Henry David Thoreau helped define modern environmentalism and nonviolent resistance, yet his life has been obscured by myth.

Henry David Thoreau airs Monday, March 30 from 9 to 11 p.m. and Tuesday, March 31 from 9 to 10 p.m.m on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI and PBS apps.

This new, three-part, three-hour film directed by Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers, and executive produced by Ken Burns and Don Henley, examines the life and work of the 19th-century writer. Set against the political and social tensions of the mid-19th century, the film traces Thoreau’s journey from his early days in Concord, Massachusetts to his deep engagement with the moral crises of his time, including industrialization, slavery, war, and environmental degradation. Through his essays, journals, and landmark works such as Walden and Civil Disobedience, he became an inspiration for generations of writers, thinkers, and activists. 

Examine how some of America’s conservative political machine uses racial fault lines to gain power.

White With Fear airs Tuesday, March 24 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI and PBS apps.

Told by operatives in the rooms where it happened, this film takes a deep dive into the decades-long quest by some of America’s conservative political machine to amass power by exploiting racial fault lines.

Shot on location in 17 countries worldwide, this ambitious, groundbreaking documentary that tells the story of the Irish from the very first inhabitants to the present day, tracing the ebb and flow of people into and out of the island. 

From That Small Island: The Story of the Irish airs Saturday, March 14 at 3 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the PBS and WXXI apps.

Produced by the same team behind the multi-award-winning 1916: the Irish Rebellion, the series provides a compelling narrative of Ireland and its people. Narrated by Colin Farrell and featuring an original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire, FROM THAT SMALL ISLAND is a journey through time, identity and the enduring spirit of a people whose story continues to shape the world.

 Filmed in September 2025 at Italy’s Arena di Verona, this special celebrates what would have been the acclaimed tenor’s 90th birthday.

Pavarotti 90: The Man Who Moved The World airs Friday, March 13 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the PBS and WXXI apps.

Featuring world-renowned opera and pop artists — including Andrea Bocelli, José Carreras, trio Il Volo and cellist HAUSER — the performance showcases the two diverse musical sides of Pavarotti. More than just a concert, this gathering also served as a heartfelt memorial, honoring the tenor through testimonies, memories, video clips and powerful performances.

Join the 10-time GRAMMY nominee as he performs for a sold-out crowd at one of the most iconic venues in the country in 2016.

Eric Church: Live at Red Rocks airs Wednesday, March 12 at 9:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Produced live and mostly unplugged, Church performs “Mr. Misunderstood,” “Record Year,” “Talladega,” and many more.

Photo credit: Robby Klein

Recorded during Luther Vandross’ record-breaking standing-room-only shows at London’s Wembley Arena during his worldwide 1988-89 tour.

Luther Vandross: Live at Wembley airs Tuesday, March 10 at 9:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

The performance features many of the R&B star’s hit songs, including “Give Me the Reason,” “Never Too Much” and “A House Is Not a Home.”

Photo credit: Alberto Tolot, courtesy of Sony Music