WXXI TV

This 30th anniversary special features new footage of America’s best railway adventures.

Great Scenic Railway Journeys 30th Anniversary Special airs Saturday, December 7 at 2 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

In this 30th anniversary special, you’ll gain access to some of America’s best railway adventures, from the Rocky Mountaineer to the Skyrail. More than just a tour, these stories offer a glimpse into our nation’s railroad history and explore how railroads defined the spirit of North America, creating a new industry and rewriting the history of transportation.

Photo: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad No. 1309 • Credit: American Public Television

Joe Bonamassa made his highly anticipated live debut at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, accompanied by a stellar ensemble of 40 orchestra members. 

Joe Bonamassa & Orchestra: Live at the Hollywood Bowl airs Thursday, June 13 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

The three-time Grammy nominee has topped the Billboard blues charts a record-breaking 26 times with his signature take on the blues. 

Photo: Joe Bonamassa Credit: Jenise Jensen

Travel the world and meet artisans who pour passion and skill into everything they make.

Italy Made with Love airs Saturday, March 9 at 3:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Explore the passion and pride of Italian artisans, from hat makers in Tuscany to truffle hunters in Umbrian forests to pasta chefs in Bologna. Stewards of Italian traditions, they proudly pass down their finely honed skills from one generation to the next. The program offers an up-close and personal look at the impact these families have had throughout Italy, past and present.

Photo: Potter Credit: PBS

 Mustang. Appaloosa. Morgan. Quarter Horse. American horses are icons.

Nature: American Horses airs Wednesday, February 28 at 8 p .m. on WXXI-TV.

Follow the history of the uniquely American horse breeds that helped shape our nation and meet the people who are continuing in the long tradition of caring for them.

Photo: Equus ferus Credit: Nature/PBS

Rediscovers America’s national wonders on a modern-day quest to unveil mysteries, uncover age-old legends, and reignite the rich history of exploration and conservation in the United States — all through the lens of a 19th-century book.

America: The Land We Live In airs Monday, February 26 at 8 p .m. on WXXI-TV.

One-hundred fifty years ago, a group of daring writers and artists set out across the country on an adventure to discover the “picturesque.” Their goal: to return with epic stories and drawings of their discoveries and inspire people to set out on their own to explore the beauty and wonder of the land and cities. Picturesque America, a gold-leafed, leather-bound compendium of their intrepid tales and intricate engravings, became the very first travel guide of America. 

America: The Land We Live In takes you on a present-day treasure hunt to retrace the steps of those early explorers. Co-hosts Scott “Doc” Varn and Sophia Michelen— with the help of locals and experts — follow clues hidden in the original text and artwork of Picturesque America to uncover the “then and now” of these locations while exploring the culture, history, and beauty in each place.

Photo: Doc Varn and Sophia Michelen  • Credit: Courtesy of World Life Productions

Recognize these illustrations?

These illustrations of Rochester were pulled from Picturesque America – a 19th century travel guide that celebrated the history, culture, and beauty of America. The program takes you on a treasure hunt across the country to rediscover locations from 150 years ago. Clues to find these sites are hidden in the engravings and tales of the guide book. How have the locations in the illustrations below changed in 150 years? The producers would love to know. Snap a photo, share it on Facebook and tag @americathelandwelivein and @wxxirochester, or use the hashtag #AmericaTheLandWeLiveIn.

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Join neuroscientist and bestselling author Dr. Lisa Genova to discover ways to enhance brain health for the rest of your life.

Supercharge Your Brain: Maximizing Your Cognitive Abilities airs Sunday, February 25 at 1 p .m. on WXXI-TV.

Packed with actionable, science-backed steps, the program is a roadmap for improving brain health through lifelong learning.

Discover the enduring friendship between television personality Dick Cavett and his mentor iconic comedian Groucho Marx. 

American Masters: Groucho & Cavett airs Sunday, January 5 at 1 p .m. on WXXI-TV.

Groucho & Cavett explores the enduring friendship between Emmy Award-winning television personality Dick Cavett and iconic comedian Groucho Marx.Cavett, a writer for Jack Parr on The Tonight Show, met Marx at the funeral of playwright George S. Kaufman in 1961. When Cavett made the transition from writer to comedian in 1965, he was encouraged and mentored by Marx. In 1968, Cavett became the host of his own talk show and Marx became a frequent guest capturing what Cavett calls, “the last of Groucho’s greatness.” Groucho & Cavett chronicles the pair’s relationship through new interviews with Cavett, footage from Marx’s visits to The Dick Cavett Show and other rare recordings.

Photo: Groucho Marx and Dick Cavett • Credit: PBS