PBS American Portrait
Tuesdays, Jan. 5-26, at 9 PM
Repeats Wednesdays, Jan. 6-27, at 2 AM
Also airs on Fusion on Saturdays, Jan. 9-30, at 4 PM
PBS AMERICAN PORTRAIT blends stories filmed by everyday people to create a chorus of voices sharing both common and unique experiences from across the country. Each episode in the series focuses on a main theme—“I Dream,” about our varied pursuits of the American Dream; “I Work,” about the aspirations, struggles and satisfaction in our careers; “I Keep,” about the traditions and values we hold; and “I Rise,” about working to create an antiracist America. These experiences yield complex and diverse stories of what brings us together and what keeps us apart as we strive to understand one another.
Episode 1 “I Dream”
Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 9 PM
Repeat Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 2 AM
Also airs on Fusion on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 4 PM
Self-shot stories explore the meaning and state of the American dream. From the desire for homeownership to ambitions for higher education or career success, they show the hard work, opportunities and barriers that come with pursuing this ideal today. The main stories featured are Mahsa A. from Fairfax, Virginia; Tyler M. & Bre R. from Joliet, Illinois; and Gunnar J. from Unalakleet, Alaska.
Episode 2 “I Work”
Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 9 PM
Repeat Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 2 AM
Also airs on Fusion on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 4 PM
Everyday people share self-shot stories about their jobs and careers as they navigate the changes they’re experiencing and the goals they’re working toward. From teachers to truck drivers, they explore what it really means to work in America today. The main stories featured are D’Artanian D. & Jonathan E. from New Orleans; Jessica M. from Chula Vista, California; and Laura H. from Stillwell, Oklahoma.
Episode 3 “I Keep”
Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 9 PM
Repeat Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 2 AM
Also airs on Fusion on Saturday, Jan. 23, at 4 PM
People film themselves as they try to preserve or change traditions in their lives and communities. From struggling to protect culture to eliminating toxic legacies, it’s an intimate look at the practices we’ve inherited and the ones we’ll pass on. The main stories featured are Emma H. from Seattle; Yolanda B. from Dallas; and Dwight S. from St. Helena Island, South Carolina.
Episode 4 “I Rise”
Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 9 PM
Repeat Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 2 AM
Also airs on Fusion on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 4 PM
Go inside the lives of people working to create an antiracist American future. They film themselves doing the hard work, confronting the obstacles and achieving the small victories that could add up to real change in the movement for racial justice. The main stories featured are Christine H. from Austin, Texas; Anisa O. from Mankato, Minnesota; and Lex S. from Sandy, Utah.
