Emma’s Must-Sees for February 2026

Looking through our upcoming schedule, I’m reminded how appreciative I am for public media programs that help me to understand the present and reflect on the past. There’s the new Frontline episode “Crisis in Venezuela” that gives important context for the ongoing situation. Then there’s our new Black History Month programs, including Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History, and the Independent Lens documentary “The Inquisitor” about congresswoman Barbara Jordan which help bring to life histories that still affect us today. No matter your tastes or mood, I’m sure there’s something interesting for you to watch in February!

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From the first few minutes of this new series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., I felt like I was discovering something new and critically important in this time. Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven History explores the complex relationship between Black Americans and Jewish Americans, forged through shared struggles against racism and antisemitism. I learned so much about the parallels in the histories of Black and Jewish Americans I hadn’t known about before. We have a lot of great programming for Black History Month this year, so it was hard to choose just a handful to highlight here, but I especially appreciate how this series is able to highlight both the specific and unique aspects of Black history while also showcasing how interconnected the fight for human rights can be.

Airs weekly on KQED 9 starting Tuesday February 3 at 9pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the night of the broadcast premiere.

I can’t believe we’re wrapping up the 20th season of Check, Please! Bay Area this month! As always, the show takes viewers on a glorious food tour across the Bay Area, highlighting local favorite spots. Though the format has stayed the same all these years, Check, Please! still surprises me with amazing restaurants and enthusiastic guests. All the spots featured in this new batch of episodes seem delicious, but as a tiramisu devotee I was thrilled to learn about Montesacro in episode #2014, airing on February 12. I’m dying to give their tiramisu a try to see how it holds up to my existing favorites. I also really enjoyed the “Cecilia Tries It” section of this episode, where she goes behind the scenes at the Dandelion Chocolate 16th Street Factory.

New episodes air on KQED 9 starting Thursday February 5 at 7:30pm. Stream each episode for free on the KQED App and the PBS App the night of its broadcast premiere.

I can’t be the only one who finds it hard to parse through misinformation, speculation and just general online chatter any time there’s a major breaking news event. Which is why I’m grateful for trusted ongoing series like Frontline to help me cut through the noise and gain a better understanding of what’s going on. This incredibly timely episode details the dramatic fall of Nicolas Maduro and what’s next for Venezuela. In collaboration with The Associated Press, the Frontline team investigates the legacy of corruption, challenges to democracy, conflict with the U.S., and the fight over who will control the oil-rich country. This is truly a must see episode, especially for anyone who is seeking clarity and context for recent events.

Airs on KQED 9 on Tuesday February 10 at 10pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the night of the broadcast premiere.

We have such an amazing lineup of Saturday Night Movies this month, including Casablanca (1942) on February 7 and One Night in Miami (2020) on February 14, I had a hard time narrowing down my pick to just one. So I had to go with a sentimental favorite: the 1993 adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. It’s my favorite Shakespeare play with an absolutely phenomenal cast: including Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington and Keanu Reeves. Every time I re-watch this classic I laugh, cry, and marvel at the wit and wordplay of our lead couple. And the best part is now that we air each movie twice each month, so there’s twice as many opportunities to catch this delightful Shakespearean comedy.

Airs on KQED 9 on Saturday February 14 at 10pm and Saturday February 28 at 8pm.

We air so many wonderful mystery programs, but what makes Hope Street special to me is its ability to weave together small town drama with intriguing crime stories. I’m excited to travel back to Port Devine this season and get my updates on the lives of the residents of the stunning coastal town. We have our beloved returning characters and their stories of course, but Season 4 also brings some new faces and new mysteries. Tara Lynne O’Neill stars as the new Inspector Eve Dunlop, Marcus Onilude as Detective Constable Luke Jason and Katie Shortt as barmaid Brandi McClure. If you haven’t dipped your toe into this ultimate comfort show, you can catch up on all previous seasons with KQED Passport on the PBS App before the Season 4 premiere.

Airs on KQED PLUS on Monday February 16 at 9:35pm. Stream the whole season early with KQED Passport on the PBS App starting February 1.

I’ll admit I didn’t know who Barbara Jordan was until watching this new documentary about her from Independent Lens. She was the first Black woman to be elected to congress from the south, and she also became well known for the famous opening statement she delivered during the impeachment of Richard Nixon. “The Inquisitor” traces her rise from Texas congresswoman to national icon, highlighting her powerful voice, integrity, and influence on U.S. politics, while revealing the private struggles behind her public strength. Directed by Angela Tucker, who’s also produced other Independent Lens features like “Belly of the Beast” and “Pushing the Elephant,” this biography of Barbara Jordan has a propulsive energy. I found it so energizing and inspiring to get a window into the trailblazing congresswoman’s life.

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

After the American Civil War, most formerly enslaved people had no place to go. Many formed Freedom Colonies to live as far away from Jim Crow racism as possible.

Airs on KQED 9 on Monday February 16 at 11pm. Stream for free on the PBS App starting February 1.

Meet Bakerbury’s newest and most famous resident: Cora Felton, AKA “The Puzzle Lady.” Cora’s eccentric approach proves a perfect way to outwit anyone that stands in her way.

Airs on KQED 9 on Thursday February 19 at 8pm. Stream the whole season with KQED Passport on the PBS App the night of its broadcast premiere.

Discover the extraordinary life of poet, philosopher and music visionary Sun Ra. With his collective the Sun Ra Arkestra he self-produced more than 200 albums, stretching the boundaries of jazz.

Airs on KQED 9 on Friday February 20 at 9:30pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the same night.

Tells the stories of everyday women and men who unexpectedly meet their real-life prince or princess and marry into royalty. Includes stories from Sweden, Norway and the UK.

Airs on KQED PLUS starting February 23 at 7pm. Stream the whole season now with KQED Passport on the PBS App.

With absolutely stunning footage of an orangutan baby growing up, watch as an orangutan mother spends eight years teaching her baby the ways of jungle living.

Airs on KQED 9 on Wednesday February 25 at 8pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the same night.

Vera fans rejoice! We’re doing an encore of Season 10 this month. Multi-award-winning Brenda Blethyn plays the unorthodox but brilliant DCI Vera Stanhope.

Airs weekly on KQED 9 starting February 26 at 9pm.

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

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