Emma’s Must-Sees for June 2026

It always feels like June is when the year starts to pick up. With countless summer events happening around the Bay Area, a new program from KQED Presents, Wired for Connection, reminds us why it is so important to go out and be amongst other people. Buuut if you want to stay in there’s plenty of entertaining and enriching programs to keep you company as well. Some of my favorites include an Independent Lens documentary about a museum exhibit centered on Black queer resistance, and the final season of the beloved show Grantchester on Masterpiece.

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I’ve had so many interesting talks with other people about Wired for Connection, a new KQED Presents documentary that explores the mental and physical impacts of isolation. Everyone seems to have some way they relate to the issues it brings up, from how social media use affects mental health to how so many of us just feel overall lonely. There’s something in this film for people from all walks of life. I was particularly interested in the segment highlighting a senior center in San Francisco and their work to foster connection between its members. One of my favorite aspects of the film is the way that it provides examples of how both individuals and institutions can combat loneliness. I feel so inspired to get outside and connect with my community!

Airs on KQED 9 Monday June 1 at 10pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the same day.

As a proud dog mom to a little mutt I’m convinced is part Jack Russell Terrier, I have a soft spot for the star of the beloved PBS Kids program Wishbone. This documentary is a loving tribute to the show and the people (and dog!) that made it. I think my heart grew three sizes learning about the passion and gumption that went into the project. For people who grew up with Wishbone this is a fascinating look behind the scenes, and sure to tug your nostalgia strings. But even if you’re unfamiliar with the show, you get a glimpse into all the talent, craft, and problem solving that’s needed to produce a kids television program. Plus you get to watch adorable dog actor Soccer be an extremely good boy.

Airs on KQED 9 Monday June 8 at 10pm.

Grantchester premiered on PBS over a decade ago in 2015, and the show has been a beloved mainstay in our schedule ever since. Over the years we’ve watched Detective Geordie Keating bond with three different vicars, solve dozens of mysteries, and attend countless charming town functions where a murder inevitably takes place. So while it’s sad to contemplate the end of an era with this final season, there’s still the new episodes to look forward to. I can’t wait to see what exciting whodunnits they come up with, and also to see where all my favorite characters end up. If you’re new to Grantchester, it’s also not too late to catch up! You can watch all previous seasons with Passport now.

Premieres on KQED 9 Saturday June 14 at 9pm. Binge the whole season with KQED Passport on the PBS App the same night.

One of my favorite genres is what I like to call “paperwork movies” — films like Spotlight or Zodiac about journalists in search of the truth. What’s so remarkable about Katharine Graham, the subject of this documentary, is her time as publisher of The Washington Post inspired not one but two fantastic films in this subcategory: All the President’s Men and The Post. Her experience as a businesswoman in a male dominated industry, and her dedication to pursuing the Watergate scandal is certainly cinematic and makes for a super compelling story. The documentary feels right at home in the company of these great fictional accounts of journalism: it’s exciting, complicated, and paints an insightful portrait of a remarkable woman and the times she lived in.

Airs on KQED 9 Tuesday June 16 at 9pm. Stream for free on the PBS App now.

My friends know that I love to dance — I’m always the first on the dance floor and the last to leave. So I’m definitely planning to spend my Pride month doing just that. However, I’ll take a break for this fascinating documentary about an exhibition put together by artist Rashaad Newsome at New York’s Park Avenue Armory. His project centers on the evolution of vogue and showcasing a history of Black and queer resistance. This film helps remind me of the legacy of vogue as an artform as I’m out on the dance floor this June. If you’re interested in these topics I also highly recommend House Music – A Cultural Revolution, which we’ll be airing on KQED 9 Sunday June 21 at 7pm.

Airs on KQED 9 Monday June 22 at 10pm. Stream for free on the PBS App.

I just love Sister Boniface. From the very first episode I was immediately charmed by her wit, her vespa, and her crime solving abilities. We have so many great cozy mystery programs, and Sister Boniface Mysteries is one of my personal favorites, in large part because of my fondness for the titular nun. I’m so excited for the return of this show this June. As always, this season is full of delightfully quirky murders to solve, from catching a scarecrow terrorizing a Scarecrow festival to investigating a death at a boot factory. As my summer gets busy with outings and Pride celebration events, I love that I have a built in excuse to stay home with one of my most beloved comfort shows.

Premieres on KQED PLUS Monday June 29 at 8pm.

Explores the dramatic event that launched a worldwide rights movement, featuring those who took part: from drag queens and street hustlers to police, journalists and a former New York mayor.

Airs on KQED PLUS Thursday June 4 at 8pm. Stream for free on the PBS App until June 10.

Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos (GLLU) was the greater Los Angeles area’s first major Queer Latin@ organization, and the film chronicles GLLU at a pivotal time in history.

Airs on KQED PLUS Thursday June 11 at 8pm. Stream for free on the PBS App.

Discover the life of singer-songwriter Janis Ian and how she rose as a folk star and gay rights advocate. Featuring Janis Ian, Joan Baez and Lily Tomlin, among other icons.

Airs on KQED 9 Friday June 12 at 8:30pm. Stream with KQED Passport on the PBS App now.

Patience returns to help tackle crimes in York. When new detective Frankie Monroe bursts on the scene, there’s initially tension but soon they learn to work as a team.

Premieres on KQED 9 Saturday June 14 at 8pm. Binge the whole season early with KQED Passport on the PBS App starting May 31.

Travel the country to find out why LBGTQ+ spaces matter and how they survive. As companion reading, I also recommend this KQED article on lesbian establishments in San Francisco.

Airs on PLUS Thursday June 18 at 10pm.

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, the documentary asks one urgent, unifying question: what happened to the American Dream?

Airs on PLUS Sunday June 28 at 8pm. Stream for free on the PBS App on June 1.

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

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