What to Watch in November

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 thinks you should watch.

All the Queen’s Horses

Thursday, November 7 at 8:00 pm

Dixon, Illinois may only have a population of about 15,000 people, but it was also the site of the largest case of municipal fraud—$53 million’s worth over twenty years—in American history. All the Queen’s Horses investigates how city comptroller Rita Crundwell stole money, handicapping the town’s finances, and used it to build a leading horse breeding empire. This local documentary by Kartemquin films is both upsetting and thrilling.

Watch the documentary’s director Kelly Richmond Pope and Devon Bruce, the lawyer who filed suit on behalf of Dixon, discuss the film on Chicago Tonight.

The Chaperone

Sunday, November 24 at 8:00 pm

If you miss Downton Abbey even after seeing the recent film, The Chaperone might be a suitable replacement. Taking place in Jazz Age New York City, it follows a young and wild Louise Brooks and the uptight Kansas woman who chaperones her as she studies with a dance troupe. It has Downton alums all over the place: Julian Fellowes wrote it, Michael Engler directed it, and Elizabeth McGovern stars in it. Plus, it has an alluring historical setting.

Can't wait? Passport members can already stream The Chaperone.

America’s Test Kitchen 20th Anniversary Special

Thursday, November 21 at 8:00 pm

For twenty years, America’s Test Kitchen has been rigorously trying and refining recipes on TV for you to make at home. In celebration of their anniversary, they’re spotlighting the twenty most popular recipes from the show – just in time for Thanksgiving the following week!

Little Women

Thursday, November 28 at 7:00 pm

Chances are you’ve read this beloved classic, or watched one of the myriad TV or stage adaptations of it. This version from Masterpiece was adapted by Call the Midwife creator Heidi Thomas and features such stars as Angela Lansbury and Michael Gambon, as well as four young actresses in the roles of the March sisters. It’s the perfect way to relax and digest with your family after a satisfying Thanksgiving meal.

Passport members can stream the three-part adaptation now.