Honoring Courage And Legacy - The National Memorial Day Concert And Victory In The Pacific Headline May On South Florida PBS

This month, we celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday and his extraordinary legacy of bringing the natural world to life for audiences across the globe.

Nature & Science:

This month, we celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday and his extraordinary legacy of bringing the natural world to life for audiences across the globe.

Enjoy this list of programming narrated by Sir David Attenborough:

Attenborough and the Wonder of Song explores the extraordinary role of sound in the animal kingdom. Airing Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. on WPBT and Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at 4:30 a.m. on WXEL.

Programming Highlights:

Explore the richness of Chinese history in The Story of China with Michael Wood – Golden Age/The Ming, uncovering a lost ancient city in Sichuan that may rival Xi’an’s Terracotta Army in significance. Airing Friday, May 8th, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. on WPBT.

Independent Lens: Natchez examines the tension between history and memory in a Mississippi town grappling with its antebellum past, offering a thought-provoking and layered narrative. Airing Monday, May 11th, 2026 at 10:00 p.m. on WPBT and Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. on WXEL.

Discover the life and legacy of a towering intellectual figure in American Masters – W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause, narrated by Viola Davis, highlighting his global impact and role in the Harlem Renaissance. Airing Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. on WPBT and Thursday, May 28th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. on WXEL.

Uncover ancient mysteries in NOVA: Secrets of the Dead – China’s Bronze Kingdom, exploring groundbreaking archaeological discoveries from the ancient Shu kingdom. Airing Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 at 10:00 p.m. on WPBT and Thursday, May 28th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. on WXEL.

Stories Of Service:

In honor of Memorial Day, South Florida PBS presents compelling stories of courage and sacrifice:

The Seabees on Iwo Jima, narrated by Jim Nantz, highlights the heroic efforts of U.S. Naval Construction Battalions during one of WWII’s most pivotal battles. Airing Thursday, May 14th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. on WXEL.

Waal Crossing: 1944, narrated by Paul Giamatti, chronicles a daring World War II mission led by the 82nd Airborne Division under intense enemy fire. Airing Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. on WPBT and Thursday, May 21st, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. on WXEL.

The National Memorial Day Concert returns live from Washington, D.C., honoring fallen heroes, veterans, and military families with powerful performances and tributes. Airing Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. on WPBT and WXELWXEL.

Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month:

Finding Your Roots – Larger Than Life traces the family histories of Lea Salonga and Amanda Seyfried, uncovering powerful stories of heritage and identity. Airing Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. on WPBT and Monday, May 18th, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. on WXEL.

Independent Lens: Light of the Setting Sun explores generational silence and the lingering impact of historical trauma through a Taiwanese American filmmaker’s lens. Airing Monday, May 18th, 2026 at 10:00 p.m. on WPBT and Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at 11:30 p.m. on WXEL.

Antiques Roadshow – AAPI Heritage Special reveals culturally significant artifacts and deeply personal stories from across Asia and the Pacific. Airing Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. on WPBT and Friday, May 29th, 2026 at 10:00 p.m. on WXELWXEL.

Independent Lens: Third Act profiles pioneering filmmaker Robert “Bob” Akira Nakamura and his reflections on identity, legacy, and resilience. Airing Wednesday, May 25th, 2026 at 11:00 p.m. on WXEL.

Drama & Entertainment:

Sherlock returns in MASTERPIECE: Sherlock Season 3 Premiere, as he reunites with Watson to face new threats in London. Airing Thursday, May 7th, 2026 at 10:30 p.m. on WPBT.

Don’t miss Call the Midwife – Season 15 Finale, delivering an emotional farewell and major turning points for beloved characters. Airing Sunday, May 10th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.

The Great Escaper on MASTERPIECE, starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson, tells a moving true story of remembrance and reunion among WWII veterans. Airing Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. on WPBT.

Additional highlights include Astrid, The Count of Monte Cristo, and binge-worthy favorites like Downton Abbey.

Spotlight On Music:

This month celebrates the power of music and performance:

Great Performances – Now You Hear This: The Composer Is Yoo follows violinist Scott Yoo on a personal journey of composition and cultural discovery. Airing Friday, May 1st, 2026 at 10:00 p.m. on WPBT.

Great Performances – Women Suffrage brings the American suffragist movement to life through a powerful Broadway musical. Airing Friday, May 8th, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. on WPBT.

Great Performances – An Evening with Nicole Scherzinger features a stunning live concert from London’s Royal Albert Hall. Airing Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. on WPBT and Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. on WXEL.

Kids & Education:

South Florida PBS continues to support young learners with engaging, interactive programming and events:

Wowsabout, from The Jim Henson Company, inspires curiosity and environmental awareness as young viewers explore Sequoia National Park through engaging puppet storytelling.

Every weekend in May tune in for new KIDVISION MISSION Episodes! On WXEL Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and on WPBT, Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Preschool teachers can meet Miss Penny at the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County’s 8th Annual Early Childcare Professionals Conference on Saturday, May 16th, 2026.

Join Miss Penny at the 21st Annual Children’s BookFest on Saturday, May 30th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at West Regional Library.

The KidVision Kids Club continues to offer families year-round educational resources, events, and interactive learning experiences designed to spark creativity and discovery. For more content, visit: KidVisionPreK.org.

Health Channel Highlights:

The Impact of Smartphones on Children’s Health | Ask The Doc explores growing concerns around early smartphone use, including sleep disruption, anxiety, and attention challenges. Weekdays at 12:30 p.m. on the Health Channel.

Health News Update examines the connection between gut health and aging, along with new developments in weight loss and smoking cessation. Mondays at 10:00 p.m. on the Health Channel.

Stream anytime at: AllHealthTV.com

About South Florida PBS:

South Florida PBS is Florida’s largest public media company, including Public Broadcasting stations WXEL-TV, serving the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast and WPBT2, serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and the Health Channel, the only 24/7 channel dedicated to health in the nation. South Florida PBS connects organizations and institutions across our region and preserves South Florida's history. Leading the way in this global society, South Florida PBS is committed to creating and presenting award-winning programs focused on kids, education, arts and culture, health, environment, science, and civic engagement.