Emma’s Must-Sees for September 2026

Latine Heritage Month starts September 15 and I’m so excited about the programs we’re featuring for the occasion. Between high energy travel programs like Leguizamo Does America and thoughtful documentaries like Who’s the We?, there are plenty of different ways to celebrate and learn more about Latine culture. It’s also a big month for Masterpiece premieres, with both The Marlow Murder Club and Marble Hall Murders returning on September 6. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery or to dive deep into a fascinating subject, there’s definitely something for you to sink your teeth into this month.

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One of my favorite things to do while visiting a new city is to take a walking tour. They feel like such a unique way to get to know a place and learn about its history and people. With Leguizamo Does America, you basically get the most charismatic and charming tour guide imaginable with Odyssey star John Leguizamo as he takes you across the United States, highlighting Latine culture in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and many more. His enthusiasm for all aspects of each city, from its food to its people, or even something as simple as a New York City bodega, is infectious. Just like the best walking tour, you’ll see cities across the country in a whole new light, all from the comfort of your couch.

Airs on PLUS starting Thursday September 3 at 8pm, with a second episode airing at 9pm. Stream early with KQED Passport on the PBS App now.

Being a television programmer for a public media station is pretty much my dream job, but if I had to pick a second it would likely be working at a library. I just related so much to the roadtrippers in this new season of Roadtrip Nation with their raw enthusiasm for libraries and all the services they provide. I was especially excited to watch their conversation with TikTok star and resident PBS Kids librarian Mychal Threets, but all the guests had such interesting insights into the future of their profession. It was so eye opening to see how many people are so passionate about making libraries accessible and valuable resources to everyone in their communities. As one of the roadtrippers says, “librarians are my superheroes”—and I couldn’t agree more.

Airs on KQED 9 starting Friday September 4 at 8pm. Stream for free early on the PBS App starting September 1.

As an avid crossword puzzler myself, perhaps shows like The Marlow Murder Club and The Puzzle Lady have given me some undue confidence in my hypothetical sleuthing abilities because of my hobby. But still, I find it very easy to picture myself as the fourth member of Marlow’s crime solving group. While I definitely get hooked on the mysteries, it’s the friendship between Judith, Suzie and Becks that’s the real heart of the show. This season they are hot on the case of a string of high-profile murders, and I can go on pretending I can solve the mysteries just as fast as they can. Be sure to stick around after each new episode for The Marble Hall Murders for a delightful evening of clever ladies and cozy mysteries.

Airs on KQED 9 starting Sunday September 6 at 8pm. Binge the whole season early with KQED Passport on the PBS App the night of its broadcast premiere.

Between Happiness and Under the Vines, Rebecca Gibney has become one of my new favorite actresses. She just brings so much warmth and humor to all her roles. Of course, Under the Vines is just littered with great performances. In this new season, Gibney’s character Daisy and Louis (Charles Edwards) continue to struggle to keep their vineyard alive, all while navigating their potential romantic feelings towards each other—with lots of twists and turns along the way. I really appreciate how easy it is to immerse yourself in the show’s lighthearted world. Sometimes it’s great to just escape into some nice, relaxing television. If you’re looking for a comfort watch, Under the Vines is delightful company, perfect for a night in with some good food and a glass of wine.

Airs on PLUS starting Monday September 7 at 8:40pm. Stream the whole season early with KQED Passport on the PBS App now.

I first heard about this new Independent Lens documentary not through PBS but through a friend who had seen a screening earlier this year and absolutely raved about it—I think that goes to show just how buzzworthy and relevant this film is. An investigative documentary about the untold origins of artificial intelligence, “Ghost in the Machine” uncovers the philosophical, cultural, and political forces driving the AI boom. It’s truly a fresh perspective on a subject that has seen a lot of discourse, panic, and hype. Most importantly, it gives ideas on how people can maintain a sense of agency in this increasingly tech-driven world. If you have any questions, fears, or confusion about the rapid rise of AI, this extremely timely film is for you.

Airs on KQED 9 Monday September 14 at 10:30pm and on PLUS Thursday September 17 at 11pm. Stream for free on the PBS App on September 14.

With so much misinformation and fear that surrounds immigration in the United States right now, Who’s the We? provides a clear-headed and unflinching look at people’s real life experiences as it follows a pastor-activist on a 66-day bicycle journey along the U.S.-Mexico border. The film is so good at taking powerful individual stories, from migrants, aid workers, protesters, and everyday residents of border towns, and weaving them into a larger narrative about the different ways people conceive of our nation. It’s truly a thought provoking work, intent on prompting self reflection rather than giving out ideas or solutions. If you’ve enjoyed travel shows like Leguizamo Does America and La Frontera with Pati Jinich, this makes an excellent companion piece, giving so much additional context to those programs.

Airs on KQED 9 Monday September 28 at 9pm. Stream for free early on the PBS App starting September 1.

Celebrated Colombian superstar Carlos Vives, an 18-time Latin Grammy and multiple Grammy Award winner, showcases songs from El Ultimo Disco alongside a career-spanning collection of beloved hits.

Airs on KQED 9 on Friday September 4 at 9:30pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the same day.

Worlds collide when Susan, hired to edit the latest Atticus Pund book, finds herself a suspect in a murder case. Don’t miss the final season of the Susan Ryeland Mysteries.

Airs on KQED 9 on Sunday September 6 at 9pm. Binge the whole season early with KQED Passport on the PBS App the night of its broadcast premiere.

Honor the anniversary of the September 11 attacks with this special performance hosted by Misty Copeland and led by Met music director Yannick Nezet-Seguin.

Airs on KQED 9 on Friday September 11 at 8:30pm.

Reveals the hidden barriers facing women in the high-stakes professional world of surgery. 1001 Cuts exposes how small and large slights persist and accumulate along the careers of women.

Airs on KQED 9 on Monday September 14 at 10pm and PLUS on Thursday September 17 at 10pm. Stream for free early on the PBS App starting September 1.

In late 1950s Madrid, there is one place everyone would like to shop at least once in their lifetime: the Galerias Velvet. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Airs on KQED 9 starting on Thursday September 17 at 10pm. Binge the whole season early with KQED Passport on the PBS App now.

Explore Mexico’s rich cultural landscape through the work of talented artisans who craft beautiful objects infused with warmth, color and soul. The program celebrates the artists while showcasing Mexico’s beauty.

Airs on KQED 9 on Monday September 28 at 10pm. Stream early with KQED Passport on the PBS App now.

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

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