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Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport! A review of how ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics were first translated 200 years ago and a look at the archaeological work being done in Egypt right now to understand one of the most important scribes.

Coming soon from Ken Burns and Florentine Films – BENJAMIN FRANKLIN premieres this April on KPBS TV. This two-part, four-hour documentary explores the revolutionary life of one of the 18th century’s most consequential and compelling personalities, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States. The “Conversations on Franklin” series kicks off March 3! These events will feature dynamic discussion on Benjamin Franklin’s life and impact on our history. All events are free and open to the public. Register below: Thursday, March 3 @ 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET): Franklin and Writing (in partnership with GBH) Register Now. Tuesday, March 8 @ 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET): Franklin and Innovation (in partnership with WNET) Register Now. Tuesday, March 29 @ 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET): Franklin and Revolution (in partnership with WHYY) Register Now.

Stream now with KPBS Passport / Watch Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV + Sunday, Sept. 7 at 10 p.m. on KPBS 2. Recent discoveries and technological advances shed new light on our understanding of pre-Columbian societies in the Amazon. Scientists speculate the rainforest was home to between 8 and 10 million people living in large, well-established communities.

Stream now with KPBS Passport / Watch Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV + Sunday, Aug. 31 at 10 pm. on KPBS 2. Is history repeating Itself? Follow an in-depth investigation into the real causes of the decline of the Roman Empire, three deadly epidemics and climate change could have caused its collapse-drawing frightening parallels to today.

Friday, Jan. 5, 2024 at 8 p.m. on KPBS 2 / Stream now with KPBS Passport! Experience the story of seamstress Esther who begins writing to a mysterious suitor laboring on the Panama Canal. Featuring a libretto by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, this powerful opera is directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher.

Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022 at 2 p.m. on KPBS 2 / PBS Video App. Nadine Sierra takes on one of the repertory's most formidable and storied roles, the haunted heroine of Lucia di Lammermoor, in an electrifying new staging by in-demand Australian theater and film director Simon Stone, conducted by Riccardo Frizza. Show-stopping tenor Javier Camarena adds to the bel canto fireworks as Lucia's beloved, Edgardo, with baritone Artur Rucinski as her overbearing brother, Enrico, and bass-baritone Christian Van Horn as her tutor, Raimondo.

Stream now with KPBS Passport / Watch Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV. What were the last days in Pompeii like before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius 2,000 years ago? The dazzling discovery of an intact wooden chariot, the only one ever found, provides new insight into the social classes of the ancient city.

Friday, March 10, 2023 at 9 p.m. and Sunday, March 12 at 2 p.m. on KPBS 2 / Watch now with KPBS Passport! Explore Shakespeare's mysterious love life through the perspective of the "Dark Lady" in this work from Nashville Ballet based on poetry by Caroline Randall Williams and featuring an original score by GRAMMY winner Rhiannon Giddens.

Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022 at 1 p.m. on KPBS 2 / Not available on demand. For the first time in its history, the Met presents the original five-act French version of Verdi’s epic opera of doomed love among royalty set against the backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition. With new staging by David McVicar, conductor Patrick Furrer leads a starry cast.

Premieres Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 at 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. on KPBS 2 + Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. on KPBS TV / On demand with PBS Video App. Enjoy the Vienna Philharmonic's annual summer night concert with cellist Gautier Capucon under the direction of guest conductor Andris Nelsons at Austria's Schonbrunn Palace.