MUSIC, ART, & HISTORY - SHARING THE STORIES THAT SHAPE LOUISIANA

GEORGE BELL & FRIENDS
LPB SPECIAL FOCUS
Monday 7:00pm

Trumpeter and bandleader George Bell leads an exceptional group of musicians — with featured vocalist Quiana Lynell — in a heartfelt evening of Christmas and holiday favorites. From soulful interpretations of beloved carols to lively jazz arrangements filled with Louisiana flair, the performance captures the warmth and joy of the holidays. Filmed before a live audience at the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge, this festive special blends timeless melodies with the unmistakable rhythm and spirit of jazz.

BRINGING THE ARTS TO LIFE WITH DOCUMENTARIES THAT PAINT PORTRAITS

WALTER ANDERSON
The Extraordinary Life and Art of the Islander
Monday 9:30pm

This film explores the fascinating life and unique art of Walter Anderson (1903-1965). This Louisiana native was a painter, potter, and sculptor whose genius was realized only after the posthumous discovery of hundreds of previously unknown works. Through poignant family interviews, never-before-seen artwork, and breathtaking images of his beloved Horn Island, discover the genius who has been called "the South's greatest artist." 

BLUE
The Life and Art of George Rodrigue
Tuesday 7:00pm

This documentary celebrates the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Louisiana artist George Rodrigue, whose Blue Dog paintings and vivid portrayals of Cajun culture captured the spirit of Louisiana and the imagination of audiences worldwide. Featuring rare footage and personal reflections, the film traces his journey from his “down the bayou” beginnings to international acclaim. Premiering on LPB in August 2025, the program honors a Louisiana artist whose work continues to inspire through its vibrant storytelling and deep connection to culture.

EXPLORE THE EXTRAORDINARY HISTORY OF LOUISIANA: A TWO-NIGHT EVENT

WHY LOUISIANA AIN'T MISSISSIPPI... OR ANY PLACE ELSE!
LPB SPECIAL FOCUS
Part One - Wednesday 8:30pm

It's an encore presentation of this LPB documentary exploring Louisiana's rich and diverse history. Learn all the ways our state is unique and special, and more importantly, learn why! Explore places such as Poverty Point, the swamps of Acadiana, and visit the Coushatta Pow-Wow. Plus, the founding of New Orleans, which becomes the port gateway to the New World long before Ellis Island. 

Watch for part two airing Wednesday, December 10 at 8:30pm.

Major production funding for Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… or Any Place Else! is provided through the generous support of: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, the Goldring Family Foundation, LWCC, Ochsner Health, and RoyOMartin. And by Lamar Advertising, Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana with the additional support of b1Bank. With special thanks to Lipsey’s/Haspel and All Star Automotive Group.

EXPLORING INDEPENDENT FILM IN LOUISIANA

SPIRIT OF A CULTURE: CANE RIVER CREOLES
Thursday 7:00pm

Explore the Cane River Creole community of Natchitoches Parish — a people whose deep roots and enduring traditions helped shape Louisiana’s identity. Featuring interviews and archival materials, this moving documentary from Louisiana filmmakers Bill Rodman and Flo R. Ulmer tells a story of resilience, heritage, and belonging.
 

UNEXPECTED MODERNISM: THE WIENER BROTHERS STORY
Thursday 8:30pm

Meet Samuel and William Wiener, pioneering Shreveport architects whose bold vision brought modern design to Louisiana and the South. Produced by the Louisiana Architecture Foundation, this insightful film reveals how their innovative work transformed the region’s architectural landscape.

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: LSU RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, HOUR 2
Monday 8:00pm

What's better than an episode of Antiques Roadshow? An episode shot in Louisiana!

Join us as we head back under the oaks at the LSU rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge for captivating finds including a 1995 Muhammad Ali-signed tablecloth; a Panerai Radiomir watch with Rolex movement and a Frederick Douglass letter & Free Will Baptist Church archive. One is worth up to $110,000!

EFFORTS TO HURRICANE PROOF HOMES IN COASTAL LOUISIANA

LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE'RE IN
Friday 7:00pm

Louisiana recently hit a benchmark in its efforts to prevent hurricane damage. 10,000 homes, mostly in coastal areas, now have fortified roofs thanks to the Department of Insurance's popular grant program. We hear from Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. 

LSU's Death Valley will soon host major events outside of football season. The new "Death Valley Live" series, will bring world-class concerts and marquee events to Tiger Stadium, kicking off with a March concert headlined by country star Zach Bryan. How leaders hope the move will boost tourism and the region's economy.

WHAT TO WATCH AND WHEN: THIS WEEK ON LPB

A double-dose of great news for fans of this cheeky detective series!
Get ready for the Season 6 premiere (Sunday, January 11) by catching up with a binge-able encore of Season 5. With "the Duke" out of the picture, there's a new Detective Inspector on the scene, Alexander Blake. Eliza must navigate building a relationship with him if she's going to continue to have access to police resources, but of course, he doesn't make it easy for her! 

MISS SCARLET ON MASTERPIECE | SEASON 5 ENCORE
Episodes 1 & 2 | Sunday 7:00pm
Episodes 3 - 6 | Sunday, December 14, 7:00pm - 12:00am

BUT WAIT! ARE YOU READY TO WATCH SEASON 6? READ ON TO FIND OUT HOW!
Miss Scarlet Season 6 has its broadcast premiere on Sunday, January 11, 2026, but you will be able to stream all six episodes beginning Sunday, December 7 when you watch with LPB PASSPORT. LPB PASSPORT is an exclusive benefit of membership to Friends of LPB. With it, you gain extended streaming windows of some of the most popular programs from PBS as well as the occasional early release binge opportunity!

MONDAY

7pm - GEORGE BELL & FRIENDS: HOLIDAY JAZZ  LPB SPECIAL FOCUS  Kick-off the holidays with a concert celebration of Louisiana talent. 
8pm -  ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Head back to the year Roadshow came to LSU Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge. Hour 2 of more Louisiana finds. 
9:30pm -  WALTER ANDERSON: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND ART OF THE ISLANDER   The life of the beloved watercolor artist from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. 
 

TUESDAY

7pm - BLUE: THE LIFE AND ART OF GEORGE RODRIGUE  LPB SPECIAL FOCUS   His famous “Blue Dog” became an iconic symbol of Louisiana. Learn the story of the man behind the painting.
8:30pm - CHANGE YOUR BRAIN, CHANGE YOUR PAIN WITH DANIEL AMEN, MD
10pm -ALL NEW ROCK, POP, AND DOO WOP  Performers include Ronnie Spector, Frankie Valli, Jerry Butler and Little Anthony & The Imperials. 

WEDNESDAY

7pm -  MISTER ROGERS: IT'S YOU I LIKE  Memories of the beloved creator of the landmark children's series.  Hosted by Michael Keaton who once worked on the series. 
8:30pm -  WHY LOUISIANA AIN'T MISSISSIPPI... OR ANY PLACE ELSE! Explore the history, people, and places that make Louisiana so unique in part one of this LPB docuseries. 
11pm -  ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Head back to the year Roadshow came to LSU Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge. Hour 2 of more Louisiana finds. 

THURSDAY

7pm -  SPIRIT OF A CULTURE: CANE RIVER CREOLES   The struggle of the Cane River Creole identity struggle from colonial French Louisiana to the modern day Creole led multicultural renaissance. 
8:30pm - UNEXPECTED MODERNISM: THE WIENER BROTHERS STORY Learn about the brothers that made Shreveport an early hub of International Modernist design. 
9:30pm - ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL: CHEERS TO THE YEARS  Just the program to get you ready for the season premiere in January!
 

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 -  CELTIC TENORS: LIVE AT THE EMPIRE  Irish tenors perform opera, classical, pop, and Irish traditional music in their signature harmony-rich style. 
9:30pm - ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Head back to the year Roadshow came to LSU Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge. Hour 2 of more Louisiana finds. 

SATURDAY

7pm -  60s AND 70s SOUL CELEBRATION    The Temptations, James Brown, Patti LaBelle, The Chi-Lites, The Spinners, and more. 
9pm - SPIRIT OF A CULTURE: CANE RIVER CREOLES   The struggle of the Cane River Creole identity struggle from colonial French Louisiana to the modern day Creole led multicultural renaissance. 

 

SUNDAY

7pm -  MISS SCARLET ON MASTERPIECE  Season 5 Marathon Alert - Episode 1 finds a new Detective Inspector in Scotland Yard. Eliza has to prove herself all over again!
8:14pm-  MISS SCARLET ON MASTERPIECE  Season 5 Marathon Alert - Episode 2 finds Eliza tasked with solving the murder of a high profile private detective with a closet full of skeletons. THE NEXT 4 EPISODES AIR NEXT SUNDAY!

ENJOY SOME SWEET FUN WITH THE LPB EDUCATION TEAM WHEN IT WORKS BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY!

GINGERBREAD JOY PLAY & LEARN
Now Streaming

In this festive Play & Learn, we kick things off with a fun video clip from Pinkalicious & Peterrific as they create a magical gingerbread house for a big contest. Then it’s your turn! Families build their own gingerbread village using recycled boxes—proof that creativity and holiday magic can come from anything. Next, we head to the kitchen to cook and decorate our very own gingerbread men, filling the room with warm spices, giggles, and sticky fingers. 

Finally, listen to a delightful read-aloud of How to Catch a Gingerbread Man, the perfect ending to a day of imagination, learning, and delicious fun.

STREAM HOLIDAY FAVORITES WITH YOUR KIDS

ARTHUR'S PERFECT CHRISTMAS

Enjoy the holidays with your kids by watching or streaming holiday-themed movies featuring some of your favorite PBS KIDS characters. In Arthurs Perfect Christmas, plans are underway in Elwood City for the best holidays ever as Arthur, DW, their family and friends make preparations for perfect gifts, perfect parties and perfect family traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even "Baxter Day" (Buster and his mom's special celebration). The only problem is, just like in real life, perfection is hard to attain and things start to fall apart.

Arthur is designed to encourage an interest in reading and writing, foster positive social skills, and to model age-appropriate problem-solving strategies.