NOVA
Great American Eclipse
Explore the spectacular cosmic phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. In April 2024, the Moon’s shadow is sweeping from Texas to Maine.
Wednesday, April 3 at 8/7c.
April 2024
April is full of new and noteworthy programs on WNMU-TV, including the championship rounds of this season's High School Bowl! From environmental specials commemorating Earth Day like Changing Planet: Coral Special; to new dramas on Friday and Sunday evenings; to children's day time specials celebrating the outdoors; this month is packed with programming you won't want to miss.
We continue to share and celebrate our local stories and Michigan history, as well. A Two Hearted Tale, 2023 Fresh Coast Film Fest "Best Feature” Winner, airs April 7, and tells the story of the Bell’s Beer ale created downstate. Later in the month on April 28th, we feature Saving the Barn: The Leelanau County Poor Farm, which tells the history of a local Michigan county and its people's perseverance.
Tune in to WNMU-TV all month long for quality programming. 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.
April 1-6
Wild Kratts: Our Blue and Green World
The Kratt brothers disagree on what’s better: blue oceans or green forests.
Monday, April 1 at 8:30a/7:30c. Repeats 4/3 at 12:30p/11:30c, 4/5 at 8a/7c, 4/9 at 10:30a/9:30c, and 4/11 at 8:30a/7:30c.
Independent Lens
A Thousand Pines
Meet the Mexican guest workers who leave their families to plant trees across America.
Monday, April 1 at 10/9c.
Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator
High Priest
Nearly 5 centuries of ancient Roman democracy was overthrown in just 16 years by one man.
Tuesdays at 9/8c, begins April 2.
FRONTLINE
The Discord Leaks (Updated)
How a young Air National Guardsman allegedly leaked classified documents onto Discord.
Tuesday, April 2 at 10/9c.
A Brief History of the Future
Beyond the Now
What do we imagine when we think about the future?
Wednesdays at 9/8c, begins April 3.
NOVA
Forbidden City
Discover how Beijing’s Forbidden City, the largest palace complex in the world.
Wednesday, April 3 at 10/9c.
Ask the DNR
Get your spring wildlife and outdoor recreation questions answered by personnel from area Michigan DNR.
Thursday, April 4 at 8/7c.
The Paris Murders
The Shooting Star
A woman found dead at the back of a jazz club is known only by her stage name.
Fridays at 9/8c, begins April 5.
Great Performances
Great Performances at the Met: Dead Man Walking Preview
Experience Ivo van Hove’s production of composer Jake Heggie’s opera in its Met premiere.
Saturday, April 6 at 1a/12c. Repeats 4/6 at 8/7c on 13.3PLUS and 4/7 at 1p/12c on 13.3PLUS.
High School Bowl
Semi-Finals
After 34 matches, it’s down to just four teams. Don't miss exciting semi-final action in the 45th annual tournament leading up to the season championship game.
Saturday, April 6 at 8/7c. Repeats 4/8 at 3/2c
April 7-13
Fresh Coast Film Festival 2023 Best Feature Winner
A Two Hearted Tale
Dave Chappelle asked for a Bell’s Beer during a comedy set in Kalamazoo, MI. Taking a sip, he casually called out, "The Two-Hearted Ale? Why the hell did you put a fish on the label?" This is the story of that label, and its eccentric artist, Ladislav Hanka.
Sunday, April 7 at 3/2c.
The Great Chicago Fire: American Stories
The dramatic story of a defining moment in Chicago history – "the Great Fire of 1871," when the city faced destruction, rebuilt, and laid the groundwork for a thriving future.
Sunday, April 7 at 7/6c.
Call the Midwife
Episode 4
An urgent phone call received by anxious Trixie leads to dire consequences for a patient.
Sunday, April 7 at 8/7c. Repeats 4/8 at 12a/11c.
Masterpiece
Mr Bates vs The Post Office
Based on the real-life British Post Office scandal, the miniseries set off public outrage.
Sundays at 9/8c, begins April 7.
Alice & Jack
Episode 4
Celia seeks Alice out to get some answers about Jack.
Sunday, April 7 at 10/9c
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
Elton John and Bernie Taupin
Watch Elton John and Bernie Taupin receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize.
Monday, April 8 at 8/7c.
You’re Not Alone: Pregnancy, Postpartum and The Me
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological difficulties are the most common complications of pregnancy and postpartum - yet 75 percent go untreated. In this documentary we explore the isolating trauma that too often accompanies child birth. Women of color, women living in rural areas and birthing people within the LGBTQIA+ community are at higher risk.
Monday, April 8 at 9:30 pm.
Independent Lens
Matter of Mind: My Parkinson’s
Facing Parkinson's disease, three Americans navigate their lives with determination.
Monday, April 8 at 10/9c.
Osage Murders
A documentary focusing on the events that occurred on the Osage reservation in the 1920s.
Tuesday, April 9 at 1a/12c.
Quest for Beauty
When a model leaves an abusive relationship, she starts making a film about beauty that ends up saving her life.
Tuesday, April 9 at 3/2c.
Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator
Episode 2
Events beyond Caesar’s control threaten to unravel his plans, and leave him isolated.
Tuesday, April 9 at 9/8c.
Nature
Raptors: Fistful of Daggers: Meet the Family
From giant eagles to miniature falconets, meet the many species of raptors.
Wednesday, April 10 at 8/7c.
A Brief History of the Future
Chaos & Complexity
How do we make sense of today’s exponential rate of change and disruption?
Wednesday, April 10 at 9/8c.
NOVA
Ancient Maya Metropolis
Explore great ancient Maya cities and why their inhabitants abandoned them.
Wednesday, April 10 at 10/9c.
Ask the Doctors
Children's Health
Area pediatricians visit WNMU-TV to answer questions submitted from viewers.
Thursday, April 11 at 8/7c.
The Paris Murders
Panic
Paris is shaken when a sniper--an army veteran--opens fire on crowds of people.
Friday, April 12 at 9/8c.
High School Bowl
Championship
Two teams battle for glory in our final game of our 45th season.
Saturday, April 13 at 8/7c. Repeats 4/15 at 3/2c
High School Bowl
Season 45 in Review
Host Jim Koski reviews the most memorable moments from our 45th tournament.
Saturday, April 13 at 8:30 pm. Repeats 4/15 at 3:30 pm
Mona Lisa Is Missing
Did you know the Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 -- and missing for 2-1/2 years? Sure you could Google it but you wouldn't get the whole story.
Saturday, April 13 at 9:30 pm.
April 14-20
The Ottaway A River Reconnected
Sea Lamprey are one of the greatest threats to the Great Lakes. Get to know the people and partners who are working to control them, and understand an important project that will be a huge step toward addressing a global challenge.
Sunday, April 14 at 3/2c.
Eye of the Storm
Follow James Morrison, widely recognized as one of Britain’s finest landscape artists, as he faces his greatest ever challenge. With his eyesight is fading fast, he has one more major painting to complete.
Sunday, April 14 at 7/6c.
Call the Midwife
Episode 5
It’s summertime, and a young mother goes into labor amid Violet's first event as mayor.
Sunday, April 14 at 8/7c. Repeats 4/15 at 12a/11c
Mr Bates vs The Post Office
Episode 2
Learn more about the shocking, true scandal brought to life on-screen in this new series.
Sunday, April 14 at 9/8c.
Alice & Jack
Episode 5
Jack and Alice meet again. Their joy is cut short by devastating news.
Sunday, April 14 at 10/9c.
Planet California
Rivers of Gold
A fascinating array of wildlife adjusts to a rapidly changing world, connected by rivers.
Monday, April 15 at 9/8c.
Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator
Ides of March
Caesar’s ambition turns to tyranny, and a handful of senators plot his downfall.
Tuesday, April 16 at 9/8c.
Frontline
Children of Ukraine
How thousands of Ukrainian children were taken and held in Russia. The story of families searching for their missing children, authorities investigating alleged abductions, and teenagers who escaped and say they were subjected to Russian propaganda.
Tuesday, April 16 at 10/9c.
Nature
Raptors: Fistful of Daggers: Extreme Lives
See the extreme ways in which raptors conquer the toughest habitats on Earth.
Wednesday, April 17 at 8/7c.
A Brief History of the Future
Once Upon a Time
How do the stories we tell shape the boundaries of our beliefs about what is possible?
Wednesday, April 17 at 9/8c.
NOVA
Making North America: Origins
Experience the colossal geologic forces that shaped our continent over 3 billion years.
Wednesday, April 17 at 10/9c.
Ask The Experts
Certified Financial Planners
Get your financial questions answered by local certified financial professionals.
Thursday, April 18 at 8/7c.
The Paris Murders
Crossed Destinies
A couples therapist with no shortage of enemies is found dead in a shop window.
Friday, April 19 at 9/8c.
First Civilizations
War
See how war can destroy lives, yet create civilization.
Saturdays at 8/7c, begins April 20. Repeats 4/22 at 3/2c.
April 21-27
Fresh Coast Flashback
Broadcasting fan favorites from this year’s Fresh Coast Film Festival. Check our website for a full lineup.
Sunday, April 21 at 3/2c.
We Remember: Songs of Survivors
Learn the stories of Holocaust survivors as songwriters turn them into original songs.
Sunday, April 21 at 7/6c.
Call the Midwife
Episode 6
The pupil midwives prepare for their final exams; two young brothers are found abandoned.
Sunday, April 21 at 8/7c. Repeats 4/22 at 12a/11c.
Mr Bates vs The Post Office
Episode 3
Alan allies with the Post Office in the hope his friends can get justice at last, but can he trust the people who have let them down so badly?
Sunday, April 21 at 9/8c.
Alice & Jack
Episode 6
Jack and Alice face their greatest obstacle. Can love really overcome anything?
Sunday, April 21 at 10/9c.
Nature Cat's Nature Movie Special Extraordinaire
Nature Cat and his pals realize they've come to the end of their Nature Curiosity List.
Monday, April 22 at 12:30/11:30c. Repeats 4/25 at 12p/11c, and 4/30* at 6:30a/5:30c.
(*Note: No 7a Wai Lana Yoga on this day)
American Experience
Poisoned Ground: The Tragedy at Love Canal
Revisit the 1970s Love Canal tragedy, one of the worst environmental disasters in US history.
Monday, April 22 at 9/8c.
The Express Way with Dulé Hill
California
Tour America through the lens of creative expression and the transformative power of art.
Tuesdays at 9/8c, begins April 23.
On Grizzly Ground
Grizzly bears wandering western landscapes ignite fascination in some people and fear in others. Protected by the Endangered Species Act since 1975, Greater Yellowstone grizzlies have learned to live among us. Now we need to learn how to live with them.
Tuesday, April 23 at 11:30a/10:30c.
The Darr Mine Disaster
On December 19, 1907, a tremendous explosion shook the Youghiogheny River Valley at the Darr Mine in Van Meter, Westmoreland County, killing 239 men and boys. It remains the worst mining disaster in Pennsylvania history and led to important changes in the mining industry. Yet very few people know the story.
Wednesday, April 24 at 1a/12c.
Changing Planet
Coral Special
Dr M. Sanjayan investigates the urgent efforts to help coral reefs survive climate change.
Wednesday, April 24 at 8/7c.
A Brief History of the Future
Human
What does it mean to be human in the 21st century?
Wednesday, April 24 at 9/8c.
NOVA
Making North America: Life
How did massive volcanic eruptions, inland seas, and land bridges pave the way for life?
Wednesday, April 24 at 10/9c.
Ask the Doctors
Brain & Spine
Local healthcare professionals answer questions submitted by viewers.
Thursday, April 25 at 8/7c.
Classic Film of the Month
The Corpse Vanishes
In this 1942 classic inspired by the historical Elizabeth Báthory murders, Bela Lugosi plays a mad scientist who injects virginal blood to his wife to keep her beautiful forever.
Friday, April 26 at 9/8c.
First Civilizations
Religion
Learn why every successful civilization needs a narrative—a shared set of beliefs.
Saturday, April 27 at 8/7c. Repeats 4/29 at 3/2c.
April 28-30
Saving The Barn - The Leelanau County Poor Farm
Learn about a little-known part of Leelanau County’s history… a history shared by nearly every other county in Michigan. Beginning around 1901, the Poor Farm provided compassionate care and rehabilitation to people in need from throughout the County. Interviews with expert historians and childhood memories of elders with images and artifacts from the last century recreate the Leelanau County Poor Farm.
Sunday, April 28 at 3/2c.
Love Heals
A film following the journey of Dana, a chronic pain sufferer in search of healing after two failed spine surgeries. As she travels across the country, Dana seeks to understand how an ancient energy principle has brought healing to countless individuals and explores its potential to help her.
Sunday, April 28 at 7/6c.
Call the Midwife
Ep. 7
Miss Higgins receives an unexpected visitor, and Poplar votes for its Mother of the Year.
Sunday, April 28 at 8/7c. Repeats 4/29 at 12a/11c.
Mr Bates vs The Post Office
Ep. 4
Alan and his friends finally get the chance to embark on the epic challenge of battling the Post Office in court.
Sunday, April 28 at 9/8c.
Guilt
The Clothes on Our Backs
Max and Jake find themselves back in Edinburgh where they soon face a familiar danger.
Sundays at 10/9c, begins April 28.
The Express Way with Dule Hill
Appalachia
Dulé Hill explores how music can provide solace and healing in Appalachia.
Tuesday, April 30 at 9/8c.
Frontline
Documenting Police Use of Force
Investigating deaths after police used tactics like prone restraint and other “less lethal” force. With The Associated Press, drawing on police records, autopsy reports and body cam footage, the most expansive tally of such deaths nationwide.
Tuesday, April 30 at 10/9c.
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