What to Watch in July

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.

American Experience: The Vote

Monday, July 6 and Tuesday, July 7 at 9:00 pm and available to stream

This two-part American Experience travels back more than a century to re-tell the story of the hard-fought battle to win women the right to vote. It covers both celebrated suffragists and lesser-known heroes of the movement that brought about the largest expansion of voting rights in American history. 

Plus, discover some of Chicago's influential suffragists.

Japan with Sue Perkins

Thursdays, July 9 and 16, at 8:00 pm

The former host of The Great British Baking Show has been exploring Asia in a series of travelogues in the past few years, including along the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. Now she packs her bags for Japan. Not only is it a great way to virtually experience travel during the coronavirus pandemic, Perkins is also an absolutely delightful and comic guide.

Frontline: COVID's Hidden Toll

Tuesday, July 21 at 10:00 pm and available to stream

Meat-packing plants have had some of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19, due in part to a lack of protections for the vulnerable immigrants and undocumented workers who make up a large portion of their workforce. Frontline continues to help us understand the costs of the pandemic and failures to stem it.

Frontline: United States of Conspiracy

Tuesday, July 28 at 10:00 pm and available to stream

Conspiracy theories have always been present in American life, but were once relegated to the fringes. Now they have reached the mainstream and even entered the White House. Frontline investigates how.