Our very large country is home to a wide array of geological wonders and diverse landscapes, all providing for the equally varied individuals that inhabit these regions. In new PBS show, America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston, viewers get a glimpse into these beautiful natural elements while exploring the symbiotic relationships that are formed between the people and nature all guided by a capable and charismatic host.
America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston premieres on July 5, 2022 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS with new episodes airing on Tuesdays through August 9.
Who Is Baratunde Thurston?
Baratunde Thurston has an impressive resume, which include a wildly watched TED Talk, a New York Times bestselling book (How To Be Black), his own show (How To Citizen with Baratunde), and work with The Daily Show, The Onion and in the Obama White House. And that’s just the summary.
As the host of America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston, he leans on his quick wit, gift of compassion and innate understanding of the great outdoors to serve as an engaging and storied tour guide.
Exploring the America Outdoors
In six episodes, America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston explores the natural side of the U.S., while examining the connections between these regions and how we, as humans, interact with the natural world. All underlined by the effects of climate change, we see how residents and enthusiasts work with and appreciate nature.
Episode Guide
Death Valley: Life Blooms – July 5
Contradictory to its name, Death Valley is full of life. Baratunde pushes the extremes in Death Valley National Park while meeting those who not only survive but thrive in this unforgiving climate. Meet an eclectic cast of characters including an ultra-marathoner who loves the heat, a lonely mayor, and a Timbisha Shoshone elder who lends some perspective.
Idaho: Tied to the Land – July 12
Rural Idaho is changing to adapt to its new population and climate with a look toward the future. Baratunde acquaints himself with ranchers, pilots, refugees and fisherman, exploring how they all fit into the evolving American frontier.
Los Angeles: It’s a Vibe – July 19
Amid a bustling city, Angelinos still find a way to connect with the outdoors. Whether cleaning a polluted river via kayak or watching Black surfers find their spot on the waves, Baratunde meets those who do their part to preserve LA’s natural elements.
Appalachia: A Different Way – July 26
In a region that was shaped over millennia, Appalachia today may seem frozen in time. Baratunde meets those who buck that stereotype, including a new-era forager, a trail-blazing hiker and those who interact with nature in a forward-thinking manner.
Tidewater: Homecoming – August 2
Coastal North Carolina offers a diverse range of topography from the crashing waves of the ocean, the sandy dunes to the murky and mysterious swamp. Baratunde explores it all via air and land and some insight from the area’s history.
Minnesota: A Better World – August 9
In one of the few remaining areas of remote wilderness, Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region is a pristine sanctuary for birds, harvesters and those who simply want to escape it all hike or paddle. We’ll get a rare glimpse at this intact region with Baratunde as our guide.
How to Watch
Watch America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EST starting on July 5. Check your local PBS listings to find out channel information for your area.
Summer is the best time to get out and explore the great outdoors. But for the moments when you simply can’t get outside, America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston will give us the ability to appreciate nature from the inside out.
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