Highlights Archive

GOSPEL • WXXI-WORLD

Explores the rich history of Black spirituality through sermon and song.

GOSPEL airs Saturday, December 14 at 9 a.m. on WXXI-WORLD

From executive producer, host, and writer Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., GOSPEL reunites with directors Stacey L. Holman and Shayla Harris after recently teaming up on Making Black America: Through the Grapevine.

Gates, the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor at Harvard University and director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, speaks with dozens of clergymen, singers and scholars about their connection to the music that has transcended its origins and now spreads “the good word” all around the world. The series features interviews with notable names including Dionne Warwick, U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, Rev. Otis Moss III, professor Michael Eric Dyson, and awe-inspiring musical performances of Gospel favorites “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus,” “Total Praise,” and others from talents including The Belle Singers, Cory Henry, Celisse, and more. Throughout its four hours, GOSPEL gives a look at the history of Black religious music and preaching, showcasing the symbiotic relationship of words and song present in any Black church. The series examines the origin of Black gospel music, which blended the sacred spirituals with the blues tradition and soared to new heights during the Great Migration. This music served as an outlet for the anger and frustration of living as a Black person in America, which remains true today. The series also explores the evolution of preaching styles over time, and the impact of class, gender, cultural innovations, and consumer technologies shaped the development of gospel since its conception.

Photo: Tyrell Bell and the Belle Singers, featuring Ian Johnson, perform “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus”, for GOSPEL. • Credit: McGee Media

History with David Rubenstein • Sundays at 7 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD

David Rubenstein’s skillful questioning of acclaimed writers takes us behind the scenes.

History with David Rubenstein airs Sundays at 7 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD

David Rubenstein’s skillful questioning of acclaimed writers like Robert A. Caro, Ron Chernow, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and many others effectively takes us behind the scenes, enabling a rare insight into the American story and a real sense of how history gets made.

In August David interviews the following writers:
8/4 — Author Richard Haass
8/11 — Author Craig L. Symonds

Energy Switch • Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD

Energy and climate point-counterpoint talk show, featuring America’s leading experts.

Energy Switch airs Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD.

Energy and climate point-counterpoint talk show, featuring America’s leading experts, moderated by energy scientist and television host Dr. Scott Tinker. Lively, balanced but at times conflicting discussions. Non-partisan, researched and vetted. Tightly edited, fast paced, and rich with content.

Shuttlesworth • Monday, February 12 at 2 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD

A film that traces the unique crucible of Birmingham’s brutal industrial history in creating what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., called the “most segregated city in America” and the people that were willing to take it on – personified in the fearless, indomitable Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth.

Shuttlesworth airs Monday, February 12 at 2 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD

His tireless work in the face of beatings at the hands of the KKK and bombing of his own home, as well as constant harassment by the police and shunning by members of his own community, was unprecedented in the Movement leadership and inspired legions of Foot Soldiers willing to follow him into the breach.

Beginning with his segregated childhood in the Oxmoor Valley, Shuttlesworth follows the reverend’s life through Bethel Baptist Church, the Birmingham Campaign and the reactionary violence unleashed by the white power structure of the city. Through this lens, Shuttlesworth examines the City of Birmingham, its unique history and culture, and how the city became the symbol for social justice and the American Civil Rights Movement.

Photo: Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth • Credit: PBS

Stories from the Stage • Fridays at 2:30 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD

Sharing extraordinary tales of what it means to be human.

Stories from the Stage airs Fridays at 2:30 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD.

Stories have the power to astonish us, make us laugh and cry, and open our hearts to the world. Hosted by Wes Hazard and Theresa Okokon, Stories from the Stage invites storytellers from around the world to share extraordinary tales of what it means to be human. Each episode features both on-stage performances and interviews about their inspirations and craft, and the meaning behind their stories.

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover • Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD

Bringing together the brightest minds and freshest voices from across the political spectrum to engage in a contest of ideas about important issues confronting our nation.

Firing Line with Margaret Hoover airs Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD.

The series maintains the character of the original, providing a platform that is diligent in its commitment to civility and the rigorous exchange of opinion. Firing Line with Margaret Hoover comes at a time when meaningful discourse is needed more than ever. Interviews and debates will highlight leading lights from the left and right, complemented by archival footage from the original Firing Line to remind viewers of longstanding conservative and liberal arguments, where they’ve been disproved or reinforced over time. It is an opportunity to engage in the debate about the America that we want to create for the 21st century — and summon Americans of every political persuasion to a rigorous examination of the choices we must make together in the challenging years ahead.

BBC World News America • Weekdays at 5:30 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD

In-depth reports on the major international and US news of the day presented from Washington DC.

BBC World News America airs weekdays at 5:30 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD.

Every weeknight it delivers coverage and analysis of international events and issues with a fresh perspective, connecting the dots between the United States and the world.

Hitchcock Confidential • WXXI-TV

Discover the great director as never before: through the intimate, gentle and critical eyes of his wife and collaborator Alma.

Hitchcock Confidential airs Saturday, May 17 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.

Alfred Hitchcock’s name figures on any list of the greatest film directors of all time. His distinctive directing style made him a 20^th century pop culture icon, and his movies continue to influence and inspire global audiences today. Hitchcock Confidential unveils a different side of the acclaimed director – unknown to the public until now – through the lens of his symbiotic partnership and romance with his wife and collaborator, Alma.

While he was the celebrated director, Alma was in the background supporting his productions as an editor and screenwriter. Through their close personal and professional relationship, the Hitchcocks developed their own art of storytelling, staging, and production that would create a unique body of work with lasting impact on the history of cinema. Hitchcock Confidential follows their life together, from their first meeting on-set and getting engaged while sailing to Hollywood, the war years when they were a pair of discreet heroes; to decline, sickness and the storm clouds of Alfred’s passion for certain actresses late in life. Through the gentle and critical eyes of Alma, this film shows Hitchcock in a new light. Featured archival clips include appearances of Doris Day, Ingrid Bergman, Gary Cooper, Tippi Hedren, Grace Kelly, and Janet Leigh along with scenes from the director’s iconic films including Rear Window, The Birds, Psycho, North by Northwest and Vertigo.