April is the month of premieres: From the highly-awaited PBS series America Revealed to three diverse local shows launching new episodes — there’s something on KQED for everyone. And Downton Abbey might have wrapped its second season, but Masterpiece Classic is still alive and well with celebrated adaptations of two masterpieces by Charles Dickens. Here is a highlight of what April has to offer on KQED Public Television!
MASTERPIECE CLASSIC: GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Widely considered one of Charles Dickens' greatest novels, Great Expectations tells the story of Pip the battered orphan boy, who rises from blacksmith’s apprentice to gentleman under the patronage of a mysterious benefactor, who assures him of “great expectations.” Starring Gillian Anderson, David Suchet and Ray Winstone. Part 1: Sunday, April 1, at 8pm and Part 2: Sunday, April 8, at 8pm on KQED 9.
MASTERPIECE CLASSIC: MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD
An adaptation and completion of Charles Dickens' last novel left unfinished at the halfway mark at his death, The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a psychological thriller about a provincial choirmaster's obsession with 17-year-old Rosa Bud, and the lengths he will go to attain her. The cast includes Matthew Rhys (Brothers & Sisters) and Julia MacKenzie (Miss Marple). Sunday, April 15, at 9pm on KQED 9.
AMERICA REVEALED
This groundbreaking four-part series takes viewers on a journey high above the American landscape to reveal the country as never seen before. With Yul Kwon (Survivor: Cook Islands). Find out more about each episode, watch a clip and get more information on the April 5 KQED event at California Academy of Sciences with a personal appearance by Yul Kwon at kqed.org/americarevealed.
- “Food Machine”: Wednesday, April 11, at 10pm on KQED 9
- “Nation on the Move”: Wednesday, April 18, at 10pm on KQED 9
- “Electric Nation”: Wednesday, April 25, at 10pm on KQED 9
- “Made in the U.S.A.”: Wednesday, May 2, at 10pm on KQED 9
NEW SEASON PREMIERES OF THREE AMAZING LOCAL PROGRAMS:
- IMAGEMAKERS
KQED’s showcase for the best in short film around the world celebrates its 10th anniversary season. Each episode allows viewers to discover emerging filmmakers from around the world, who could become the next Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese or Francis Ford Coppola. Find out more at kqed.org/imagemakers.
New season premiere Saturday, April 14, at 7:30pm on KQED 9.
New episodes continue every Saturday at 7:30pm.
- QUEST
KQED’s Emmy Award–winning multimedia science series soars and squirms into its sixth television season with amateur rocketeers, edible insects and much more! Find out more at kqed.org/quest.
New season premieres Wednesday, April 25, at 7:30pm on KQED 9.
New episodes continue every Wednesday at 7:30pm.
- CHECK, PLEASE! BAY AREA
What do an account executive, cookbook author and renewable energy forecaster have in common? They’re all guests in the premiere episode of Check, Please! Bay Area’s seventh season. In the James Beard and Emmy Award–winning program, local diners are cast as restaurant critics, and each episode features three Bay Area residents sharing their favorite spots with host Leslie Sbrocco. This new season focuses on discovering hidden gems that don’t make the headlines. Find out more at kqed.org/checkplease.
New season premieres Thursday, April 26, at 7:30pm on KQED 9.
New episodes continue every Thursday at 7:30pm.
INDEPENDENT LENS: BEING ELMO
Every day, millions tune in to Sesame Street to see one of the world's most adored and recognizable characters — a furry red monster named Elmo. Yet, with all of Elmo's fame, Kevin Clash, the man behind the icon, is able to walk down the street without being recognized. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg and including interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O'Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney and others, this documentary offers up a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the Jim Henson Workshop. Thursday, April 5, at 10pm on KQED 9.