By Chip Chandler — Digital Content Producer
November will offer a new take on a children's favorite, a star-studded exploration of the music industry, a powerful examination of black life in America since the civil rights movement first flowered, and more.
Here are some of the month's biggest highlights. Set your DVRs now!
Live Here
Our flagship news program will tackle several major issues with local, regional and national implications during November. On Nov. 3, "Refugee Reality" will take a look at refugee relocation to Amarillo, contributions to the community and stresses on services, and state efforts to withdraw from the nation’s resettlement program. On Nov. 10, we'll tell you what happens next following the Nov. 8 bond election on "Moving Forward." "Amarillo Since MLK," airing Nov. 17, will explore various perspectives on race relations locally in the years since the Civil Rights Movement. And "Gratitude," airing on Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving night), will bring a reflection on what it means to be grateful from locals of varying faith, spiritual and aethiest backgrounds. Karen Welch is host and producer of the show, airing at 7 p.m. Thursdays.
The Story of Cats
The two-part Nature special, premiering at 7 p.m. Nov. 2 and continuing at 7 p.m. Nov. 9, examines the most feared and revered creatures on the planet. Using the latest camera technology and working with leading scientists, the episodes will chronicle the enigmatic animals like never before.
PBS Newshour Election Night Coverage
Rely on PBS and our team of political reporters and analysts to bring you all of the news about Election Night 2016. Ongoing coverage will begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 and continue until after final results are in.
Gypsy
The PBS Arts Fall Festival continues with the premiere of the hit London revival of the classic musical Gypsy at 8 p.m. Nov. 11 on Great Performances. Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films) stars as the ultimate stage mother who will stop at nothing to ensure her daughter, the legendary burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, becomes a star. The Fall Festival also includes Alvin Ailey American Dance on Nov. 4, Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs on Nov. 18 and Lang Lang’s New York Rhapsody on Nov. 25.
Soundbreaking
A century’s worth of innovation and experimentation in brand-new sounds are explored in this eight-part documentary series, debuting at 9 p.m. Nov. 14. More than 150 interviews with some of the most celebrated recording artists of all time will shed light into how music recording has evolved into an art form. The series will run weeknights at 9 p.m. from Nov. 14 to 23 to attract binge watchers.
Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise
Dr. Henry Louis Gates takes viewers on a journey through the African-American experience of the last 50 years, beginning with the 1965 assassination of Malcolm X. While the road to equality has led to the White House, it doesn’t end there. Gates also shows how the struggle for equality has set an example for other minorities. The two-part special debuts at 7 p.m. Nov. 15, continuing at 7 p.m. Nov. 22.
Pearl Harbor
A new documentary, debuting at 7 p.m. Nov. 23, marks the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, telling the story of the USS Oklahoma and the brave men who died aboard the shop on Dec. 7, 1941. It’s followed by Expedition Pearl Harbor, which examines the sinking of the USS Arizona.
Anne of Green Gables
A new adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel, a special Thanksgiving night presentation at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24, tells the story of the precocious orphan Anne Shirley (Ella Ballentine) and her new caretakers, the uptight Marilla Cuthbert (Sara Botsford) and her brother Matthew (Martin Sheen).
Chip Chandler is a digital content producer for Panhandle PBS. He can be contacted at Chip.Chandler@actx.edu, at @chipchandler1 on Twitter and at www.facebook.com/chipchandlerwriter on Facebook.
