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Austin PBS Announces New Programming Additions to Its 2024-2025 Lineup

Get a sneak peek of new original programs as well as upcoming national projects

  • By Meredith Brown
  • photos by David Brendan Hall
  • May 02, 2024
PBS Made in Austin Premier Night
PBS Made In Austin Premiere Night (photo by David Brendan Hall)

Austin PBS (KLRU-TV) rocked the house at its second annual Austin PBS Made in Austin Premiere Night at the Austin Media Center, unveiling thrilling additions to its 2024 and 2025 lineup. Community supporters got a sneak peek at new original programs and upcoming national projects, cementing the station’s status as a cultural powerhouse. Get ready for a wave of fresh content that promises to captivate audiences and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Austin.

Austin PBS Sylvia Bugg, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager of General Audience Programming
Sylvia Bugg, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager of General Audience Programming (photo by David Brendan Hall)

New Programming

During the Made in Austin event, Chet Garner, host of The Daytripper, led a panel with Austin-based filmmakers to discuss their new programs distributed by Austin PBS. Highlights include: Moon Shadow, a multi-platform educational project about the science and symbolism of eclipses; Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter, a documentary film about the journalist and vice-presidential adviser and her story of blazing professional trails while pushing forward an agenda for women’s rights; The Only Day We Have shares Allan Cole’s story of living day to day with young-onset Parkinson’s disease; Chasing the Tide, a six-part documentary series that follows wife and husband duo Chrissy and Jay Kleberg as they walk the entire length of Texas’ seven barrier islands, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the state’s coast; The Stones Are Speaking, focuses on one of the most significant cultural sites in the Western Hemisphere, The Gault Archaeological Site in Central Texas; Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience, a cinematic deep-dive into the extraordinary life and career of iconic and idiosyncratic KUTX radio host John Aielli.

PBS Made in Austin Premier Night Chet Garner
Chet Garner, host of The Daytripper, led a panel with Austin-based filmmakers to discuss their new programs (photo by David Brendan Hall)

Get ready to be captivated by Austin PBS’s newest venture: a dynamic weekly multi-platform news show, launching later this year! With a spotlight on Austin’s vibrant community, it will delve into politics, education, economy, culture, and beyond. Building upon the success of Decibel, this initiative champions community representation and engagement, promising to keep audiences deeply informed and intricately connected. Stay tuned for an immersive journey into the heart of Austin’s narrative.

Luis Patino of Austin PBS by David Brendan Hall
Luis Patiño, President and CEO of Austin PBS (photo by David Brendan Hall)

Returning Programming

Austin PBS original Overheard With Evan Smith, will wrap up Season 11 this month and begin taping for Season 12 later this year. Another fan favorite, Central Texas Gardener, will return for its 29th season. The longest-running music series in American television history, Austin City Limits, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in October 2024. Highly praised Austin PBS Original docuseries Taco Mafia launched last year and was recently awarded Best TV Series at the Mexican-American Film & Television Festival.

RELATED: “ACL TV” Reaches New Limits: A Chat With Terry Lickona About the 50th Anniversary of the Iconic Show

PBS Made in Austin Premier Night
Made in Austin Premier Night ( Photo by David Brendan Hall)

RSVP for a special concert taping

This year, Austin PBS will air a special taping featuring a night of swinging jazz with Austin’s Christian Wiggs Big Band, with special guest Benny Benack III. Community members are invited to attend the taping on May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Austin Media Center. To RSVP, visit austinpbs.org/bigbandtaping.