Primetime Highlights
This May, celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday on May 8 by checking out “Life on Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure.” Take a trip to Broadway with “Great Performances” to see “Suffs” (May 8), which explores the women’s suffrage movement, and the classic Irving Berlin’s “Top Hat” (May 15), inspired by the 1935 film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Sunday nights welcome back “Downton Abbey.” Relive this incredible series starting May 17. The month culminates with the live “National Memorial Day Concert” (May 24), honoring fallen service members. Finally, in recognition of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM), check out two new documentaries from “Independent Lens:” “Light of the Setting Sun” (May 18) and “Third Act” (May 25), which explore family history, memory, and the lasting impact of wartime incarceration.
ALL PROGRAMMING IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. VIEW THE FULL SCHEDULE AT RMPBS.ORG FOR UPDATES, CHANGES, AND QUESTIONS.
Life on Earth:
ATTENBOROUGH’S GREATEST ADVENTURE
WED May 6 | 7 PM
A retrospective documenting the tumultuous three-year, 40-country production of David Attenborough’s landmark 1979 series. Featuring new interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, it showcases the immense challenges—including political coups and dangerous travel—faced while filming over 600 species.
National Memorial Day Concert
LIVE EVENT (SOS)
SUN May 24 | 7 PM
The 37th annual National Memorial Day Concert live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The National Symphony Orchestra, top military choirs, and various artists perform, with the 2026 lineup featuring the 200-voice Memorial Day Festival Chorus and the Capital Wind Symphony.
Secrets of the Dead
CHINA’S BRONZE KINGDOM (AAPIHM)
WED May 27 | 9 PM
A mysterious ancient city lies hidden in the mountains of Sichuan – remnants of a kingdom consigned to oblivion for thousands of years, until the chance discovery of a jade artifact in 1986. More than 10,000 unusual items have been found at the site which experts believe may be as archaeologically important as the Terracotta Army of Xi’an.
PHOTOS: PBS, IDEASTEAM
Local Program Highlights
Careless COLORADO’S CHILDCARE STRUGGLE
SUN May 3 | 5 PM
Public funding has long ignored child care for children under six. What does that mean for the future of families here? Statewide, families at all income levels report struggling to find affordable care. We examine the biggest challenges facing early childhood today, and what lawmakers and communities are doing to close the gaps.
16 Heartbeats
DENVER’S 16TH STREET
THUR May 7 | 7 PM
“16 Heartbeats” tells the fascinating story of Denver’s 16th Street, described as the “heart and soul of our City” - its extraordinary history, recurring challenges, revitalization and vision for the future. The film is told through the voices of residents, artists, historians, business owners, and city leaders.
Home HOMELESSNESS IN DENVER
THUR May 7 | 7:30 PM
Produced in part with Colorado Law, this project shares stories from over 130 interviews regarding the experiences of people experiencing homelessness in Denver.
Trango A SKI MOUNTAINEERING FILM
THUR May 7 | 8 PM
Follow elite skiers Christina Lustenberger, Jim Morrison, Chantel Astorga, and Nick McNutt on their mission to achieve the first ski descent of the 6,286-meter Great Trango Tower in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. The film documents their 2024 success, highlighting the immense physical danger, emotional weight of grief, and high-stakes trust needed to survive and ski one of the world’s most vertical granite monoliths.
Local Program Highlights
Live on KUVO!
MADISON MCFERRIN
FRI May 8 | 7 PM
Explore the soulful world of Madison McFerrin, an acclaimed independent singer, songwriter, and producer. Her career includes three EPs and notable collaborations, earning praise from The New York Times, NPR, and Pitchfork, which named her a Rising Artist in 2018. Questlove described her early sound as “soul-appella” and her music has appeared on Comedy Central’s “Broad City” and HBO’s “Random Acts of Flyness.”
Our Time SEASON THREE
MON May 11 | 10:30 PM
Despite deep polarization in the U.S., young people are making their voices and values heard. Transformed by issues as diverse as gun violence, immigration reform and racial injustice, they are articulating a proactive vision for the future. Season 3 of “OUR TIME” is produced by youth in partnership with seasoned filmmakers, presenting unvarnished point-ofview stories.
Colorado Experience RETURN OF THE WOLF
THUR May 14 | 7 PM
Wolves. Mention the word in Colorado and it likely elicits some sort of response. This special one-hour episode takes a deep look into the relationship between humans and wolves in Colorado. We trace their history from their near eradication in the 1940s to today where the impacts of a controversial and groundbreaking ballot decision are still being felt.
Live on KUVO!
THE NEW MASTERSOUNDS
FRI May 15 | 10:30 PM
In the late 1990s, guitarist and producer Eddie Roberts was promoting a club night called “The Cooker” in Leeds. When the venue expanded in 1999, Roberts seized the opportunity to form a live band to complement the DJ sets. He reunited with Simon Allen from The Mastersounds and added Pete Shand on bass and Bob Birch on Hammond organ, creating The New Mastersounds. Initially featuring a raw, boogaloo sound, their first rehearsal was so impressive that Blow it Hard Records released two limited-edition 7” singles in 2000.
Local Program Highlights
Virtuous Circle: A GEEZER’S GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL AGING
SUN May 17 | 5 PM
One of the biggest payoffs for healthier habits is feeling better and having more energy to do things you enjoy. At the same time, when you tap into positive energy, or create some of your own, you’re more likely to do good things for your health — that virtuous circle again! Be open to new ideas and discoveries rather than being limited by old habits.
Colorado Experience THE COLORADO TRAIL
THUR May 21 | 7 PM
Building the Colorado Trail, which takes hikers from Denver to Durango, took volunteers more than a decade to complete. Today, volunteers continue to maintain the roughly-500 mile trail which has fostered a devoted community of hikers around the world.
Walk in the Park with Nick Mollé
RIVERS
OF THE ROCKIES
THUR May 21 | 7:30 PM
The second installment of the nature series “A Walk in the Park with Nick Mollé” explores the Colorado, Big Thompson, Cache la Poudre and St. Vrain rivers located within the northern Rocky Mountains. With sound science, respect and a touch of humor, host Nick Mollé traces the sources of the streams - from the top of the Rockies to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Keeping Rural Seniors IN THEIR HOMES
MON May 25 | 4 PM
Rural seniors planning surgery face many difficult challenges, such as closing rural hospitals, driving long distances to healthcare providers, and obtaining post-operative care after surgery. “Keeping Rural Seniors in their Homes: A Pre- and Post-Surgical Guide” offers helpful advice for rural-dwelling seniors to receive the best possible outcomes from their medical procedures.
PHOTOS: PBS
Local Program Highlights
Healing In Our Own Way:
NATIVE STORIES OF LIFE AND DIALYSIS
MON May 25 | 4:30 PM
Chronic kidney disease disproportionately affects Indigenous communities, where access to care (including dialysis) is often limited by geography and resources. “Healing in Our Own Way” follows four patients on the Navajo and Hopi reservations, exploring how home dialysis and culturally informed care are expanding options in rural healthcare.
Truth Be Told DOCUMENTARY
THUR May 28 | 7 PM
This explores the vital role of local journalism in a healthy democracy, particularly amid rising public mistrust and “alternative facts.” The 52-minute film highlights Colorado journalists facing challenges in keeping communities informed and maintaining trust.
The Dino Ridge Science
QUIZ BOWL 2025
SUN May 31 | 5 PM
The brightest high school minds travel from all corners of Colorado to compete against each other on all things science. Categories include biology, astronomy, paleontology and meteorology. After a full day of classroom competition, three finalists compete for the Championship and $500 scholarships for each winning team member.
What to Watch May 1 - 8
Great Performances NOW HEAR THIS: The Iceland Sound
FRI May 1 | 8 PM
Journey across Iceland with host Scott Yoo to uncover how volcanoes and tightknit communities inspire artists like Anna Thorvaldsdottir and Daniel Bjarnason, revealing why this small nation produces extraordinary music.
Great Performances SUFFS
FRI May 8 | 8 PM
Created by Tony Award winner Shaina Taub, this musical recorded from Broadway tells the story of the American suffragist movement and the remarkable friendships, heartbreak, and action that brought women together—or, in some cases, tore them apart.
Shared Planet OPEN SPACES
WED May 6 | 9 PM
Filmed on four continents, “Open Spaces” shines a light on remarkable stories of people reshaping how we live and work in the planet’s grasslands, deserts, and savannahs. Maasai Lion Ambassadors in Africa show the value of living alongside lions, while in Mexico, flower-loving bats revive the tequila and mezcal industries.
Trango A SKI MOUNTAINEERING FILM
THUR May 7 | 9 PM
Follow elite skiers Christina Lustenberger, Jim Morrison, Chantel Astorga, and Nick McNutt on their mission to achieve the first ski descent of the 6,286-meter Great Trango Tower in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. The film documents their 2024 success, highlighting the immense physical danger, emotional weight of grief, and high-stakes trust needed to survive and ski one of the world’s most vertical granite monoliths.
What to Watch May 9
Independent Lens NATCHEZ
MON May 11 | 9 PM
Antebellum homes draw visitors to Natchez, Mississippi, but not everyone agrees on the stories being told. As tour guides, homeowners, and activists navigate competing histories, the town confronts the tension between preservation and truth, offering a glimpse into a Southern community wrestling with race, memory, and identity.
Bruce Lee: ENTER THE DRAGON (AAPIHM)
THUR May 14 | 8 PM
This documentary explores how the uniquely talented actor revolutionized Hollywood, an industry filled with racial stereotypes. Known for his roles in five feature-length martial arts films, Lee helped popularize the genre in the 1970s and promoted Hong Kong action cinema, sparking a surge of Western interest in Chinese martial arts.
- 15
Great Performances
IRVING BERLIN’S TOP HAT
FRI May 15 | 8 PM
Effervescent, elegant and exhilarating, “TOP HAT” is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes. Irving Berlin’s irresistible score includes some of Hollywood’s greatest songs, the immortal “Cheek to Cheek”, “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”, “Top Hat White Tie” and “Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.”
DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER
Kathleen Marshall renowned American theatre director and choreographer, celebrated as a ninetime Tony Award nominee and threetime winner for Best Choreography.
Phillip
A performance artist, actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, poet, writer, director, creative consultant and speaker.
Amara Okereke stars as Dale Tremont. Winner of ‘Best Actress in a Musical’ at the Stage Debut Awards 2018 for the role of Cosette in Les Miserables at The Queens Theatre.
Attmore stars as Jerry Travers
What to Watch May 16 - 21
Independent Lens
LIGHT OF THE SETTING SUN (AAPIHM)
MON May 18 | 9 PM
A Chinese family’s multigenerational trauma unfolds across time, place, and identity. Turning the camera inward, filmmaker Vicky Du traces her family’s mental illness back to the Chinese Communist Revolution of 1949. Spanning Taipei, Taiwan, and New Jersey, Light of the Setting Sun explores identity, gender roles, and whether or not healing can break the cycle for future generations.
Vicky Du is a Taiwanese-American filmmaker based in New York.
“Light of the Setting Sun” is her first feature-length documentary which explores intergenerational trauma in her own Chinese-TaiwaneseAmerican family. The film has been generously supported by CAAM, ITVS, Sundance, BAVC, and Points North Institute.
Danielle Varga is a nonfiction producer. She most recently produced “Bulletproof” directed by Todd Chandler, who won the Hot Docs Award for Best Emerging International Filmmaker. She produced Brett Story’s critically acclaimed documentary “The Hottest August” and co-produced Kirsten Johnson’s award-winning and Oscarshortlisted film “Cameraperson.”
American Masters
W.E.B. DU BOIS: REBEL WITH A CAUSE
TUE May 19 | 8 PM
Explore the life and legacy of notable Black scholar and civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois. From his birth, just five years after the Emancipation Proclamation, to his death on the eve of the March on Washington in 1963, his legacy as an activist continues to resonate today.
Colorado Experience THE COLORADO TRAIL
THUR May 21 | 7 PM
Building the Colorado Trail, which takes hikers from Denver to Durango, took volunteers more than a decade to complete. Today, volunteers continue to maintain the roughly-500 mile trail which has fostered a devoted community of hikers around the world.
What to Watch May 22 - 31
Great Performances: AN EVENING WITH NICOLE SCHERZINGER
FRI May 22 | 8 PM
In 2024, Nicole Scherzinger earned international acclaim for her starring role in Jamie Lloyd’s reimagined Sunset Boulevard, winning both Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Actress. In October 2025, she returned to London for a solo concert at Royal Albert Hall, blending pop hits with Broadway classics.
American Experience: SEABISCUIT
TUE May 26 |8 PM
In the 1930s, when Americans longed to escape the grim realities of The Great Depression era, Seabiscuit became a working man’s hero. At the height of his career, Seabiscuit became a national obsession. His name was used to sell everything from oranges to hotels, from ladies’ hats to dry-cleaning services. Tens of thousands of fans swarmed to the racetracks just to see him work out. One writer called the phenomenon Seabiscuit-itus.
Third Act DOCUMENTARY
(AAPIHM) MON May 25 | 9 PM
A filmmaker honors his father’s legacy of art, activism, and resilience across generations.
Generations call Robert A. Nakamura the godfather of Asian American film. Tadashi Nakamura calls him Dad. Tadashi turns the camera on his father as they confront art, activism, and aging. From WWII incarceration to cultural awakening and a Parkinson’s diagnosis, “Third Act” is a tender portrait of legacy, inherited trauma, and the final chapter of a shared creative life.
THE FILMMAKERS
Tad Nakamura was the youngest filmmaker at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. His films include the Emmynominated “Mele Murals”, “Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings”, and the trilogy “Yellow Brotherhood”, “Pilgrimage”, and “A Song for Ourselves.” He holds an M.A. from UC Santa Cruz and a B.A. from UCLA.
Eurie Chung is a Peabody Award–winning documentary producer and co-leads the post-production company Flash Cuts with Walt Louie. Her credits include the PBS series “Asian Americans” and “Mele Murals.”
Ursula Liang is a journalist. Her debut film 9-Man aired on America ReFramed. She works with The 2050 Group, is a founding member of the Filipino American Museum, and serves on the advisory board of The Dynasty Project.