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PBS' memorable programs through the years: See the shows and stars

Oct. 2, 2020Updated May 2, 2025, 5:22 p.m. ET
PBS — rebranded from the National Educational Television network — launched Oct. 4, 1970. Since, the station that describes itself as "America’s largest classroom" has produced celebrated programs and stars. Scroll through to reminisce about all that the public broadcaster has aired over the decades, starting with "The Joy of Painting" with Bob Ross, an instructor with a soothing voice who rebranded mistakes as "happy accidents," originally aired from 1983-1994.
PBS — rebranded from the National Educational Television network — launched Oct. 4, 1970. Since, the station that describes itself as "America’s largest classroom" has produced celebrated programs and stars.

Scroll through to reminisce about all that the public broadcaster has aired over the decades, starting with "The Joy of Painting" with Bob Ross, an instructor with a soothing voice who rebranded mistakes as "happy accidents," originally aired from 1983-1994.
Acey Harper, The LIFE Images Collection Via Getty Images
Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Ernie, Bert, Grover, Prairie Dawn, Elmo and Oscar the Grouch are characters featured on "Sesame Street," which began charming children in 1969, when PBS was the National Educational Television network.
Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Ernie, Bert, Grover, Prairie Dawn, Elmo and Oscar the Grouch are characters featured on "Sesame Street," which began charming children in 1969, when PBS was the National Educational Television network.
RICHARD TERMINE/CTW
Over the years, many famous names, including comedian Tina Fey, have figured out how to get to "Sesame Street."
Over the years, many famous names, including comedian Tina Fey, have figured out how to get to "Sesame Street."
Anthony Causi/Sesame Workshop
In 2009, then-first lady Michelle Obama stopped by for some gardening.
In 2009, then-first lady Michelle Obama stopped by for some gardening.
Richard Termine
Journalist Anderson Cooper popped up during the show's 38th season.
Journalist Anderson Cooper popped up during the show's 38th season.
Richard Termine/Sesame Workshop
Ah, the comfort of a red cardigan sighting on " Mister Rogers ' Neighborhood. " The series starring Fred Rogers had an original PBS run that lasted from 1968 to 2001.
Ah, the comfort of a red cardigan sighting on "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." The series starring Fred Rogers had an original PBS run that lasted from 1968 to 2001.
The Fred Rogers Company
Rogers and François Scarborough Clemmons, who played Officer Clemmons, soak their feet during a 1993 episode, recreating a moment the two shared a pool in 1969, at a time when pools were segregated.
Rogers and François Scarborough Clemmons, who played Officer Clemmons, soak their feet during a 1993 episode, recreating a moment the two shared a pool in 1969, at a time when pools were segregated.
The Fred Rogers Company
"Arthur" is another program oriented toward children. The animated aardvark has been entertaining kids since 1996.
"Arthur" is another program oriented toward children. The animated aardvark has been entertaining kids since 1996.
Courtesy Of GBH
America's "Antiques Roadshow," inspired by the British version, premiered in 1997. In an episode, Simeon Lipman, right, appraises a signed Andy Warhol collection.
America's "Antiques Roadshow," inspired by the British version, premiered in 1997. In an episode, Simeon Lipman, right, appraises a signed Andy Warhol collection.
Jeff Dunn For WGBH
"American Experience," the documentary series depicting the country's history, began airing in 1988. The nation's leaders were explored in the collection "The Presidents," including John F. Kennedy.
"American Experience," the documentary series depicting the country's history, began airing in 1988. The nation's leaders were explored in the collection "The Presidents," including John F. Kennedy.
Courtesy Of The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library And Museum, Boston
The life of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer is explored in the "American Experience" Women in American History collection.
The life of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer is explored in the "American Experience" Women in American History collection.
Ken Thompson, General Board Of Global Ministries Of The United Methodist Church
"Austin City Limits," a concert series set at The University of Texas at Austin, aired its first episode in 1975. The long-running program has hosted many music legends including Ray Charles.
"Austin City Limits," a concert series set at The University of Texas at Austin, aired its first episode in 1975. The long-running program has hosted many music legends including Ray Charles.
Courtesy Of Austin City Limits
Dolly Parton was also on the show.
Dolly Parton was also on the show. 
Courtesy Of Austin City Limits
So was B.B. King.
So was B.B. King. 
Courtesy Of Austin City Limits
And Loretta Lynn.
And Loretta Lynn. 
Courtesy Of Austin City Limits
And, more recently, Kendrick Lamar.
And, more recently, Kendrick Lamar.
Courtesy Of Austin City Limits
The documentary series "American Masters," which debuted in 1986, looks at the lives of cultural icons. The time that former Beatles member John Lennon spent in The Big Apple in the '70s is explored in "LENNONYC."
The documentary series "American Masters," which debuted in 1986, looks at the lives of cultural icons. The time that former Beatles member John Lennon spent in The Big Apple in the '70s is explored in "LENNONYC."
Provided By Bob Gruen
“James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket,” about the novelist, premiered in 1989.
“James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket,” about the novelist, premiered in 1989.
Courtesy: CSU Archives/Everett Collection
"Leonard Bernstein: Reaching for the Note" conveyed the life of the composer, pictured with conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.
"Leonard Bernstein: Reaching for the Note" conveyed the life of the composer, pictured with conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.
Heinz Weissenstein/Whitestone Photo
Pre-"Keeping up with the Kardashians," PBS aired "An American Family" in 1973, which is thought of as the first TV reality show.
Pre-"Keeping up with the Kardashians," PBS aired "An American Family" in 1973, which is thought of as the first TV reality show.
WNET
Airing as part of the primetime drama series "Masterpiece Theatre" was the edge-of-your-seat BBC show "Sherlock" (2010-2017), starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.
Airing as part of the primetime drama series "Masterpiece Theatre" was the edge-of-your-seat BBC show "Sherlock" (2010-2017), starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.
Courtesy Of Hartswood Films & MASTERPIECE
The two-season drama "Upstairs Downstairs," which chronicled the lives of a London family and their live-in help, also aired on "Masterpiece" beginning in 2011.
The two-season drama "Upstairs Downstairs," which chronicled the lives of a London family and their live-in help, also aired on "Masterpiece" beginning in 2011.
Jane Hilton
“Les Misérables,” with actors Dominic West (Jean Valjean) and David Oyelowo (Javert), aired in 2019 on PBS.
“Les Misérables,” with actors Dominic West (Jean Valjean) and David Oyelowo (Javert), aired in 2019 on PBS.
Courtesy Of Lookout Point And MASTERPIECE
The mystery series "Grantchester" debuted in 2014 and stars Robson Green as Geordie Keating, left, with Tom Brittney as Will Davenport.
The mystery series "Grantchester" debuted in 2014 and stars Robson Green as Geordie Keating, left, with Tom Brittney as Will Davenport.
Courtesy Of Kudos And MASTERPIECE
Paging Nurse Franklin! Jennifer Kirby (Nurse Valerie Dyer), Helen George (Nurse Trixie Franklin) and Leonie Elliott (Nurse Lucille Anderson) were among the midwives in the long-running BBC series "Call the Midwife," which debuted in 2012 and airs in the U.S. via PBS.
Paging Nurse Franklin! Jennifer Kirby (Nurse Valerie Dyer), Helen George (Nurse Trixie Franklin) and Leonie Elliott (Nurse Lucille Anderson) were among the midwives in the long-running BBC series "Call the Midwife," which debuted in 2012 and airs in the U.S. via PBS.
Nicky Johnston/Neal Street Productions
Bob Vila served as host for the renovation series "This Old House" from its debut in 1979 until 1989.
Bob Vila served as host for the renovation series "This Old House" from its debut in 1979 until 1989.
Courtesy Of "This Old House"
Norm Abram has served as master carpenter for the series, which is still on the air.
Norm Abram has served as master carpenter for the series, which is still on the air.
Courtesy Of "This Old House"
Filmmaker Ken Burns has created numerous documentaries for PBS.
Filmmaker Ken Burns has created numerous documentaries for PBS.
Paul Barnes
Subjects for his films include legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson.
Subjects for his films include legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson.
PROVIDED BY HULTON ARCHIVE/GETTY IMAGES
Burns' "The Central Park Five" tells the story of the teenage minorities wrongly convicted of the 1989 rape and assault of a white woman who was jogging in New York City.
Burns' "The Central Park Five" tells the story of the teenage minorities wrongly convicted of the 1989 rape and assault of a white woman who was jogging in New York City.
Christine Cornell
Hank Williams was the subject of Burns' "Country Music."
Hank Williams was the subject of Burns' "Country Music."
Country Music Public Domain Image
Burns, center, with cinematographer Buddy Squires and screenwriter Dayton Duncan, also made a film about "The National Parks: America's Best Idea."
Burns, center, with cinematographer Buddy Squires and screenwriter Dayton Duncan, also made a film about "The National Parks: America's Best Idea."
Craig Mellish
Since its debut in 2012, "Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr." has aided celebrities, like actress Melissa McCarthy, in tracing their ancestry.
Since its debut in 2012, "Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr." has aided celebrities, like actress Melissa McCarthy, in tracing their ancestry.
Courtesy Of McGee Media
Journalist Ann Curry has been a guest.
Journalist Ann Curry has been a guest.
Courtesy Of McGee Media
As has former " Law & Order " star S. Epatha Merkerson.
As has former "Law & Order" star S. Epatha Merkerson.
Courtesy Of Mcgee Media
And actor Jeff Goldblum, as well.
And actor Jeff Goldblum, as well.
Courtesy Of McGee Media
Ken Sanders assesses a beauty book by entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, America's first self-made female millionaire.
Ken Sanders assesses a beauty book by entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, America's first self-made female millionaire.
Jeff Dunn For WGBH
Journalists Jim Lehrer and Robert MacNeil teamed up for a news program which became known as "The MacNeil/Lehrer Report" and then "The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour." It was later renamed "PBS NewsHour."
Journalists Jim Lehrer and Robert MacNeil teamed up for a news program which became known as "The MacNeil/Lehrer Report" and then "The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour." It was later renamed "PBS NewsHour."
Courtesy Of PBS
"Great Performances," which debuted in 1971, celebrates the top talents in music, theater and dance. "Andrea Bocelli: Cinema" aired in Season 43.
"Great Performances," which debuted in 1971, celebrates the top talents in music, theater and dance. "Andrea Bocelli: Cinema" aired in Season 43.
Photo: Joseph Sinnott
Audra McDonald took part in "Sondheim! The Birthday Concert," which premiered in 2010.
Audra McDonald took part in "Sondheim! The Birthday Concert," which premiered in 2010.
Photo: Joseph Sinnott
Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett were at the center of Great Performances' "Cheek to Cheek LIVE!"
Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett were at the center of Great Performances' "Cheek to Cheek LIVE!"
Joseph Sinnott
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