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May 2024
May is full of new and exciting programming on WNMU-TV PBS. From new seasons and dramas Sunday evenings; to specials commemorating Memorial Day like A Final Landing on Iwo Jima and of course, PBS's annual coverage of the National Memorial Day Concert; this month is packed with programming you won't want to miss.
We continue to bring you local productions that make WNMU-TV PBS your public broadcasting station. Tune in for a special broadcast of Northern Michigan University's Spring Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, May 6 starting at 10:30a/9:30c. Commencement will also be available to stream live from our website or the PBS App. Find yourself missing High School Bowl on Saturday nights? Relive the excitement of past episodes any time by streaming from our website, Passport, or on the PBS app.
On the 12th, we air our Mothers Day special Finding Fate, the stories of three powerful mothers in Poland 2022 in their quests to be strong for their families and help others struggling under the shadow of the war in Ukraine.
And don't miss the start of our June '24 Fundraiser with Great Performances' Rodgers & Hammerstein's 80th Anniversary: My Favor, where the vast repertoire of these musical theater pioneers is celebrated in a star-studded concert airing Friday, May 31. No matter which specials you choose to enjoy, know that your contribution makes it possible. Donate today to show your support of public broadcasting in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin.
Scroll down to learn about this month's featured programs. Shows are organized week by week. All programs are on 13.1 unless otherwise noted. Programs are also available to stream LIVE from our website, pbs.org or the PBS app.
May 1-4
Nature
Season of the Osprey
Follow the struggles, failures and triumphs of a single osprey family.
Wednesday, May 1 at 8/7c.
A Brief History of the Future
Together
How can we create futures that serve the needs of all people?
Wednesday, May 1 at 9/8c.
A Brief History of the Future
Human
What does it mean to be human in the 21st century?
Wednesday, May 1 at 10/9c.
Ask the Realtors
Get your property buying and selling questions answered by local real estate professionals.
Thursday, May 2 at 8/7c. Repeats 5/3 at 3/2c.
Great Lakes Now
Warming Waters and Mutant Crayfish
On this episode of Great Lakes Now, meet the marbled crayfish, an invasive species that has experts in Ontario on high alert. Plus, discover how Lake Superior's warming waters are affecting the people and wildlife who call the lake home.
Thursday, May 2 at 10:30/9:30c.
The Paris Murders
Missing
Tensions are high as two children go missing after being left alone in a hotel.
Friday, May 3 at 9/8c.
Great Performances
Ailyn Pérez in "Florencia en el Amazonas"
Ailyn Pérez performs an excerpt from “Buenos días. Despierta usted temprano.”
Saturday, May 4 at 1a/12c. Repeats 5/4 at 8/7c and 5/5 at 1/12c on 13.3PLUS.
NMU Spring Commencement
Live coverage of Northern Michigan University’s spring commencement ceremonies.
Saturday, May 4 at 10:30a/9:30c.*
*Note: Program may go longer than scheduled.
First Civilizations
Cities
Investigate why cities were so integral to the rise of civilization.
Saturday, May 4 at 8/7c. Repeats 5/6 at 3/2c.
May 5-11
Memorial Day Special
Heroes on Deck: World War II on Lake Michigan
In 1942, respondi ng to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy converted two passenger steamships into aircraft carriers to train more than 15,000 pilots and 40,000 deck crews in the safety of Lake Michigan. Today, dozens of aircraft still rest on the lake bottom.
Sunday, May 5 at 3/2c.
Now Return Us to Normal
Filmmaker Leslie Koren and her diverse classmates confront the trauma brought on by their years at a behavior modification boarding school.
Sunday, May 5 at 6:30/5:30c.
Call the Midwife
Episode 8
Miss Higgins receives an unexpected visitor, and Poplar votes for its Mother of the Year.
Sunday, May 5 at 8/7c.
MaryLand
Ep. 1
Sisters Becca and Rosaline receive unimaginable news about their mother. They fly to the Isle of Man to learn more and are reunited after years of distance.
Sundays at 9/8c, begins May 5.
Guilt
Ep. 1
Max and Jake find themselves back in Edinburgh, where they soon face a familiar danger.
The epic third and final season premieres on Sunday, April 28 at 10/9c.
Independent Lens
Space: The Longest Goodbye
ASA psychologists prepare astronauts for the extreme isolation of a three-year-long mission to Mars.
Monday, May 6 at 10/9c. Get early access with PBS Passport!
Craftspeople of Charleston
Architect Glenn Keyes hosts a tour of his native city and visits with the artisans, historians, and educators who are preserving and expanding a rich legacy of architecture and design.
Monday, May 6 at 11:30/10:30c.
Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas
The Sound of Salsa in Cali, Colombia
In Cali, Colombia, Kim joins hundreds of Afro-Colombians as they converge on the salsa capital of the world for a rhythmic four-day festival named after the legendary musician, Petronio Alvarez. She gets a hands-on lesson in salsa dancing and drumming at the Salsa Museum and meets one of the most revered marimba players alive today. Along the way, Kim tastes creole cuisine and even gets a new hairstyle!
Tuesday, May 7 at 1a/12c.
The Express Way with Dulé Hill
Texas
In Texas, Dulé Hill discovers artists fighting for representation of their communities.
Tuesday, May 7 at 9/8c.
FRONTLINE
The Last Survivors
Some of the last survivors of the Holocaust talk about its lingering impact.
Tuesday, May 7 at 10/9c.
Nature
Preview of Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons
The most famous bear in the Tetons attempts to raise cubs amid conflicts with people.
Wednesday, May 8 at 8/7c.
A Brief History of the Future
Tomorrows
The world-changing power of asking, “What if?”
Wednesday, May 8 at 9/8c.
NOVA
Why Bridges Collapse
Can new engineering techniques help prevent deadly bridge collapses?
Wednesday, May 8 at 10/9c.
Ask the Doctors
Cancer
Area medical professionals in cancer answer questions from viewers.
Thursday, May 9 at 8/7c. Repeats 5/10 at 3/2c.
Great Lakes Now
Homes, Invaders
Controlling invasive sea lamprey, hazards in our homes, and a Great Lakes news update.
Thursday, May 9 at 10:30/9:30c.
The Paris Murders
Just Before Oblivion
The investigation into the death of a painter leads to another murder from back in 1945.
Friday, May 10 at 9/8c.
First Civilizations
Trade
Examine an ancient civilization unlike any other, that of the Indus Valley.
Saturday, May 11 at 8/7c. Repeats 5/13 at 3/2c.
May 12-18
Mothers Day Special
Finding Fate
Three powerful mothers in Poland, 2022, share in their quest to be strong for their families and help others struggling under the shadow of the war in Ukraine. A Ukrainian refugee, a Polish mother, and a Jewish, Polish mother. When we find common ground, we can unite to help build a shared future.
Sunday, May 12 at 7/6c.
Our American Family
The Smiths
The first half of the 1900’s represents the last era of American life that, for most families, began largely unchanged from the generations that came before. This program profiles the history of a family -- Willie and Rena Smith of Goldthwaite, Texas and their seven children -- a story of perseverance, determination and the deep bonds that are forged in the face of relentless hardship.
Sunday, May 12 at 7:30/6:30c.
Lucy Worsley Investigates
Madness of King George
Take a closer look at George III and how a tale of mental illness changed Britain.
Sunday, May 12 at 8/7c.
MaryLand
Episode 2
As Becca and Rosaline deal with the fallout from their mother’s death, new revelations emerge, and the sisters cope in different and sometimes destructive ways.
Sunday, May 12 at 9/8c.
Guilt
Aim High
As Becca and Rosaline deal with the fallout from their mother’s death, new revelations emerge, and the sisters cope in different and sometimes destructive ways.
Sunday, May 12 at 9/8c.
Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story
Corky Lee’s Life, Legacy, and Quest for Photographic Justice
A timely and intimate portrayal of a photographer on a quest to ensure that the rich tapestry of Asian American life - its struggles and celebrations - is preserved and documented in mainstream media.
Monday, May 13 at 10/9c.
The Express Way with Dulé Hill
Chicago
In Chicago, Dulé Hill explores why art and activism are synonymous.
Tuesday, May 14 at 9/8c.
Frontline
A Dangerous Assignment: Uncovering Corruption in Maduro’s Venezuela
Exposing the shadowy figure at the heart of a corruption scandal spanning from Venezuela to the U.S., learn the inside story of Alex Saab, his capture, then release by the U.S. in a controversial prisoner swap.
Tuesday, May 14 at 10/9c.
A Broken System: Health Care Inequity
Health disparities are widespread and troubling. Lack of access to affordable care and other factors have led to increased rates of illness and death in Pittsburgh’s African American, Latinx, LGBTQIA+ and disabilities communities. Explore the reasons for these health care inequities and hopeful resolutions.
Tuesday, May 14 at 11:30/10:30c.
Nature
Saving the Animals of Ukraine
From the heart of war-torn Ukraine, stories of survival, love, and resilience emerge beyond the battles. Witness an extraordinary view into the effects of war on animals, and the humans who help them.
Wednesday, May 15 at 8/7c.
NOVA
Secrets in our DNA
What can DNA testing companies reveal about our ancestry and health, and at what risk?
Wednesday, May 15 at 9/8c.
Pompeii: The New Dig
Ep. 1
Follow the most extensive archaeological excavation in Pompeii for a generation.
Wednesday, May 15 at 10/9c.
Ask the Lawyers
Area attorneys answer questions submitted from viewers by phone and email.
Thursday, May 16 at 8/7c. Repeats 5/17 at 3/2c.
Great Lakes Now
Salamanders, Shipping and Shorelines
Saving salamanders, how Great Lakes ports fit into global shipping and The Catch.
Thursday, May 16 at 10:30/9:30c.
The Paris Murders
Reminiscences
The investigation into the death of a painter leads to another murder from back in 1945.
Friday, May 17 at 9/8c.
Letters from Brno
A heart wrenching story of parental love and unspeakable sacrifice during the Holocaust.
Saturday, May 18 at 8/7c. Repeats 5/20 at 3/2c.
May 19-25
Detroit: The City of Hot Rods and Muscle Cars
A celebration of the unique Detroit muscle car community and how Motor City iron has circumnavigated the globe and shaped world culture.
Sunday, May 19 at 2:30/1:30c.
A Long March
Three Filipino-American veterans trace their paths from war to erasure by the U.S. Government, marching from an obscured history to the Federal courts, right up the steps of Congress in search of promises denied.
Sunday, May 19 at 7/6c.
Lucy Worsley Investigates
Princes in the Tower
Come along as Lucy Worsley uncovers what really happened to the Princes in the Tower.
Sunday, May 19 at 8/7c.
Maryland
Episode 3
Everything comes to a head as Richard and Jim arrive at the Isle of Man.
Sunday, May 19 at 9/8c.
Guilt
Let Them Come
Max, Jake, and their new gang hide from Maggie in Edinburgh and discover her link to Sir Jim Sturrock. Maggie exerts pressure on Teddy and Aliza risks the bank sale.
Sunday, May 19 at 10/9c.
Independent Lens
The Tuba Thieves
The role and meaning of sound is explored in an unconventional documentary experience.
Monday, May 20 at 10/9c.
Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas
Afro-Colombian Culture Along The Pacific Coast
Colombia’s Pacific coastline is home to lush rain forests, beautiful beaches, and the African diaspora. At the Sugarcane Museum, Kim learns about Colombia’s colonial era Afro descendant people who built the country’s sugar cane and rail industries. She traces the fight for freedom to the country’s first Black female Vice President, brilliantly portrayed by painter Jose Eibar Castillo. And, traveling via a unique motorcycle rebuilt for the rail line, Kim travels off the beaten path to the bio diverse natural reserve of San Cipriano.
Tuesday, May 21 at 1a/12c.
American Experience
The Riot Report
Revisit 1967, when LBJ created a commission to investigate why inner cities had erupted in violence.
Tuesday, May 21 at 9/8c.
Nature
Green Island, White Desert
Follow the story of a pine marten as she takes us on a journey through a desert of grey stones called the Burren.
Wednesday, May 22 at 8/7c.
NOVA
Decoding The Universe: Cosmos
Explore big discoveries that have revolutionized our understanding of the universe.
Wednesday, May 22 at 9/8c.
Pompeii: The New Dig
Ep. 2
Follow the most extensive archaeological excavation in Pompeii for a generation.
Wednesday, May 22 at 10/9c.
Ask the Doctors
General Health
Get your medical questions answered by area professionals during this live broadcast from WNMU-TV studios.
Thursday, May 23 at 8/7c. Repeats 5/24 at 3/2c.
Great Lakes Now
Poisonous Ponds
How coal ash is threatening Lake Michigan, ideas for beneficial coal ash reuse, and The Catch - a roundup of news stories about coal ash.
Thursday, May 23 at 10:30/9:30c.
The Paris Murders
From Father to Son
A pregnant woman--using a false identity--is brutally attacked in a park.
Friday, May 24 at 9/8c.
Dream School: A Journey to Higher Ed
The inspiring journey of six bright and ambitious high school students working to get admitted into America’s top colleges.
Saturday, May 25 at 8/7c. Repeats 5/27 at 3/2c.
Back in Time
Will Rogers: Oklahoma's Favorite Song
Will Rogers is a beloved icon in the heart of Oklahoma A media pioneer who seamlessly blended commentary and home spun humor. "Oklahoma's Favorite Son" made people laugh and earned the trust of presidents and everyday people alike.
Saturday, May 25 at 9/8c.
May 26-31
Fresh Coast Flashback
Broadcasting fan favorites from this year’s Fresh Coast Film Festival. Check our website for a full lineup.
Sunday, May 26 at 3/2c.
Memorial Day Special
A Final Landing on Iwo Jima
A "then and now" look at the Japanese island at the heart of a brutal World War II battle, follow two men as they visit the historic war site.
Sunday, May 26 at 7/6c.
The National Memorial Day Concert 2024
The Concert honors our country’s veterans, service men and women and military families.
Sunday, May 26 at 8/7c, & 9:30/8:30c.
Going to War
Sebastian Junger and Karl Marlantes reveal the warrior’s journey with unflinching candor.
Monday, May 27 at 10/9c.
Nature
Niagara Falls
Embark to Niagara Falls and witness its amazing beauty and the wildlife that call it home.
NOVA
Why Ships Crash
How could a single ship cause a major supply chain crisis around the globe?
Wednesday, May 29 at 9/8c.
Pompeii: The New Dig
Ep. 3
Follow the most extensive archaeological excavation in Pompeii for a generation.
Wednesday, May 29 at 10/9c.
Ask the Lawyers
Area attorneys answer questions submitted from viewers by phone and email.
Thursday, May 30 at 8/7c. Repeats 5/31 at 3/2c.
Great Performances
Rodgers & Hammerstein's 80th Anniversary: My Favor
Explore the vast repertoire of these musical theater pioneers in a star-studded concert featuring Aaron Tveitt, Patrick Wilson and more performing from shows like "Carousel," "South Pacific," "The King and I," "The Sound of Music" and more. Part of June 24 Fundraiser!
Friday, May 31 at 9/8c.
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