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From left: MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! Inspector Lewis, Series VI ( ITV for MASTERPIECE); THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD (Courtesy of Crescent Films); SECRETS OF CHATSWORTH (Courtesy of Pioneers Productions)
PBS ANNOUNCES SUMMER SEASON OF CAPTIVATING PROGRAMMING
Season Highlights Include New Episodes of Popular Series and Specials,
the Return of A Capitol Fourth and Independent Films
ARLINGTON, VA; UPDATED June 20, 2013 PBS today unveiled a summer line-up that features a diverse array of new programming. A summer of intrigue presents new episodes of MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! productions: Inspector Lewis, Series VI, Endeavour, Series 1, The Lady Vanishes and Silk. A number of new specials also premiere this season, including a multi-platform commemoration of the March on Washington and THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD, a three-part series that examines the legacy and charts the remarkable life of a man who changed the world forever. PBS also takes viewers on journeys through some of England's most storied homes in SECRETS OF HENRY VIII'S PALACE, SECRETS OF ALTHORP THE SPENCERS and SECRETS OF CHATSWORTH. PBS favorites returning this summer include a star-studded A CAPITOL FOURTH to celebrate Independence Day and engrossing documentaries from INDEPENDENT LENS and POV.
Viewers receive an insider's perspective of theater and film with the premiere of two specials: ANNIE: IT'S THE HARD-KNOCK LIFE, FROM SCRIPT TO STAGE, which takes a behind-the-scenes look at a production number from Annie, It's the Hard-Knock Life, from the earliest creative discussions through opening night; and SIDE BY SIDE, an in-depth look at digital and photochemical film creation, hosted by film star Keanu Reeves. SECRETS OF THE DEAD returns with enthralling new episodes, including Ultimate Tut, a comprehensive look at the little-known facts about the Boy King Tutankhamen, and Bones of the Buddha, a mystery that unravels conflicting stories surrounding the location of the Buddha's remains.
PBS and our stations will offer entertaining and thought-provoking programs this summer, highlighted by new episodes of popular specials and series, said Beth Hoppe, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming. From fascinating new specials from SECRETS OF THE DEAD on Buddha and the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen, to the return of the beloved A CAPITOL FOURTH celebration and a sixth season of MASTERPIECE MYSTERY!'s Inspector Lewis,' it promises to be an exciting and captivating summer on PBS.
Following is a chronological look at PBS' summer primetime programming, including new specials and miniseries, new episodes from ongoing series, continuing specials and series, and encore presentations of past specials.
THIS JUNE ON PBS
PBS kicks off a summer of intrigue with a new season of MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! Inspector Lewis, Series VI. June also showcases new films from INDEPENDENT LENS and POV, a backstage look at the Great White Way with ANNIE: IT'S THE HARD-KNOCK LIFE, FROM SCRIPT TO STAGE and a trip back in time with SECRETS OF HENRY VIII'S PALACE.
MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! Inspector Lewis, Series VI
Kevin Whately returns as Inspector Lewis for the sixth season of the popular series. He and his young partner, DS Hathaway (Laurence Fox), continue solving cases in the seemingly perfect academic haven of Oxford. Sundays, June 16-30, 9:00-10:30 p.m. ET
Down Among the Fearful June 16
When a psychic is found murdered, Inspector Lewis and DS Hathaway discover that the victim is really an Oxford psychology research fellow. As they probe further, the truth behind the psychic's double life unravels, revealing numerous suspects.
The Ramblin' Boy June 23
With DS Hathaway on holiday, Inspector Lewis is assigned a new partner to investigate the discovery of an elderly man's body in a field. Finding that the man had already been embalmed, the inquiry leads to a funeral home and those connected to it, including one of Lewis' former colleagues. Peter Davison ( Doctor Who ) guest stars.
Intelligent Design June 30
Lewis and Hathaway are called in to examine the brutal death of a chemistry professor recently released from prison who may be connected to the discovery of a murdered Oxford student lost for 15 years. As more casualties and suspects emerge, Lewis considers his future on the force. Edward Fox ( Miss Marple, Foyle's War ) guest stars.
INDEPENDENT LENS
PBS' Emmy Award-winning weekly series INDEPENDENT LENS, hosted by actor Stanley Tucci, concludes with The Revolutionary Optimists, which follows lawyer-turned-social entrepreneur Amlan Ganguly, who has transformed some of the poorest slums of Kolkata, India, by empowering children to become leaders in improving health and sanitation. Using street theater, dance and data as their weapons, the children have cut malaria and diarrhea rates in half, increased polio vaccination rates and turned garbage dumps into playing fields. Monday, June 17, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET Season finale
POV Homegoings
The beauty and grace of African-American funerals are brought to life through the eyes of Harlem funeral director Isaiah Owens. The documentary takes an up-close look at the rarely seen world of undertaking in the black community, drawing on a rich palette of tradition, history and celebration. By Christine Turner. Monday, June 24, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET
ANNIE: IT'S THE HARD-KNOCK LIFE, FROM SCRIPT TO STAGE
It's been 35 years since the little orphan Annie first stepped onto a Broadway stage. The show-stopping musical Annie, its characters and its songs are timeless and classic, and for the musical's return to Broadway, this documentary offers a memorable behind-the-scenes look at every step of the production number It's the Hard-Knock Life, from the
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