Nature

Nature 1982

8.14

Consistently stunning documentaries transport viewers to far-flung locations ranging from the torrid African plains to the chilly splendours of icy Antarctica. The show's primary focus is on animals and ecosystems around the world. A comic book based on the show, meant to be used an as educational tool for kids, was briefly distributed to museums and schools at no cost in the mid-2000s.

1982

Wild Kratts

Wild Kratts 2011

7.60

The adventures of Chris and Martin Kratt as they encounter incredible wild animals, combining science education with fun and adventure as the duo travels to animal habitats around the globe.

2011

Sesame Street

Sesame Street 1969

7.08

On a special inner city street, the inhabitants—human and muppet—teach preschoolers basic educational and social concepts using comedy, cartoons, games, and songs.

1969

PBS News Hour

PBS News Hour 1975

5.50

America's first and longest running hour-long nightly news broadcast known for its in-depth coverage of issues and current events.

1975

POV

POV 1988

6.80

Since its 1988 premiere, this critically acclaimed documentary series has presented hundreds of films that put a human face on contemporary social issues by relating a compelling story in an intimate fashion. "POV" has won virtually every major film and broadcasting award available, including 38 Emmys, 22 Peabody Awards and three Oscars.

1988

Frontline

Frontline 1983

7.40

Since it began in 1983, Frontline has been airing public-affairs documentaries that explore a wide scope of the complex human experience. Frontline's goal is to extend the impact of the documentary beyond its initial broadcast by serving as a catalyst for change.

1983

American Experience

American Experience 1988

7.45

TV's most-watched history series brings to life the compelling stories from our past that inform our understanding of the world today.

1988

NOVA

NOVA 1974

6.85

PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines. Along the way, NOVA demystifies science and technology, and highlights the people involved in scientific pursuits.

1974

Great Performances

Great Performances 1971

5.19

The best in the performing arts from across America and around the world including a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries.

1971

Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife 2012

7.50

Drama following the lives of a group of midwives working in the poverty-stricken East End of London during the 1950s, based on the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth.

2012

Independent Lens

Independent Lens 1999

6.91

This acclaimed Emmy Award-winning anthology series features documentaries and a limited number of fiction films united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement and unflinching visions of their independent producers and featuring unforgettable stories about a unique individual, community or moment in history.

1999

The Joy of Painting

The Joy of Painting 1983

8.35

The Joy of Painting was an American television show hosted by painter Bob Ross that taught its viewers techniques for landscape oil painting. Although Ross could complete a painting in half an hour, the intent of the show was not to teach viewers "speed painting". Rather, he intended for viewers to learn certain techniques within the time that the show was allotted. The show began on January 11, 1983, and lasted until May 17, 1994, a year before Ross' death.

1983

Curious George

Curious George 2006

7.14

With the help of his friend “The Man in the Yellow Hat,” a curious little monkey named George sets out on adventures to learn about the world around him.

2006

The Dick Cavett Show

The Dick Cavett Show 1968

6.66

The Dick Cavett Show has been the title of several talk shows hosted by Dick Cavett on various television networks.

1968

Barney & Friends

Barney & Friends 1992

5.02

Barney & Friends is an American children's television series aimed at children from ages 2 to 5. The series, which first aired on April 6, 1992, features the title character Barney, a purple anthropomorphic Tyrannosaurus rex who conveys educational messages through songs and small dance routines with a friendly, optimistic attitude.

1992

Live from Lincoln Center

Live from Lincoln Center 1976

8.50

Since premiering in 1976, the landmark series has sought to democratize the world of the performing arts by making Lincoln Center's historic concerts and events available for public broadcast across the country. And it continues to push the boundaries, both technical and creative, of what is possible in the realm of stage performance capture.

1976

This Old House

This Old House 1979

5.20

TV's original home-improvement show, following one whole-house renovation over several episodes.

1979

Austin City Limits

Austin City Limits 1975

6.20

Now the longest-running music series in American television history, ACL showcases popular music legends and innovators from every genre.

1975

Variety Studio: Actors on Actors

Variety Studio: Actors on Actors 2014

4.43

PBS SoCal and Variety take you inside the biggest movies and T.V. shows of the past year through candid conversations with today's hottest actors. Hosted by Variety Film Awards Editor Clayton Davis and Variety Chief Correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister, each episode brings together pairs of actors engaging in intimate one-on-one discussions about their craft and work.

2014

Cosmos: A Personal Voyage

Cosmos: A Personal Voyage 1980

8.57

Carl Sagan covers a wide range of scientific subjects, including the origin of life and a perspective of our place in the universe.

1980