WXXI TV

This documentary investigates the authorization to use the atomic bombs that devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki in this context of fierce Japanese resistance to an invasion and provides a rare glimpse of Japanese decision-making in the waning months of the war.

American Experience “Victory in the Pacific” airs Tuesday, August 5 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2005, Victory in the Pacific examines the final year of World War II. From the American capture of the Mariana Islands in the Central Pacific in July 1944 to the surrender broadcast of Emperor Hirohito in August 1945, it delves into the rationale for using the atomic bomb and features the first-hand recollections of both American and Japanese civilians and soldiers.

Photo: Victory in the Pacific key art.
Credit: PBS.

The series is back with an exciting new season of drinks and recipes that get people and stories together, and this time Rochester is on the hit list!   

Spatchcock Funk airs Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

In episode four, “The 19th Hole”—airing Saturday, August 2 at 4 p.m. on WXXI-TV—while touring Central New York region’s best locations to celebrate the New York culinary scene, host Matt Read and producer Alex DeRosa let their appetites chart a course to the Canandaigua Country Club for a classic golf course family outing. Watch as the Rochester chapter inspires a cocktail that unwinds friendly competition on the course and whips up a dip that sets the vibe. The episode then showcases Rochester’s infamous Garbage Plate, which gets a clever remix, followed by an easy-to-put-together sweet treat that truly completes a fun day at the course.  

Got you curious yet? Catch the whole season this July every Saturday at 11:30 p.m. with repeats on Saturday at 4 p.m., starting July 12 on WXXI TV. 

Photo: Matt Read, Alex DeRosa, and another golfer
Credit: Spatchcock Funk

This documentary explores the remarkable stories behind the hopeful drawings of the children of Honkawa Elementary School in a war-ridden Hiroshima and the evolution of a friendship across distance and time.

Pictures from a Hiroshima Schoolyard airs Monday, August 4 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Originally sent as a gift of thanks from the war-scarred children of Honkawa Elementary School in Hiroshima—responding to a donation of art and school supplies from the children of All Souls Unitarian Church—a box of colorful drawings was uncovered at a parishioner’s home in 1995. They surprisingly depicted self-portraits, festival flags and kites against a bright blue sky, children on a playground, and cherry blossoms in bloom—none reflecting the horror or trauma the children had endured. In 2010, church members set out to reunite the drawings with their creators.

Photo: Children of the All Souls Unitarian Church opening packages from the children of Honkawa Elementary School in Hiroshima.
Credit: American Public Television.

Grab a front-row seat at P!NK’s sold-out 2006 concert, packed with the Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter’s greatest hits.

P!NK: Live from Wembley Arena airs Thursday, August 7 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Captured in a dynamic 15-camera high-definition shoot during her I’m Not Dead tour in London, the show features performances like “Get The Party Started,” “Who Knew,” “Don’t Let Me Get Me,” and “Nobody Knows,” accompanied by acrobatics, elaborate stage sets, and sizzling costumes.

Photo: P!nk performing on stage.
Credit: PBS.

Revisit the Oscar-winning story of Maya Lin, the young architect behind the Vietnam Veterans Memorial whose design was met with widespread controversy and public attacks. At the intersection of art, politics and creativity she remained steadfast in her personal vision.

Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision, a POV Presentation premieres Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision, directed by Freida Lee Mock, is an Academy Award-winning documentary exploring the life and work of architect and artist Maya Lin. Following Lin’s journey, whose design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was chosen when she was a 21-year-old Yale undergraduate, the film focuses on how Lin’s vision defied expectations as she held her ground amidst intense controversy. The documentary also touches upon Lin’s other significant works such as the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama, and her evolving artistic vision.

Photo: Maya Lin examining the inverted water table for the Civil Rights Memorial
Credit: Provided by PBS

Winner of the Audience Award at the 2024 DOC NYC Film Festival, Slumlord Millionaire explores the rapid gentrification of New York City neighborhoods and the housing crisis sweeping not only New York but the nation.

Slumlord Millionaire, a VOCES presentation, premieres Monday, July 28, 2025 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Median rents nationwide are higher than ever, and some landlords have become aggressive in getting long-term tenants to leave to turn apartments over to market rate for a high profit. As costs drive up further and displace families who make up the fabric of these neighborhoods, a group of fearless residents, activists, and nonprofit attorneys fight corrupt landlords for the basic human right to a home.

Photo: Slumlord Millionaire key art
Credit: Provided by PBS

Watch The Highwaymen perform their well-known and loved hits in this full-length concert film recorded live at Nassau Coliseum in 1990.

The Highwaymen: Live at Nassau Coliseum premieres Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Recorded at the famous arena in Hempstead, Long Island in 1990, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson — “the Mt. Rushmore of country music” — perform classics like “Big River,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Always On My Mind.”

Photo: The Highwaymen sat together
Credit: Provided by PBS

Watch Earth, Wind & Fire as their electrifying setlist, vibrant visuals, and dynamic stage presence take viewers on a thrilling journey through the band’s greatest hits and iconic sound that has captivated generations in this 2024 iHeart Radio Live performance.

Earth, Wind & Fire: iHeart Radio Live premieres Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Join the legendary Grammy Award-winning band for an unforgettable night of music and celebration. With their signature blend of soul, funk, pop and R&B, the band delivers a high-energy performance with timeless hits, including “Shining Star,” “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “Let’s Groove,” “Serpentine Fire,” and more.

Photo: Earth, Wind & Fire: iHeart Radio Live key art
Credit: Provided by PBS