Emma’s Must-Sees for March 2026

One thing I love about being a programmer is how it allows me to engage with heritage months throughout the year. For Women’s History Month I got to learn so much about the congresswoman Bella Abzug in a fantastic new American Masters documentary, and also dive into some encore POV documentaries in their digital collection on the PBS App. March is also a huge month for us in terms of Masterpiece programs. We’re premiering two excellent new costume dramas, The Forsytes and The Count of Monte Cristo on the 22nd that you are definitely not going to want to miss.

Become a member to sustain public media and the television programming you love. As a benefit, you’ll get access to Passport so you can stream KQED programming on demand and access our online library of public television programming.

Fans of Death in Paradise have to check out this new spinoff series. Beyond Paradise follows Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) after he leaves Saint Marie for a sleepy town in Devon called Shipton Abbott to be with his fiancé Martha. Of course he immediately gets sucked back into solving mysteries as the town gets hit with a crime wave just as they arrive. This show is a wonderful chance to get to know loveable characters and to try and solve the cases before the detectives. I was especially delighted to see Dylan Llewellyn, who I know and love from Derry Girls, join the cast as PC Kelby Hartford. Whether you were a diehard watcher of Death in Paradise or a newcomer, you’ll definitely be delighted by this new show. 

Airs weekly on KQED PLUS starting Wednesday March 4 at 9:30pm.

I was familiar with the phrase “a woman’s place is in the House — the House of Representatives” but did not realize it was the 1970 campaign slogan of Bella Abzug. Abzug was a firebrand politician and activist who championed numerous progressive causes, including women’s equality, civil rights and LGBTQ+ protections. This American Masters documentary has a wide range of fascinating interviews reflecting on the legacy of the politician, including Barbara Streisand, Lily Tomlin and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. I loved learning about her life and how her early activism with Women Strike for Peace led to her congressional campaign and future work. With her signature hat she fought for equality and democracy. I feel so much better informed about that original slogan now.

Airs on KQED 9 on Tuesday March 17 at 9pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the night of the broadcast premiere.

One of my favorite things about public television has been our commitment to airing fantastic recordings of live performances, and we truly have an exciting installment of Great Performances at the Met this March. The famous Puccini opera La Boheme is brought to life in Zeffirelli’s production that recreates 19th-century Paris on the stage. Featuring Juliana Grigoryan as Mimi and Freddie De Tommaso as Rodolfo, the opera shows the joy, passion, heartbreak and struggle of bohemian life. It’s wonderful that this performance has been captured, giving more people a chance to fall in love with opera and the arts. Obviously nothing beats seeing the real thing in person, but this is a great chance to share the magic of live performance more broadly.

Airs on KQED 9 on Friday March 20 at 8pm and on KQED PLUS Sunday March 29 at noon. Stream for free on the PBS App the night of the broadcast premiere.

Whether you want to look at it as Downton Abbey for the modern age, or Succession with ballgowns, The Forsytes is absolutely the drama show to watch this month. I have been bubbling with excitement for this premiere for months and am thrilled to get to share it with the KQED audience. Chronicling the trials and triumphs of a wealthy Victorian stockbroking family and inspired by John Galsworthy’s Forsyte Saga novels, this show is rich with intrigue, gorgeous costumes, and a fabulous cast. This is one I’m sure we’ll all be gushing about this month (I’m wondering if I should throw a costume watch party for the premiere). Plus it’s already been renewed for a second season so we have even more to look forward to in the coming year!

Airs weekly on KQED 9 starting Sunday March 22 at 9pm. Binge the whole season with Passport on the PBS App the night of the broadcast premiere.

I was amazed at the intimacy and vulnerability displayed in this powerful new documentary, following the courageous journey of Lizzie Hershberger coming forward about the sexual abuse she experienced while growing up in the Amish community. Director Sarah McClure gets unprecedented access into a deeply private community to tell Lizzie’s story as she leads a movement to support fellow survivors as they navigate trauma, faith and family ties. It is certainly a harrowing watch but ultimately extremely worth everyone’s time — and an important lesson in how Lizzie fights to replace “forgive and forget” with healing and justice. I’m incredibly inspired by people like Lizzie who do this work and filmmakers like Sarah McClure who tell their stories with such compassion.

Airs on KQED 9 on Monday March 23 at 10pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the night of the broadcast premiere.

Did you know that you can find themed collections of past POV documentaries on the PBS App? Look for “Collections” in the POV show page this month and you’ll find a wonderful curation of Women’s History Month programming. Some highlights in this collection include “Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision” about the architect behind the Vietnam War Memorial and “DRIVER” about a band of female long-haul truckers fighting for a life on the road. I love resources like this that make it easy for me to find ways to honor heritage months through learning more about history and current events. POV updates these collections regularly so be sure to check back to see what else they’re highlighting.

POV program “Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision” airs on KQED PLUS on Thursday March 5 at 11pm. Or stream the whole collection on the PBS App — some will be available for free and some only with KQED Passport.

The late great Catherine O’Hara stars in this hilarious mockumentary. Three folk bands come together following the death of their manager to put on a reunion concert in his honor.

Airs on KQED 9 on Saturday March 7 at 10:30pm and Saturday March 21 at 8pm.

In 1960s Sacramento, two Filipina American sisters got together with other teenage girls to play music. Their garage band would evolve into the legendary rock group Fanny.

Airs on KQED PLUS on Sunday March 15 at 8pm. Stream on the PBS App with KQED Passport now.

An epic new adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ iconic French novel, one of the greatest revenge stories ever told. Starring Sam Claflin and Jeremy Irons.

Airs on KQED 9 on Sunday March 22 at 10pm. Binge the whole season early starting March 1 with KQED Passport on the PBS App.

Meet the roadtrippers: Dafina, Ronnie, and Tawie — three people who are using short-term learning programs to help them upskill into promising new paths.

Airs on KQED 9 on Friday March 27 at 8pm and on Sunday March 29 at 6pm. Stream for free on the PBS App starting March 1.

Step into a dancer’s world with America’s oldest dance company and experience what it takes to be an “Athlete of God”. Featuring the words of Martha Graham, voiced by Meryl Streep.

First episode airs on KQED 9 on Friday March 27 at 8:30pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the night of the broadcast premiere.

The new Ken Burns documentary series on Henry David Thoreau, who helped define modern environmentalism and nonviolent resistance. The author of Walden and Civil Disobedience, his words resonate urgently today.

First two episodes air on KQED 9 on Monday March 30 at 9 and 10pm, with the finale airing on Tuesday March 31 at 9pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the night of the broadcast premiere.

Looking for more programs to watch? Find our past recommendations:

February 2026
January 2026
December 2025
November 2025
October 2025
September 2025
August 2025
July 2025
June 2025
May 2025
April 2025
March 2025