Whether you’re fixing up your house, seeking your roots or looking for the next big thing in the world of science, this list of the top 10 best PBS shows to watch on TV right now will keep you in the know.
Keep an eye on this list as it is updated with the latest and greatest PBS shows so you can be sure you’re in the loop. From Antiques Roadshow to Call the Midwife, this list will help TV-watchers stay up to date on the most popular PBS programs available.
Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
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TOP 10 PBS SHOWS TO WATCH
Let’s get started. Here are the trending PBS shows that TV-watchers are enjoying right now, with all the information you need to check them out for yourself.
1. ‘Antiques Roadshow’
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Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of antiques with Antiques Roadshow. Excitement and curiosity fill every episode as expert appraisers assess personal treasures, from the most ornate, Victorian heirlooms to modern, 20th-century novelties.
Host Mark L. Walberg creates an engaging atmosphere as participants and viewers alike discover the hidden histories and unique stories behind seemingly everyday items. Watch as the unexpected value of these nostalgic artefacts changes lives on Antiques Roadshow.
2. ‘NOVA’
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Dive into the fascinating world of science with NOVA. Through engaging and beautifully shot documentary-style episodes, world-renowned scientists, researchers, and correspondents unfold hidden marvels of our universe. From black holes to quantum physics, jet propulsion to DNA mapping, this captivating show seeks to unravel complex scientific ideas and make them accessible to everyone. Witness the unfolding of mysteries, the future of technological innovation, and the boundless beauty of our world on NOVA.
3. ‘Ask This Old House’
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Got a home repair or renovation question? Join expert hosts Tom Silva, Richard Trethewey and Roger Cook as they embark on home improvement adventures to help you solve your most vexing home improvement challenges. Each episode includes an interactive Q&A starting point where homeowners face real, relatable issues.
Watch as the team transforms ordinary houses into dream homes using practical solutions and ingenious tricks of the trade. Tune in for a dose of creativity and a wealth of knowledge on Ask This Old House.
4. ‘Nature’
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Nature is a breathtaking journey into the wilderness where audiences bear witness to amazing wildlife spectacles. Immerse yourself in the hidden life of incredible creatures, as the series elegantly choreographs the vital dance between biodiversity and the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Understand how each organism, no matter how small, plays its part in the tapestry of life. Prepare to have your eyes opened and curiosity piqued as you delve into the magical intricacies of the natural world with this gripping, must-watch documentary series.
5. ‘This Old House’
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Discover the charm of home renovation and restoration in This Old House. Walk through various homes with experts like Kevin O’Connor and Tom Silva and witness decaying edifices and dated layouts slowly transformed into modern, comfortable dwellings. The show’s dedication to preserving tradition while adapting for contemporary living makes it an essential watch for architecture enthusiasts and DIY devotees alike. Grab a hammer and join the crew in This Old House for a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and history behind every household.
6. ‘Frontline’
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Frontline, premiering in 1983, offers a piercing glimpse into multifaceted human experiences via potent documentaries. This long-running series uncovers the intricate realities of life, presenting narratives that span across various political, social and economic landscapes.
Each episode intrigues viewers with comprehensive research and vivid storytelling, fostering a deep understanding of the complexities of our world. Engaging and pioneering, Frontline stands as a must-see for those seeking to broaden their horizons or gain a more profound perspective on the reality we are embedded in.
7. ‘Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’
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Dive into the riveting pasts of some of your favorite celebrities with Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Esteemed Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr., takes you on a journey through time, unraveling the complicated and often surprising ancestral stories of famed guests. Using groundbreaking technology in genealogy and genetics, Gates transforms faded black and white stories into vibrant, lively tales of self-discovery.
Each episode unfolds a new chapter of history, not just of the individual, but of humanity itself. As secrets are uncovered about their ancestors, each guest gains a broader understanding of their origins and ultimately, themselves.
8. ‘Austin City Limits’
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Dive into the celebration of music on Austin City Limits. Backed by 40 plus years of tradition, this renowned series presents diverse music performances from both legendary music greats and newcomers. Watch artists from various genres, like rock, country, folk, and more, as they take to the stage to captivate listeners with their musical prowess. It’s more than a concert show: It’s an intimate musical experience bringing musicians and their most die-hard fans together, right in the heart of Texas. Embrace the sounds, the stories and the sheer energy of Austin City Limits.
9. ‘Great Performances’
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Great Performances brings the best in the performing arts from across America and around the world to a national audience. Watch as the Grammy, Emmy and Peabody award-winning series showcases acclaimed artists performing classic plays, opera, musicals, dance and concerts masterfully.
Whether it’s the vibrant vibrato of a world-renowned soprano or the emotional poignancy of a Shakespearean tragedy, the series never fails to deliver jaw-dropping performances. Great Performances provides you with an exclusive front-row seat to some of the world’s most extraordinary performances.
10. ‘Call the Midwife’
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Call the Midwife is set in the 1950s and follows Nurse Jenny Lee and her colleagues at Nonnatus House in London’s East End. The series beautifully portrays the challenges and triumphs of midwives as they assist in home births and deal with dramatic social, personal and medical issues of the era. It combines touching personal stories with historical contexts, addressing significant social issues.
And there you have it: the top 10 PBS shows to stream at home. Stay tuned for updates to come so you can keep up with the best content available right now.
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And for even more insight into the top shows and movies to watch right now, check out these other lists:
- Top 20 Movies to Stream Right Now
- 20 Most Binge-Worthy TV Shows to Watch Right Now
- 10 Best Limited Series to Watch
- Top 10 Comedy Shows on DIRECTV
- The Best Scientific Shows & Docuseries on TV Right Now
- The Best Disney Channel Shows to Watch Right Now
- The Top Educational Shows on TV For Toddlers & Kids
- Top Kids Movies for Family Movie Night
- The Top 10 Documentary TV Shows on Right Now
- The Top 10 Home Improvement & Real Estate Shows to Watch Now
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