THE FORSYTE SAGA 2002 MINI-SERIES

My latest TV obsession during the Lockdown of 2020 is The Forsyte Saga on Amazon Prime/PBS. The acting is superb, the writing is really tight and true to the classic books by John Galsworthy. Not your usual dry British period series. Gripping drama along with humor and touching interactions with its characters. It's so much better in my opinion than Downton Abbey as the plotlines are much more realistic.

The Forsyte Saga is a 1967 BBC television adaptation of John Galsworthy's series of The Forsyte Saga novels, and its sequel trilogy A Modern Comedy. The series follows the fortunes of the upper-middle-class Forsyte family and stars Eric Porter as Soames, Kenneth More as Young Jolyon, and Nyree Dawn Porter as Irene. Original release‎: ‎7 January –; 1 July 1967

Then in 2002, a new version was filmed. The makers of the 2002 version of The Forsyte Saga felt that any new production would be compared with the 1967 version, which set the standards for period drama for the next 25 years.

The idea came initially from David Liddiment, ITV's director of channels, who seized on the Forsyte novels not only as a great achievement in English literature but also for their iconic status in British television.

Granada was thinking big from the outset of the project - this was clearly something that couldn't be dashed off as a two-parter. The initial plan was for two series, the first an adaptation of The Forsyte Saga and the second continuing with A Modern Comedy.

Sita Williams (fabulous!) attached herself to the project in late 1999 and by the start of 2000 was talking to writers and working on the adaptations. Casting began in 2001, first casting the leading roles of Soames, Irene, and Bosinney (Williams had seen Damian Lewis as Captain Winters in Band of Brothers). All of the casting choices are rock solid. The Full Cast is Here. Read the Episode Guide Here

SOUNDBREAKING: FROM THE CUTTING EDGE OF RECORDED MUSIC

Not sure how I missed this PBS Soundbreaking: From the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music series! But I caught it on Hulu tonight and really loved it! It really delves into the intricacies of making recorded music that the musicians and engineers work so hard to bring to life. Check it out!

Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music is an eight-part documentary series exploring the art of sound recording and music production, charting a century's worth of innovation and experimentation in the creation of recorded music.

The final project of Sir George Martin, legendary producer of the Beatles, the series chronicles the influence and evolution of recorded music on the 20th century and its lasting impact on how we create and relate to music.

Soundbreaking: The Complete Series [DVD]

Episodes:

The Art of Recording

Painting with Sound

The Human Instrument

Going Electric

Four on the Floor

The World is Yours

Sound and Vision

I Am My Music

Soundbreaking includes more than 150 original interviews with artists: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Joni Mitchell, Roger Waters, Jeff Beck, Roger Daltrey, Linda Perry, Barry Gibb, Elton John, Debbie Harry, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart, Mark Knopfler, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Lindsey Buckingham, Rosanne Cash, Don Was, Steven Van Zandt, Sheila E, Questlove, Ben Harper, Billy Idol, Beck, Imogen Heap, Darryl McDaniels, RZA, Bon Iver, Nile Rodgers, Nigel Godrich, Q-Tip, Brian Eno, St. Vincent, Mark Ronson, Rick Rubin, Tony Visconti, and others.

NEW JANE AUSTEN TV SERIES SANDITON PREMIERES JAN 12 ON PBS

Just in time for winter! A new series to fill the Downton Abbey void. I love Jane Austen and look forward to watching it!

Jane Austen was chronically ill with a mysterious disease in early 1817, when she turned her thoughts to a happier subject. She started work on a witty and delightful novel set in a seaside town. She never finished it.

Now, noted screenwriter Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice, Les Misérables, Primetime Emmy® winner for Little Dorrit) picks up Austen’s plot and takes it in a glorious and satisfying direction, on Sanditon.

MASTERPIECE’s bold and lavish adaptation of Jane Austen’s final work stars Rose Williams (Curfew) as Austen’s lively but levelheaded heroine, Charlotte Heywood; Theo James (Divergent) as the humorous, charming (and slightly wild!) Sidney Parker; Anne Reid (Years and Years) as the forthright grande dame of Sanditon, Lady Denham; Kris Marshall (Love Actually) as Sanditon’s compulsively enterprising promoter, Tom Parker; and Crystal Clarke (Ordeal by Innocence) as the mysterious West Indian heiress, Miss Lambe.

SESAME STREET BEGAN 50 YEARS AGO TODAY

Sesame Street was the coolest TV series for kids. Politicians, actors and many famous musicians appeared as guests on SS. It was great for us babysitters because it wasn't painful to sit through 50 times with the kiddies. My daughter was totally into Ernie. She never forgave me for putting Ernie into the washing machine! Thought I was abusing him!

I still love the music and the characters that were so memorable. My favorite was Grover. I loved them all really...

Grover

On November 10, 1969, “Sesame Street,” a pioneering TV show that would teach generations of young children the alphabet and how to count, makes its broadcast debut. “Sesame Street,” with its memorable theme song (“Can you tell me how to get/How to get to Sesame Street”), went on to become the most widely viewed children’s program in the world. It has aired in more than 120 countries.

The show was the brainchild of Joan Ganz Cooney, a former documentary producer for public television. Cooney’s goal was to create programming for preschoolers that was both entertaining and educational.

She also wanted to use TV as a way to help underprivileged 3- to 5- year-olds prepare for kindergarten. “Sesame Street” was set in a fictional New York neighborhood and included ethnically diverse characters and positive social messages.

Joan Ganz Cooney

Taking a cue from “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In,” a popular 1960s variety show, “Sesame Street” was built around short, often funny segments featuring puppets, animation, and live actors.

THE LAVENDER SCARE NEW DOCUMENTARY PREMIERES ON PBS JUNE 18

THE LAVENDER SCARE Premieres Nationwide on June 18 at 9:00PM on PBS re-airing on digital channels throughout June.

With the United States gripped in the panic of the 1950s Cold War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower deemed homosexuals to be “security risks” and vowed to rid the federal government of all employees discovered to be gay or lesbian.

Over the next four decades, the longest witch-hunt in American history, tens of thousands of government workers would lose their jobs for no reason other than their sexual orientation.

But the mass firings have an unintended effect: they stirred outrage in the gay community, helped ignite the gay rights movement, and thrust an unlikely hero into the forefront of the LGBTQ fight for equality.

Partly based on the award-winning book by historian David K. Johnson, THE LAVENDER SCARE illuminates a little-known chapter of American history and serves as a timely reminder of the value of vigilance and social action when civil liberties are under attack.

Director Josh Howard is a producer and broadcast executive with more than 25 years of experience in news and documentary production. He has been honored with 24 Emmy Awards, mostly for his work on the CBS News broadcast 60 Minutes.

SESAME STREET BEGINS 11-10-1969 ON PBS

On this day in 1969, “Sesame Street,” a pioneering TV show that would teach generations of young children the alphabet and how to count, makes its broadcast debut. “Sesame Street,” with its memorable theme song (“Can you tell me how to get/How to get to Sesame Street”), went on to become the most widely viewed children’s program in the world. It has aired in more than 120 countries.

The show was the brainchild of Joan Ganz Cooney, a former documentary producer for public television. Cooney’s goal was to create programming for preschoolers that was both entertaining and educational.

She also wanted to use TV as a way to help underprivileged 3- to 5- year-olds prepare for kindergarten. “Sesame Street” was set in a fictional New York neighborhood and included ethnically diverse characters and positive social messages.

Taking a cue from “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In,” a popular 1960s variety show, “Sesame Street” was built around short, often funny segments featuring puppets, animation and live actors.

This format was hugely successful, although over the years some critics have blamed the show and its use of brief segments for shrinking children’s attention spans.

From the show’s inception, one of its most-loved aspects has been a family of puppets known as Muppets. Joan Ganz Cooney hired puppeteer Jim Henson (1936-1990) to create a cast of characters that became Sesame Street institutions, including Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, Grover and Big Bird.

Since its inception, over 74 million Americans have watched “Sesame Street.” Today, an estimated 8 million people tune in to the show each week in the U.S. alone.

THE FACEBOOK DILEMMA: PBS FRONTLINE 2 PART DOCUMENTARY

In the case of the new, two-part documentary, The Facebook Dilemma, which began last night. Frontline's investigation was sparked by the extraordinary impact Facebook has had here and abroad. They were particularly interested in a central question: what did Facebook know about the consequences of its mission to connect the world, and how did it address these issues?

Part one of The Facebook Dilemma is posted below in full. Part 2 premieres tonight at 10/9c on PBS (check your local listings) and online, and tune in for part two tomorrow at 10/9c.

RANEY ARONSON-RATH
FRONTLINE Executive Producer

PART ONE

PART TWO

DOWNTON ABBEY RETURNS TO BIG SCREEN!

Welcome back to Downton! We’re thrilled to announce that Downton Abbey is coming to the big screen. Film production begins this summer.

DETROIT PERFORMS: FLEETWOOD MAC ON DETROIT PUBLIC TV

Fleetwood Mac: The Dance kicks off a great lineup of arts & culture programs all this month on Detroit Public Television. On Wednesday, 6/6 at 9pm ET, celebrate the greatest hits from Fleetwood Mac's best-selling album Rumours in this intimate concert recorded in 1997.

More arts programming:
6/5 at 9:30pm - Buddy Holly: Rave On
6/8 at 8pm - Perry Como Classics: Til the End of Time
6/9 at 8pm - The British Beat
6/9 at 10pm - Doo Wop Generations

FLEETWOOD MAC: THE DANCE THIS SATURDAY DETROIT PUBLIC TV

Fleetwood Mac: The Dance

SATURDAY, 6/2 AT 9PM ET

DETROIT PUBLIC TV

Celebrate the greatest hits from the best-selling album Rumours in this intimate concert recorded in 1997. Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie and Stevie Nicks perform “Don’t Stop,” “Go Your Own Way,” “The Chain” and more.

BOMBSHELL: THE HEDY LAMARR STORY PBS AMERICAN MASTERS MAY 18

For the first time ever, Hedy Lamarr details her accomplishments as an inventor...in her own words.

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (referred to onscreen as simply Bombshell) is a 2017 American biographical documentary film directed, written and co-edited by Alexandra Dean, about the life of the actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr.

The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2017 and was released theatrically on November 24, 2017. It will be broadcast on PBS American Masters May 18, 2018.

TONIGHT ON PBS! AMERICAN EXPERIENCE THE GILDED AGE

American Experience: The Gilded Age
TUESDAY, 2/6 AT 9PM ET

Meet the titans and barons of the glittering late 19th century, whose materialistic extravagance contrasted harshly with the poverty of the struggling workers who challenged them. The vast disparities between them sparked debates still raging today.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

DOWNTON ABBEY TOURING SHOW HITS THE US!

Downton Abbey has officially arrived in the United States!

This week, MASTERPIECE is celebrating the just-opened Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, making its debut in New York City before traveling to other US cities.

Purchase your tickets at: www. downtonexhibition.com.

Get up close with your favorite characters, costumes, locations, and more in this one-of-a-kind interactive exhibit. You'll also see never-before-seen show footage.

Imagine for yourself the bustle of Mrs. Patmore’s kitchen, the whispers in the servants quarters, the opulence of the family dining room, and the elegance of Lady Mary's bedroom as you walk through these most recognizable sets. Then, marvel at the beauty and detail of more than 50 of the show's official costumes!

DARK ANGEL PREMIERES ON PBS MASTERPIECE THIS SUNDAY!

Joanne is best known as our favorite the kind lady's maid on Downton Abbey. she takes on a much darker role this time out.

Dark Angel stars Joanne Froggatt as an infamous Victorian serial killer Sunday, 5/21 at 9pm

Dark Angel is a British two-part television drama miniseries. It is based on the adaptation of the book Mary Ann Cotton: Britain's First Female Serial Killer by David Wilson. The series premieres  on May 21, 2017 in the US and stars Joanne Froggatt as protagonist Mary Ann Cotton.

Cotton is widely regarded as Britain's first female serial killer, who was found guilty of murder in March 1873 for the murder of three of her husbands, allegedly in order to collect on their insurance policies.

The series also stars Alun Armstrong as Mary Ann's father, George Stott, and Jonas Armstrong as her main love interests, Joe Natrass. Penny Layden, Laura Morgan, Sam Hoare and Emma Fielding also took starring roles in the two-part drama.

Joanne Froggatt, who stole the hearts of millions of viewers as Anna on Downton Abbey, stars in a totally different role in this spine-tingling drama — the notorious Victorian poisoner Mary Ann Cotton, Britain’s first female serial killer. #DarkAngelPBS

LITTLE WOMEN COMING TO MASTERPIECE ON PBS!

We are excited to announce that PBS and MASTERPIECE will team with Colin Callender’s Playground and the BBC for a television adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s coming-of-age classic, Little Women. Read the latest on this new project!

PBS and MASTERPIECE have announced they will team with Colin Callender’s Playground and the BBC for a television adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s coming-of-age classic, Little Women. The three-part drama will be scripted by Heidi Thomas, well-known to PBS audiences for her acclaimed adaptations of Call the Midwife and Cranford. Vanessa Caswill (Thirteen, My Mad Fat Diary) will direct all three hours. Playground’s Golden Globe-winning adaptation of Wolf Hall aired on MASTERPIECE in 2015.

“There are only a handful of American books that have resonated with readers for as long as Little Women,” said Rebecca Eaton, MASTERPIECE executive producer. “To put this deeply moving story in the hands of a writer with the heart and depth of Heidi Thomas seems just right. And Colin Callender will oversee this production with the magic he brings to everything he touches, whether its Wolf Hall or the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, currently selling out in London.” MASTERPIECE is presented on PBS by WGBH Boston.

Loved by generations of women worldwide, Little Women is a truly universal coming of age story, as relevant and engaging today as it was on its original publication in 1868. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the story follows sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March on their journey from childhood to adulthood. With the help of their mother, Marmee, and while their father is away at war, the girls navigate what it means to be a young woman: from sibling rivalry and first love, to loss and marriage.

Set in Concord, Massachusetts, Alcott’s semi-autobiographical story became an instant bestseller when it was published and remains one of the most widely read novels of all time. A recent Harris poll listing it as one of America’s ten favorite books confirms its enduring place in the cultural landscape.

Writer and executive producer Thomas says: “Little Women is one of the most loved novels in the English language, and with good reason. Its humanity, humour and tenderness never date, and as a study of love, grief and growing up it has no equal. There could be no better time to revisit the story of a family striving for happiness in an uncertain world, and I am thrilled to be bringing the March girls to a new generation of viewers.”

“The mini-series is a storytelling form unique to television, and the opportunity to adapt Louisa May Alcott’s novel over three hours is a gift from the BBC and MASTERPIECE on PBS,” said executive producer Callender. “This is a character study of young women rich in texture and detail, and it’s an honour to be able to bring it to life in this extended form with the great Heidi Thomas, one of the finest writers working in television today. In the hands of the exciting directorial style of filmmaker Vanessa Caswill we hope to deliver a new screen version that will speak to contemporary audiences, meet the expectations of the book’s ardent fans and bring a whole new generation to this great classic.”

“Bringing alive this beloved American novel for a new generation of PBS viewers is a dream come true,” said Beth Hoppe, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming, PBS. “In the hands of Rebecca Eaton and Colin Callender’s Playground, and with the superb talents of writer Heidi Thomas, we are confident this story of strong women will resonate with both new and longtime fans of MASTERPIECE.”

With a production team from the UK and US, principal photography is set to begin in July and casting will be announced shortly.

THIS OLD HOUSE IN DETROIT: EPISODES BEGINS APRIL 3

This Old House' in Detroit - With the Polk Family

Detroit Episodes Begin Monday, 

April 3 at 7:30pm ET

This Old House traveled to Detroit for the first time to work with retired firefighter Frank Polk as he and his family renovate a classic brick home. Renovations began last summer with the 10 episodes to premiere on Detroit Public Television (56.1) on Monday, April 3, 2017 at 7:30pm ET.

This Old House currently airs on Create (56.3) Fridays at 6pm ET, but we will add the Monday at 7:30pm time slot on 56.1 when the Detroit episodes begin in April. Visit the schedule to check if your provider carries Create.

WATCH A PREVIEW HERE

The team will work with retired firefighter Frank and his family as they renovate their classic brick home. The 1939 two-story property was one of thousands of abandoned structures owned by the Detroit Land Bank.

The family recently purchased the Russell Woods neighborhood house at auction with the promise they would make improvements and move in.

Expected work includes a new roof, kitchen and baths, plus new mechanicals to replace vandalized equipment in the basement. The team will look to preserve historic details such as leaded stained glass windows and archways as the homeowners blend their modern aesthetics with the home’s historic details. It’s a total family affair as THIS OLD HOUSE pitches in to help reclaim this beautiful corner of the city.