MASTERPIECE SPECIAL “The Unseen Alistair Cooke”
Sunday, November 23, 9:00-10:00 p.m.
A revealing portrait of one of the most celebrated broadcasters of the 20th century — longtime MASTERPIECE THEATRE host Alistair Cooke.
NATURE “The Wolf That Changed America”
Sunday, November 23, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
The encounter between one man and one wolf led to the establishment of the national park system and the Boy Scout movement.
THE RAPE OF EUROPA
Monday, November 24, 9:00-11:00 p.m.
How Europe’s art treasures survived the systematic theft and deliberate destruction perpetrated by Germany’s Third Reich during World War II.
NOVA “Ocean Animal Emergency”
Tuesday, November 25, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
San Francisco veterinarian Dr. Frances Gulland is committed to saving sick marine mammals, but she’s also desperately trying to figure out what’s killing them.
FRONTLINE “The Hugo Chavez Show”
Tuesdays, November 25, 9:00-10:30 p.m.
FRONTLINE looks at Venezuela’s controversial and outspoken president, Hugo Chavez, and the revolution he claims is turning his country into an anti-capitalist beacon for Latin America and the world.
INDEPENDENT LENS “The Atom Smashers”
November 25, 10:30-11:30 p.m.
Film examines 15 months at Fermilab as it scours the subatomic world for the Higgs boson particle.
CELTIC WOMAN: THE GREATEST JOURNEY – HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Monday, December 1, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
A collection of beloved and memorable songs from Celtic Woman: vocalists Lisa, Chloë, Órla, Méav and Hayley and fiddler Máiréad.
GREAT PERFORMANCES “Hitman: David Foster and Friends”
Monday, December 1, 10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
In celebration of songwriter, producer and maestro to the stars David Foster, some of the biggest names in contemporary music gather for a one-night-only concert.
THE NUTCRACKER
Tuesday, December 2, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
This production of the traditional holiday classic was staged in 2000 and is performed by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House in London.
MY MUSIC: LOVE SONGS OF THE 50S AND 60S
Wednesday, December 3, 8:00-9:30 p.m.
The 50s and 60s pop era meets early doo wop in this new MY MUSIC special.
ROY ORBISON & FRIENDS: A BLACK AND WHITE NIGHT
Wednesday, December 3, 9:30-11:00 p.m.
Roy Oribson and a cast of “A-list” Orbison fans stage an unforgettable performance.
BRAIN FITNESS 2: SIGHT AND SOUND
Thursday, December 4, 9:30-11:00 p.m.
This program, specifically designed to help people get the most from their vision and hearing as they age, considers how these senses change throughout life and what people can do to keep them healthy and fully functional.
PANDA TALES
Saturday, December 6, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Program covers the first year in the life of Zhen Zhen, the San Diego Zoo’s giant panda cub.
MADE IN SPAIN LIVE! WITH JOSÉ ANDRÉS
Saturday, December 6, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Internationally recognized culinary innovator José Andrés demonstrates Spanish cooking techniques.
THE BOOMER CENTURY 1946-2046
Monday, December 8, 9:00-11:00 p.m.
Follow the generation that transformed America, the Baby Boomers, through the idyllic 1950s to the present in this two-hour special that looks at the forces that shaped a generation and the changes and challenges that still lie ahead.
NOVA “The Last Great Ape”
Tuesday, December 9, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
The program tells the intimate, emotional story of the amazing bonobos, detailing their survival and the experiences of the scientists who have followed them so closely for so long.
FRONTLINE “Can You Afford to Retire?”
Tuesday, December 9, 9:00-10:00 p.m.
The baby boomer generation will be long on life expectancy but short on income.
EMPERORS OF THE ICE
Wednesday, December 10, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET
National Geographic’s Crittercam* team hitches a ride with the majestic emperor penguin.
P.O.V. “Inheritance”
Wednesday, December 10, 9:00-10:30 p.m.
Monika Hertwig, the daughter of mass murderer Amon Goeth, has spent her life in the shadow of her father’s sins, trying to come to terms with her “inheritance.”
A RENAISSANCE CHRISTMAS
Thursday, December 11, 10:00-11:00 p.m.
Chicago’s celebrated Music of the Baroque Chorus and Brass celebrates the soaring sounds of the holiday season with joyful carols, solemn chants and vibrant works for brass.
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Norah Jones”
Saturday, December 13, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Singer/songwriter/pianist Norah Jones returns to the AUSTIN CITY LIMITS stage, showcasing both old favorites and songs from her best-selling album, Not Too Late.
NATURE “Chimpanzees: An Unnatural History”
Sunday, December 14, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Thousands of our closest living relatives have lived among us for well over a century, mostly in solitary confinement. Today, a few dedicated individuals are working hard to give these long-suffering creatures the freedom and sanctuary they so richly deserve.
CHICANO ROCK! THE SOUNDS OF EAST LOS ANGELES
Sunday, December 14, 9:00-10:00 p.m.
Documentary about the history of Chicano rock ‘n’ roll tells the story of kids from East Los Angeles who struggled to find a musical identity of their own.
SOUL SEARCHING: THE JOURNEY OF THOMAS MERTON
Sunday, December 14, 10:00-11:00 p.m.
This documentary provides a look at the life of Thomas Merton, the acclaimed monk and writer considered one of the most influential spiritual voices of the 20th century.
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Trash to Treasure”
Monday, December 15, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Tales of treasures rescued from rubbish heaps, roadsides, dumpsters and demolition sites.
RICHARD TUCKER GALA: AN OPERA CELEBRATION
Monday, December 15, 9:30-11:00 p.m.
The Richard Tucker Opera Gala concert from New York’s Lincoln Center features celebrated stars singing popular pieces by Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Wagner and Bernstein.
NOVA “Pocahontas Revealed”
Tuesday, December 16, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
NOVA reveals the Native-American side of the Jamestown story.
INDEPENDENT LENS “Wonders Are Many: The Making of Doctor Atomic”
Tuesday, December 16, 9:00-1-0:30 p.m.
The making of a grand opera about the birth of the atomic bomb.
GREAT PERFORMANCES “Dance in America: San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker”
Wednesday, December 17, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
The San Francisco Ballet presents The Nutcracker, with its setting transposed to San Francisco’s 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition.
L.A. HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 10:00-11:00 p.m.
A highlight version of the six-hour Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration, representing the many cultures and holiday traditions found in the county.
FAITH HILL, JOY TO THE WORLD: A SOUNDSTAGE SPECIAL EVENT
Thursday, December 18, 10:00-11:00 p.m.
Faith Hill presents favorites from her holiday album Joy to the World.
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS “Crowded House”
Saturday, December 20, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Reunited after 12 years, New Zealand favorite Crowded House makes its first television appearance since the mid-90s, supporting its new album, Time On Earth.
NATURE “Christmas in Yellowstone”
Sunday, December 21, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone's Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other.
MASTERPIECE CONTEMPORARY “Prime Suspect: The Final Act”
Sundays, December 21-28, 9:00-11:00 p.m.
Helen Mirren reprises her iconic, Emmy Award-winning role as Detective Superintendent Jane Tennison for the last time.
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “ROADSHOW Remembers”
Monday, December 22, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
This special edition is designed to test the memory of hardcore fans and kindle the curiosity of newcomers.
THE LIFE A HOUSE BUILT: THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JIMMY AND ROSALYNN CARTER WORK PROJECT
Monday, December 22, 9:00-10:00 p.m.
This documentary film tells the extraordinary story of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carters’ 25-year involvement with Habitat for Humanity.
CHRISTMAS AT LUTHER: NIGHT OF GLORY, DAWN OF PEACE
Monday, December 22, 10:00-11:00 p.m.
Breathtaking music, glowing candlelight and the robed choristers of Luther College capture the wonder and joy of the holiday season in a new special.
NOVA “Absolute Zero ‘The Conquest of Cold’/‘The Race for Absolute Zero’”
Tuesday, December 23, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
The two-part special special “Absolute Zero” presents the epic story of humanity’s struggle to master extreme cold.
INDEPENDENT LENS “Grey Gardens: From East Hampton to Broadway”
Tuesday, December 23, 10:00-11:00 p.m.
A look at the impact on art, entertainment and fashion by 1975 cult classic Grey Gardens about the aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
CHRISTMAS WITH THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR FEATURING THE KING’S SINGERS Wednesday, December 24, 2008, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
England’s King’s Singers join the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in a magnificent Christmas celebration.
NATURE “Unforgettable Elephants”
Sunday, December 28, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Wildlife cameraman and elephant expert Martyn Colbeck shares his spectacular footage and unique insights about unforgettable elephants.
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW “Wild Things”
Monday, December 29, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
In this special edition, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW revisits the most memorable animal-themed antiques and collectibles showcased on ROADSHOW over the years.
GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET “Doctor Atomic”
Monday, December 29, 9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
John Adams’ contemporary masterpiece explores a momentous episode in modern history: the creation of the atomic bomb.
FRONTLINE “The War Briefing”
Tuesday, December 30, 9:00-10:00 p.m.
A hard, inside look at the real foreign policy choices the next president will face.
INDEPENDENT LENS “Operation Filmmaker”
Tuesday, December 30, 10:00-11:30 p.m.
An Iraqi film student works on a Hollywood movie, setting the stage for cultural misunderstandings.
LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER “New York Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Gala Concert”
Wednesday, December 31, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
The New York Philharmonic ushers in 2009 with tenor Rolando Villazon.
NOVA “Is There Life on Mars?”
Tuesday, December 30, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
The latest scientific results from the Mars rovers and Phoenix probe, which are poised to reveal provocative new clues in the tantalizing search for water and life on the Red Planet.