Television

Throughout his career as a cartoonist and editor, Art Spiegelman has never shied away from provocative storytelling in his comics.

American Masters “Art Spiegelman: Disaster is My Muse” airs Tuesday, April 15 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.

From his early art for the countercultural underground comix movement to his acclaimed graphic novel Maus, Spiegelman’s legacy in the comic arts world continues to grow and has inspired many of today’s beloved cartoonists. Discover Spiegelman’s career and how his life story inspired his groundbreaking work, even in the face of looming censorship.

The film is part of The WNET Group’s Holocaust Days of Remembrance exploring antisemitism through the history and personal stories of the Holocaust, and their impact on Jewish life and culture. Featuring archival footage and stills, illustrations and new interviews with Spiegelman, Art Spiegelman: Disaster is My Muse follows Spiegelman’s early career as co-editor of comic magazines Arcade and Raw before becoming a contributing artist for The New Yorker, as well as the origins and impact of Maus, his autobiographical work that became the first and only graphic novel to win a Pulitzer Prize.

Photo: Art and his parents, Anja and Vladek. Credit: Art Spiegelman and Françoise Mouly

Follow Scott Yoo and pianist Jan Lisiecki as they explore Chopin’s life, his Polish roots, and his journey to Paris taking a closer look at the composer’s musical evolution and his deep connection to his homeland while living in France.

Great Performances – Now Hear This “Chopin’s Polish Heart” airs Friday, April 11 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.

Fleeing Russia’s invasion of Poland, Frédéric Chopin sought safety and inspiration in Paris, where he merged the music of his Polish homeland with ideas from French Romantic-era composers and artists. Host Scott Yoo explores these connections with world-renowned Canadian-Polish pianist Jan Lisiecki, through Chopin’s letters, his original musical manuscripts, and visits to Poland and the homes he shared in France and Mallorca with the writer Aurore Dupin, known by her pen name, George Sand.

Enjoy the behind the scenes of the 1964 stage premiere of “Swan Lake,” choreographed by Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev.

Great Performances “The Magic of Nureyev” airs Friday, April 11 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.

On October 15, 1964, Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev’s “Swan Lake” took the stage at the Vienna State Opera. In his novel interpretation of this iconic ballet favorite, Nureyev revolutionized the role of the male dancer in the ballet with his choreography, seeking to be the prima ballerina’s counterpart. With great British ballerina Margot Fonteyn as his partner, Great Performances: The Magic of Nureyev features extensive excerpts from the production that was captured for posterity two years after its 1964 stage premiere. In new interviews, dancers Michael Birkmeyer and Gisela Cech, who danced alongside Nureyev at the premiere of “Swan Lake,” share personal insights on Nureyev’s peerless virtuosity as well as his mercurial off-stage personality. In addition, contemporary experts look back at Nureyev groundbreaking technique from a modern-day perspective. 

Photo: Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn with Vienna State Ballet dancers in “Swan Lake” in 1964. Credit: © UNITEL

All-Star Special Featuring Chris Stapleton, Gary Clark Jr., Billy Strings, Leon Bridges, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, Indigo Girls, Brandy Clark, Cam, Rufus Wainwright, The Mavericks, Ángela Aguilar, Eve Monsees & Sierra Hull.

Austin City Limits Celebrates 50 Years airs Friday, April 4 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

This special commemorates half a century of unforgettable performances and iconic moments with music luminaries and some of the brightest stars in the iconic live music television series five-decade history.

The capstone of the groundbreaking series golden jubilee celebrations pays tribute to this historic milestone and features dazzling new performances, heartfelt artist interviews, legendary artists and exclusive rarely-seen vintage footage from ACL’s extensive archives, highlighting iconic moments that have defined the show and shaped culture.

The program features themed highlights from ACL’s expansive show archives, each culminating with an original performance or artist interview. Segments will look back on defining moments and appearances in the show’s storied history, as well as performance milestones. 

Relive unforgettable moments in ACL history through a time capsule of clips featuring Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Nancy Griffith, Emmylou Harris, Townes Van Zandt, The Chicks, Tracy Chapman and Lauryn Hill; forecast ACL’s future via recent appearances including Kacey Musgraves, Foo Fighters, Olivia Rodrigo, Jon Batiste, Brandi Carlile, Billie Eilish, H.E.R., Noah Kahan and Jelly Roll.

Take an intimate look into the life of Liza Minnelli, best known for her Oscar-winning role in Cabaret. Following in the footsteps of her mother Judy Garland, Minnelli used her boundless raw talent to build her own legacy in showbiz.

 American Masters “LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story” re-airs Sunday, August 10 at 7 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

American Masters dives into the star’s life and career with interviews with interviews with Michael Feinstein, Ben Vereen, Mia Farrow, Darren Criss, and more.

Liza Minnelli was born in the spotlight and has spent her life entertaining audiences with her magnetic charm and formidable talents as an actress, singer and dancer. The daughter of the legendary Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli, Liza made a name for herself as an influential performer and celebrated EGOT winner, having received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and four Tony Awards. Learn how Minnelli became the star she is today, navigating professional and personal challenges with the help of extraordinary mentors in American Masters – LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story.

Featuring archival footage and stills, performance clips and new interviews with Minnelli, LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story is an intimate look into her dynamic life, from her complex relationship with her mother to her skyrocketing stardom after her Academy Award-winning role in Cabaret. The film dives into her relationships with her most trusted mentors, like Kay Thompson, Fred Ebb, Charles Aznavour, Halston and Bob Fosse, and their profound influence on Minnelli throughout her decades-long career.