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1
Downton Abbey

PBS

Downton Abbey is an ITV drama set in 1912 about the Crawley household. It is written by Julian Fellowes and stars Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, and Elizabeth McGovern.
2
Arthur

PBS

Arthur Read, the spectacular bespectacled aardvark stars in this children's series about growing up. Typical childhood problems such as bratty siblings, schoolyard bullies and classroom cliques are addressed by this popular program. Arthur's eleventh season has come to a close. However, watch for repeats again soon on your local PBS station. And keep watching for more details on upcoming episodes of the program.

Developed from Marc Brown's beloved books, Arthur reminds us all of how it feels to be 8 years old. Just like your average kid, Arthur overcomes the dreaded obstacles of third-grade life, such as his tough teacher Mr. Ratburn, bullies, and mountains of homework. At home, Arthur must face the pint- terror also known as his sister Dora Winifred, or D.W. for short. Everything between these two is a struggle; who gets control of the television remote, who can play their Crazy Bus CD, whose hobbies are dumber, that's a baby show...Will Arthur ever win one of these pointless arguments? Probably never, because not only is D.W. fiercely independent, she's also very smart. But despite it all, Arthur and D.W. are still brother and sister, and when they're not arguing, they can accomplish great things together.

Keeping Arthur sane are his helpful friends --- an assortment of colorful animal cohorts who always provide sound advice and a few laughs too. They are: Francine Frensky (a tomboy who would rather play sports than go to the mall), Buster Baxter (an enthusiastic gourmand), Alan "The Brain" Powers (a bona-fide 3rd grade genius, who even writes computer programs in his spare time), Muffy Crosswire (the rich girl with a real heart of gold), and Sue Ellen Armstrong (a traveler of the world and geography expert). Arthur can also sometimes be seen with Fern Walters (a soft-spoken musician with semi-hidden goth interests), Binky Barnes (acts like a bully, but enjoys pastimes such as ballet and clarinet), George Nordgren / Lundgren (a somewhat shy moose who be truly entertaining when he tries), Prunella (who was supposed psychic powers and is actually in the fourth grade) and Jenna Morgan (a rarely seen cat-girl.) And of course, who could forget Pal, Arthur's lovable, loyal pet pooch?

Arthur airs on PBS every weekday and on some stations on weekends --- check local listings for time. Or, go to the PBSKids' Arthur schedule to find out which episode is airing in a city near you.

A large number of Arthur stories have been released on DVD and video. Many episodes are also available in book form. There are also a wealth of Arthur-related promotions and products, so keep an eye on the news and check online merchants such as eBay and Amazon, and your local stores.

Theme Song

Every day when you're walkin' down the street, Everybody that you meet, Has an original point of view... - Chorus: And I say "Hey!" (Hey!) What a wonderful kind of day! (Day!) If we can learn to work and play,(Play!) And get along with each other... - You've got to listen to your heart, Listen to the beat, Listen to the rhythm, the rhythm on the street, Open up your eyes, Open up your ears, Get together and make things better, By working together It's a simple message, and it comes from the heart, Believe in (believe in yourself...) 'Cuz that's the Place to START! - And I say "Hey!" (Hey!) What a wonderful kind of day! (Day!) If we can learn to work and play (PLAY!), And get along with each other Hey! What a wonderful kind of day Hey! What a wonderful kind of day... Hey!moreless
3
Sesame Street

PBS

Sesame Street is a widely recognized and perpetually daring experiment in educational children's programming. This show has taken popular-culture and turned it upside-down. The fast-paced advertisements that had parents of the new era worrying for their children were the basis for the original format of this show. The show has often satirized pop culture, and made itself easier for parents to watch along too. And thus, the positive impact this show has had on modern society is beyond another. No show is more recognized the world over by as many generations and walks of life. Shown in its original format or with changes to reflect a regional education focus, Sesame Street is now seen in over 140 countries. The show that Entertainment Weekly named the "20th Best Ever Show" has changed the education scene to focus on "entertainment." This has turned out to be a valuable theory that not only helps the medicinal learning go down easier, but it also increases the effectiveness of the information being taught. In an almost backwards sense, the show stays fresh by recycling programming ideas every three years, by which time a new group of kids is watching. Unlike most PBS Kids shows, which have an original run, then go into continuous repeats until getting dropped by PBS or sold to another network, Sesame Street has created many new episodes every season since its debut Nov. 10, 1969. American teachers now expect children to arrive on the first day of school knowing the basics about letters, numbers, and language. "Kindergarten now does what first grade used to do," creator Joan Ganz Cooney has said, "and I think that's directly due to Sesame Street." International versions have changed Sesame Street to be more relevant to their culture and environments. They adjust the unique American inner city, with a cast made up mainly of Muppets, African-Americans, Spaniards and Chinese to reflect their own lifestyles. For example, Canada's Sesame Park features a small suburban town inhabited by folks like an otter and a bear, a bush pilot, a disabled child in a wheel-chair and her cat and Russia's Ulitsa Sesame set in a Russian dvor (courtyard) has a 9-foot tall tree spirit who has his joyous and problem-solving Muppet friends. No show can help in tumultuous or troubled times like Sesame Street. For example: • The Israelis and the Palestinians have now merged their independent spin-offs, to help teach the fighting cultures to accept each other for who they are, not what they have done in the past. • The original American Sesame Street helped children deal with the incidents of 9-11 • On the week of October 4-8, 2004, Sesame Workshop actually dug up reruns of Sesame Street episodes from its 32nd season, in which a hurricane plundered the neighborhood. This move was to come to grips with those disabused by the four hurricanes that struck Florida in a six-week span the previous August and September. It also sent a message about the news' propensity for covering violent acts. • The current South African government has not taken much action on the matters of HIV and AIDS, so in 2003, the South African version of Sesame Street added in a 5-year-old girl monster who manages to go about daily life with ease, even though she intercepted HIV through a blood transfusion shortly after birth. This led to an American backlash, even though her exposure in the States has always been restricted to sesameworkshop.org. Undoubtedly, she is the hardest-edged Muppet since Jim Henson's ill-fated "Creatures from the Planet Gorch" on Saturday Night Live's first season. • No other puppet than a Muppet, namely Elmo, could be taken seriously when asking America's congressional Education Appropriations Subcommittee for more funding to school music programs, so that "when Elmo goes to school, there will be the instruments to play." (Unfortunately, Newt Gingrich's Congress chose instead to divert to Sesame Street production funds from other PBS series. Among the casualties was one of Sesame Street's godchildren, Ghostwriter.) •In the mid-70s, they introduced Linda Bove, a deaf actress playing a deaf librarian that lives a life equal to all the rest of the area's inhabitants. Please note that Sesame Street's air time varies between various PBS stations in America. In recent years, a few PBS stations have dropped the show (including WNYE in New York, whose last airing was in June 2003). sesame street even had a touring show, SESAME STREET LIVE,which has just recently celebrated 25 years of performing. Characters Cookie Monster Cookie Monster has always had a passion for cookies, gobbling them up whenever he can. However, in order to promote healthy eating habits, Cookie Monster recently learned that cookies are a "sometime" food. So now, Cookie Monster also eats fruits and vegetables in addition to his trademark snack. Elmo Elmo is a cute little red monster, who wants to know more about the world he is growing up in. Oscar the Grouch Oscar lives in a dustbin, sure its not the most hygienic of places, but Oscar isn't the most hygienic of creatures. He likes to cause mischief but also enjoys learning. Ernie and Bert Best friends and room-mates, both showing us how people get along with each other and how sometimes you may even fall-out with your best friend. The Count The Count, would teaches us to count, whether it be really difficult numbers or easy numbers, the Counts thing is maths and counting, and he sure is good at it. Big Bird A huge yellow bird, who's everyone's friend. No matter what species, color or race you are.moreless
4
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

PBS (ended 2001)

"In a little toy neighborhood, a tiny trolley rolls past a house at the end of a street. Welcome toMister Rogers' Neighborhood." In the annals of children's TV, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood ranks among the longest-lasting and beloved shows. Upon its conclusion, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was the longest-running series in PBS history (a record eclipsed by Sesame Street in 2003). Host Fred Rogers (known to millions as simply "Mister Rogers") used his gentle charm and mannerisms to communicate with his audience of children. Topics centered on nearly every inconceivable matter of concern to children, ranging from everyday fears related to going to sleep, getting immunizations and disappointment about not getting one's way to losing a loved one to death and physical handicaps. Rogers used simple songs and, on nearly every show, segments from the Neighborhood of Make-Believe (NOM) to make his point. A scale-model trolley was often (but not always) used to segue into the Make-Believe segments, said neighborhood being inhabited by puppet characters including King Friday XIII, Lady Elaine Fairchild and Daniel Striped Tiger. Many shows also featured visits from cast members – most often Mr. McFeely (tagline: "Speedy Delivery"), Robert Trow, Joe Negri and Chef Brockett (the local baker). Many times, Rogers also visited the neighborhood shops of both the regulars and guests. Each show began and ended with a camera panning over a scale neighborhood (said to represent the town where Rogers lived). Production History While today's longer-running PBS Kids shows reinvent themselves every five years, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood achieved, throughout its 31 seasons, that rarest of elements: consistency. It is a legacy that can all be traced through every aspect of Fred Rogers' television career. Some of the characters in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, both real and imagined, had appeared in two of Fred Rogers' earlier programs, The Children's Corner for Pittsburgh's WQED in 1954 and the CBC's Misterogers in 1963. It was for Misterogers that Fred first appeared on-camera. Rogers returned to WQED in Pittsburgh to begin writing and hosting Mister Rogers' Neighborhood May 22, 1967. Several other public television stations from Chicago to Boston carried the show on a trial basis that year. Beginning February 19, 1968, the Mister Rogers' Neighborhood program that we know today, began airing nationwide on National Educational Television (NET), the predecessor to PBS. This was also the year David Newell, returned from Europe, began work for Rogers. He was in charge of the production as well as the neighborhood's Speedy Delivery service. (AN ASIDE: Rogers wanted to call the delivery man Mr. McCurdy after the man at the Sears-Roebuck Foundation, whose support launched Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. But the people at Sears-Roebuck called Rogers and said "Mr. McCurdy" was too self-serving. Thus Rogers went to his roots to rename Newell's deliveryman. "McFeely" was Rogers' middle name and the last name of his maternal grandfather.) Shows were produced as a daily strip from 1968 to 1976, at which time production was suspended. Counting black-and-white episodes, 590 shows were produced in that span. Production resumed at the beginning of the remote video age in 1979. Rogers went on location more, supervising videos of how people make things (a precursor to the TVO series Here's How!). Other characters would be introduced in the subsequent two decades. In all, 305 new programs were taped from 1979 through 2001. Of that volume, the most notable shows came in 1991, with Rogers focusing on calming children's fears during the first U.S. war with Iraq. PBS gradually narrowed the window for the 460 "pre-79" episodes with each new season from 1980 onward. When the number of "post-75" episodes was enough to cover entire years, the classic shows were retired, last airing on PBS in the summer of 1995. Despite the production stoppage and the subsequent passing of Fred Rogers on February 27, 2003, PBS continues to repeat Mister Roger's Neighborhood in all its original glory–an accomplishment unique among all PBS Kids shows.moreless
5
Cosmos

PBS (ended 2005)

Carl Sagan brings us the Cosmos, everything that ever was and ever will be, in an approach that is easily accessible even for those of us that are not science wizards. This 13 part series covers everything from the history of astronomy, the challenges it faced at its creation, how the universe was created and how it all might end, to the evolution of life on Earth, and the nature of the human brain. First aired in 1980 by the Public Broadcasting Service, Cosmos has seen multiple versions over the years. When the series was released on home video in the late 1980s, a 14th episode was included, which consisted of an interview between Dr. Sagan and Ted Turner. Dr. Sagan taped new epilogues for the 10th anniversary version in 1990, in which he addressed new discoveries and alternate viewpoints. The Science Channel rebroadcast the series on its 25th anniversary in 2005 with enhanced computer graphics. The series was awarded an Emmy and a Peabody Award. It has been broadcast in 60 countries and has been seen by an estimated 500 million to 1 billion viewers worldwide.moreless
6
NOVA

PBS

Seen in more than 100 countries, NOVA is the most watched science television series in the world and the most watched documentary series on PBS. It is also one of television's most acclaimed series, having won every major television award, most of them many times over. Each week NOVA takes an in depth look at a particular topic or individual in the science field. NOVA's topics cover all branches of science and engineering. NOVA's unique way of presenting each topic can be interesting to both those with no prior knowledge or those whose life's work is being covered.moreless
7
Wild Kratts

PBS

Join creature teachers Chris and Martin Kratt on PBS KIDS GO's new series "Wild Kratts". Children are pulled into the show as they tag along with Chris and Martin on their animal-powered adventures.moreless
8
Frontline

PBS

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.moreless
9
Liberty's Kids

PBS (ended 2004)

Liberty's Kids was a truly "revolutionary" children's animated series by DIC. For as long as it ran on PBS, Liberty's Kids entertained seven- to twelve-year-olds while introducing them to the exciting stories and people behind the birth of a nation. The program unfurled its historical vignettes through the eyes of two teenage apprentices, Sarah Phillips and James Hiller, who worked in Benjamin Franklin's print shop and discovered first-hand the great adventures of the American Revolution. Benjamin Franklin's wise words and strong principled actions gave guidance to our young heroes, whether he is with them in Philadelphia or writing from across the ocean in France. James Hiller was a 14-year-old apprentice journalist at Ben Franklin's Print Shop. He idolized Dr. Franklin and hoped to run his own newspaper someday. Moses was born in West Africa. After learning the valuable job of smithing, he was able to earn enough money to buy his freedom back. Moses traveled to Philadelphia where he found employment taking care of Benjamin Franklin's printing press. Henri was an eight-year-old street urchin, who had been semi-adopted by Moses and James, who rescued him from a ship. He paid for his room and board by helping out around the print shop and learning how to read and write. Sarah Phillips was a bright 15-year-old girl from England. She helped James and Henri on their wonderful adventures. For a while, she found James' idea of liberty very agitating while working as a journalist to get the Loyalist side of each of James' stories. Liberty's Kids was designed as a 40-part miniseries, run on PBS September 2, 2002 to August 13, 2004. After that, cut-down versions were scattered to commercial stations. The Theme Song is performed by: Aaron Carter and Kayla I see a land with liberty for all Next thing I know the truth will rise and fall That's just the way it goes A word now to the wise The world was made to change Each day is a surprize I'm looking at life with my own eyes I'm searching for a hero to idolize Feeling the pain as innocence dies I'm looking at life through my own eyes I'll take my heart into battle Give that freedom bell a raddle Get my independence signed Declare for it on the dotted line Let Philadelphia freedom ring and patriotic voices sing Red, White and Blue Never give up You represent America! I'm hoping and praying for a brighter day I listen to my heart and I obey How can I see it any other way? I'm looking at life through my own eyesmoreless
10
The Civil War

PBS (ended 1990)

This award-winning documentary chronicled the people and events of the bloodiest conflict in US history. The Civil War broke new ground by blending archival photographs, unique cinematography, music, narration, and a chorus of voices to animate the key figures of the time. The addition of notable experts on the subject created not only an accurate and exhaustive historical document - but also a riveting emotional journey through one of America's darkest and most pivotal times.moreless
11
Reading Rainbow

PBS (ended 2006)

Reading Rainbow is a children's series designed to promote reading comprehension in elementary school age children. Host LeVar Burton introduces the theme of the episode and the book to be profiled in an animated story using the illustrations from the book and narrated by a celebrity, such as Bill Cosby, Ruby Dee, Richard Gere, and the late great stars Ossie Davis, Julia Child, Raul Julia and Gilda Radner, for example. After the story is finished, feature stories in the same subject as the book are profiled, and youth reviewers give critiques of three additional books. LeVar usually introduces the children critics by saying, "but you don't have to take my word for it..."moreless
12
This Emotional Life

PBS

This Emotional Life is a documentary TV series developed by PBS that explores how we as people interact with our social and emotional natures, from improving relationships to dealing with internal wars of depression and anxiety. Harvard Psychologist Professor Daniel Gilbert, a best-selling author of Stumbling on Happiness, interviews and discusses with experts, his fellow psychologists and scientific researchers, on what the latest science has to hold on what makes us tick and what we can do to combat any and all of the emotional issues a number of us face every day. This Emotional Life looks specifically at what exactly these issues are, from what is stress to anger and addiction, to what effect they have on the physical body with unique stories from the perspectives of people experiencing them, such as Chevy Chase on how he fell in love with his wife and Richard Gereâ€™s personal philosophy on meditation.moreless
13
Globe Trekker

PBS

Globe Trekker takes to on journeys to countries from every continent around the globe. Each unforgettable destination is hosted by one of the Globe Trekker team members, who dare to try or eat anything new. Join veteran Ian Wright, Justine Shapiro, Megan McCormick and their teammates on their journeys by tuning in your local PBS channels. The show was launched in U.S. through partnership with the PBS Network in 2002. Season 1 - 39 episodes (March 31 2002 - December 2002) Season 2 - 38 episodes(April 2003 - December 2003) Season 3 - 30 episodes (April 4 2004 - March 2005) Season 4 - 30 episodes (April 3 2005 - March 2006) Season 5 - 30 episodes (April 2 2006 - March 2007) The show has also shown on Discovery Channel, the Learning Channel, and the Travel Channel. * This show was known outside of U.S. as "Lonely Planet." The show was started in mid-90's and was first marketed in the U.S. in 2002 as "Globe Trekker." ** Please note that your local PBS aired date may be different.moreless
14
WordGirl

PBS

Learn new words and expand your vocabulary with the help of a different kind of superhero known as WordGirl. WordGirl and her monkey sidekick, Captain Huggy Face, are the resident superheroes of Fair City, and originally arrived from the planet Lexicon, protecting the innocent, and righting the wrong of villains such as Doctor Two-Brains, The Butcher, Granny May and Mr. Big. When not fighting crime, they turn themselves into an ordinary 10-year-old named Becky Botsford and her pet monkey, Bob.moreless
15
NOVA scienceNOW

PBS

"NOVA scienceNOW" is a magazine-style offshoot of the popular NOVA series. Airing five times a year, NOVA scienceNOW covers the latest news in the most controversial and headline-making fields of science such as the origins of life, artificial life, hurricane tracking, hydrogen fuel cells, and stem cell research.moreless
16
Martha Speaks

PBS

Martha is a dog who, upon eating alphabet soup, can speak! Based on Susan Meddaugh's children's books, this show aims to teach young children new words as Martha communicates with her best friend, ten-year-old Helen. Martha Speaks Theme Song: Martha was an average dog. She went-bark.-And-woof. And-arrr. But when she ate some alphabet soup, then what happened was bizzare. On the way to Martha's stomach, the letters lost their way. They traveled to her brain and now- She's got a lot to say. Now she speaks. How now brown cow? Martha speaks. Yeah, she speaks and speaks and speaks and speaks and speaks... What's a caboose? When are we eating again? Martha speaks... Hey Joe, what d'ya know! My name's not Joe. She's not always right but still that Martha speaks. Hi there! She's got a voice; she's ready to shout. Martha will tell you what it's all about. Sometimes wrong, but seldom in doubt. Martha will tell you what it's all about. That dog's unique... Testing, one, two! Hear her speak! Martha speaks and speaks and speaks and speaks and... Communicates, enumerates, elucidates, exaggerates, indicates, and explicates, bloviates, and overstates, and (pant, pant, pant)hyperventilates! Martha...to reiterate, Martha Speaks!moreless
17
Curious George

PBS

The tale of Curious George is sweet and basic. George, an African monkey, is being raised by the Man in the Yellow Hat. The Man in the Yellow Hat tries very hard to care for George, however, complications frequently occur, typically George's naivety and curiosity get him and others into trouble.

The Man in the Yellow hat is typically able to save the day. On the rare occasions that things are beyond the Man in the Yellow Hat's control, George comes through and rights all wrong (usually George is the cause of the wrong). In the end, because George is just a helpless, innocent little monkey, everyone realizes that he is sorry for his actions, and they forgive him for causing trouble.

For over sixty years Curious George has been entertaining and educating young people. The concept of Curious George began as a series of children's books written by Margret and H.A. Rey in 1941. The books were immensely popular with children because George possessed so many child-like characteristics, and the plot was so basic and innocent.

In 1979 the Curious George books were turned into a cartoon so a wider audience could enjoy them.

Curious George airs on PBS weekdays at 8:30 am; & 3:30 pm eastern time.moreless
18
Nature

PBS

Nature is a wildlife documentary program that has been airing on PBS since 1982. Its longevity is explained partly by its quality; Nature has won numerous Emmy awards. Documentaries have explored a multitude of different animals, plants, and other aspects of the natural world. Subjects vary from "Africa" to "Yellowstone Otters." Some documentaries have featured celebrities, such as "Wild Horses of Mongolia with Julia Roberts" and "John Denver: Let This Be a Voice." While the documentaries vary in creator, style and narrator, they are all educational and suitable for the entire family.moreless
19
Charlie Rose

PBS

This talk show has no frill involved. Just a round oak table and intelligent discussion as journalist Charlie Rose engages newsmakers, celebrities, and authors each night.
20
Masterpiece Theatre

PBS

Welcome to the Masterpiece Theatre guide at TV.com.

On the air since 1971, in its early days the show consisted entirely of British drama productions, more than half of them from the BBC. Since the year 2000, some classic productions from the American Collection have also been included, but the bulk of the show still comes from the UK.

Masterpiece Theatre has won thirty Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as many other awards. To buy episodes of Masterpiece Theatre on DVD, visit its online store.moreless
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