The latest in the AMERICAN EXPERIENCE series of award-winning and critically acclaimed presidential portraits, this two-part biography examines the life and career of the 41st president, from his service in World War II and his early career in Texas to his days in the Oval Office, first as vice president to Ronald Reagan, then as the leader who presided over the first Gulf War. Drawing upon Bush’s personal diaries and interviews with his closest advisors, the film also explores Bush’s role as the patriarch of a political family whose influence resonates in modern American life.

The beloved chef and restaurateur seamlessly weaves together techniques, recipes, cultural musings and off-the-wall surprises. Rick presents start-to-finish, stress-free, Mexican-inspired fiestas packed with creativity, color and flavor. Rick translates his Mexican travel adventures into unforgettable parties -- from intimate fireside suppers and casual backyard cocktails with friends to big, boisterous bashes for 25. Rick suggests clever and practical ideas to make each party special, like creating signature drinks for the occasion, serving ceviche in glass votive holders and transforming supermarket salad bar items into a hip Mexican crudités platter. To set the mood, he offers party playlists featuring his favorite musical finds and gardening tips for growing one’s own ingredients.

Radio broadcasts beamed his voice into living rooms around the country; his picture hung on the wall. His wife was the most admired woman in the country. “FDR” goes beyond the familiar words and images to offer an incisive, often startling portrait of one of the most extraordinary personalities ever elected to the presidency. One of the nation’s most popular presidents, Franklin Delano Roosevelt served three terms—longer than anyone before or since — and led the country through two great crises of this century: the Great Depression and World War II. The series includes archival film, home movies and audio clips; newly-filmed footage of significant landmarks in FDR’s life; an album of family photographs; and interviews with family members, friends and witnesses to history.

Depression is a public health crisis that rivals all other diseases in its burden on society, yet the condition is remarkably under-diagnosed and under-treated. By weaving together the history, science and treatment of depression with intimate portrayals of families and individuals coping with its wide-ranging effects, this documentary will provide a comprehensive portrait of depression never before presented on American television. The 30-minute discussion moderated by Jane Pauley, immediately following the documentary, will bring together a panel of experts and community activists to discuss the issue further.

PBS will unite our nation in honor of all of America’s men and women in uniform for their service and sacrifice with this annual presentation. The event will be led for the third year by co-hosts Gary Sinise (“CSI NY”) and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds”), two acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veterans’ causes and supporting our troops in active service. This year, the event will pay special tribute to the veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam and the sacred war memorials built in their honor in Washington, DC. Actor and decorated World War II veteran Charles Durning, a longtime participant in the NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT, will also be recognized for his bravery and sacrifice as part of the “greatest generation,” who stepped forward in a time of need. The valor of the country’s newest veterans will be honored through an examination of the bonds that buddies form on the battlefields of Iraq. The television event will feature a mix of dramatic readings, documentary footage and live musical performances, along with an all-star line-up of dignitaries, actors and musical artists.

The first night recounts Truman’s early struggles and failures as a young adult, and his undying determination to have an accomplishment to call his own. Truman’s success as an army captain during World War I gave him the confidence to marry his lifelong sweetheart, Bess, and begin his path into the world of politics. When he landed the vice presidency with FDR in 1944, he had no idea that his world was about to change forever.

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