Specials on J.F.K., black and Latino history coming to PBS in fall
While the broadcast networks are busy announcing new shows featuring the likes of Andy Samberg and Parker Posey, the big star this fall on PBS will be John F. Kennedy.
On Thursday, the network announced its fall prime-time lineup for 2013. which will include a series of specials commemorating the 50th anniversary of the president’s death in November. “J.F.K.” is a two-part, four-hour special from “American Experience” on Nov. 12, and the network’s other long-running series “Nova” and “Secrets of the Dead” will also unveil new J.F.K.-themed episodes on Nov. 13.
History buffs, take note: “American Experience” will also take a closer look at “War of the Worlds,” Orson Welles’ infamous radio broadcast, on Oct. 29.
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Two new series will chronicle the history of minority groups in America. From writer, director and Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates comes “The African-Americans: Many Rivers to Cross,” a six-part, six-hour series premiering Oct. 22 that will detail more than four centuries of African American history.
Actor Benjamin Bratt will narrate “Latino Americans,” the first major documentary series to look at the diverse, 500-year history of the country’s largest minority group. The six-part series will kick off Sept. 17.
Another series about cultural heritage, “Genealogy Roadshow,” will focus on individual subjects, using their personal ancestry to tell the larger history of their community. It debuts Sept. 23.
“American Masters” will profile the trailblazing tennis great Billie Jean King (Sept. 10), as well as the late, great musicians Jimi Hendrix (Nov. 5) and Marvin Hamlisch (Dec. 27).
Finally – and try not to get too verklempt – on Nov. 29 “Great Performances” will feature “Barbra Streisand: Back to Brooklyn,” the singer’s homecoming concert at the new Barclays Center.
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