What to Watch in June
There’s a huge amount of worthwhile TV out there nowadays, so it can be hard to choose what to watch. But who better to recommend shows than the person who programs them? Dan Soles, Senior Vice President and Chief Television Officer at WTTW, constructs the WTTW schedule by searching through offerings from many different sources which include the national PBS network, the BBC, and independent filmmakers to put together a varied and engaging broadcast schedule. Each month, he’ll recommend a few shows that he thinks you should watch.
Leonard Cohen – Tower of Song
Wednesday, June 6 at 7:30 and 9:15 pm
Leonard Cohen
Poet, songwriter, gravelly-voiced troubadour: there was no one else like Leonard Cohen (except maybe Bob Dylan). This tribute recorded last year at Montreal’s Bell Center on the first anniversary of Cohen’s death features the bard’s cutting songs in performances by kd lang, Sting, Elvis Costello, Damien Rice, a 24-piece orchestra, and more. “Hallelujah,” indeed.
Coming Out: A 50 Year History
Thursday, June 21 at 8:00 pm
June is LGBT Pride Month, and this documentary explores the long history of gay identity, activism, and pride. Hosted by the teenaged transgender activist and television star Jazz Jennings, it features the stories of activists from the 1950s onward, as told to young LGBTQ people. You can also watch Coming Out and continued the discussion at the Chicago Cultural Center on Saturday, June 23 at 2:00 pm, as part of our monthly screening and discussion series.
The Great British Baking Show
Fridays at 9:00 pm, beginning June 22
Photo: Love Productions
Paul, Mary, the bad puns, and the gorgeous treats are back for a final season! Get your fill of British humor, eye-popping creations, rainy weather, odd technical challenges, and everything else you love about The Great British Baking Show. Since it’s the last season, you don’t want to miss it.
Endeavour
Sundays at 8:00 pm, beginning June 24
If you want a side of British mystery with your British baked goods, Endeavour is also returning at the end of this month, with its fifth season. The young, brainy Endeavour Morse, recently promoted, continues solving crimes in 1960s Oxford with his gruff mentor DI Thursday. Faberge eggs, Hollywood films, an army base, and a cold case all await this season.
Burrell: Advertising Revolution
Thursday, June 28 at 9:30 pm
Tom Burrell
Tom Burrell was a groundbreaking figure who changed the way American companies sell products by pioneering advertising aimed at African Americans, depicting black lifestyles and culture in a positive way. Burrell is a Chicagoan, and much of his trailblazing work at his own firm was done right here in Chicago. This is a fascinating local documentary about important local history.
