SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
E VO LU T I O N TRACING THE HISTORY OF LIFE ITSELF
Evolution, a new five-part series from NOVA, traces the epic journey of life — from a single ancient cell to the exceptional variety of extant species. This landmark series, which features passionate scientists, gorgeous photography, and stunning animation of long-lost ancestors, reveals how all species that exist now sprang from organisms that were completely dissimilar to those of the present era. “Every animal alive today is connected by a single thread of ancestry stretching back billions of years, and yet the creatures that gave rise to modern life would be almost unrecognizable to us today,” said NOVA Co-Executive Producer Julia Cort. “This series gives viewers a frontrow seat to extraordinary chains of events — mutations, adaptations, and evolutionary leaps — that ultimately produced the astonishing diversity of life on our planet.” Starting with the first episode “Brain Power,” viewers will discover how the smallest mutations — repeated and inherited across countless generations — ultimately reshape life itself. “Brain Power” explores what’s probably the most complex structure on this planet. How did evolution build brains? To find out, viewers
travel back three billion years to trace the evolutionary story of the dolphin, one of earth’s smartest animals. You’ll learn how the first light-sensing cells led to eyes that helped wire bodies to think, how a fluke viral infection supercharged the speed of thought, and how the neocortex emerged as early mammals re-wired their brains to attune to the night. Together, these breakthroughs reveal how evolution transformed simple perception into arguably the most remarkable organ on earth — a structure capable of thought, communication, and compassion. “Brain Power” and the four other episodes of Evolution are full of surprises. Did a prehistoric feeding frenzy spark a mass extinction? How did the unlikely journey of bones from our ancestors’ jaws give us the incredible gift of hearing? How did evolution craft a dazzling variety of adaptive traits? — from an elephant’s trunk to a hummingbird’s long thin beak. You won’t want to miss any of the amazing and little-known stories of life on earth, so be sure to include Evolution on your watch list this fall. Watch Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. beginning October 14 on WVPB.
A Note from Kathleen Brady Dear Friends, I can’t believe it’s already fall! School has started. The WV hills are starting to put on their finest autumn hues. It’s almost time for sweaters and warm drinks.
SEASON 2 Gold is the stuff of wealth and desire. No wonder this shiny sought-after element has held endless fascination for millennia, as viewers of season 1 of The Gold will agree. Based on the real-life Brink’s-Mat robbery, the biggest heist in history (at the time) of £26 million of gold bullion, season 1 ended with detectives capturing most of the people involved in this heist. But one man, John Palmer, eluded them — as did half of the 3 tons of gold — which left viewers asking, “What happened to the rest?” Season 2 of The Gold provides answers. Or does it? Don’t miss this high-stakes journey into international money laundering and organized crime. Led by DCI Brian Boyce (portrayed by Hugh Bonneville), the Brink’s-Mat Task Force embarks on a series of dramatic manhunts as they desperately try to track the rest of the stolen gold. Need a refresher on the story or want to see it for the first time? Then check out all of season 1 on PBS Passport. Watch Sundays at 10:00 p.m. beginning October 18 on WVPB.
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Imagine curling up with your favorite beverage in your WVPB Fiesta mug while wearing your long-sleeved WVPB Nerd T-shirt to enjoy the latest that Masterpiece Mystery! has to offer. What’s that? You don’t have the Linen mug or the shirt? Visit wvpublic.org/donate today and make your gift so you can be outfitted in your WVPB finest this fall.
stepped up when federal funding was cut. But the job is not over. We still need your help. Thank you for your continued support of WVPB. With appreciation,
Kathleen Brady, CFRE Acting Executive Director Member since 2014
We say it all the time (and mean it!) — we cannot do what we do without you. You
Preschoolers and kindergartners will love this brand-new animated series that builds on the legacy and success of the beloved Emmynominated SUPER WHY! series and SUPER WHY’S COMIC BOOK ADVENTURES shorts. Follow the Super Readers — Super Why (aka Whyatt Beanstalk), Wonder Red, Princess Presto, Alpha Pig, Woofster, and the newest reading hero, Power Paige — on out-of-thisworld adventures as they use their unique literacy powers and gadgets to protect Reader Valley from a group of silly Super Villains. With help from the viewer, “Super You,” the Super Readers work together to make things right in Reader Valley. Best of all, the new series empowers preschoolers and kindergartners by
supporting early-literacy skills through exciting 7-minute stories that launch them into a colorful comic book universe where every interactive story adventure brings reading to life. “Literacy-focused content that engages, entertains, and supports young learners is needed now more than ever, which is why we’re thrilled to expand on the SUPER WHY! universe,” says Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President & General Manager of PBS KIDS and Education. “Through its fresh, comicsinspired format and fun-filled stories, the new series will help young audiences jumpstart a lifelong love of reading.” Watch weekdays at 9:30 a.m. starting October 5 on WVPB.
Novels can be murder! At least that’s the case for editor Susan Ryeland in Marble Hall Murders, the third and final installment of this wildly popular metafiction mystery. Susan has returned to England and taken on a new editing assignment. She’s working with a troubled young writer as he pens the final novel in the Atticus Pünd series. Soon the assignment draws Susan into another very real murder case, one in which she finds herself cast as a suspect. How do Atticus Pünd’s travels to the island of Corfu parallel Susan’s situation? Tune in for the six-episode series and find out.
Marble Hall Murders reunites audiences with the mind-bending, timetraveling world of Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders. Lesley Manville (World on Fire) and Tim McMullan (Foyle’s War) return as Susan Ryeland and Atticus Pünd. They’re joined by MASTERPIECE favorites, including Patricia Hodge (All Creatures Great and Small) and Harry Lloyd (Wolf Hall) and other familiar faces. The stories are all based on the Anthony Horowitz novels. Watch Sundays at 9:00 p.m. starting September 5 on WVPB.
There’s no rest for The Marlow Murder Club’s intrepid crime fighters. Retired archaeologist Judith Potts, dog walker Suzie Harris, and vicar’s wife Becks Starling have found themselves bringing their unconventional methods to a string of high-profile murders in the third season of this cozy murder mystery series. From the sudden death of the town’s beloved mayor — the nicest man in Marlow — to a celebrity chef found dead at the launch of his cookbook, the team will be working under the watchful eye of the Marlow community. They’ll also be called to action
at a university reunion in a manor house where Becks finds herself to be among the suspects. Returning for season 3 are Natalie Dew as DCI Tanika Malik, Samantha Bond (Judith Potts), Jo Martin (Suzie Harris), and Cara Horgan (Becks Starling). Fun facts: Author Robert Thorogood created both The Marlow Murder Club and Death in Paradise. He based Judith Potts in part on his grandmother Betty and his great aunts Jean and Jess. Watch Sundays at 8:00 p.m. beginning September 5 on WVPB.
SEASON 2
The legendary Jules Maigret is back for six more exciting episodes on season 2 of the stylish new adaptation of Georges Simenon’s wildly popular stories. This season brings dramatic changes in La Brigade Criminelle. Maigret’s boss and mentor, Director of Police Xavier Guichard, has become suspicious of Maigret’s growing fame and decides to take him down a peg. The resulting internal turmoil is the backdrop for three of Simenon’s best-known Maigret novels: The Hanged Man of Saint-Pholien, Maigret’s Revolver, and The Yellow Dog. Throughout the investigations of cruel and heartbreaking crimes, Maigret finds that the line between guilt and innocence can be bewilderingly blurred. He’ll have to reach deep within his heart to work out his own unique form of justice — for victims and perpetrators alike. Benjamin Wainwright reprises his role as Maigret, described by The New Yorker as “a man of moral restraint who practices the art of listening, not interrogating.” Also returning is Stephanie Martini as Madame Louise Maigret, as well as Kerrie Hayes, Shaniqua Okwok, and Reda Elazouar as “Les Maigrets,” the chief inspector’s loyal team of detectives. Watch Sundays at 9:00 p.m. beginning October 18 on WVPB.
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Above And Beyond At South Charleston High School Crissy Cantley, an Option Pathway teacher at South Charleston High School in Kanawha County, earned West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Above and Beyond Award, which honors the excellence and creativity of Mountain State teachers. The award, presented by WVPB’s Education team, was given during a surprise visit to her school. Cantley received a monetary award along with a Blenko Glass apple paperweight. The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, presenter of the SMART529 college savings program, proudly sponsors the award. Cantley works closely with students who are at risk of not graduating on time, helping them stay on track for success. According to her husband and nominator, Jeff Cantley, she “gives students the skills and the motivation necessary to strive for success and walk that stage with their class,” while maintaining communication with families so they stay informed and involved. Her impact extends across the school community. Cantley serves as a student assistance coordinator, mentors students beyond her classes, and organizes major events like prom. She also sponsors the Helping Hearts community service club and leads initiatives such as connecting students with nursing home residents through weekly letters. Students say what sets Cantley apart is the environment she creates. “She’s the kind of adult you actually feel safe talking to,” wrote student nominator Annemarie Hersh, who described Cantley’s classroom as calm and respectful. “If you’re struggling, she talks to you privately and helps you figure things out instead of giving up on you.” Cantley is intentional about building those relationships. “Creating a safe and respectful classroom starts with relationships,” she said. “I make it a priority to truly get to know my students through their strengths, their challenges, and their stories — so they know they are seen as more than just a name on a roster.” Her teaching emphasizes real-world application. From her focus on financial literacy to everyday life skills, Cantley ensures that students are prepared for life beyond high school. “I teach many students who are preparing to enter the workforce or navigate life beyond high school in nontraditional ways, so I feel a strong responsibility to equip them with skills they will actually use,” she said. Hersh noted that Cantley’s lessons “make sense in real life” and help build confidence, encouraging students to give their best effort because they know she believes in them. Outside the classroom, Cantley supports her students in meaningful ways. She attends games and events, helps coordinate dances, and assists students in need. Hersh shared that Cantley has provided food, clothing, and other essentials without seeking recognition: “She never brags about it or calls attention to it. She just makes sure people are taken care of.” For Cantley, the heart of her work lies in helping students believe in themselves. “More than anything, I hope my students leave with confidence in themselves,” she said. “I want them to know they are capable, resilient, and worthy of success, no matter the path they take.” That message resonates deeply with her students and community. As Hersh wrote, “Because of teachers like her, students feel seen. We feel supported. And we feel like we matter, not just in school but in life.” Each month of the school year, West Virginia Public Broadcasting honors a teacher who goes above and beyond for students. Community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding educators who inspire and support learners across West Virginia. If you know of a deserving teacher who goes “Above and Beyond,” please visit wvpublic.org/aboveandbeyond to make a nomination.
Show your WVPB Love Is WVPB a fixture on your radio? Do you watch WVPB several nights a week? You may be what we lovingly refer to as a West Virginia Public Broadcasting Nerd. You know — the super fans. And have we got something for you! Our new long sleeve T-shirt features our WV Public Broadcasting Nerd sticker artwork on the back and I Heart WVPB on the left chest. For a gift of $150, or $12.50 monthly, you can share your WVPB love with everyone you meet. Visit wvpublic.org to make your gift and get your shirt today.
The New Fiesta Mug Is Here! Calling all WVPB mug collectors! This year’s new mug has arrived. Featuring the full-color WVPB logo, we returned to the Java mug style. We are loving the way the logo looks on the linen color. For your monthly gift of $12.50 (or one-time gift of $150.00), the new linen Java mug can be yours. Want to step up your mug experience? We also have WV Morning coffee and tea combos, featuring English Breakfast tea from The Tea Shoppe in Morgantown or the Wild and Wonderful coffee blend from Coal River Coffee Company in St. Albans. Get the tea combo (mug & tea) when you make a $15 monthly gift or get the coffee combo (mug & coffee) with a monthly gift of $20. Visit wvpublic.org/donate to get yours today and enjoy a WV morning while listening to WV Morning!
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