What to Watch in September

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? Lisa Tipton, WTTW’s Head of Programming and Pledge, 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, she’ll recommend a few shows that she is excited for and thinks you should watch.

Frontline: Flint’s Deadly Water

Tuesday, September 10 at 10:00 pm

This is the first new Frontline in several months, and it’s the result of a two-year investigation into the water crisis in Flint, Michigan and a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease. With Newark, New Jersey currently struggling with its own lead contamination and water crisis and recent incidents involving Legionnaires’ in Illinois, at the Illinois Veterans’ Home in Quincy and at a suburban hospital in Oak Lawn, this is a timely and necessary documentary.

9/11 Inside the Pentagon

Thursday, September 12 at 8:00 pm

When we think about 9/11, we often first think of the attack on the World Trade Center in New York. This documentary tells the story of the attack on the Pentagon and the 184 people who were killed there when Flight 77 crashed into the military building.

Secret Life of Dogs

Thursdays at 8:00 pm beginning September 26

You love your dog, but how much do you know about your adorable pet? This four-part BBC series follows a puppy from birth to motherhood and explores new research and insights into man’s best friend. Plus, there’s a lot of cute footage of dogs!

Poldark

Sundays at 8:00 pm beginning September 29

This one is both exciting and sad, because it’s a new season of Poldark, but it’s also the last. What is in store for Ross and Demelza and the other denizens of Cornwall in this final chapter? If you need to get as much of the show as you can before it’s over, we’re airing a marathon of the series on WTTW Prime beginning Sunday, September 22. Plus, you can read our recaps of previous seasons, while WTTW Passport members can stream the whole show.