It's been a stressful year. Our cups have been overflowing. Oh, and hello, I’m David. I started working at OETA right as we went into quarantine. I've always loved PBS but never knew the extent of shows, documentaries, movies, and programs that were available.
I’ve found several relaxing shows that have helped my family (including a 13-month-old) chill out. Sometimes, we just need some chill in our lives. Even it's just thirty minutes. The phrase "Take a thirty!" is popular in our household, as we have been on lockdown for the past six months. We are all over-stressed and and it feels as if calming moments are rare. It feels like we all need to - collectively - "take a thirty."
OETA has programming that almost feels specific to this. It's not binge-watching, but more about taking some time to tune in to something beautiful, relaxing, inspiring, and super chill. Scroll down for 10 of our favorite PBS programs that you can stream now, they all go great with a nice cup of tea.
The Great British Baking Show
Follow the trials and tribulations of passionate amateur bakers whose goal is to be named the U.K.'s best. Each week on The Great British Baking Show, the bakers tackle a different skill, the difficulty of which increases as the competition unfolds.
The French Chef
Now chefs of all ages and abilities can share Julia Child's love of fine French food and learn to cook some of her most loved dishes with The French Chef, as well as never-before-seen outtakes and other footage shot in Provence and Paris, France for the 1970s series. Julia Child vibes, people.
Antiques Roadshow
There's nothing better than soaking up the story behind an appraisal on Antiques Roadshow. The "Vintage" shows are fantastic viewing.
Rick Steves' Europe
Rick Steves, America's leading authority on European travel, returns to transport viewers to the continent's bustling cities, quaint villages, and picturesque countryside. It's like a vacation from your couch.
American Masters
American Masters examines the lives, works, and creative processes of outstanding artists. A few of our favorite episodes include Elizabeth Murray, Rothko, and John Lennon.
Craft in America
Craft in America explores the vitality, history, and significance of the craft movement in the United States and its impact on our nation's rich cultural heritage. Capturing the beauty, creativity, and originality of craftsmanship, the film highlights artists and explores the inter-relationship of what they do, how they do it, and why they have chosen a life of creating art. We highly recommend the QUILTS episode which you can watch below.
The National Parks: America's Best Idea
From Ken Burns, The National Parks: America's Best Idea is the story of an idea as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence and just as radical: that the most special places in the nation should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone.
NATURE
All things PBS Nature are just the best. There are a slew of short films, videos, and documentaries to stream. Highlighted below, from Origins, is Equus: Story of the Horse. A great place to start.
NOVA
NOVA produces in-depth science programming in the form of one-hour documentaries and long-form mini-series, from the latest breakthroughs in technology to the deepest mysteries of the natural world. For the ultimate chill, watch the NOVA Marathon: Animals.
Back in Time
OETA's documentary series Back in Time showcases significant people, eras, and in Oklahoma history. Plus, is there anyone better to chill with than Robert Burch?