwich of thick sugar cookies and dulce de leche, during the holiday season. 

Through storytelling and songs, I Am Ireland examines Ireland’s long struggle for freedom with traditional Irish tenor Paddy Homan performing from the perspective of some of Ireland's prominent leaders.

Pandemic, protests, polls: as you've heard a million times since March, this has been an unprecedented year. Throughout, Frontline has tried to help you make sense of it all. Revisit their investigative journalism and films from this year of upheaval.

Lanzi Candy's Cashew Nut and Rice Crunch was once sold internationally and on American Airlines, all while made out of a small family-owned factory in Chicago. A documentary follows the business's story and a quest to recreate its most popular treat.

The three-part, six-hour Hemingway from Ken Burns and Lynn Novick comes to WTTW and PBS in April, featuring the voices of Jeff Daniels and Meryl Streep among others, as well as authors Edna O'Brien, Mario Vargas Llosa, Tobias Wolff, and more.

Little about 2020 has been normal, but the holidays are still here to be enjoyed and celebrated, albeit in an adapted, safe manner. WTTW has as much holiday cheer as you need this December, in the form of PBS KIDS specials, holiday concerts, festive travel shows, and more. 

By blending a lowbrow style and the use of ledger art, Kanza artist Chris Pappan uses his art to undo the erasure of Native peoples' histories and identities.

Women are drastically under-represented as lead chefs in the restaurant business, but a new nonprofit aims to begin changing that. “I feel like the difficulties and the lack of systemic support for motherhood are a big part of why a lot of women drop out of this industry," says Beverly Kim.

As the holidays approach, we have warming holiday specials full of music and cheer, plus a look back on a tumultuous year with WTTW News, a documentary on Chicago's candied history, and more.