Great Performances

Episode 1

The Magic of Grace Bumbry

Fri, Oct 3, 2025 54 mins

'The Magic of Grace Bumbry' recounts the story of the African American Missouri native who rose to fame in the 1960s international opera scene. Bumbry's rise began in the 1950s when she won a radio competition at the age of 17. Encountering racism when she was prevented from studying at the St. Louis Institute of Music, she nevertheless achieved international renown with her breakthrough performance in Wagner's "Tannhäuser" at the 1961 Bayreuth Festival, in which she appeared for 40 performances. The film explores Grace Bumbry's groundbreaking career, featuring performances from her early career leading up to her role in the 1966 Salzburg Festival production of "Carmen," directed by German conductor Herbert von Karajan.

Episode 2

Tiler Peck: Suspending Time

Fri, Nov 7, 2025

Follow ballerina Tiler Peck as she overcomes injury to return to stage and debut her choreography with New York City Ballet, revealing her resilience and artistry.

Episode 4

Twelfth Night

Fri, Nov 14, 2025

The Shakespearean comedy of mistaken identity tells the romantic misadventures of twins Sebastian and Viola after they survive a shipwreck, including revenge plots and tricks of love. Featuring Lupita Nyong'o, Sandra Oh, Peter Dinklage, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Junior Nyong'o and more. Directed by Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali in the newly reopened Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

Episode 5

Nutcracker from English National Ballet

Tue, Dec 16, 2025

The English National Ballet's production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" features more than 100 dancers and musicians.

Episode 6

From Vienna: The New Year's Celebration 2026

Thu, Jan 1, 2026

The Vienna Philharmonic rings in the New Year at the Musikverein with the Vienna City Ballet: host Hugh Bonneville.

Episode 7

Movies for Grownups Awards with AARP the Magazine

Sun, Feb 22, 2026

Honoring the best films and performances of 2025 that resonate with older viewers; Adam Sandler receives the Career Achievement Award.

Episode 11

Now Hear This: Brahms: Free But Alone

Fri, Apr 10, 2026

Episode 13

Now Hear This: Everyone Loves Joplin

Fri, Apr 17, 2026 54 mins

Episode 14

Irving Berlin: Top Hat

Fri, May 15, 2026

This acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre revival, inspired by the 1935 Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers film, is directed and choreographed by three-time Tony winner Kathleen Marshall.

Episode 15

Now Hear This: The Call of Istanbul

Sat, Apr 25, 2026 54 mins

Episode 16

Now Hear This: The Iceland Sound

Fri, May 1, 2026 54 mins

Episode 17

Josh Groban: An Evening at Union Chapel

Fri, May 8, 2026

Josh Groban performs at London's Union Chapel for PBS, showcasing beloved songs and new material. He shares personal stories about the songs between performances.

Episode 18

Suffs

Fri, May 8, 2026

Created by Tony Award winner Shaina Taub, this musical recorded from Broadway tells the story of the American suffragist movement and the remarkable friendships, heartbreak, and action that brought women together-or, in some cases, tore them apart.

Episode 20

An Evening with Nicole Scherzinger

Sun, Sep 13, 2026

Nicole Scherzinger performs at London's Royal Albert Hall with a full orchestra, singing Broadway standards and Pussycat Dolls hits in her first UK solo show in 13 years.

Episode 25

Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert 2026

Fri, Aug 28, 2026 86 mins