Emma’s Must-Sees for August 2026

Lots of wonderful musicians featured in the lineup this month! From Oakland-based rapper Kamaiyah in a broadcast version of her Mic Check event, to a biography of modern icon Dolly Parton, to the 2016 concert of mariachi singer Vicente Fernandez, there’s sure to be something for everyone’s musical taste. Plus we have a new drama series starring Silent Witness alum Emilia Fox that will satisfy all of us wanting something more after finishing the new season of Madame Blanc.

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My dad introduced Rebel Without a Cause to me in high school, and I’ve re-visited it a couple of times after that in various film classes. Each rewatch I’m struck by the vulnerability and power of James Dean’s performance, and, on a more shallow level, just how cool that red jacket is. James Dean, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo are wonderful as the three leads. It’s a story that’s so easy to get emotionally invested in and remains a classic for a reason. Not only is the film an important part of Hollywood history, it’s a story I think will really resonate with today’s audiences: it explores feelings of teenage alienation and generational conflict in a way that feels as relevant as ever.

Airs on KQED 9 Saturday August 1 at 10pm and Saturday August 8 at 8pm.

So many people I know from all walks of life have some sort of touchpoint with Dolly Parton: I had a previous co-worker who would go to every concert she could, a friend whose cat is named after her, and I myself had a birthday party movie night watching 9 to 5 that I still remember very fondly. Like a true modern icon, she means so much to all sorts of people in so many different ways. This wonderful new documentary gives unprecedented access to the country music star, including archival footage, her influences and artistic process and fondest memories. I’m definitely recommending it to my fellow fans, but I’m sure this will also be a spectacular introduction to Dolly’s unique talent and legacy for any curious newcomer.

Airs on KQED 9 Friday August 14 at 8pm and on PLUS Thursday August 20 at 8pm. Stream early with KQED Passport on the PBS App starting August 8.

Have a little bit of Christmas in the summer with the new season of Death in Paradise, starting with a holiday special. I hope everyone enjoyed the spinoff series Beyond Paradise as much as I did, but I’m also excited to dive back into the beautiful waters of Saint Marie. This season sees the introduction to the new DI Mervin Wilson — a fish out of water Londoner who struggles to adapt to life on the Caribbean island. Even with the new detective, this show is still as comforting as ever, full of lighthearted mysteries in a beautiful beachy locale. This program has been a viewer favorite for years, and I hope it continues to be a little ray of sunshine on your Wednesday nights.

Airs on PLUS Wednesdays starting August 19 at 9:40pm.

I spend a lot of time at my local library — whether it’s to get something printed, attend a community event, or just to feed my slow but steady reading habit. Libraries are such vital community centers, which is why I was so inspired by the dedication of two intrepid Nairobi women as they work to transform a previously whites-only library in Kenya into a vibrant cultural hub, open to all. Shiro and Wachuka are truly remarkable people, and the documentary showcases their sparkling personalities and persistent senses of humor as they tackle bureaucracy, pushback, and competing visions of what the library can be. By the end you really feel like you’ve been on this journey with them, every step of the way.

Airs on KQED 9 Monday August 24 at 10pm and on PLUS Thursday August 27 at 11pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the same day.

It’s been so exciting to bring some of the wonderful KQED Live events to broadcast these past few months. This August we’re teaming up with Oakland rapper Kamaiyah for a showcase of musical talent from the Bay Area through some friendly competition. Five local artists will hit the stage for a musical showdown, judged by Kamaiyah and other local talent in the music scene. Plus you don’t want to miss the headlining set by Kamaiyah at the end of the night. You can buy tickets for the live event here, but if you can’t make it that night, you can tune into the broadcast later in the month and judge the contestants for yourself. Who knows, you might find your next favorite local artist!

Airs on KQED 9 Tuesday August 25 at 7pm. Stream for free on the PBS App August 13.

We’ve watched Jean White solve mysteries in the South of France (Madame Blanc), Daisy Monroe run a vineyard in New Zealand (Under the Vines), and Ruby Walker treat patients in South India (Good Karma Hospital). Now let’s take a trip to Italy with British spy turned detective Sylvia Fox in the excellent new show Signora Volpe. I just tore through this show. Silent Witness star Emilia Fox is wonderful as the titular Signora, and so fun to watch as she thinks on her feet and outsmarts her opponents. It’s the combination of intriguing mysteries, human drama and beautiful Italian locations that makes this the perfect show to fill your summer evenings with. So sit back and transport yourself to Umbria — no actual travel required!

Airs on PLUS Tuesdays starting August 25 at 8pm. Binge the whole series with KQED Passport on the PBS App now.

In South Africa, a team of scientists embark on a harrowing giraffe research expedition — racing to GPS collar wild giraffes before a silent extinction claims their species.

Airs on KQED 9 Wednesday August 12 at 9:30pm. Stream for free on the PBS App starting August 1.

Embark on a journey seeking solutions to our urgent climate crisis alongside journalist Miles O’Brien. From the Colorado River to Antarctica’s doomsday glacier, the answers are closer than we think.

Airs on KQED 9 starting Wednesday August 19 at 10pm. Stream each episode for free on the PBS App the night of its premiere.

Digging deeper into the archives, the program uncovers even more never-before-seen stories of the greatest secret weapon of World War II — women.

Airs on PLUS Sunday August 23 at 9pm. Stream with KQED Passport on the PBS App now.

Watch Grammy-winning mariachi singer Vicente Fernandez in his 2016 farewell concert, blending an operatic vocal range with a deep understanding of the roots of ranchera music.

Airs on KQED 9 Friday August 28 at 9:30pm. Stream with KQED Passport on the PBS App starting August 8.

Join the cast and creators as they provide behind-the-scenes insights into Season 6, including the growing Herriot family, the impact of war, and the importance of community.

Airs on KQED 9 Saturday August 29 at 9pm. Stream with KQED Passport on the PBS App starting August 7.

Narrated by Roseanne Cash and featuring music from Bruce Springsteen, the film connects the paths of songwriter Woody Guthrie and author John Steinbeck.

Airs on PLUS Sunday August 30 at 7:30pm. Stream for free on the PBS App now.

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

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