Celebrate Women’s History Month With Strong Programming Lineup In March from PBS SoCal And KCET
Programs Feature Famous Female Trailblazers Including Betty White, Linda Ronstadt, Loretta Lynn, Nancy Pelosi as well as Notables Including First Female Conductor of a Major American Symphony Marin Alsop And Debut of Katrina Parks’ film “Route 66 Women”
PBS SoCal and KCET, Southern California’s flagship PBS organizations for new PBS program premieres as well as award-winning, original content, announced today a programming slate in honor of Women’s History Month in March. Both stations will showcase a curated lineup of enlightening programs to help viewers increase awareness and understanding of women’s history in America. Familiar faces include Betty White, Linda Ronstadt, Loretta Lynn, Nancy Pelosi, and more. Other new Women’s History Month programs feature less familiar names but recognize their subject’s noteworthy contributions to American history and culture, including conductor Marin Alsop, mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani and Lakota Leader Madonna Thunder Hawk.
kcet.org/WomensHistoryMonth and pbssocal.org/WomensHistoryMonth
Select programming will also be available to stream on PBS.org and the free PBS App.
Members of PBS SoCal | KCET get extended access through PBS Passport.
KCET will highlight Original Productions paying homage to select women with a lineup that includes “SOUTHLAND SESSIONS: A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt at The Soraya” and three ARTBOUND episodes that feature Edith Heath, Helen Jean Taylor, and artists Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle and Tanya Aguiñiga. Viewers can also keep an eye out for encore episodes of BROKEN BREAD and THE MIGRANT KITCHEN in March that will feature trailblazing female chefs like Alice Waters and Jenny Kwak. Finally, KCET honors the leading ladies of television with tributes to Betty White and Mary Tyler Moore (in a program hosted by Oprah Winfrey).
In addition, KCET will premiere Katrina Parks’ film“Route 66 Women: The Untold Story of the Mother Road” on Wed., March 16 at 10 p.m. The documentary uncovers the extraordinary lives and achievements of women who overcame gender discrimination and segregation to build fulfilling lives and legacies on America’s most iconic highway. From entrepreneurs and waitresses, anthropologists and politicians, to artists and military sergeants, these women transformed their communities and the American West through their hard work, perseverance, and ingenuity.
The month-long lineup of award-winning content on PBS SoCal features all-new national PBS programs including “GREAT PERFORMANCES: The Conductor” debuting on Fri., March 25 at 9 p.m. that follows Marin Alsop’s journey to become the first female music director of a major American symphony, despite repeated rejection by the classical music industry. The special features archival footage with her mentor Leonard Bernstein and is set to a soundtrack of her performances.
Additional new programming for Women’s History Month on PBS SoCal includes the indigenous documentary “Bring Her Home,” “FRONTLINE: Pelosi’s Power” and “INDEPENDENT LENS: Writing with Fire.” PBS SoCal will also highlight some of the most notable women in history honoring Annie Oakley, Mae West, Loretta Lynn, Rita Moreno, Dolly Parton, Angela Merkel, and more.
Select content slated to air is listed as follows (*schedule subject to change):
“The Queen at War” – Mon., March 14 at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Learn how the longest-reigning monarch in British history was shaped by World War II. Princess Elizabeth’s experiences during the war mirrored those of the public and helped shape her into the Queen she is today.
“AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: Annie Oakley” – Tues., March 15 at 9 p.m. PBS SoCal
She was the toast of Victorian London, New York, and Paris. She was “adopted” by Indian chief Sitting Bull, charmed the Prince of Prussia, and entertained the likes of Oscar Wilde and Queen Victoria. Annie Oakley excelled in a man’s world by doing what she loved and won fame and fortune as the little lady from Ohio who never missed a shot.
SOUTHLAND SESSIONS “A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt at The Soraya” – Wed., March 16 at 8 p.m. on KCET
Aida Cuevas, La Marisoul, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and special guest David Hidalgo from Los Lobos pay tribute to the legend Linda Ronstadt with performances of “Desperado,” “Por un amor,” “When Will I be Loved,” “Los Laureles” and many more. The program was filmed at San Fernando Valley’s performing arts center The Soraya on the California State University, Northridge campus. Plus, an interview with Linda Ronstadt.
ARTBOUND “Artist and Mother” – Wed., March 16 at 9 p.m. on KCET
The documentary film profiles four California artists who make motherhood a part of their art: Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle, Andrea Chung, Rebecca Campbell, and Tanya Aguiñiga. There’s a persisting assumption in contemporary art circles that you can’t be a good artist and good mother both. But these artists are working to shatter this cliché, juggling demands of career and family as well as finding inspiring ways to explore the maternal in their art.
“ROUTE 66 WOMEN: The Untold Story of the Mother Road” – Wed., March 16, 23, and 30 at 10 p.m. on KCET
Explore the extraordinary lives and achievements of women who overcame gender discrimination and segregation to build fulfilling lives and legacies on America’s most iconic highway. From entrepreneurs and waitresses, anthropologists and politicians, to artists and military sergeants, these women transformed their communities and the American West through their hard work, perseverance, and ingenuity.
“Betty White: First Lady of Television”– Sat., March 19 at 6 p.m. on KCET
The definitive look at Betty White’s life and career. Thanks to exclusive access, you’ll see Betty behind the scenes at work, entertaining at home, and interacting with her close friends—one of whom is a 900-pound grizzly bear.
“Bring Her Home” – Mon., March 21 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Follow three Indigenous women – an artist, an activist, and a politician – as they fight to vindicate and honor their missing and murdered relatives who have fallen victims to a growing epidemic across Indian country. Despite the lasting effects from historical trauma, each woman must search for healing while navigating racist systems that brought about this very crisis.
“Warrior Women” – Mon., March 21 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal
The untold story of American Indian Movement activists who fought for civil rights in the 1970s, and the children who served as their inspiration and their cohorts. The film is anchored by one of the Red Power Movement’s most outspoken Lakota leaders, Madonna Thunder Hawk, and her daughter Marcy Gilbert.
“FRONTLINE: Pelosi’s Power” – Tues., March 22 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sat., Mar. 26 at 10 p.m. on KCET
The life and legacy of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, including how she gained power over three decades and the challenges she faced from President Donald Trump and his allies.
“In Their Own Words: Angela Merkel” – Tues., March 22 at 10:30 p.m. on – PBS SoCal
Angela Merkel rises through male-dominated political ranks to become the first female chancellor of Germany.
“Aldwyth: Fully Assembled” – Wed., March 23 at 8 p.m. on KCET
The creative journey of South Carolina artist Aldwyth, including her challenges and obstacles as well as the story of her “second act.” She is a painter, a sculptor, a box constructionist, and an intricate collagist. Like her artwork, the trajectory of Aldwyth‘s artistic life has been anything but simple.
“Loretta Lynn: My Story in My Words” – Thurs., March 24 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal
2021 marks the 50th anniversary of “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” the Loretta Lynn song that became a book, a feature film, and an indelible part of popular culture.
“AMERICAN MASTERS: Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided to Go For It” – Thurs., March 24 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Over a career spanning more than 70 years, Rita Moreno defied both her humble upbringing and relentless racism to become a celebrated and award-winning actor.
“GREAT PERFORMANCES: The Conductor” – Fri., March 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Follow Marin Alsop’s journey to become the first female music director of a major American symphony despite repeated rejection by the classical music industry. Features archival footage with her mentor Leonard Bernstein and is set to a soundtrack of her performances.
“AMERICAN MASTERS: Mae West: Dirty Blonde” – Fri., March 25 at 10:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal
The life and career of performer Mae West, whose work spanned eight decades and included acting, vaudeville, dance, and playwriting.
“Mary Tyler Moore: A Celebration” Sat., March 26 at 6 p.m. on KCET
View dozens of classic TV and movie clips and hear comments from Mary Tyler Moore’s co-stars and Moore herself. Oprah Winfrey recounts Moore’s critical role in inspiring her — and millions of others — as TV’s first independent career woman.
“SECRETS OF THE SURFACE: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani” – Sun., March 27 at 4 p.m. on KCET
The program examines the life and mathematical work of Maryam Mirzakhani, an Iranian immigrant to the United States who became a superstar in her field.
“INDEPENDENT LENS: Writing with Fire” – Mon., March 28 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal
In a male-dominated media landscape, the women journalists of India’s all-female Khabar Lahariya (“News Wave”) newspaper risk it all, including their own safety, to cover the country’s political, social, and local news from a woman’s perspective. From an underground network to an independent media empire—now with 10 million views on their YouTube site—they defy the odds to redefine power.
“LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER: Megan Hilty In Concert” – Wed., March 30 at 8 p.m. on KCET
Tony Award-nominee Megan Hilty presents a versatile set of musical theater favorites as well as classic standards.
ARTBOUND “Life Centered: The Helen Jean Taylor Story” – Wed., March 30 at 9 p.m. on KCET
Renowned ceramicist and educator Helen Jean Taylor has not only crafted timeless artworks inspired by colors found in home gardens but also helped her students improve their mental health through the art of throwing clay.
“Dolly Parton: I Will Always Love You” – Thurs., March 31 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Celebrate the beloved singer-songwriter’s career from her early days to her success as a crossover pop superstar.
“Iconic Women of Country” – Thurs., March 31 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Join Kathy Mattea, Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, and more as they pay tribute to the legends who inspired them. This is an intimate look at iconic female artists and their timeless music.
These shows and more are available to stream on the free PBS Video App.
For a full schedule of Women’s History Month programming, please visit pbssocal.org and kcet.org.
Join the conversation on social media by tagging #WomensHistoryMonth
About PBS SOCAL and KCET
PBS SoCal and KCET are both part of the donor-supported community institution, the Public Media Group of Southern California. PBS SoCal is the flagship PBS station for diverse people across California and delivers content and experiences that inspire, inform and educate. PBS SoCal offers the full slate of beloved PBS programs including MASTERPIECE, NOVA, PBS NewsHour, FRONTLINE, and a broad library of documentary films with works from Ken Burns; as well as educational content including PBS KIDS programs like DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD and CURIOUS GEORGE. KCET showcases the best of PBS and is a leading source for arts, culture, and news in Southern California. Through innovative storytelling, KCET explores and expresses our dynamic local communities helping residents understand and connect with the region’s diverse communities and ideas. For additional information about both KCET and PBS SoCal productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules, and community events, please visit kcet.org and pbssocal.org KCET Originals and PBS programming are available to stream on the FREE PBS App on iOS and Android devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, and Chromecast. KCET is also available to watch live on YouTube TV.
