Television

The harrowing story of four veterans who fight for their lives during “The World’s Toughest Row.”

Defying Death on the Atlantic airs Monday, May 26, 2025 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI’s app

“The World’s Toughest Row” is an extreme race featuring unassisted rowing boats that cross the Atlantic Ocean from the Canary Islands to Antigua. For a team of four Air Force veterans, this challenge was the ultimate test of body and mind, as well as an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for other vets experiencing mental illness. 

Narrated by actor William Fichtner, this hour-long documentary tells their story. It features the four veterans who refused to give up and, despite incredible odds, continued to support each other until they were rescued. They began this journey to encourage other veterans to share their stories in the hope of healing. Now, they have the ultimate story to share. This program repeats Friday, May 30 at 3 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Photo: Team coach on the Atlantic
Provided by APT

A special concert that honors our country’s veterans, servicemen and women and military families.

National Memorial Day Concert 2025 airs Sunday, May 25 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

The concert unites the country in remembrance and appreciation of those who gave their lives for our nation and serves those who are grieving through the mission put forward by Abraham Lincoln in his second inaugural address, “Let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”

For 35 years, this multi-award-winning television event, featuring uplifting musical performances, documentary footage and dramatic readings, has become an American tradition and is one of PBS’ highest-rated programs. On the broadcast, celebrities share real-life stories spanning the broad history of our nation’s military conflicts, award winning musicians perform songs in tribute to our country’s true heroes and the finest performers from the United States premier military choirs and ensembles are featured.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Chiefs of Staff also participate in the concert, offering their leadership perspective on the value and honor of military service and acknowledging the challenges that veterans and their families face.

Photo: Members of the US Armed Forces
Credit: Capital Concerts

Legendary entertainer Bob Hope and his troupe of performers traveled more than 80,000 miles during World War II to entertain the troops.

Miles, Morale and Memories: Bob Hope and World War II airs Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 7 p.m. on  WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app,

There were several close calls where Hope and his fellow entertainers were almost killed. Hope and his troupe often performed near the frontlines in Europe and the Pacific as part of an overall Hollywood effort to make sure stars brought some of America to the battle zones. Using animated maps and interviews with Hollywood historians, authors, and combat veterans, Miles, Morale and Memories: Bob Hope and World War II examines Hope’s impact on World War II and why President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked some of Hollywood’s top radio and movie stars to hold a microphone instead of a gun in the war.

Photo: Bob Hope
Provided by APT

Meet inventor Edwin Land, whose iconic Polaroid camera made photography instant and accessible.

American Experience “Mr. Polaroid” airs Saturday, May 24 at 4 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXX app.

Long before the iPhone, another inventive device allowed everyone to instantly chronicle their lives — the Polaroid camera. The product, and the company’s unique culture, would launch not only instant photography mania but also become the model for today’s Silicon Valley tech culture. It all began with the Polaroid Model 95, first offered for sale in the fall of 1948. Its revolutionary power to allow the photographer to see the picture then and there would change the country, then the world. Mr. Polaroid tells the little-known story of the man behind the camera, a Harvard dropout named Edwin Land. Over a half century ago, before the smartphone, Land was dreaming up “a camera that you would use as often as your pencil or your eyeglasses.” He would also come to believe his company was “on its way to lead the world — perhaps even to save it.” Hubris, technology, brilliance, and a billion photographs a year are all part of the rollicking Polaroid story.

Photo: Edwin Land holding Polavision camera with Bill McCune.
Credit: Joan Marcus

Based on Jane Austen’s actual letters and diaries, this drama unravels the secrets of this elusive woman.

Miss Austen Regrets airs Saturday, May 10 at 4:30 p.m. on  WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.

Jane is nearing her forties and has never married. To her niece, Fanny Knight – a young, pretty girl desperate to fall in love – Jane is a favorite aunt who offers the wisdom and knowledge that will help her in her own search for a happy marriage.

Enjoy Tony winner David Henry Hwang’s comedy starring Daniel Dae Kim as an Asian American playwright who protests “yellowface” casting in the musical “Miss Saigon” only to mistakenly cast a white actor as the Asian lead in his own play.

Great Performances “Yellow Face” airs Friday, May 16 at 9 p.m. on  WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.

Tony-winning playwright David Henry Hwang’s comedy from Roundabout Theatre Company stars Daniel Dae Kim (“Lost,” “Hawaii Five-0”) as an Asian American playwright who protests yellowface casting in the blockbuster musical “Miss Saigon,” only to mistakenly cast a white actor as the Asian lead in his own play. The repercussions resonate in this farce about the complexities of race. Filmed in November 2024 and directed by Leigh Silverman (“Violet,” “Suffs”), “Yellow Face” is an “is-he-or-isn’t-he” comedy of identity, show business and autobiography.