NMPBS January 2026 Newsletter

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

A WORD FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, THERESA SPENCER

Hello 2026! The start of a new year is a chance to reflect, reconnect, and look forward — and NMPBS is here to guide the way.

Amid the funding uncertainty of 2025, one thing remained clear: NMPBS is here to stay — thanks to generous, caring members like you. Your support is the foundation that allows us to deliver trusted journalism, engaging programs, and meaningful stories that inform, inspire, and connect our community.

This winter, NMPBS welcomes back fan favorites with new seasons filled with discovery. All Creatures Great & Small returns to the Dales with heartwarming stories, and Finding Your Roots explores the ancestry of today’s most intriguing stars.

Public media is more important than ever, and your partnership makes it possible. On behalf of everyone at NMPBS, thank you for supporting and sustaining our community — and we are excited for all the possibilities in the year ahead.

Thank you for this wonderful service. I hope my donation helps you continue to provide New Mexico with worthwhile and necessary service.

— Aurora, Cochiti Lake

Miss Scarlet

All Creatures Great & Small

Chasing Clues and Compassion

Follow the clues through the streets of Victorian London with MASTERPIECE: Miss Scarlet. Trailblazing detective Eliza Scarlet is working to balance the demands of her bustling agency with the challenges of her personal life. From unraveling murders in the world of psychiatry to tracking down missing racehorses and stolen diamonds, Eliza’s sharp mind and fearless spirit are tested at every turn.

Miss Scarlet premieres Sunday, January 11, at 8 p.m. Watch live or, with the PBS app, stream episodes starting Sunday, December 7.

Then, trade the detective’s desk for the countryside with MASTERPIECE: All Creatures Great & Small. The Dales are calling — inviting you to the Yorkshire countryside in 1945. As peace settles over Europe, the Skeldale family begins a new chapter filled with hope, humor, and healing. From caring for animals to facing life’s changes, the residents of Darrowby show that compassion is the cure for uncertain times.

All Creatures Great & Small premieres Sunday, January 11, at 9 p.m. Watch live or stream with the PBS app.

Your Sunday escape begins with MASTERPIECE.

American Masters: Rebel With a Cause

Rebel Visionary

American Masters: W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause offers an in-depth look at one of the most influential Black scholars and civil rights pioneers in American history. More than 120 years after the release of “The Souls of Black Folk,” Du Bois’ words still resonate across the globe.

His groundbreaking ideas on systemic racism, “double consciousness,” and cultural identity shaped the Harlem Renaissance and inspired future leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This powerful documentary explores the lasting impact of Du Bois’ scholarship, activism, and fearless commitment to justice.

Premieres this winter. Watch live or stream with the PBS app.

I watched PBS on TV with my parents all the time back when I was a kid. Now I’m an adult donating to PBS for my own enjoyment. Feels pretty good, honestly!

— Zach, Rio Rancho

Deadly Secrets Return

Return to the deceptively tranquil countryside of Midsomer, where beneath its charming villages lurk dark secrets and deadly motives.

In a new season of Midsomer Murders, DCI John Barnaby and DS Jamie Winter tackle a fresh wave of baffling crimes — from sinister scandals to surprising suspects — all while navigating the eccentricities of this seemingly idyllic county. Joined by pathologist Dr. Fleur Perkins, Barnaby’s wife, Sarah, daughter, Betty, and their loyal dog, Paddy, the team proves once again that in Midsomer, murder is never far away.

Midsomer Murders airs Thursday nights in January at 8 p.m. Watch live or stream with the PBS app.

Midsomer Murders

Thank you for being an important and nourishing resource in these extra crazy times.

— Amara, Santa Fe

The Librarians

The Inquisitor

Defending Democracy

This season on Independent Lens, two powerful films shine a light on courage, leadership, and the fight for justice.

First, The Librarians captures library professionals on the frontlines of a growing national conflict. As lawmakers push to review and restrict titles — often those addressing race and LGBTQIA+ issues — librarians unite to defend free access to knowledge.

The Librarians premieres Monday, February 9, at 10 p.m. Watch live or stream with the PBS app.

From today’s frontlines to history’s stage, The Inquisitor tells the story of Barbara Jordan, the groundbreaking Texas congresswoman whose voice transformed civil rights and U.S. politics. Together, these films remind us that the fight for knowledge, equality, and truth is as vital now as ever.

The Inquisitor premieres Monday, February 23, at 10 p.m. Watch live or stream with the PBS app.

A Shared Legacy

The acclaimed PBS series Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr. returns for its 12th season, uncovering the ancestral stories of today’s most fascinating stars. From actors and athletes to musicians and comedians, 20 remarkable guests — including Lizzo, Spike Lee, Brittney Griner, Kristin Chenoweth, and Hasan Minhaj — embark on emotional journeys to discover the family histories that shaped them.

Using genealogical research and DNA analysis, Gates and his team reveal surprising truths, long-lost connections, and powerful stories of resilience and identity. Season 12 continues the tradition of illuminating America’s diversity while reminding us that our roots bind us all.

Premieres Tuesday, January 6, at 8 p.m. Watch live or stream with the PBS app.

I enjoy your programs and movies. And I love the state of New Mexico. Lots of history, culture, and beautiful scenery.

— Barbara, Chula Vista, CA

Twin Power Adventures

Meet Phoebe & Jay, six-year-old fraternal twins with big imaginations and even bigger ideas! In their topsy-turvy home at Tobsy Towers, every day is an adventure — whether they’re running a pretend restaurant, fixing a wobbly chair, or sending secret messages.

What makes this PBS KIDS show special is how it naturally weaves reading and writing into play. Kids see how making lists, drawing maps, or writing notes can help solve everyday problems — building early literacy skills along the way.

Phoebe & Jay is bright, funny, and full of heart, showing how imagination and teamwork make any problem an adventure.

Premieres Monday, February 2, at 9:30 a.m. Watch live or stream with the PBS app.

Phoebe & Jay

Tusker: Brotherhood of Elephants

Parenthood

Lessons of Survival

First, join the brotherhood in Tusker: Brotherhood of Elephants, which follows the five-decade journey of a bull elephant in Kenya, revealing his resilience, wisdom, and mentorship as he safeguards his species. Across the Amboseli plains and Mount Kilimanjaro, tuskers face drought, human threats, and the challenge of passing on vital survival knowledge.

Tusker: Brotherhood of Elephants premieres Wednesday, January 14, at 8 p.m. Watch live or stream with the PBS app.

Meanwhile, Parenthood, narrated by Sir David Attenborough with lyrics co-written and performed by Sam Ryder, offers a stunning five-part look at animal parenting. Filmed over three years across six continents, the series captures astonishing behaviors and the fierce dedication of animals protecting their young.

Parenthood airs Wednesdays, February 4 through March 4, at 8 p.m. Watch live or stream with the PBS app.

Both specials celebrate survival, dedication, and the bonds that sustain life — intimate stories and epic drama, only on NATURE.

Your Questions Answered

Q: Wondering How to Give?

A: NMPBS is very grateful for the outpouring of support from our donors over the past several months. You are truly our partners in the only nonprofit nationwide
service. One way many members provided extraordinary support is through unique giving tools.

Some examples of these gifts are listed below.

Appreciated stock
Donor Advised Fund gift
Qualified Charitable Distribution
Estate plan bequest
Vehicle donation
Year-end cash gift (tax-deductible)

Your financial advisor can help you choose the best giving option for your goals. If you’re giving through an advisor, ensure they include your name and address
so we can thank you personally. For more information, contact Theresa Spencer, NMPBS Director of Development, at (505) 277-1225 or [email protected].