Simply Ming

A documentary examining string theory.

Invitation to World Literature features more than 100 artists, actors, writers and scholars including Alan Cumming, Harold Ramis, Kristen Chenoweth, Tim Blake Nelson, Mo Rocca, Aisha Tyler, Robert Thurman, Chris Ware and Philip Glass. Each episode goes beneath the surface of a classic piece of literature to reveal ideas, emotions and themes that are relevant today. Episodes include The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Odyssey, Journey to the West, Candide and The God of Small Things.

In I'LL HAVE WHAT PHIL'S HAVING, Rosenthal sets his sights on kitchens both on and off the well-worn gastronomic path, where he meets those who are keeping traditions alive and creating new ones. Viewers travel with him from Hong Kong to Barcelona, from Paris to Tokyo, and from a three-star Michelin restaurant in an Italian palazzo to a Los Angeles bakery training former gang members. Rosenthal is a food enthusiast, but as he was growing up, he was not exposed to any adventurous eating. Rosenthal says, "My mother was not a fantastic cook. Our oven had a setting for 'shoe.' But I've always loved family, food, travel, and humor. That's how I connect with people. I'm not your typical adventurer. So, I'm hoping folks will look at a nebbish like me exploring the world and trying new things and say, 'If that guy can go outside, maybe I can, too.'"

Roadfood: Discovering America One Dish at a Time is a new PBS TV show that aims to re-discover America's regional culture through its iconic dishes. Our host, Misha Collins, will hit the highways and byways of America, exploring a uniquely American dish in each episode. Meeting local cooks, pit-masters, bakers, cafe owners, and proprietors of local eating establishments, Misha will explore the roots of a dish through these modern culinary folk artisans.