FEATURED PROGRAMS on Blue Ridge PBS
Be sure to check our schedule for additional air times!
20 Years with the Tabernacle Choir
Monday December 13 @ 8pm
Tony® Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell joins the Choir and Orchestra for this 2-hour 20th anniversary retrospective with performances from Audra McDonald, Kristin Chenoweth, Gladys Knight, Angela Lansbury, Hugh Bonneville, Renée Fleming and more.
All Creatures Great and Small: Between the Pages
Sunday, December 12 @ 5pm
Get to know the cast and creators of the hit series based on James Herriot’s beloved books. Savor the best moments from the first season, including Dame Diana Rigg in her final role as Mrs. Pumphrey, and look ahead to what might happen in Season 2.
All Creatures Great & Small on Masterpiece
Season One Encore Presentation - Sundays, December 12, 19 & 26 @ 9pm
James Herriot’s adventures as a veterinarian in 1930’s Yorkshire get a glorious new adaptation in a seven-part series based on his beloved stories. Exciting newcomer Nicholas Ralph will make his television debut as the iconic vet who became renowned for his inspiring humor, compassion and love of life. The 1970s adaptation, which aired on public broadcasting, was a favorite of millions of viewers.
Andrea Bocelli Live in Central Park
Thursday, December 2 @ 9pm
Recorded on September 15th, beloved tenor Andrea Bocelli performs a free concert on Central Park's Great Lawn, with the New York Philharmonic conducted by its music director Alan Gilbert. Joining Bocelli on stage on this memorable night are Céline Dion, Tony Bennett, Chris Botti and David Foster. Sopranos Ana María Martínez and Pretty Yende, violinist Nicola Benedetti, bass baritone Bryn Terfel and flutist Andrea Griminelli are also part of the spectacular evening, along with the Westminster Symphonic Choir, Joe Miller, director.
Aretha Franklin Remembered
Tuesday, November 30 @ 7pm
Celebrate the legendary Queen of Soul and the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with her greatest hits from television appearances spanning the 1960s-2000s, many of which have never been seen in the U.S.
The Big Band Years
Wednesday, December 1 @ 8:30pm, Tuesday, December 7 @ 9pm & Thursday, December 9 @ 7pm
Return to the era of the legendary orchestras, great singers and song standards, in a show that draws upon the most beloved melodies that kept the home fires burning and soliders' hearts alive during World War II. THE BIG BAND YEARS turns back the clock to a time when swing musicians ruled the radio and night clubs, bringing a joyful escape to Americans during one of the most turbulent times in the nation's history. Among the immortal artists featured are Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey, Guy Lombardo, Sammy Kaye, Tex Beneke, Cab Calloway and other greats. Hosted by veteran game show host and singer Peter Marshall.
Call The Midwife Holiday Special 2018
Thursday, December 16 @ 7pm
The Christmas special will star Miriam Margoyles as Sister Mildred, who arrives unexpectedly at Nonnatus House, her hands full with four Chinese orphans. Having fled China, the child refugees were found abandoned in Hong Kong and are being adopted in the U.K. as part of the World Refugee Project. With Christmas preparations in full flow and the midwives busy caring for the expectant mothers of Poplar, these unexpected visitors cause joy and chaos in equal measure. The special also sees Trixie return to Poplar in time to cover for the Sisters as they leave for the Mother House. The Order’s Mother Superior has taken ill, and a new spiritual leader needs to be elected. It soon becomes clear, much to Sister Julienne’s horror, that she is the favored candidate.
Call The Midwife Holiday Special 2019
Thursday, December 16 @ 8:30pm
Mother Mildred and the Nonnatus House team go to the Outer Hebrides in response to a nursing shortage. Navigating the terrain, they strive to keep up with the needs of the locals.
The 2021 Holiday Special is delivers on Christmas Day at 9pm!
The Carpenters: Christmas Memories
Wednesday, December 8 @ 7pm
This special holiday program stars beloved brother-sister recording duo Richard and Karen Carpenter, the most successful American recording act of the 1970s. The program focuses entirely on the Carpenters' perennially popular Christmas music offering favorites "The Christmas Song," ""Winter Wonderland," White Christmas" and more.
Celtic Thunder Christmas
Sunday, December 12 @ 4pm
The heart-warming new Celtic Thunder Show features holiday standards such as "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas," "Let It Snow," "Winter Wonderland" and "Silent Night" as well as a few specially-written originals, "Going Home For Christmas", "Christmas Morning Donegal" and "Our First Christmas Together". Filmed in Poughkeepsie, NY in front of a live audience, Irishmen Damian McGinty, Keith Harkin, Paul Byrom, Ryan Kelly and Scotsman George Donaldson of Celtic Thunder bring together their affinity for a great popular song with outstanding live performances, pay homage to cherished holiday favorites. The show is a holiday celebration for all the family performed as ever with Celtic Thunder magic.
Celtic Woman: Postcards from Ireland
Monday, December 6 @ 7pm
Join the Grammy-nominated ensemble on a musical journey through stunning land and seascapes around Ireland. Shot in 14 locations on the island, the new special is filled with songs from their latest album, including “The Dawning of the Day.”
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Sunday, December 19 @ 7:30pm
Feeling down about the commercialism of Christmas, Charlie Brown becomes the director of the gang's holiday play. Can he overcome his friends' preference for dancing over acting, find the "perfect" tree, and discover the true meaning of Christmas?
A Chef’s Life Holiday Special
Sunday, December 12 @ 8pm
Join Chef Vivian Howard for a taste of the holidays as she serves up the best of her Southern cooking heritage and the Chanukah traditions her husband Ben grew up with. From a simple corned ham to an upscale oyster dressing, from humble Hoppin’ John to an elegant red velvet cake, sample one of the most charming and delicious holiday celebrations of the season.
Classic Christmas
Saturday, December 11 @ 9pm
Join hosts Gavin MacLeod ("The Love Boat") and Marion Ross ("Happy Days") for this festive, all-star special of favorite carols and popular standards. Performers include Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Judy Garland, Nat King Cole, The Carpenters and many more.
Crane Candlelight Concert
Thursday, December 16 @ 10pm
The Crane Candlelight Concert 2020: Christmas Past, Christmas Present looks a bit different from other years. Filmed during the coronavirus pandemic, a large scale concert with an orchestra and full chorus was not possible. Christmas Past, Christmas Present is a compilation of new socially distanced performances from students and faculty, alongside highlights from years past by the renowned Crane School of Music at the State University of New York at Potsdam. This concert includes traditional Christmas and seasonal hymns from around the world with popular favorites.
Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra Family Christmas Show
Tuesday, December 7 @ 7pm & Thursday, December 9 @ 9pm
Join Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and their families for this joyful holiday special filmed in 1967. Songs include “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” ”Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Silent Night” and many more. With special guest Sammy Davis, Jr.
Dolly Parton & Friends: 50 Years at the Opry
Saturday, December 4 @ 9pm
A celebration of the country music legend’s 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, this special captures Dolly Parton delivering some of her biggest hits on one of the most iconic stages in the world. Featuring new interviews with Parton and guest appearances by some of her superstar friends, including Dierks Bentley, Emmylou Harris, Chris Janson, Toby Keith, Margo Price, Hank Williams, Jr., and more.
Happy Holidays with Bing & Frank
Tuesday, December 7 @ 8:30pm & Thursday, December 9 @ 10:30pm
Celebrate the holidays with a timeless special, featuring the magical combination of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. In this early color broadcast from 1957, the two legends swap Christmas songs and stories and duet on some favorite holiday classics
Holiday Handbells with the Raleigh Ringers
Saturday, December 11 @ 7pm
HOLIDAY HANDBELLS runs the gamut of song selections from old yuletide favorites to Vince Guaraldi's A Charlie Brown Christmas score and other sounds of the season. Highlights include: a lighthearted take on "Flight of the Bumblebee," the solemn French carol "Pat-a-pan," "March of the Toys" from the operetta Babes in Toyland,Chopin's "Valse Brilliante," and an instrumental version of "Silent Night." In between, director and conductor David Harris explains the centuries-old history of handbells, the variety of bells and bell-like instruments used, and the teamwork required to perform a piece.
Celebrate the holidays with a timeless special, featuring the magical combination of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. In this early color broadcast from 1957, the two legends swap Christmas songs and stories and duet on some favorite holiday classics
Land Girls
MARATHON! - Sunday, December 5 @ 6pm
Follow the lives and loves of four members of the Women's Land Army in this BBC drama set during World War II. As men fought on the battlefields, women did their part to keep Britain’s home front running.
Lidia Celebrates America
Tuesday, December 14 @ 8pm
Celebrate culture through food with celebrity chef, author and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich.
Nature: Santa’s Wild Home
Sunday, December 12 @ 6:30pm & Wednesday, December 15 @ 8pm
Get an intimate look at the wildlife of Lapland, a region in northern Finland, the fabled home of Santa Claus and actual home of reindeer, wolverines, eagles, wolves, Brown bears and more.
Follow the lives and loves of four members of the Women's Land Army in this BBC drama set during World War II. As men fought on the battlefields, women did their part to keep Britain’s home front running.
The Nutcracker and The Mouse King
Tuesday, December 14 @ 9pm
Join Alan Cumming for the real story of the Nutcracker and the Mouse King with the beloved music of Tchaikovsky. Featuring the Royal Scottish National Orchestra under the direction of John Mauceri, this new version is a rare holiday treat.
One Voice: The Songs We Share - Sacred
Tuesday, December 14 @ 10:30pm
Discover how music once only performed in church was adapted by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin and other top artists, springboarding these songs into popular culture.
A Salute to Vienna
Wednesday, December 1 @ 10:30pm
Celebrate the musical heritage of Vienna in this lavish music and dance gala concert from the historic Konzerthaus in Vienna, Austria. Hosted by world-famous mezzo soprano Frederica von Stade and Academy Award-winning actor and Vienna native Maximilian Schell, special guests include The Vienna Boys’ Choir, Russell Watson, dancers from the Association of the Vienna State Opera Ballet, the Symphony Orchestra of the Volksoper Vienna and an international cast of top singing stars.
Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony
Wednesday, December 8 @ 7:30pm
Join the world’s best-selling soprano for her first-ever Christmas special. Breathing new life into holiday classics and festive fan favorites of the season, Sarah is joined by guests Andrew Lloyd Webber, Aled Jones and choir Gregorian.
Ultimate Pet Health Guide
Wednesday, December 1 @ 7pm
Over 80 million U.S. households care for a cat or dog. Unfortunately, many of our beloved furry family members are facing an unprecedented rise in health challenges — including early arthritis, lack of energy, obesity, and even cancer and chronic disease. The only question is: Why?
Dr. Gary Richter, a veterinarian of more than 20 years, offers simple step-by-step solutions to help pet parents everywhere ensure their pets lead active, energetic, and healthy lives — right into old age.
Underground Railroad: The William Still Story
Tuesday, November 30 @ 8:30pm
Discover the inspiring story of William Still, one of the most important heroes of the Underground Railroad. The documentary blends history, characters and evocative reenactments with sometimes shocking, often touching, accounts from the day.