MARCH/APRIL 2023
A WORD FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER, DEANNA MACKEY
One of our region’s unique features is its binational culture. There is so much we gain being on the San Diego-Tijuana border and so much to explore. I never get tired of the stories that expand our understanding of our cross-border experience. If you also enjoy this content, KPBS has stories for you. Our border reporter Gustavo Solis brings us news stories which you can read here at kpbs.org/news/border-immigration and they’re featured on TV and radio.
A new season of “Crossing South” is coming this spring, with more journeys to learn about the people, vernacular, foods, customs and places frequented by the locals, led by host Jorge Meraz. Also, acclaimed chef and James Beard Award-winning host Pati Jinich is back for a second season of “La Frontera with Pati Jinich.” Savor the sights, sounds and flavors of the U.S.-Mexico border alongside Pati in early April. And last but not least, new episodes of our transborder podcast “Port of Entry” are available starting in March.
It is thanks to your membership that we are able to provide this extensive look at the border region and begin to understand our shared past, present and future. Happy watching, reading and listening!
“MASTERPIECE” Is the Place to Be in 2023!
“Sanditon”
Kick off spring with a new season of “Sanditon!” Last season ended with romance, drama and exposed secrets and the final chapter of the beloved show will bring more must-see episodes. The tale continues as Charlotte Heywood returns to the idyllic coastal resort of Sanditon with Georgiana Lambe by her side. Will they live happily ever after? Or are we in for an emotional rollercoaster full of lingering heartache?
“Sanditon” premieres Sunday, March 19, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“Tom Jones”
“MASTERPIECE” fans will also be treated to a brand-new four-part miniseries based on Henry Fielding’s 1749 novel, The History of Tom Jones. The series follows the exploits of young Tom Jones as he navigates the trials and tribulations of discovering love. “Tom Jones” is a timeless tale of romance set in 18th-century England that resonates with today’s audiences as much as it did when the novel was first published.
“Tom Jones” premieres Sunday, April 30, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch these programs live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
“Niagara Falls”
“Niagara Falls” Takes Viewers on an Unforgettable Exploration
Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Joe Pontecorvo (“Nature: Yosemite, Snow Monkeys”) spent a year capturing footage of America’s most illustrious waterfall: Niagara Falls.
In the upcoming episode, the famed beauty of Niagara Falls as well as the ecosystem surrounding it are meticulously documented, creating a unique perspective you’re unlikely to get in just one visit to the waterfall.
The grandeur of Niagara Falls has drawn tourists for over two centuries—but how much do you really know about the attraction?
This April, experience one of the world’s most storied natural phenomena like never before with the debut of “Niagara Falls.”
“Nature: Niagara Falls” airs Wednesday, April 19, at 8 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
A Mission to Diversify Entertainment
“Theatre Corner” is an interview series dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the theater scene: on the stage, behind the curtain and in the seats. Host and producer Michael Taylor sits down with top professionals in the entertainment industry to discuss their careers, training, advice for young actors and ways to make theater matter to more people.
This season, “Theatre Corner” will be filmed at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, and taping will take place in front of a live audience featuring theater students from San Diego County.
A new season of “Theatre Corner” airs Thursday, April 6, at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch the program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
Michael Taylor
“Crossing South”
Discover Northern Mexico in “Crossing South”
Coming to KPBS in April 2023, “Crossing South,” now in its 12th season, continues to explore Tijuana and Northern Baja California. Bilingual travel companion and host Jorge Meraz takes you on a journey to demystify the area. Get to know the people, vernacular, foods, customs and places frequented by the locals.
This installment of “Crossing South” will include trips to Tijuana’s bustling factory industry, over-the-top crepe cakes, a visit to a homeless shelter, a thriving Star Wars fan club, a gastro-cinema, salsa dancing lessons, Japanese waffles, an arm wrestling club and a tour of the art headquarters of Mexico. There’s a lot to learn and fun to have right next door on “Crossing South.”
“Crossing South” airs Thursday, April 20, at 9:30 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
A Modern Twist on an Ancient Chinese Tradition
Traditional Chinese womanhood meets contemporary feminism on “Independent Lens: Hidden Letters,” an upcoming documentary revealing the history of Nüshu, a secret written language that was often hidden on everyday items such as fans and handkerchiefs. Nüshu was used long ago as a method of covert communication between women. Today, the guarded tradition is being reevaluated by two Chinese women.
Created by six award-winning female filmmakers, “Hidden Letters” sheds light on the incredible impact history has on modern-day movements. Tune in to discover more about the significance of Nüshu.
“Independent Lens: Hidden Letters” airs Monday, March 27, at 11 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
Credit: PBS
Two Popular British Whodunnits Premiere on KPBS
“Death in Paradise”
“Fun in the sun” takes on a new meaning this spring on “Death in Paradise.” The island of Saint Marie continues to present Detective Neville Parker with a variety of mysteries, including one that unexpectedly becomes one of the most daunting challenges of his career.
While Detective Parker is working to keep the island out of harm’s way, other residents are busy facing personal battles as well as successes. You won’t want to miss out on this new chapter of life on Saint Marie!
“Death in Paradise” airs Friday, March 31, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“Murder, They Hope”
“Murder, They Hope:” Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson star as Terry and Gemma, aspiring private investigators, in this popular British whodunnit comedy caper. Joining them is an all-star cast, including Lee Mack, Paul Whitehouse, Jason Manford and Shobna Gulati, who follow Terry and Gemma battling obsessive figurine collectors, pasty poisoners and a serial killer only Terry can catch. Big crimes, big laughs and woefully inadequate investigative ability.
“Murder, They Hope” airs Friday, March 31, at 10 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
Your Favorite British Characters Are Back in “Call the Midwife”
“Call the Midwife” returns this spring to share the stories of London’s midwives, nurses and nuns as they provide care for the city’s expectant mothers.
Last season ended with an unexpected tragedy forcing the midwives to balance the needs of their patients with recovery from the chaos, and there will be no shortage of similar plot twists and surprises to come. Set in 1968, the upcoming chapter of this fan favorite spotlights a rapidly changing society and the impacts medical advancements and politics of the time will have on Nonnatus House.
“Call the Midwife” premieres Sunday, March 19, at 8 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
“Call the Midwife”
“Before We Die”
Suspense Returns with “Before We Die”
Fans loved the first season of Swedish-adapted crime show “Before We Die,” and this spring, the excitement continues! During the show’s six-part debut, Detective Hannah Laing worked to solve her lover’s murder and investigated the Mimica family. A shocking and dramatic final episode closed out the first chapter, leaving viewers anxiously wondering what would happen next.
Season 2 is filled with more edge-of-your-seat scenes. Follow along with Detective Laing as she continues to investigate ruthless crimes, all while juggling her own complicated personal life.
Binge-watch the five-episode drama through KPBS Passport on Monday, April 10. Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
Join the Global Movement: KPBS Marks Earth Day with Special Programming
On April 22, join KPBS along with an estimated one billion people worldwide to celebrate Earth Day. KPBS is marking the annual event with a series of programs to raise awareness of the challenges our planet faces when it comes to environmental sustainability.
Here’s a glimpse of the special programming we have planned: “Climate Across America” will examine the science and politics of climate change. “Changing Planet II” documents how the Earth’s most vulnerable habitats and animals will evolve in the coming years. And on “Zero Carbon,” we’ll look at energy sources like wind and solar, which do not create carbon emissions when they are used to produce electricity.
“Climate Across America” airs Wednesday, April 12, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“Changing Planet II” airs Wednesday, April 19, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“Zero Carbon” airs Wednesday, April 26, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch these programs live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
Credit: Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell: A Legacy in Song, Named 2023 Gershwin Prize Winner
Joni Mitchell, an icon among music makers, has been named the 2023 recipient of “The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.” Awarded for influence, impact and achievement, the Gershwin Prize is the nation’s highest award in the music industry.
Despite Mitchell’s early music being classified as folk, her sound drew equal inspiration from jazz, classical and rock. With her distinctive voice and artistry, Joni has left a lasting impression on the music world with such songs as “Both Sides, Now,” “Chelsea Morning,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Woodstock” and “The Circle Game.” Aside from composing and arranging, she also took charge of performance, production and artwork for her albums leading the way for generations of women to redefine their role as artists and musicians.
Previous recipients of the Prize include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, Carole King, Billy Joel, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Garth Brooks and Lionel Richie.
“The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song” airs Friday, March 31, at 11 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
The War Stories of the ‘Greatest Generation’: “My Grandparents’ War” Part II
They didn’t call it the Greatest Generation for nothing. In the long-awaited second installment of “My Grandparents’ War,” we learn about the wartime history behind the grandparents of Kit Harington (“Game of Thrones”), singer Emeli Sandé, Hollywood actor Keira Knightley, and actor Toby Jones.
Harington’s grandparents’ wartime experiences include spying on the former King of England and a deadly mission in Italy that resulted in a military cross. The war stories from Sandé’s grandparents include fighting for Zambian independence and experiencing the Mau Mau insurgency in Kenya. Jones and Knightley take emotional journeys of discovery, ranging from wartime hardships and heartbreak to a grandmother’s secret role in the D-Day landings.
“My Grandparents’ War” premieres Tuesday, April 11, at 8 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
“My Grandparents’ War”
Sponsor Message
Stunning florals pair with world-class art at The San Diego Museum of Art’s Art Alive this March 30–April 2, 2023. Experience florals enhanced with special limited-engagement art installations; a large-scale floating floral display in the Museum rotunda; and four days of festive events and activities, including a black-tie premiere dinner and Bloom Bash, the high-voltage celebration that kicks off Art Alive weekend.
All weekend long, experience a kaleidoscope of colorful floral arrangements interpreting works of art in the Museum. These masterful creations by regional floral designers invite comparisons of shape, form and color and are the heart of Art Alive. The galleries bloom with floral designs displayed alongside original works of art from across the globe.
Art Alive is The San Diego Museum of Art’s signature fundraiser providing essential support for the Museum’s exhibitions, education, outreach and public programs. With the support of generous corporate sponsors, individual donors, charitable foundations and numerous volunteers, Art Alive helps provide free admission and education programs for more than 50,000 visitors each year.
For tickets and information, visit SDMArt.org/ArtAlive.
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