A SMALL FRUIT WITH A BIG IMPACT
An independent documentary premiere on LPB
THE LOUISIANA STRAWBERRY
LPB Special Focus
Tuesday 7:00pm
In Louisiana, the strawberry is more than just a sweet treat. It is a fruit that helped shape an entire region of the state. Explore the history and the future of strawberry farming with the LPB premiere of the independent documentary THE LOUISIANA STRAWBERRY.
From independent filmmaker and Hammond native Paul Catalanotto, THE LOUISIANA STRAWBERRY explores the history of the crop, the farmers who sustain it, and the cultural traditions that have grown alongside it. From family farms to the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, the program captures how agriculture, community, and heritage intersect in Tangipahoa Parish and beyond.
Through the voices of past and present growers, the documentary highlights both the pride and the pressures of modern farming. Their stories reveal how knowledge, resilience, and tradition have allowed the strawberry industry to endure across generations, shaping not only a local economy but a shared cultural identity.
“The documentary is first and foremost a story about the farmers who work tirelessly to grow the fruit and bring it from their fields to our tables,” says Catalanotto. “The strawberry is more than a crop; it is part of our cultural identity, as essential to who we are as crawfish.”
Developed over the past year in close collaboration with LPB, Catalanotto worked alongside LPB Director of Programming Jason Viso, who served as a creative consultant in shaping the film’s narrative and storytelling approach.
“LPB strives to bring audiences films that both entertain and educate,” says Viso. “Through the experiences of these farmers, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the work, history, and legacy behind a crop that has helped define an entire region of Louisiana.”
Celebrating fifty years as Louisiana’s storyteller, LPB continues to work with independent filmmakers to share stories rooted in the state’s people and traditions.
“As a Louisiana filmmaker, premiering on LPB is a significant milestone,” adds Catalanotto. “It gives the film a platform to move from a regional audience to statewide attention, sharing the story with communities across Louisiana.”
THE EVOLUTION FROM STREET ARTIST TO ICON
The life and legacy of James Michalopoulos
MICHALOPOULOS: THE ART OF CELEBRATION
Monday 8:30pm
No artist has captured the spirit of New Orleans like James Michalopoulos. This program from WLAE-TV traces the evolution of his work—from iconic architectural paintings and celebrated portraiture to luminous French landscapes. The son of a Greek immigrant and architect, Michalopoulos’ wanderlust brought him to New Orleans four decades ago. Drawn to its beauty and decay, he forged a lifelong love affair with the city. From street artist to New Orleans' icon, his rise in the ’90s led to international acclaim, yet he chose to root himself in America’s last bastion of Bohemia. Here he champions its culture, artists, architecture, and communities - making the preservation of New Orleans’ spirit as much his legacy as his art.
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BLUE: THE LIFE AND ART OF GEORGE RODRIGUE
Saturday 10:30pm
A LOOK AHEAD TO THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE'RE IN
Friday 7:00pm | Sunday 5:00pm
The 2026 legislative session gets underway March 9th and lawmakers are already at odds over several key bills. Some of the biggest concerns are how the state will prepare for a projected massive budget shortfall and whether to dedicate more money to the LA Gator voucher program. LPB's Johnny Atkinson sits down with President of the Public Affairs Research Council, Steven Procopio, to dig into the details ahead of the opening day.
Plus, Grand Isle's oyster industry is seeing a revival thanks to new marketing and tools. Learn about Grand Isle Jewel Oysters and the growing method known as off-bottom farming.
A SNEAK PREVIEW OF YOUR NEXT MASTERPIECE OBSESSION
THE FORSYTES: AN INSIDE LOOK
Sunday 7:00pm
Go behind the scenes with the cast and creators for an extended sneak preview of the new MASTERPIECE series inspired by "The Forsyte Saga" novels. Desire, ambition and betrayal simmer at the heart of a sumptuous period drama about a wealthy stockbroking Victorian-era family, whose generations are torn between tradition and self-sacrifice versus personal happiness and the pursuit of love.
"The Forsytes on MASTERPIECE" premieres Sunday, March 22 at 8:00pm on LPB.
OTHER WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR LPB PASSPORT BENEFIT
CALL THE MIDWIFE
Season 15 Premiere
Sunday, March 22 | 7:00pm
LPB PASSPORT members can access Season 15 episodes right now with a weekly 30-day early release.
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO ON MASTERPIECE
Series Premiere
Sunday, March 22 | 9:00pm
LPB PASSPORT members can binge this show now thanks to an early Passport release.
MUSIC ACROSS MOODS
BARBRA STREISAND: TIMELESS
Thursday 7:00pm
A magical concert filmed on New Year's Eve in 1999 in Las Vegas. Staged as an original, Broadway-style musical in which Barbra looks back at her past, the production also features an orchestra conducted by the great Marvin Hamlisch.
BARRY MANILOW: LIVE BY REQUEST
Saturday 7:00pm
You've got front row seats to this consummate performer who fields call-in requests for his greatest hits during this live concert broadcast from 1996. Features all his hits along with stories and chats with the fans.
MORE DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES
Thursday 9:00pm
In MORE DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES, acclaimed "Beatle-ologist" Scott Freiman guides you, step by step, on an educational journey through several of The Beatles’ milestone albums and the fascinating stories that accompanied them. No matter how much you know about the Beatles, there's something new here for you. Episodes in the second installment include “Deconstructing a Hard Day's Night,” “A Stroll Down Penny Lane,” and “Here Come the Songs: The Evolution of George Harrison.”
WHAT TO WATCH AND WHEN
This Week on LPB
This extraordinary series from NATURE wraps up with the ultimate episode. See lionesses teach their cubs how to survive by showing them how to tackle a giant buffalo and burrowing owls who provide an underground nest for their chicks and mimic a rattlesnake's sound to protect them.
NATURE: PARENTHOOD
The Greatest Adventure | Wednesday 7:00pm
MONDAY
7pm - ANTIQUES ROADSHOW NEW In this new episode, discover amazing items that even the ROADSHOW experts have never seen. Finds include a Michelin Bibendum ad figure, a WWI surgical kit, and a 19th century southern basket.
8:30pm - MICHALOPOULOS: THE ART OF CELEBRATION Louisiana Special Focus The remarkable journey of the self-taught artist whose work has come to embody the heartbeat and spirit of New Orleans.
10pm - JOHNNY MATHIS: WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL! A concert from 2006 in celebration of his 50 years in show business.
TUESDAY
7pm - THE LOUISIANA STRAWBERRY NEW A story of history, perseverance, heritage, and how one small fruit helped shape an entire region.
8pm - MAKING OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Go behind the scenes of Ken Burns' epic exploration of the founding of America with the writers, historians, and musicians.
10pm - LUTHER VANDROSS: LIVE AT WEMBLEY It's no surprise that Luther had a record breaking 10 standing room only shows at Wembley Arena in London.
WEDNESDAY
7pm - NATURE Parenthood: The Greatest Adventure NEW A final look at a journey like no other - parenthood, where the stakes could not be higher.
8:30pm - HEAL YOUR GUT, SHARPEN YOUR MIND WITH STEPHEN GUNDRY, MD
9pm - WHY LOUISIANA AIN'T MISSISSIPPI... OR ANY PLACE ELSE! Part one of this LPB journey through Louisiana's history explores all the ways that Louisiana is like no other place in the world.
THURSDAY
7pm - BARBRA STREISAND: TIMELESS - LIVE IN CONCERT NEW The icon looks back at her past during this magical concert from 1999.
9pm - MORE DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES NEW A follow-up featuring a deep dive into milestone albums by the group.
FRIDAY
7pm - LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE'RE IN LPB SPECIAL FOCUS In-depth new coverage on important issues in the state along with Louisiana art, culture, and events.
7:30pm - WASHINGTON WEEK Roundtable discussion about the week's major news.
8pm - THE LOUISIANA STRAWBERRY NEW A story of history, perseverance, heritage, and how one small fruit helped shape an entire region.
9pm - PAVAROTTI 90: THE MAN WHO MOVED THE WORLD Artists from the worlds of opera and pop perform a concert to celebrate what would have been the acclaimed tenor's 90th birthday.
SATURDAY
5:30pm - BARRY MANILOW: LIVE BY REQUEST NEW Barry performs all "the old songs" that "even now" resonate with audiences. Superfans, "this one's for you."
8:30pm - RIVERDANCE 25TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Enjoy this stirring reinvention of the classic exploring the energy and passion of Irish music and dance.
SUNDAY
7pm - THE FORSYTES: AN INSIDE LOOK NEW A sneak peek at what is sure to be the next big MASTERPIECE hit!
8pm - ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL: SEASONS OF THE DALES One of the things people love about the series is the picturesque setting. This special takes you through the idyllic Yorkshire countryside.
9:30pm - 60s and 70s SOUL CELEBRATION Featuring The Temptations, James Brown, Patti LaBelle, Sam Moore and others.
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