WXXI TV

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

In the season finale, James tries to get home for Christmas and Skeldale House prepares for a new arrival.

All Creatures Great and Small: On a Wing and a Prayer airs Sunday, February 18 at 9 p .m. on WXXI-TV.

Please note: Due to the extended length of the season finale, Farewell Doc Martin will not air immediately after at 10 p.m. as originally scheduled. Instead, WXXI-TV will air Fantastic New York: Boldt Castle at 10:30 p.m.

Photo: Helen Herriot (Rachel Shenton) and James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) • Credit: Helen Williams; Playground Entertainment and MASTERPIECE.

Celebrate 20 years at Walt Disney Concert Hall with the LA Phil in a tribute to its architect.

Great Performances: The LA Phil Celebrates Frank Gehry airs Friday, February 16 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Led by Gustavo Dudamel, the concert includes a piece composed and conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen, performances by Herbie Hancock and H.E.R., and more

Photo: Frank Gehry and Gustavo Dudamel • Credit: PBS

Follow this intimate two-part series profiling Princess Margaret.

Margaret: The Rebel Princess airs Saturdays, February 10 and 17 at 10:45 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

This intimate two-part series profiles Princess Margaret, whose life and loves reflected the social and sexual revolution that transformed the western world during the 20th century.

Photo:  Princess Margaret • Credit: PBS