WXXI TV

A Wider World • WXXI-TV

A trusted source of information for individuals, their families, and loved ones with disabilities.

A Wider World airs Saturday, January 27 at 9:30 a.m. on WXXI-TV.

This series focuses on inspirational tales, stigma busting, cutting edge treatment options and assisting technology, veterans issues, sports, and other stories that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the abilities of all. In this episode, we learn about the importance of wearing a helmet when participating in winter sports.

This children’s program is presented as part of Dialogue on Disability, a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies – in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series. Dialogue on Disability is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation. The weeklong initiative runs January 22 through January 28, 2024.

WXXI and Al Sigl have been hosting Dialogue on Disability since 2005. In 2014, with the support of businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation, Move to Include™ was formed. This initiative enables WXXI to present and develop programming that promotes inclusion year round.

Hero Elementary: Looking Super /Schmubble Trouble • WXXI-TV

When a self-flying cape escapes from the store selling it, Sparks’ Crew teams up with the famous hero, Hail Caesar, to search for it. But, it isn’t easy, since the cape is very good at hiding. It will take super observation skills to find it.

Hero Elementary: Looking Super /Schmubble Trouble airs Tuesday, January 25 at 1 p.m. on WXXI-TV

Then in the second half of the episode, Benny has a case of the “Schmubbles,” a bubble cold that causes bubbles to shoot out of his hands uncontrollably. When AJ, Lucita, and Sara get caught in Schmubble Bubbles, they must make their way through Citytown inside of bubbles they can’t pop.

This children’s program is presented as part of Dialogue on Disability, a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies – in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series. Dialogue on Disability is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation. The weeklong initiative runs January 22 through January 28, 2024.

The Story of Queen Victoria • WXXI-TV

Binge all three episodes of this series that uncover the truth about the life and love of one Britain’s greatest ever monarchs.

The Story of Queen Victoria airs Sunday, January 21 at 1 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Queen Victoria was a woman of tremendous passion who battled personal demons; a dutiful monarch and groundbreaking global ruler; and devoted wife and matriarch — all at the same time. Visiting royal residences Kensington Palace and Osborne House, experts uncover the truth about the fashion, food, family, love and power of one Britain’s greatest ever monarchs. Narrated by Miriam Margolyes.

Illustration: Queen Victoria • Credit: Provided by APT

20 Things to Do in Midsomer Before You Die • WXXI-TV

Midsomer Murders stars past and present discuss working on the series and reminisce.

20 Things to Do in Midsomer Before You Die airs Saturday, January 20 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV

Presented by John Nettles (DCI Tom Barnaby in Season 1-13), the Midsomer Murders 20th anniversary special features stars past and present as they discuss working on the popular British drama and reminisce about their favorite moments and stories from set.

Photo: Title card • Credit: PBS

Benjamin Franklin • WXXI-TV

Explore the revolutionary life of one of the 18th century’s most consequential figures in this two-part series from Ken Burns.

Benjamin Franklin airs Fridays, January 19 and 26 at 8:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Ken Burns’ two-part, four-hour documentary, “Benjamin Franklin,” explores the revolutionary life of one of the18th century’s most consequential and compelling personalities, whose work and words unlocked the mystery of electricity and helped create the United States.

Photo: Portrait of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Wilson, 1785. Credit: Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State

Muhummad Ali

This four-part documentary brings to life the iconic heavyweight boxing champion who became an inspiration to people everywhere.

Muhammad Ali, a four-part documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, airs Thursdays, February 1-22, 2024 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

The film follows the life of one of the most consequential men of the 20th century, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who captivated billions of fans with his combination of speed, agility, and power in the ring, and his charm, wit, and outspokenness outside of it. At the height of his fame, Ali challenged Americans’ racial prejudices, religious biases, and notions about what roles celebrities and athletes play in our society, and inspired people all over the world with his message of pride and self-affirmation.

As with all Florentine Films productions, an accomplished group of historians, writers, and other topic experts provided input on the script and film, including USC professor of media studies Todd Boyd, author Howard Bryant, Washington University history professor Gerald Early, long-time Burns collaborator, and author Geoffrey C. Ward, Rutgers journalism professor Khadijah White, MIT history professor Craig Wilder, and writer David Zirin. Jonathan Eig, a biographer of Ali, was a consulting producer to the film.

Drawing from an extraordinary trove of archival footage and photographs, contemporary music, and the insights and memories of eyewitnesses—including family and friends, journalists, boxers and historians, among others—Burns, Burns and McMahon have created a sweeping portrait of an American icon. The series details the story of the athlete who called himself—and was considered by many to be—”the greatest of all time” and competed in some of the most dramatic and widely viewed sporting events ever, including “The Fight of the Century” and “The Thrilla in Manila,” both against his great rival Joe Frazier, and “The Rumble in the Jungle,” in which he defeated George Foreman to regain the heavyweight title that was stripped from him seven years earlier. Muhammad Alialso captures Ali’s principled resistance to the Vietnam War, his steadfast commitment to his Muslim faith, and his complex relationships with Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X, who profoundly shaped his life and worldview.

Tutankhamun: Allies & Enemies • WXXI-TV

Explore the mysteries of King Tut’s life and burial on the centennial of his tomb’s opening.

Tutankhamun: Allies & Enemies airs Tuesday, January 16 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV

Egyptian Archeologist Dr. Yasmin El Shazly and Mahmoud Rashad meet with historians and scientists to inspect historical inconsistencies.

NYS Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King • WXXI-TV

Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King with an hour-long special.

NYS Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King airs Monday, January 15 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV

Join your colleagues, friends, and the community for the broadcast of the 2024 New York State Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute. This year’s observance will focus on four pillars: Resilience, Service, Faith/Unity, and Empowerment. These pillars serve as the theme for an exciting, hour-long tribute to Dr. King, highlighting people and organizations from across the state who are inspired by his teachings and continue to bring them to life in the present day.

Photo: Title card • Provided by PBS