Walt Disney Tribute Among PBS' 2015 Fall Primetime Schedule

PBS' Fall 2015 primetime schedule offers delights in all genres - from drama to the performing arts to sumptuous nature and Science programs - anchored by the story of America's most legendary filmmaker and his magical legacy in "Walt Disney" on AMERICAN EXPERIENCE (watch the trailer here), and the enthralling new MASTERPIECE drama "Indian Summers," featuring acclaimed actress Julie Walters. In November, PBS celebrates America's diverse musical history in AMERICAN EPIC, which documents the roots of modern music, and premieres Latin-infused arrangements in UNITY - THE LATIN TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON, a concert special that showcases songs from Tony Succar's album of the same name.

PBS will roll out new season programming at the Television Critics Association Press Tour, August 1 and 2, with a star-studded lineup of actors, performers, producers and directors from its new Civil War drama, MERCY STREET (premieres January 2016), INDEPENDENT LENS, "Downton Abbey" on MASTERPIECE (January 2016), the PBS ARTS FALL FESTIVAL, AMERICAN MASTERS, music documentary AMERICAN EPIC (watch a clip here) and more. Those slated to appear to date include Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren in conjunction with "India's Daughter"; 11-time Grammy Award nominee Vanessa Williams with a panel and performance for "Show Boat"; the legendary television writer/producer Norman Lear for an AMERICAN MASTERS special profiling his life and work, slated for Fall 2016; Phil Rosenthal for I'LL HAVE WHAT PHIL'S HAVING; Steven Moffat and Sue Vertue for "Sherlock" on MASTERPIECE (airdate TBD.); cultural historian and author of Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination Neal Gabler and Disney film producer Don Hahn for "Walt Disney" on AMERICAN EXPERIENCE.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's assassination and the end of the Civil War, PBS presents a re-mastered, high-definition version of producer and director Ken Burns's groundbreaking and award-winning film THE CIVIL WAR. The epic documentary will be rebroadcast over five consecutive nights in September, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of its original broadcast in 1990. Also in September, GORONGOSA PARK Rebirth of Paradise (watch a clip here) documents the revival of Mozambique's national park after years of civil war in that country. PBS also explores the natural history of the U.S. and the globe with NOVA "Making North America" and EARTH'S NATURAL WONDERS.

The fifth season of the PBS ARTS FALL FESTIVAL, hosted by international music superstar Gloria Estefan, premieres October 9 with new programs coming from GREAT PERFORMANCES, including "Billy Elliott: The Musical," LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER, and other specials, such as FIRST YOU DREAM - THE MUSIC OF KANDER & EBB and UNITY - THE LATIN TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON. Also premiering in October is THE BRAIN WITH DAVID EAGLEMAN (watch a clip here.) In the three-part series, the scientist and Youtube sensation explores the synapses and impulses that make up humanity's endlessly fascinating and most complex organ.

"PBS has the very best shows this fall, from historic dramas to true-life mysteries to extraordinary live performances and more," says Beth Hoppe, PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming. "It's a season that highlights what we do best as we revisit Ken Burns's seminal masterpiece film, introduces new epic series like "Indian Summers," and surprises us with fresh takes on things we thought we knew, like the legacy of Walt Disney or the musicians profiled in AMERICAN EPIC. When viewers want to be entertained, learn, laugh and cry, all week long, they turn to PBS."

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