Public Broadcasting Service (U.S.)

Ken Burns's two-part, four-hour documentary explores the revolutionary life of one of the 18th century's most complex and consequential figures, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States.

"As the earth warms, sea levels rise, and super-storms become more frequent and intense; many major coastal cities will soon be under water. Sinking Cities shows New York, London, Tokyo and Miami preparing for the real-time impact of rising seas and devising colossal new construction projects, and groundbreaking solutions aimed at securing their future." --

Birdsong is the story of Stephen Wraysford, a young Englishman who arrives in Amiens in Northern France to stay with the Azaire family and falls desperately in love with Isabelle Azaire. They begin an illicit and all-consuming affair, but the relationship falters. Years later, Stephen finds himself serving on the Western Front in the very area where he experienced his great love. He must learn to endure the ravages of war and make peace with his feelings...

"Based on an extraordinary, untold true story of hope, this moving and ultimately redemptive story follows child survivors of the Nazi Holocaust and the remarkable team who were responsible for helping these children rebuild their lives as they forge friendships that will become a lifeline to a better future." --

Nova returns to Ground Zero to witness the completion of One World Trade Center, the skyscraper rising 104 stories and 1,776 feet from the site where the twin towers stood. As the super storm Sandy bore down on New York, many feared that the still-incomplete structures would be especially vulnerable to the storm's wrath. Nova reveals the engineering story behind their remarkable resilience to nature's worst blows. The greatest test is still to come,...

In the late 19th century, as America₂s teeming cities grew increasingly congested, the time had come to replace the nostalgic horse-drawn trolleys with a faster, cleaner, safer, and more efficient form of transportation. Ultimately, it was Boston, a city of so many firsts that overcame a litany of engineering challenges, the greed-driven interests of businessmen, and the great fears of its citizenry to construct America's first subway.

What began as a broadcast performance of H.G. Wells' fantasy, The War of the Worlds, turned into one of the biggest mass hysteria events in U.S. history. American Experience examines the elements that together created this frenzy, including our longtime fascination with life on Mars; the emergence of radio as a powerful new medium; and the creative wunderkind Orson Welles, the twenty-three-year-old director of the drama and mischief-maker supreme....

"Now nearing the 1960s, the community enters a new time of social change, while stories of birth, life and death continue to touch your heart. Will live-wire Nurse Trixie marry her young curate? What new project calls for a heart as big as Chummy's? How will Sister Evangelina react to two new nurses? And why does Sister Julienne appear so unsettled by a mystery benefactor?"--

Chronicles a scientific expedition through the Northwest Passage, a route made treacherous by Arctic sea ice, and discusses the effects of global warming on the Arctic region and climate.

"Among the stars in the night sky wander the eight-plus worlds of the solar system, each home to truly awe-inspiring sights. Volcanoes three times higher than Everest, geysers erupting with icy plumes, cyclones larger than Earth lasting hundreds of years. Each of our celestial neighbors has a distinct personality and a unique story. In this five-part series, NOVA will explore the awesome beauty including Saturn's 175,000-mile-wide rings, Mars's ancient...