THE EVOLUTION FROM STREET ARTIST TO ICON
MICHALOPOULOS: THE ART OF CELEBRATION
Wednesday 7:00pm
Join us for the LPB premiere of this intimate and visually stunning documentary on the remarkable self-taught artist James Michalopoulos — a visionary whose bold expressionistic work has come to embody the heartbeat and spirit of New Orleans.
The son of a Greek immigrant and a prominent architect, Michalopoulos arrived in New Orleans more than four decades ago, drawn by an unshakable sense of wanderlust. Fascinated by the city’s striking contrast of beauty and decay, he began a lifelong love affair with New Orleans — a place that would become both his muse and the foundation of his artistic identity.
Working from his French Quarter studio, Michalopoulos soon earned international acclaim. His paintings have been exhibited in New York, London, Geneva, and Venice, and he has operated galleries in San Francisco, Boston, Maui, and France, drawing collectors from around the world. Yet despite global recognition, he has remained deeply rooted in New Orleans, championing its culture, artists, architecture, and neighborhoods. His commitment to preserving the city’s spirit is as central to his legacy as his art.
“James Michalopoulos is one of the defining artistic voices of New Orleans, and his work reflects the color, rhythm, and resilience that makes Louisiana unique,” said Jason Viso, Director of Programming for Louisiana Public Broadcasting. “Bringing Michalopoulos: The Art of Celebration to LPB allows us to share an extraordinary Louisiana story with viewers across the state during our 50th Anniversary year.”
Produced by WLAE-TV, an LPB-affiliated station in New Orleans, and 6th Street Studios, the award-winning team behind Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue, Irma Thomas: The Soul Queen of New Orleans, and Fats Domino: Walking Back to New Orleans, the film captures the evolution of Michalopoulos’ artistic vision and the profound impact his work has had on Louisiana’s cultural landscape.
A LOOK AHEAD TO BOWL GAME MATCHUPS PLUS THE HEAD COACH SHUFFLE.
GAME NOTES: 2025 SPECIAL WRAP-UP EDITION
Friday 8:00pm
LPB presents a special college football season wrap-up edition of GAME NOTES, putting a bow on the 2025 season. The one-hour special features season recaps and a look ahead to next year, with exclusive one-on-one interviews with NSU Head Coach Blaine McCorkle, Nicholls Head Coach Tommy Rybacki, SLU Head Coach Frank Scelfo, Louisiana Head Coach Michael Desormeaux, and ULM Head Coach Bryant Vincent.
The program also includes conversations with outgoing Tulane Head Coach Jon Sumrall as he leaves Tulane for Florida, as well as new Tulane Head Coach Will Hall.
Viewers will hear comments from new LSU Head Coach Lane Kiffin from his introductory press conference, along with insight from LSU Interim Head Coach Frank Wilson as the Tigers prepare for the Houston Bowl, and remarks from new Southern Head Coach Marshall Faulk.
Louisiana Tech Head Coach Sonny Cumbie discusses his team’s upcoming Independence Bowl appearance, and the special features highlights from the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 68 Ventures Bowl matchup against Delaware.
This jam-packed, 60-minute special says goodbye to the 2025 season and looks ahead to the 2026 season and Season Two of GAME NOTES, only on LPB.
LOUISIANA: THE STATE WE'RE IN
Friday 7:00pm
This week on Louisiana: The State We're In, we're getting in the holiday spirit. LPB's Christina Jensen and Johnny Atkinson toured the state looking for unique Christmas events.
Johnny catches a ride on a swamp tour led by Papa Noel himself. He'll take you on a ride through the Atchafalaya Basin to show how Louisiana's natural beauty blends with holiday cheer.
Meanwhile, Christina heads to the town of Calhoun for a drive down Candy Cane Lane. What began as a labor of love by the Hanson family has grown into a beloved Christmas tradition for people across the state.
THE SEASON SHINES BRIGHT WITH THESE HOLIDAY-THEMED PROGRAMS
HOPE OF THE SEASON
Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir
Monday 7:00pm
Special guests at this year's concert are renowned film and television actor Dennis Haysbert and Tony Award–winning actress Ruthie Ann Miles. With the Choir, Orchestra, Bells at Temple Square, and the Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble, all joined together to celebrate inspiring Christmas stories of hope and love in action.
GEORGE BELL & FRIENDS
Thursday 8:00pm
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.
GREAT PERFORMANCES
Nutcracker from English National Ballet
Tuesday 7:00pm
Experience a new Nutcracker set against an Edwardian London backdrop. This reimagination of the classic centralizes Clara throughout while still respecting the traditions, narrative beats, and of course the score of the classic story.
MARY BERRY'S ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS
Saturday 9:00am
British home cook Mary Berry prepares the ultimate Christmas feast with all of the trimmings and faces her greatest challenge yet: can she convert some children over to loving Brussels sprouts?
A DOUBLE DOSE OF HYACINTH FOR THE HOLIDAYS
KEEPING UP APPEARANCES
Saturday 7:00 & 7:30pm
What can make the holidays even merrier? A double-dose of Christmas specials from Keeping Up Appearances!
In the first episode Hyacinth has managed to talk poor Richard into wearing the Father Christmas outfit. But wait! Who is that Hyacinth ends up kissing underneath the mistletoe?
Then in an episode from 1995, Hyacinth takes charge of the local Christmas pageant, casting herself in the lead role naturally. The Church Hall is soon in pandemonium.
AND DON'T MISS BACK-TO-BACK EPISODES OF A NEW COMEDY
HAPPINESS
Series Premiere
Saturday 8:00 & 8:30pm
Broadway director and golden boy Charlie Summers has come home to New Zealand. And he’s devastated. After 20 years working his way up to the top of the musical theatre world, he has found himself back in his childhood bedroom and back helping his mother, Gaye, at the local community musical theater. The eclectic cast and crew there may lack professional skills, but certainly don’t lack passion.
WHAT TO WATCH AND WHEN ON LPB THIS WEEK
He is one of the most electrifying performers to ever walk the stage for ACL and he's a Louisianan. Jon Batiste is back with an ecstatic performance of songs from his latest album Big Money. Want a little taste of what to expect? Watch this performance of the title track on the ACL YouTube channel!
SPECIAL NIGHT & TIME
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS: JON BATISTE | MONDAY 10:00 PM
MONDAY
7pm - HOPE OF THE SEASON: CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR Classic Christmas carols are combined with a contemporary story on giving back.
8:30pm - DEATH IN PARADISE We go back to 2023 for this Christmas special when Neville's mom comes to town to bring a little Christmas cheer to her son.
10pm - AUSTIN CITY LIMITS - Jon Batiste LPB SPECIAL FOCUS The New Orleans native rocks the house...again!
TUESDAY
7pm - GREAT PERFORMANCES Nutcracker from English National Ballet The beloved classic score with updated choreography and story.
8pm - AMERICAN MASTERS Ten Times Better An American Masters short on the story of George Lee - a pioneering Asian dancer who originated a featured role in The Nutcracker 70 years ago.
9pm - FRONTLINE Strike on Iran: The Nuclear Question Investigating Iran's nuclear program in the aftermath of the U.S. and Israeli strikes.
10pm - GREENLAND: SURVIVAL AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD Exploring the effects of climate change on this stark and beautiful landscape.
WEDNESDAY
7pm - MICHALOPOULOS: THE ART OF CELEBRATION LPB SPECIAL FOCUS The story of the self-taught artist and his lifelong love affair with New Orleans - the city that became his muse.
8:30pm - NATURE Santa's Wild Home Explore Lapland, Finland - fabled land of Santa Claus and actual home to reindeer and more!
9:30pm - NOVA: Polar Extremes A trail of seemingly out-of-place fossils tell the bizarre story of the poles.
THURSDAY
7pm - FATHER BROWN Father Brown and Flambeau hunt for a priceless holy relic as a new nemesis lurks in the shadows.
7:45pm - LA VEILLÉE LPB SPECIAL FOCUSA weekly look at the happenings, culture, and people of French-speaking Louisiana.
8pm - GEORGE BELL & FRIENDS: HOLIDAY JAZZ LPB SPECIAL FOCUS A concert celebration full of Louisiana talent featuring soulful interpretations of beloved carols and lively jazz arrangements full of Louisiana flair.
9pm - BROKENWOOD MYSTERIES When the coffin is opened at Declan's funeral, what is revealed is not his body but that of a young woman.
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 - GAME NOTES: 2025 SPECIAL WRAP-UP EDITION A look ahead to bowl matchups and the head coach shuffle.
9pm - MICHALOPOULOS: THE ART OF CELEBRATION LPB SPECIAL FOCUS The story of the self-taught artist and his lifelong love affair with New Orleans - the city that became his muse.
SATURDAY
7pm - KEEPING UP APPEARANCES It's Christmas and Hyacinth has it all under control except Daddy has gotten a bit tipsy and is making passes at the ladies in the church rectory.
7:30pm - KEEPING UP APPEARANCES It's the church Christmas play and who better to be in charge than Hyacinth?
8pm - HAPPINESS ALL NEW After a setback on Broadway, director Charlie Summers returns to his hometown, where he reluctantly joins the amateur musical theater society.
8:30pm - HAPPINESS Charlie's desperation to get back to Broadway draws him into Pizazz's rehearsals for "The Trojan Horse."
9pm - CHRISTMAS CAROLE A fun take on the classic tale, but Ebenezer is actually a very busy entrepreneur and businesswoman.
10pm - SANTA SCHOOL A closer look at an intensive workshop that teaches would be St. Nicks how to be Santa.
SUNDAY
5:30pm - MICHALOPOULOS: THE ART OF CELEBRATION LPB SPECIAL FOCUS The story of the self-taught artist and his lifelong love affair with New Orleans - the city that became his muse.
7pm - ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL ON MASTERPIECE Season 5 Marathon Alert - Episode 1 and a medical scare keeps James' feet firmly planted on the ground.
8:13pm- ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL ON MASTERPIECE Season 5 Marathon Alert - Episode 2 and James and Carmody have a new helper on their rounds - Baby Jimmy.
9:30pm - ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL ON MASTERPIECE Season 5 Marathon Alert- Episode 3 and there is a surprise visitor on Jimmy's Christening Day.
10:43pm - ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL ON MASTERPIECE Season 5 Marathon Alert- Episode 4 and James has to confront some unresolved feelings about the war.
COZY WINTER AMBIENCE - COURTESY OF SOME OF YOUR PBS FAVORITES!
ALL CREATURES YULE LOG
Honestly, what could be better?
This is 30 minutes of nothing but the gentle pops from a crackling fire and a couple of cozy creatures that will sooth your soul.
DONKEY HODIE YULE LOG
When you need something a little fun for the kids. Sometimes soothing, sometimes joyful, this is three hours of holiday cheer from our friends at Fred Rogers Productions.