Inspired by real events and set in the 1920s, follow an ensemble of characters who hustle, dream, cross borders and pursue their ambitions in the fight for liberation – on and off the railways that crossed North America.

The Porter airing Thursdays, February 6-March 27 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

This eight-episode series is a stirring, fast-paced exploration of Black empowerment and self-determination, offering a dramatic and compelling look at the lives of train porters, their families, and a community striving for success and equality. From Montreal to Chicago, and every stop in between, THE PORTER is the story of a movement that gave birth to the first Black union in the world. Winning a record-setting 12 Canadian Screen Awards, the series stars Aml Ameen (Sense8; The Maze Runner), Ronnie Rowe (Star Trek: Discovery), Alfre Woodard (St. Elsewhere; Luke Cage; 12 Years A Slave; Black Panther), and Mouna Traoré (The Umbrella Academy).

Episode Descriptions:

Episode One • February 6 : Train porters and best friends Junior Massey and Zelenskiy Garrett are galvanized to take different—and dangerous—actions after a tragedy occurs on the job.

Episode Two • February 13 : Junior finds himself in debt to notorious Chicago gangster Miss Queenie; Zeke takes a risk to advance his cause; Lucy’s new relationship impacts her career; Marlene makes an unlikely friend.

Episode Three • February 20 : Junior starts a gambling sideline backed by Queenie; Zeke’s pursuit of union integration costs the community; Lucy finds her Stardust dream at risk; Marlene campaigns for an essential medical clinic.

Episode Four • February 27: Junior gets a chilling glimpse at Queenie’s capacity for violence. Zeke and Marlene’s road-trip reignites an old spark. Lucy’s big debut as a featured performer makes her contemplate a different path.

Episode Five • March 6: Queenie tries to keep Junior close. Fay offers Marlene some help for her clinic. Zeke’s proximity to Edwards leads to a devastating truth. Lucy may have found her ticket to the big time.

Episode Six • March 13: Junior takes a risky new angle on Queenie’s numbers game. Marlene’s split focus leads to a mother’s worst nightmare. Zeke seizes an opportunity to show the power of unity. Lucy bets on herself.

Episode Seven • March 20 : Dinger blackmails Junior. A brothel raid puts Marlene and her clinic in jeopardy. Zeke leverages an unlikely ally to put integration to a vote. Lucy’s new shot at stardom could cost her everything.

Episode Eight • March 27: Junior tries to eliminate his greatest threats; Marlene’s efforts to reconcile with Fay could be too late; Lucy faces the consequences of her betrayal; Zeke makes a final plea for union integration.

Photo: Ronnie Rowe, Jr. as Zeke and Ami Ameen as Junior with additional cast. • Credit: Shauna Towney