The Top 10 Shows on PBS to Watch This Week

January 7, 2025

Whether you’re fixing up your house, looking to find your roots or searching 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 Secrets of the Dead, 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’

↔ vs. Prior Week

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.

Watch 'Antiques Roadshow'

2. ‘This Old House’

↑ 1 vs. Prior Week

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.

Watch 'This Old House'

3. ‘Ask This Old House’

↑ 3 vs. Prior Week

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.

Watch 'Ask This Old House'

4. ‘Lucy Worsley’s Holmes vs. Doyle’

↑ 3 vs. Prior Week

Lucy Worsley's Holmes vs. Doyle.jpg

Dive into the captivating world of crime fiction with Lucy Worsley’s Holmes vs. Doyle. Historian Lucy Worsley immerses herself in the thrilling mysteries of Sherlock Holmes and his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In this thrilling documentary series, Worsley draws a fascinating parallel between the two, unearthing the inspirations behind Doyle’s legendary detective. Tantalizing truths and legendary lore intertwine as we venture deeper into the mind of Doyle and explore the enduring legacy of Holmes. Tune in to uncover a remarkable tale forged in the crucible of a genius’s imagination. Enjoy a riveting voyage through the detective’s extraordinary world and marvel at the depth of Doyle’s ingenuity.

Watch 'Lucy Worsley's Holmes vs. Doyle'

5. ‘Craft in America’

↑ 8 vs. Prior Week

Experience the rich tapestry of American creativity in Craft in America. This unique series delves deep into the history and impact of America’s craft movement. From blacksmiths and woodworkers to weavers and glassblowers, it shines a light on the fascinating stories and techniques behind various handmade crafts. Craft in America isn’t just about the craft, it’s a celebration of ingenuity and passion of the artisans who keep these age-old traditions alive, making it an enchanting watch for anyone who appreciates the beauty of skilled craftsmanship.

Watch 'Craft in America'

6. ‘NOVA’

↓ 4 vs. Prior Week

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.

Watch 'NOVA'

7. ‘Nature’

↑ 1 vs. Prior Week

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.

Watch 'Nature'

8. ‘MotorWeek’

↑ 2 vs. Prior Week

Take a nosedive into the fascinating world of automobiles with MotorWeek. Since its inception in 1981, this goldmine of automotive information has been driving viewers on a fast-paced journey through the latest automotive news, updates, and trends. Get behind the wheel and rev up your knowledge as you explore comprehensive road tests, fair evaluations, and buzz-worthy features from the industry. Spearheaded by enthusiastic petrol-heads, MotorWeek is not just a show — it’s an adventure for all gearheads and car lovers out there. Buckle up and embark on this high-speed pursuit of automotive excellence with MotorWeek.

Watch 'MotorWeek'

9. ‘Austin City Limits’

↔ vs. Prior Week

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.

Watch 'Austin City Limits'

10. ‘Secrets of the Dead’

↓ 6 vs. Prior Week

Venture into the unseen corners of history with Secrets of the Dead, the thrilling PBS program that unearths fascinating mysteries of the past. Since the turn of the millennium, this science show has been captivating audiences with its enlightening and in-depth analyses of history’s most tantalizing secrets. With the help of a diverse panel of historians, scientists and archaeologists, every episode uncovers new information about ancient civilizations, forgotten legends and pivotal episodes in human history. In Secrets of the Dead, every long-lost secret becomes a riveting investigation into our shared past.

Watch 'Secrets of the Dead'

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:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PBS?

PBS is America's Public Broadcasting Service, a free-to-air TV channel with dozens of local member stations around the country.

What are the most well-known PBS programs?

PBS News Hour, Frontline, Antique Road Show and American Experience.

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