Watch Patriotic Programming On Air This Month
As we enter the month of Veteran’s Day, November marks a season of remembrance for the brave individuals who have served our country and fought for freedom around the world as well as their loved ones back home. At PBS, we are proud to highlight stories of service and sacrifice that honor our nation’s men and women in uniform. We are airing an array of patriotic programming this month on CET, including the new Ken Burns’ series, The American Revolution, which traces the story of how the thirteen colonies united in rebellion to secure their independence.
These patriotic programs offer unique perspectives across timelines and genres, from live theatrical events like American Heart in WWI, which features a dynamic fusion of breathtaking music and powerful storytelling, to documentaries like The Last 600 Meters, which tells stories of the Iraq War through the words of those who fought there. We are excited to present these new specials and encore a few classics this month, so mark your calendars and tune in on CET. Find airdates and more details below:
The Metal Detector
Saturday, November 1, at 10:30pm on CET
Friday, November 7, at 10:30pm on ThinkTV14
Meet Georg, an Austrian retiree whose mother witnessed the crash of an Allied B-17 near their home during World War II. When he takes up metal detecting to find the wreckage, a growing fascination leads him on a heartfelt mission that will bring a group of international strangers together for a surprising emotional adventure. Watch it now on the PBS App: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/the-metal-detector-muz7xn/.
The American St. Nick
Friday, November 7, at 9pm on ThinkTV16
Friday, November 14, at 9pm on CET
During WWII, Wiltz, Luxembourg, suffered under German occupation—streets renamed, language banned and traditions outlawed. In 1944, the 28th Infantry Division organized a party to revive the town’s Saint Nick celebration. Soldiers provided treats, with one dressed as Saint Nick, fostering a lasting bond between Americans and locals, a tradition enduring today. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/the-american-st-nick-sA9Vtd/.
Breaking Enigma: A World War II Game Changer – NEW
Saturday, November 8, at 8pm on ThinkTV16
Tuesday, November 11, at 10pm on ThinkTV14
Sunday, November 23, at 8pm on CET/ThinkTV16
Narrated by Keith Morrison of Dateline, this documentary explores the breaking of Germany’s top-secret Enigma Code at Bletchley Park in the United Kingdom. Alongside the atomic bombs, this enigma was one of World War II’s biggest secrets. Some historians estimate that deciphering the German military code shortened the war by two years and possibly saved 14 million lives.
Salute to Service 2025: A Veterans Day Celebration – NEW
Monday, November 10, at 9pm on CET and ThinkTV16
Honor the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans through powerful music and heartfelt storytelling. Meet remarkable service members, including World War II veterans and members of the famed Blue Angels, and enjoy moving musical celebrations from Angel Blue, Kurt Elling and host Trace Adkins, alongside the US Army Field Band. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/trailer-ozsqfl/.
The Last 600 Meters: The Battles of Najaf and Fallujah – NEW
Monday, November 10, at 10pm on CET and ThinkTV16
In 2004, America fought the two deadliest battles of the Iraq War: Najaf, in the south, against the Shiite Mahdi militia, and Fallujah, in the west, against Sunni insurgents. This film tells the true story of these battles, not through narration, but through the words and deeds of those who fought there. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/trailer-u3hgvp/.
American Heart in WWI: A Carnegie Hall Tribute – NEW
Tuesday, November 11, at 8pm on CET and ThinkTV16
Experience an electrifying live theatrical event, created and narrated by historian John Monsky, that brings America’s World War I story to life through a dynamic fusion of breathtaking music and powerful storytelling. Thispanoramic musical captures the voice of a generation with songs from the period, rare archival film, historic flags and a narrative rich with twists and turns. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/trailer-2ivr3o/.
The American Revolution – NEW
Sunday, November 16, through Friday, November 21, at 8pm on CET and ThinkTV16
The American Revolution, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, offers an expansive look at the virtues and contradictions of the birth of the United States of America. Trace the story of how thirteen colonies united in rebellion, won an eight-year war to secure their independence and established a new form of government that would inspire democratic movements around the globe. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/the-american-revolution-the-revolution-that-changed-the-world-bj1hwy/.
The Great Escaper on Masterpiece – NEW
Sunday, November 23, at 9pm on CET and ThinkTV16
Follow the true story of Bernard Jordan, who staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades at the D-Day Landings 70th anniversary. Bernie’s adventure also marked the culmination of his marriage to Rene.Celebrate their enduring love with an eye to lessons from the Greatest Generation.
A More Perfect Union: Inspiring Civic & Civil Conversations Across America – NEW
Monday, November 24, at 9pm on CET and ThinkTV16
Examine how people think about America’s founding and how the ideas and values articulated 250 years ago remain relevant to conversations about governance today in this one-hour special, which accompanies The American Revolution. Taped at the National Constitution Center, Ken Burns engages in conversation with Jeffrey Rosen, Melody Barnes and Yuval Levin, among others.
NOVA “Revolutionary War Weapons”
Wednesday, November 26, at 9pm on CET and ThinkTV16
Discover the key military technologies that helped propel the colonies to victory, from the Brown Bess musket to the world’s first military submarine. After watching The American Revolution, this documentary gives scientific insight into the innovation that helped a ragtag army defeat the most powerful army in the world to win American independence. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/revolutionary-war-weapons-zmck7u/.
Check out the full schedules on CET, ThinkTV16 and our other channels here:
