Patriotic Programming Airing The Week of the Fourth
Commemorate our nation’s Independence Day with patriotic programming from PBS, airing all week on your local PBS stations. From historic landmarks to influential leaders, journey through the history of our nation’s creation and discover the legacy that stands today.
Then, get ready to kick off the 250th anniversary of the start of the revolutionary war with the newest Ken Burns documentary series, premiering this fall. Learn more about the series and an upcoming preview at the end of the list below:
Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein “The Statue of Liberty”
Tuesday, July 1, at 9pm on CET and ThinkTV16
In this episode of Iconic America, David Rubenstein explores the evolving meaning of The Statue of Liberty as a symbol for a “nation of immigrants.” Explore how this historic landmark embodies our values and our conflicts, from abolition and women’s suffrage to the treatment of refugees. Watch a preview:
https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/the-statue-of-liberty-preview/.
Watch “The Statue of Liberty” and other full episodes of Iconic America now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/the-statue-of-liberty/.
Benjamin Franklin “Join Or Die (1706-1774)” (Part 1 of 2)
Thursday, July 3, at 9pm on CET
Friday, July 11, at 9pm on ThinkTV16
Ken Burns’s two-part, four-hour documentary, Benjamin Franklin, explores the revolutionary life of one of the18th century’s most consequential and compelling personalities. Discover how his work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States. Watch a preview:
https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/official-trailer-benjamin-franklin-xj22fa/.
Watch both parts of Benjamin Franklin now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/benjamin-franklin/.
Statue of Liberty
Thursday, July 3, at 10pm on ThinkTV16
Sunday, July 6, at 6pm on CET
This 1985 Ken Burns film chronicles the creation and history of the Statue of Liberty and what it represents to all Americans. Narrated by David McCullough, the film traces the monument’s development – from its conception, to its complicated and often controversial construction, to its final dedication. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/the-statue-of-liberty-what-is-liberty/.
Watch Statue of Liberty now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/statue-liberty-statue-liberty/.
A Capitol Fourth 2025
Friday, July 4, at 8pm on CET, ThinkTV16 and CET Arts
Encore Presentation at 9:30pm
A Capitol Fourth presents all-star musical performances, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra with premier pops conductor Jack Everly. This celebration has been broadcast to millions at home and to our troops watching around the world for more than 40 years, putting viewers front and center for the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation every Fourth of July. Learn more: https://www.pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/.
Watch clips of previous performances: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/capitol-fourth/.
The Roosevelts: An Intimate History “The Storm (1920-1933)” (Episode 4 of 7)
Friday, July 4, at 9pm on ThinkTV14
This series chronicles the lives of Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, three members of the most prominent and influential family in American politics. With seven episodes and spanning more than 100 years, The Roosevelts is the first major documentary television series that has interwoven their individual stories into a single narrative. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/roosevelts-roosevelts-intimate-history-preview/.
Watch the full series now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/roosevelts/.
Next month, PBS is airing a preview for the newest documentary from Ken Burns, The American Revolution, which will premiere November 16, 2025. This six-part, 12-hour documentary series will examine how America’s founding turned the world upside-down, kicking off America’s 250th birthday. Learn more: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-american-revolution/.
Tune in for the one-hour, preview special on Monday, August 11, at 8pm on ThinkTV16, Tuesday, August 12, at 8pm on ThinkTV14 and Thursday, August 14, at 8pm on CET. Watch a preview for the series: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/the-american-revolution-coming-2025-muwhjq/.
