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EXPLORE GBH
Editor Katrina Ávila Munichiello
Contributors Emily Abi-Kheirs, Ron Bachman
Designers Tong-Mei Chan, Amy Saidens
Photo Research Leah Weisse
Production Manager Heidi Lewis
Associate Creative Director Danielle Pierce
Senior Creative Director Piper Rankine
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
Barbara Ayotte
Chief Marketing Officer Tina Cassidy
February 2025 Volume 35, Number 2 (ISSN 2152-7458) (USPS 0008-188). Copyright 2025. WGBH Educational Foundation. One Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135. All rights reserved.
EXPLORE GBH is published monthly by the WGBH Educational Foundation. Subscription is by membership contribution of $60 or more to GBH. Preferred periodicals postage paid at Boston, MA, and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to EXPLORE GBH, GBH, One Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135. Printed in USA. 25CR12862 openvault.wgbh.org
Visit The Linda and Andrew Egendorf Masterpiece Theatre Alistair Cooke Collection
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HISTORY & CULTURE
The most famous jazz virtuoso of her time was blacklisted after McCarthy era accusations in American Masters: The Disappearance of Miss Scott
4
JOURNALISM
A filmmaker and his father depart on a 350-mile, 4-day bike ride in search of a deeper connection in Independent Lens: Bike Vessel
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WHAT’S ON
Primetime schedules for GBH 2, GBH 44, GBH Create, and GBH WORLD
5
SCIENCE
NOVA examines how birds survived the cataclysmic mass extinction of dinosaurs and transformed into the creatures that fill our skies now
12
CALENDAR OF EVENTS ON THE COVER AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
Forgotten Hero: Walter White and the NAACP
6
LIVING
GBH Music presents a series of jazz performances that were recorded in front of a live audience at GBH
GEMS BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAMS LOOK FOR THIS MONTH’S:
PODCASTS
PLAY VIDEO
Call the Midwife
Season 14 arrives later this month, bringing viewers into the 1970s, and the services of the nuns of Nonnatus House continue to be critical to the community. In the meantime, all eight episodes of Season 13 are available now on GBH Passport for streaming. Season 13 opened with a new group of pupils beginning their midwife training. Season 13 available on Passport now Season 14 available on Passport beginning Fri (2/28)
HIDDEN GEM
AFROPOP: THE ULTIMATE CULTURAL EXCHANGE
Supa Modo and Kati Kati
AfroPop is departing from its usual documentaries to offer two new dramas. In the first, Supa Modo, a nine-year-old terminally ill girl lives out her dream of being a superhero with the help of her rural village. In Kati Kati, a woman with no memory of her life or death becomes part of a ghost’s afterlife. Both films are in Swahili with English subtitles. Thu (2/13, 2/20) at 10pm on GBH 44
Funny Woman
Comedian Barbara Parker (Gemma Arterton) became a massive success as a television comedy star under the stage name Sophie Straw. Just as it seems that everything she touches turned to gold, her latest sitcom fails. Her relationship with her producer Dennis (Arsher Ali) is complicated by long-stalled divorce proceedings. Can she find magic again and bring her voice to the comedy world? Season One can also be streamed on GBH Passport.
Season Two Sun (2/2, 2/9, 2/16) at 10pm on GBH 2
Sun (2/23) at 10:30pm on GBH 2 Repeats: Tuesdays at 10pm at GBH 44 Sat (2/8, 2/15, 2/22) at 10pm on GBH 2
Luisa Spagnoli: Queen of Chocolate
What do the 1920s, world-famous Perugina chocolate, angora rabbits, and high-end tailoring have in common? Luisa Spagnoli. This four-part Walter Presents drama is a fictionalized account of the life of this remarkable Italian businesswoman who started both a women’s fashion store and a high-end chocolate brand. In Italian with English subtitles. Sun (2/9, 2/16) at 11pm on GBH 2 Sun (2/23) at 11:30pm on GBH 2
more drama
MASTERPIECE/ Miss Scarlet Sun (2/2, 2/9, 2/16) at 8pm on GBH 2
Repeats: Tue (2/4, 2/11, 2/18) at 8pm on GBH 44 Saturdays at 8pm on GBH 2
MASTERPIECE/ All Creatures Great and Small Sundays at 9pm on GBH 2
Repeats: Tuesdays at 9pm on GBH 44 Saturdays at 9pm on GBH 2
Midsomer Murders Mondays at 8pm on GBH 44
Repeats: Mondays at 4pm on GBH 44
Sister Boniface Mysteries Wednesdays at 8pm on GBH 44
Repeats: Tuesdays at 4pm on GBH 44
Hope Street Thu (2/6, 2/13, 2/20) at 8pm on GBH 44
Repeats: Fri (2/7, 2/14, 2/21) at 4pm on GBH 44
HIDDEN GEM INDEPENDENT LENS
Bike Vessel
Filmmaker Eric D. Seals’ dad discovered a passion for cycling after miraculously recovering from three openheart surgeries. In response, Seals (right) makes an ambitious proposal. He challenges the two of them to embark on a 350-mile, 4-day bike ride together from St. Louis to Chicago. During this trip, the two push each other as they find a deeper connection and renewed appreciation of their life quests. Mon (2/24) at 10pm on GBH 2
more journalism
To the Contrary with Bonnie Erbe Sundays at 6:30am on GBH 44
Consuelo Mack Wealthtrack Sundays at 7am on GBH 44
Chavis Chronicles Sundays at 8am on GBH 44
Repeats: Fridays at 7:30pm on GBH 2
Independent Lens/ The Strike Mon (2/3) at 10pm on GBH 2
Repeat: Fri (2/7) at 10pm on GBH 44
Independent Lens/ The In Between Mon (2/10) at 10pm on GBH 2
“Scratch & Win” Podcast
Never in American history has it been so easy to gamble legally. The creation of state lotteries brought gambling out of the shadows and into the government itself. This GBH News podcast follows the unlikely rise of America’s most successful lottery. It starts in 1970s Boston when state bureaucrats went toe to toe with mafia bookmakers in the struggle to launch the scratch ticket and examines whether the state should be in this business at all. From the producers of GBH News’ Peabody Award-winning podcast, “The Big Dig.” Listen wherever you get your podcasts
“Joy Beat” Podcast
The antidote to doomscrolling, this podcast focuses on news stories about real people doing the hard work to make their communities and world a better place. GBH News’ Arun Rath talks to teachers, health care workers, scientists, artists, community organizers, and other ordinary people performing extraordinary acts. These stories, taken directly from GBH’s All Things Considered, are guaranteed to make listeners feel better about the world.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, beginning Tue (2/4)
A Dangerous Assignment
A Dangerous Assignment: Uncovering Corruption in Maduro’s Venezuela exposes the shadowy figure at the heart of a corruption scandal spanning Venezuela to the U.S. Produced with Venezuelan journalism website Armando.info, this documentary presents the updated inside story of Alex Saab — his capture, controversial release by the U.S., and his new top role in Maduro’s government.
Tue (2/4) at 10pm on GBH 2 Repeats: Wed (2/5) at 9pm on GBH WORLD Fri (2/7) at 9pm on GBH 44
science
HIDDEN GEM
NATURE
Expedition Killer Whale
In Antarctica, killer whales hunt using their intelligence and teamwork. Swimming together to create powerful waves, they are able to wash seals off of pieces of floating ice. Explore the icy waters with a team of scientists and filmmakers to better understand these fascinating creatures.
Wed (2/12) at 8pm on GBH 2
Repeats:
Sat (2/15) at 12pm on GBH 44
Wed (2/19) at 12pm on GBH 44
Wed (2/19) at 4pm on GBH 2
NOVA
Dino Birds
Contrary to popular belief, dinosaurs never went extinct. They are still flying among us — in the form of birds! Birds are the only dinosaurs that survived the mass extinction caused by a killer asteroid 66 million years ago. The big question is: How? Rare fossil discoveries are revealing the secrets of how resilient feathered dinosaurs persevered and transformed into the vast array of colorful bird species filling our
Wed (2/5) at 9pm on GBH 2
Thu (2/6) at 6pm on GBH 44
Sat (2/8) at 1pm on GBH 44
Sun (2/9) at 10pm on GBH 44
NATURE
Museum Alive with David Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough explores London’s Natural History Museum, meeting some of the most extraordinary creatures from the past. With state-ofthe-art CGI combined with the latest scientific understanding, these animals are brought back to life. Attenborough comes face to face with a saber-toothed tiger, a giant eagle, and a colossal snake.
Wed (2/19) at 8pm on GBH 2
Repeats:
Sat (2/22) at 12pm on GBH 44
Sun (2/23) at 12:30pm on GBH 2
Wed (2/26) at 12pm on GBH 44
NOVA
Baltimore Bridge Collapse
On March 26, 2024, the massive container ship Dali lost control and plowed into the landmark Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The busy four-lane bridge suffered a disastrous collapse. Six highway workers were killed. How did a modern ship lose all power and propulsion? And why did the bridge fail so catastrophically? Follow the high-stakes rescue and recovery and investigations into what went wrong.
Wed (2/26) at 9pm on GBH 2
more science
NATURE/Big Cats, Small World: Outlanders
Sat (2/1) at 12pm on GBH 44
Repeats: Sun (2/2) at 1pm on GBH 2
Wed (2/5) at 4pm on GBH 2
The Amazing Human Body
Mon–Wed (2/10–2/12) at 3pm on GBH 2
Repeats: Mon–Fri (2/10–2/14) at 5pm on GBH 44
NOVA/Egypt’s Tombs of Amun Wed (2/12) at 9pm on GBH 2
Repeats: Thu (2/13) at 6pm on GBH 44
Sun (2/16) at 10pm on GBH 44
Life at the Waterhole Mon–Tue (2/17–2/18) at 3pm on GBH 2
Repeats: Mon–Fri (2/17–2/21) at 5pm on GBH 44
NOVA/Pompeii’s Secret Underworld Wed (2/19) at 9pm on GBH 2
Repeats: Thu (2/20) at 6pm on GBH 44
Sun (2/23) at 10pm on GBH 44
GBH Music
JazzNOW
GBH Music, in partnership with Jazz Boston, presents a new television and events series highlighting local jazz. Each week in February, enjoy a performance that was recorded in front of a live audience at GBH. Performances include South African vocalist , A Salute to Duke Ellington featuring Aardvark Jazz Orchestra, and Cuban pianist and composer Zahili Gonzalez Zamora. Additional performances will be filmed from February through May. Watch for opportunities
Saturdays at 11:30pm on GBH 2 and on GBH Music’s YouTube page
The Garden Lady
This new weekly, hour-long call-in radio program is hosted by plant expert C. L. Fornari. Fornari takes listener questions and discusses topics related to gardening, horticulture, and nature, with a special focus on helping the Cape and Islands community make the most of every season. The program will air Saturdays at 1pm on CAI 90.1, stream at capeandislands. org, and be available as a podcast. Listen wherever you get your podcasts
Celebrating Black Culinary Traditions Marathon
This marathon celebrates the rich Black culinary traditions that are woven into local cuisines from coast to coast. In this Friday night broadcast, enjoy episodes of Table for All with Buki Elegbede, Dooky Chase Kitchen, New Orleans Cooking with Kevin Belton, No Passport Required, and Kevin Belton’s Cookin’ Louisiana focused on Black cuisine.
Fri (2/21) from 9pm to 2am on GBH Create
more living
Milk Street Television Saturdays at 4pm on GBH 2
Ireland with Michael Saturdays at 4:30pm on GBH 44
Weekends with Yankee Sundays at 11:30am on GBH 2
Repeats: Saturdays at 5:30pm on GBH 44 Sundays at 3:30pm on GBH 44
Samantha Brown’s Places to Love
Sundays at 12pm on GBH 2
Repeats: Sundays at 2:30pm on GBH 44
In Julia’s Kitchen with Master Chefs Wednesdays–Thursdays at 11am on GBH 44
Chautauqua at 150: Wynton Marsalis’ All Rise
Through musical performances, new film and archival footage, and interviews with patrons and partners, this film tells the story of the historic Chautauqua Institution at its 150th anniversary. Founded in the late 19th century, Chautauqua is dedicated to using arts and education to advance conversation. The documentary includes a performance of “All Rise,” an epic jazz symphony by Wynton Marsalis, with a symphonic orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, and guest vocalists.
Tue (2/11) at 10pm on GBH 2
Repeat: Fri (2/14) at 9pm on GBH 44
history & culture
High School Quiz Show
Hosted by Joe Hanson (left), High School Quiz Show, returns with 17 teams from across the Commonwealth vying for the state championship. Follow these young competitors as they test their knowledge in this exciting multiweek tournament.
Season 16 Sat (2/8, 2/15, 2/22) at 6pm on GBH 2
Repeats: Sun (2/9, 2/16, 2/23) at 5pm on GBH 2
AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
Forgotten Hero: Walter White and the NAACP
This documentary traces the life of Walter White, one of the most influential Black men in midcentury America whose history is all-but-forgotten. The leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1929 to 1955, White engaged Thurgood Marshall and Charles Hamilton Houston to challenge Jim Crow laws and was instrumental in major desegregation efforts, but his relationships with civil rights leaders became so conflicted that he spent his final days alienated from the movement.
Tue (2/25) at 9pm on GBH 2
Repeat: Fri (2/28) at 9pm on GBH 44
AMERICAN MASTERS
The Disappearance of Miss Scott
Hazel Scott was the most famous jazz virtuoso of her time and the first African American to have her own television show. She was a champion for racial equality before the official civil rights movement began. Yet Scott’s star dimmed when she was caught up in the 1950s Red Scare and blacklisted by the House Un-American Activities Committee.
more history & culture
Great Migrations: A People on the Move
Tue (2/4, 2/11, 2/18) at 9pm on GBH 2
It is estimated that between 1935 and 1945, the Nazis stole one-fifth of all the artwork in Europe. The majority was taken from Jewish families and other “undesirables.” But that was just the beginning. Secret networks of curators and dealers — many of them Nazis like Bruno Lohse (the “Plunderer”) — made fortunes on the back of Nazi-looted art, continuing a decadeslong war crime that was never resolved. Wed (2/19, 2/26) at 10pm on GBH 2
Repeat: Fri (2/21, 2/28) at 1pm on GBH 44 Wed (2/26) at 4pm on GBH 44
Repeats: Saturdays at 3pm on GBH 44 Sundays at 4pm on GBH 2 Sundays at 9pm on GBH 44
Secrets of the Dead/King Arthur’s Lost Kingdom Wed (2/5) at 10pm on GBH 2
Repeats: Fri (2/7) at 1pm on GBH 44
Tulsa: The Fire and the Forgotten Thu (2/13) at 9pm on GBH 2
Repeat: Sun (2/16) at 6pm on GBH 44
primetime
Witness Season 26, Heart of Darkness, Part Two
Come join us G
BH invites you to participate in virtual or in-person events to learn something new, enjoy a reading with an exciting author, or talk with other top-notch talent. You can also visit our GBH Boston Public Library Studio to see a live taping or attend other community happenings.
Valentine’s Day Soirée Fri (2/14) at 6:15pm ET (In-person)
Come celebrate love with GBH! Bring a date, friend, or your squad to a night of craft cocktails, local treats, and stories inspired by love on the theme of “What I Did for Love.” Enjoy a complimentary reception featuring artisan cocktails and New England treats and sweets. Then, take a seat on the set of Stories from the Stage, and enjoy stories on the extraordinary — and sometimes ridiculous — things our tellers have done for love. Hear stories of the passion, folly, and profound lessons learned. Register here.
GBH Music Presents JazzNOW with TRIAD Thu (2/27) at 5:30pm ET (In-person)
GBH Music, JazzBoston, and TRIAD present this tribute to Brazilian composer Hermeto Pascoal. TRIAD features Peruvian bassist Oscar Stagnaro pianist Maxim Lubarsky, and drummer Mark Walker with guest artist Puerto Rican saxophonist Edmar Colón. This program will be recorded for future broadcast. Register here.
To learn more or to register for any of our events, visit gbh.org/events
GBH Jazz Nights Featuring Jesse Taitt Thu (2/13) at 5:30pm ET (In-person)
GBH Music and JazzBoston co-host this series showcasing the incredible jazz talent in the Greater Boston area. This month, pianist Jesse Taitt delivers a musical offering that celebrates resilience, ancestry, and community. Register here.
Sat (2/1) at 2pm ET (In-person)
The GBH Boston Public Library Studio hosts Outspoken Saturdays, a spoken word poetry event for emerging artists on the first Saturday of each month. The series is created in collaboration with spoken word artist Amanda Shea. Learn more here.
Boston Philharmonic
STRAUSS / MAHLER
Claire Booth, soprano
Sunday, February 16, 3 PM
Pre-concert Guide to the Music 1:45PM Symphony Hall, Boston
MAHLER SyMpHony no. 2
Miah Persson, soprano
Dame Sarah Connolly, mezzo-soprano
Friday April 18, 8 PM
The Ulysses Quartet Mon (2/24) at 1pm ET (In-person) Join GBH Music’s quartet-in-residence — (from right to left) Peter Dudek, Grace Ho, Rhiannon Banerdt, and Christina Bouey — for a live performance. Now in its second year in partnership with GBH, the quartet helps GBH Music connect with listeners of all backgrounds and ages through live performances in schools, shelters, and other venues. Register here.
Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
MAHLER
Sunday, March 2, 3 PM Symphony Hall, Boston
DEbUSSy / WALTon / RAcHMAninoff Leland Ko, cello
Thursday, May 1, 8 PM Symphony Hall, Boston
Pre-concert Guide to the Music 6:45PM Symphony Hall, Boston call 617.236.0999
