WXXI TV

Eastman at 100: A Centennial Celebration • WXXI-TV

Take a look back at the story of Eastman School of Music and how George Eastman’s vision for a school dedicated to scholarship, musicianship, and an inclusive community campus came to be.

Eastman at 100: A Centennial Celebration airs Sunday, November 17 at 3 p.m. on WXXI-TV

Filmed over the course of three years, Eastman at 100 follows individual students throughout their academic year, offering a firsthand look at their transformational experiences. Eastman’s story is told through intimate interviews with professors, administrators, staff, community partners, and high-profile alumni, including:

World-renowned, Grammy-winning soprano Renée Fleming ’83 (MM), ’11 (Honorary)
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts ’94, ’99E (DMA)
Grammy-winning drummer Steve Gadd ’68, ’17 (Honorary)
Grammy-nominated jazz composer and conductor Maria Schneider ’85 (MM)
Retired “Voice of the Met” and former WXXI Classical host Mary Jo Heath ’88 (Ph.D.)

Emmy award-winning composer and conductor Mark Watters, who is Director of the Beal Institute for Film Music and Contemporary Media, wrote and composed the score for the documentary. Support for this documentary was provided by Dawn F. Lipson.

PBS News Special: CNN Presidential Debate Simulcast • WXXI-TV + WXXI News

PBS provides live coverage and analysis of the debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

PBS News Special: CNN Presidential Debate Simulcast airs Thursday, June 27 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

The broadcast will begin with a simulcast of The CNN Presidential Debate, followed immediately by PBS News special coverage co-anchored by Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett, with reporting from White House correspondent Laura Barrón-López and Capitol Hill correspondent Lisa Desjardins, and expert analysis from additional guests.

Live coverage from NPR will also air on WXXI News and stream at WXXINews.org.

Ringside Stories: The Heart and Hustle of Pro Wrestling • WXXI-TV

This documentary produced by Rochester’s Cordell Cordaro and Gabe Del Vecchio delves into the lives of local wrestlers in the Flower City.

Ringside Stories: The Heart and Hustle of Pro Wrestling airs Saturday, June 15 at 11:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV

It reveals the passion and dedication these athletes have for their craft. Wrestling gives them a sense of purpose and community, helping them overcome personal struggles and adversity. These wrestlers aren’t yet household names; they work at the grassroots level, traveling from town to town. Their commitment and love for wrestling shine through, offering a universal story of finding fulfillment in following one’s passion, even when it’s not widely accepted. Their journey embodies the universal yearning to pursue one’s passion, even in the face of doubt or rejection.

POV: King Coal • WXXI-TV

Exploring coal’s legacy with the Sundance sensation King Coal.

POV: King Coal airs Monday, June 24 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV

KING COAL, the 2023 Sundance Film Festival breakout hit, follows the personal memories of a 4th generation coal miner’s daughter to meditate on the complex history and future of the coal industry, the communities it has shaped, and the myths it has created.

American Documentary’s Oscar®, Emmy® and Peabody Award-winning signature series, POV, has acquired the 2023 Sundance Film Festival feature documentary, King Coal, directed by Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon (Heroin(e)) and produced by Academy Award®-winners Shane Boris and Diane Becker (Navalny) and Peabody Award-winner Peggy Drexler (My Name is Pauli Murray). King Coal will make its national broadcast premiere as part of POV’s upcoming 37th season launching summer 2024. POV is America’s longest running non-fiction series on television

Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo • WXXI-TV

Host Jesus Trejo travels America, meeting rising comedians who use stand-up to explore the nation’s diversity with a blend of hilarious comedy and social commentary.

Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo Airs Fridays at 10 p.m. beginning June 21 on WXXI-TV

In the upcoming episodes Jesus Trejo, chronicles his journey across America, where he engages with a dynamic ensemble of comedians. Through their stand-up routines, they delve into the rich tapestry of the nation. Join Trejo as he encounters Ali Sultan, Vanessa Gonzalez, Eeland Stribling, Tatanka Means, Adam Pasi, and Sierra Katow.

Professor T, Season 3 • WXXI-TV

The award-winning drama series Professor T returns to WXXI-TV for a third captivating season.

Professor T, Season 3 Begins Airing on Sunday, June 16 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV

In PROFESSOR T Season 3, Ben Miller’s brilliant Professor finds himself behind bars, navigating prison life while the police rely on his expertise to solve complex cases. With Frances de la Tour and Juliet Stevenson returning, expect suspense, and mysteries unraveled in this gripping crime drama.

Photo: Professor T • Provided by PBS

Opportunity Knock$ • WXXI-TV

This reality series showcases the art of turning a financial challenge into an opportunity for growth.

Opportunity Knock$ Episodes Airs Sundays at 5 p.m., Beginning June 16 on WXXI-TV

OPPORTUNITY KNOCK$ is a series that showcases complex financial challenges and transforms them into economic success stories. Six families are paired with three nationally known financial experts who offer financial guidance to empower the families. Viewers witness aspirational journeys towards financial freedom and life transformations in each episode.

Photo: opportunity knocks • Provided by APT

Understanding Autism • WXXI-TV

Filmmaker Scott Steindorff learns about autism.

Understanding Autism airs Monday, January 13, 2025 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.

Understanding Autism follows filmmaker Scott Steindorff as he aims to discover more about his own autism. Speaking to autistic people all across the spectrum, he seeks to reframe the perception of autism by focusing on the identification, diagnosis, and treatment by highlighting the amazing talents and love of neurodiversity.

his program is presented as part of Dialogue on Disability, a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies – in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series. Dialogue on Disability is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation. The weeklong initiative runs January 13-19, 2025

WXXI and Al Sigl have been hosting Dialogue on Disability since 2005. In 2014, with the support of businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation, Move to Include™ was formed. This initiative enables WXXI to present and develop programming that promotes inclusion year round.

Photo: Scott Steindorff
Provided by PBS