Culture

What to Watch in August

Frontline's look at the invasion of Ukraine, a second season of a dark Scottish comedy, dives into two powerful families separated by an ocean and centuries, and a sweet look at a favorite show. 

Seven Prominent Sites That Illustrate Islam's History and Future in the Chicago Area

The Chicago area has been a center of Muslim movements that catered to African Americans, such as the Nation of Islam, as well as a new home for Muslim immigrants from the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa, and other parts of the world.

Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Situations: Resources for Parents and Caregivers

As tragic, unrelenting events continue to occur in our city, neighborhoods, suburbs, and around the country, it is important to be mindful of the impacts that can spread far and wide and stay with us over time.

The Performers of 'A Capitol Fourth' in 2022

Summer is here, which means the grand Fourth of July tradition of A Capitol Fourth concert and fireworks broadcast live from Washington, D.C. on WTTW and PBS. Meet the performers here.

An Interview with the Stars of 'The Great Muslim American Road Trip'

Mona Haydar and Sebastian Robins, who take a Great Muslim American Road Trip on PBS this summer, had the experience of "learning about ourselves as Muslims in America, and the history of Muslims in America, just by virtue of being Muslim taking this trip."

What to Watch in July

A new nature show exploring Americans' surprising relationships to the outdoors from a bestselling author, a look at the world of plants from Sir David Attenborough, new seasons of dramas and mysteries, and more. 

Architect Brian Lee Brings the Expertise Required for Skyscrapers to Neighborhood Buildings

Brian Lee has designed one of the tallest buildings in the world as well as neighborhood-level buildings such as three libraries in Chicago. "To be able to reinforce and maybe enhance a neighborhood with a building—I think that’s a great positive goal of architecture and urban design,” he says. 

What to Watch in June

A new fish-out-of-water dramedy that might remind you of The Durrells in Corfu, a new season of a favorite mystery, an exciting cooking competition show, and more are on the docket for June. 

Celebrate Pride Month with WTTW's Programming in 2022

June is LGBTQ+ or Pride Month, and as always WTTW has plenty of programming to celebrate these too-often unheard or repressed stories, including a music special, a focus on Silicon Valley, and a touching tale of human generosity. 

The Performers of the National Memorial Day Concert 2022

The 33rd annual National Memorial Day Concert is back this weekend. Meet the musicians and performers who will honor the people who have served in the armed forces. 

Nine Asian Architects Whose Work Can Be Found in Chicago

Whereas once Chinatown leaders had to turn to Norwegian architects, now there are noteworthy buildings and sites by Asian architects throughout Chicagoland, from skyscrapers to a library to a synagogue. Geoffrey Baer explores some. 

A Q&A with the Producer of 'Chicago Stories: The Birth of Gospel'

"The story of gospel music is actually a more universal story of American music and our country’s history," says the producer of a new Chicago Stories documentary about the genre's origins in Chicago.

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with WTTW in 2022

From an Olympic medal-winning, innovative swimmer and surfer to a terrifying outbreak of bubonic plague, tales from New Zealand and Samoa to the shameful chapter of Japanese American internment camps, there is a lot to learn, savor, and explore. 

What to Watch in May

A new period drama set in 1960s London, a documentary about the stresses of high school and applying to elite colleges, and a new series on little-understood chapters of British history, plus more. 

Innovative Chicagoland Buildings Striving for Sustainability

Geoffrey Baer highlights some Chicago buildings addressing climate change by striving for net-zero energy, incorporating renewal energy sources, repurposing existing buildings, and incorporating agriculture, among other things.