This month brings an eclectic collection of programming to KQED: the premiere of a documentary on a timeless American icon, the return of the beloved series Sherlock, great entertainment and Oscar–nominated documentaries to honor our veterans on Memorial Day and a wide-range of programs to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Here is a highlight of what May has to offer on KQED Public Television!
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Monday, May 14, at 9pm on KQED 9 JOHNNY CARSON: AMERICAN MASTERS Johnny Carson was seen by more people than anyone else in American history — a fixture of national life, a piece of the cultural furniture, a part of the zeitgeist. American Masterscreates an exceptional documentary with first-time-ever unrestricted access to Carson’s personal archives. Includes interviews with Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Ellen DeGeneres, Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby, Steve Martin, among others. |
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Season premiere: Sunday, May 6, at 9pm on KQED 9 SHERLOCK (MASTERPIECE MYSTERY) Sherlock, the world's foremost consulting detective (Benedict Cumberbatch, War Horse, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), and the beleaguered Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman, The Hobbit, The Office UK) stalk again in three thrilling new episodes. Continues on Sundays at 9pm through May. |
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Wednesday, May 2, at 10pm AMERICA REVEALED: “MADE IN THE U.S.A.” This groundbreaking four-part series takes viewers on a journey high above the American landscape to reveal the country as never seen before. The final episode premiering on May 2 focuses on the hidden systems behind the American manufacturing industry and features Bay Area companies Intel and Facebook. |
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Sunday, May 27, at 8pm on KQED 9 NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT 2012 This program unites the nation with an evening that has become an American tradition. For more than 20 years, the annual concert has honored the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country. Featuring multi-platinum, Grammy–nominated recording artist Daughtry and classical superstar Russell Watson. More artists to be announced. |
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Monday, May 28, at 10pm on KQED 9 HELL AND BACK AGAIN (INDEPENDENT LENS) What does it mean to lead men in war? What does it mean to come home — injured physically and psychologically — and build a life anew? This Academy Award–nominated film follows 25-year old U.S. Marine Sergeant Nathan Harris through his tour in Afghanistan and chronicles the challenges he faces upon his return home. |
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Sunday, May 20, at 6pm on KQED 9 SEARCHING FOR ROOTS IN CANTON This documentary receives its premiere on KQED and follows two Chinese Americans living in San Francisco and their mentor Al Cheng on their journey to Canton, China. They discover a history of Chinese American heritage that they never knew and explore their own personal discoveries and prejudices around their heritage. |
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Tuesday, May 1, at 8pm on KQED 9 JESSE OWENS: AMERICAN EXPERIENCE This celebrated film explores the life of Jesse Owens, the African-American athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics despite rampant Nazi racism and propaganda. The film covers Owens’ humble beginnings as a sharecroppers son, his remarkable athletic achievements and his struggles to find a home after the Olympics in a United States that was still wrestling with its own deeply entrenched racism. |
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Saturday, May 26, at 10pm on KQED 9 GOAT RODEO LIVE: YO YO MA, STUART DUNCAN, EDGAR MEYER AND CHRIS THILE Four string virtuosos join forces for a once-in-a-lifetime performance: world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bluegrass fiddler Stuart Duncan, bassist Edgar Meyer and mandolin wizard Chris Thile. Recorded at Boston’s House of Blues, this unique program has been hailed by critics as "a most remarkable and organic cross-genre project.” |