WXXI TV

Nature: The Platypus Guardian • WXXI-TV

Witness the story of Pete Walsh, a Tasmanian man who befriends a platypus he names Zoom.

Nature: The Platypus Guardian airs Wednesday, January 24 at 3 p.m. on WXXI-TV

Pete Walsh is a Tasmanian obsessed with one of nature’s least understood creatures, the platypus. An egg-laying, duck-billed, venom-spined, furry-coated underwater mammal, the platypus’ natural environment is in danger from urban development in the capital city of Hobart. With the help of experts, Pete embarks on a mission to rally his community and save the species before it is too late.

During this endeavor, Pete befriends one particular female platypus he names “Zoom.” She lets him into her secretive world, and Pete learns more about the life of this enigmatic species, capturing unique footage of their behavior. Zoom’s behavior sheds light on platypus survival techniques and offers insight into how the species might be protected. Pete will reveal the life of this enigmatic creature, but his time is precious as he manages with his MS diagnosis.

This 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 22 through January 28, 2024.

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: Pete Walsh • Credit: Courtesy of Oliver Berlin / © WildBear Entertainment

Wonders of the World I Can’t See with Chris McCausland

Comedian Chris McCausland, who is blind, travels the globe to explore some of the world’s most iconic, unforgettable world landmarks, but in a new and unique way that discovers things the ordinary traveller might miss.

Wonders of the World I Can’t See airs Sundays, November 10 – December 1 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

In each episode, reluctant traveller Chris will be joined by a different special celebrity guest as his travelling companion. As well as providing a humorous ‘audio description’ of their surroundings for him, the celebrity companions will do their best to prove to Chris that there’s much more to visiting these places than just what they look like, by engaging their other senses. Will they manage to convince him that it was worth getting off his couch after all?

Episode 1 (Airs 11/10 at 8 p.m.): In Athens, Chris and comedy legend Harry Hill try their hand at Olympic sports and pottery. And can Harry do the Acropolis justice when he describes it to Chris?

Episode 2 (Airs 11/17 at 8 p.m.): In Rome, Chris and Tom Allen train as gladiators and make pasta. And can Tom convey the majesty of the Colosseum to Chris?

Episode 3 (Airs 11/24 at 8 p.m.) : Chris and Guz Khan visit the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, where floating, haggling, camel riding and some unique descriptions from Guz await.

Episode 4 (Airs 11/24 at 9 p.m.): In Canada, Liza Tarbuck and Chris experience Niagara Falls. Chris is especially excited about experiencing a wonder that actually makes a noise.

This series is presented as part of Move to Include™ .

Photo: Chris with comedian Tom Allen • Credit: BBC

A Good Life • WXXI-TV

Life is full of joys and challenges for us all — but the experiences of individuals living with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) is something that not everyone understands or appreciates.

A Good Life airs Friday, January 17 at 5 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

A Good Life, a WXXI production, takes an intimate look into the lives of six adults living with I/DD and their families. The film shares the challenges and opportunities they face, while leading national experts and historians in the field offer insight.

This 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

Photo: Title card • Credit: WXXI

Samantha Brown’s Places to Love • WXXI-TV

Samantha takes viewers on a discovery of the emotional heart of travel by highlighting the people who are changing, challenging and strengthening a destination to deliver a decidedly refreshing and enriching travel experience.

Samantha Brown’s Places to Love airs Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV

In each episode, Samantha seeks out the little-known spots and haunts where innovators and disrupters are creating a brand new travel experience. Whether it’s through food and drink, art and design, culture or adventure, at the end of each episode viewers will have a well-curated list of new experiences that focus on not just how to visit a destination, but how to fully immerse in it. Season 7 encourages the viewer to experience the passion of people and the soul of a place in a way that only traveling can do.

Photo: Samantha eating Laksa noodle soup at Mindi Beach night market in Darwin, Australia • Provided by APT

Sister Boniface Mysteries • WXXI-TV

Father Brown fans will love this light-hearted murder mystery series starring a Vespa driving, crime solving Catholic nun: Sister Boniface.

Sister Boniface Mysteries airs Saturdays at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV

It’s the 1960s and police forensics are rudimentary. Luckily the residents of Great Slaughter have a secret weapon. Sister Boniface. If there’s evidence to be found, Boniface will find it, with a little help from dashing DI Sam Gillespie and buttoned-up Bermudan DS Felix Livingstone.

Photo: Sister Boniface Credit: BBC

https://youtu.be/mhAV0Tcf-14?si=RhCsQLWLrsyUXXa3

Jamaica Inn • WXXI-TV

Based on the novel by the English writer Daphne Du Maurier, this gripping mystery tells the story of Mary Yellan, a woman who is forced to move into the ominous Jamaica Inn with her aunt and uncle.

Jamaica Inn, a three-part series airs Thursdays, January 4-18 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV

Mary must uncover the secrets of a local group of smugglers while also managing her growing attraction to the mysterious Jem Merlyn.

Photo: Jamaica Inn cast Credit: PBS

Finding Your Roots: Forever Young • WXXI-TV

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of actors Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser.

Finding Your Roots: Forever Young airs Sunday, January 9 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. meets Valerie Bertinelli and Brendan Fraser—two actors who found fame when they were young and lived their lives in the limelight, cut off from their roots. Each discovers ancestors who paved the way for their success.

Photo: Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Credit: PBS

The American Buffalo: Into the Storm • WXXI-TV

This Ken Burns film traces the near demise – and ultimate return – of the U.S. national mammal while examining the species’ connection to indigenous communities and the land.

The American Buffalo: Into the Storm, part two of two, airs Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the PBS app.

For untold generations, America’s national mammal sustained the lives of Native people, whose cultures were intertwined with the animal. Newcomers to the continent bring a different view of the natural world, and the buffalo are driven to the brink of extinction.

Illustration “The Last of the Buffalo” by Albert Bierstadt, 1888 l Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC.