Popular Documentary TV Series on PBS - Page 3

Henry David Thoreau

2026

Henry David Thoreau

2026
1
Henry David Thoreau helped define modern environmentalism and nonviolent resistance, yet his life has been obscured by myth. The author of Walden and Civil Disobedience, he was brilliant but flawed, idealistic but opinionated. A writer, scientist and activist, his words resonate urgently with today’s challenges as humanity looks for ways to live in harmony with nature—and each other.
Maryland Farm & Harvest

2013

Maryland Farm & Harvest

2013
Hosted by Joanne Clendining, Maryland Farm & Harvest takes viewers around the state to see and experience what it's like to run a 21st century farm – from technological advances and conservation challenges to age-old complications such as weather hardships. MF&H also captures the number one reason why planters and growers dedicate themselves to it all: their simple love of farming.
The Dictator's Playbook

2018

The Dictator's Playbook

2018
7.6
Learn how six dictators, from Mussolini to Saddam Hussein, shaped the 20th century. How did they seize and lose power? What forces were against them? Learn the answers in these six immersive hours, each a revealing portrait of brutality and power.
Nazi Megastructures: Battle Ready

2017

Nazi Megastructures: Battle Ready

2017
2
A close look at the engineers who designed powerful military technology for the Nazis and who also encouraged a technological revolution that would forever change warfare.
Shakespeare Uncovered

2012

Shakespeare Uncovered

2012
7.5
Celebrity hosts guide viewers through William Shakespeare's plays in performance. Each episode serves as a primer for newcomers to Shakespeare while serving up enough historical and theatrical insights to enchant lifelong fans.
art21

2001

art21

2001
5.5
The first series on television in the U.S. to focus exclusively on contemporary visual art and artists, "Art in the Twenty-First Century" is a Peabody Award-winning biennial program that allows viewers to observe the artists at work, watch as they transform inspiration into art, and hear how they struggle with both the physical and visual challenges of achieving their visions. "Art in the Twenty-First Century" airs on PBS and online in the U.S. Full episodes are available to watch on Art21.org and YouTube.
Rolling Stone: Stories from the Edge

2017

Rolling Stone: Stories from the Edge

2017
6.9
A chronicle of the last 50 years of American music, politics and popular culture through the perspective of Rolling Stone magazine. An exhilarating visual and musical experience of the magazine’s history featuring performances by a dazzling array of artists and showcasing the groundbreaking work of its writers.
Sci Fi Science: Physics of the Impossible

2009

Sci Fi Science: Physics of the Impossible

2009
6.9
Sci Fi Science: Physics of the Impossible is an American documentary television series on Science which first aired in the United States on December 1, 2009. The series is hosted by theoretical physicist Michio Kaku and is based on his book Physics of the Impossible. In each episode, Dr. Kaku addresses a technological concept from science fiction and designs his own theoretical version of the technology using currently-known science. He also visits scientists developing technology related to the episode's concept.
Changing Planet

2022

Changing Planet

2022
Join conservation scientist Dr. M. Sanjayan on an ambitious seven-year natural history series documenting six of the planet's most threatened ecosystems and meeting the people fighting to restore the Earth’s delicate balance. On his journey he meets the inspiring scientists and communities working to bring about positive change.
My Music with Rhiannon Giddens

2023

My Music with Rhiannon Giddens

2023
Performances and conversations with breakout artists across several genres of American traditional music.
We'll Meet Again

2018

We'll Meet Again

2018
9.5
Witness dramatic reunions of people whose lives crossed at pivotal moments. Each episode introduces us to two people who were affected by momentous events in American history. We follow them on a journey of detection as they look for a long-lost friend, family member or significant stranger.
Catalyst

2014

Catalyst

2014
Catalyst is Australia's premier science investigation series. Each week the team brings you stories from Australia and around the world, meeting scientists at the forefront of discovery.
Prue Leith's Cotswold Kitchen

2024

Prue Leith's Cotswold Kitchen

2024
2
Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen on ITV1 sees the Bake Off judge join her husband John to share their favourite dishes.
A Taste of History

2009

A Taste of History

2009
7
A Taste of History is a TV cooking series that explores America’s culinary beginnings from the birthplace of American cuisine. This innovative series brings America’s history to life and makes it vibrant as we step back in time and get to know the founders of our country through the food they ate and the recipes they prepared.
Hope in the Water

2024

Hope in the Water

2024
Explores the groundbreaking work of dedicated fishers, aqua farmers, and scientists who are attempting what was once thought impossible: harvesting aquatic species to feed our growing planet while saving our oceans.
Ancient Invisible Cities

2018

Ancient Invisible Cities

2018
8.2
Explores the hidden secrets of three of the most fascinating cities of the ancient world: Cairo, Athens and Istanbul. 3D scans allow us to view the architectural jewels of these cities as they've never been seen before.
Films BYkids

2016

Films BYkids

2016
Films BYkids pairs teenagers from diverse cultures with accomplished filmmakers to create short personal documentaries that encourage understanding about universal issues and help foster empathy and global citizenry. Ashley Judd serves as series narrator, introducing each 30-minute film. The series is a collaboration between THIRTEEN and the non-profit, BYkids.
Retro Report on PBS

2019

Retro Report on PBS

2019
4.5
Making sense of the present by revealing the past. Journalists Celeste Headlee and Masud Olufani connect the present to the past through four distinct and varied stories, and New Yorker humorist Andy Borowitz adds his signature wit.
No Passport Required

2018

No Passport Required

2018
8
Join chef Marcus Samuelsson on an inspiring journey across the U.S. to explore and celebrate the wide-ranging diversity of immigrant traditions and cuisine woven into American food and culture.
Native America

2019

Native America

2019
9.3
Explore the world created by America’s First Peoples. This four part series reaches back 15,000 years to reveal massive cities aligned to the stars, unique systems of science and spirituality, and 100 million people connected by social networks spanning two continents.