Emma’s Must-Sees for May 2026
This upcoming schedule is one that just makes me excited to be a programmer who gets to watch all these great films for work. From powerful documentaries that speak to local interests from KQED Presents, to celebrating icons of public television with a program in honor of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday and the return of Downton Abbey, May truly has it all. It’s also both Asian and Pacific Islander and Jewish American heritage month, so I’ve highlighted some great relevant premieres for those as well. Happy watching!
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Life on Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure
Sir David Attenborough turns 100 on May 8 and to celebrate we have a wonderful special that goes behind the scenes of his 1976 wildlife blockbuster Life on Earth: an ambitious project like no one had ever attempted before, putting his reputation on the line. Attenborough has been such a staple of nature documentaries and has featured in countless PBS programs over the years. His presence in the medium is so iconic that I can practically hear his voice narrating my journey any time I’m out on a hike and observing the wildlife. In addition to this new special, the whole month we will be airing Nature episodes featuring David Attenborough to honor the life and work of this remarkable figure.
Airs on KQED 9 Wednesday May 8 at 8pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the same day.
Home is a Hotel
I’ve been following this powerful documentary since it premiered at the San Francisco International Film Festival in 2023 — and I’m so glad we are able to bring it to public television through KQED Presents. Homelessness and housing affordability are challenges faced by many American cities, especially in California. Home is a Hotel highlights the stories of San Francisco residents in cramped Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units, painting an intimate portrait of their lives that highlights what it means to call a single room home in the heart of one of America’s richest cities. I’m thrilled to share this locally relevant story with KQED viewers. If you want more, you can also stream a longer cut of the documentary for free on the PBS App.
Airs on KQED 9 Monday May 11 at 9pm. Stream the longer cut for free early on the PBS App May 1.
Downton Abbey on Masterpiece
This month is a homecoming for one of Masterpiece’s most recognizable and influential shows. I remember back when it was on air, my college roommate would excitedly recap episodes to me until I had to give in and give it a watch myself. Whether you were a fan from day one, or someone who is just curious to see what all the fuss is about, you will get to experience the rare magic of Downton Abbey on television again as it follows the lives of the noble Crawley family and their employees. I highly recommend this as a show to watch (or re-watch!) with friends and family: rooting for your favorite characters and reveling in the costume drama of it all is so much more fun as a group.
Airs on KQED 9 starting Sunday May 17 at 10pm. Stream the whole series now with KQED Passport on the PBS App.
Invisible Nation
I’m always really impressed with the wonderful programs my colleagues at KQED Presents are able to bring to the public television system. This month, in addition to Home is a Hotel, we have another fascinating documentary about Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s first female president. The film is a character study of her leadership as she navigates complex global and geopolitical issues. Invisible Nation provides essential, timely context on the challenges faced by young democracies across the world and how Taiwan fits in as a key nation in the 21st century. We have a lot of great new programming for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this May, and these two KQED Presents programs — Home is a Hotel and Invisible Nation — are definitely highlights for me.
Airs on KQED 9 Monday May 18 at 9pm. Stream for free early on the PBS App May 1.
American Masters: W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause
It’s been a while since I’ve been in a history class, and sometimes unfortunately it feels like people I’ve learned about become static figures in my mind, just names I remember from time to time rather than real people. Luckily, programs like American Masters can help alleviate this problem, and I really appreciate how this new episode brings W.E.B. Du Bois to life: untangling all the various aspects of his work and how they contributed to his overall legacy. He lived through a crucial time in Black history: born five years after the Emancipation Proclamation and passing away just before the March on Washington in 1963. His story and work still resonate today: I have a much more vivid picture of him now.
Airs on KQED 9 Tuesday May 19 at 9pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the same day.
Great Performances: Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy
As a bit of a musical theater geek (I saw Wicked in high school and have been obsessed ever since), I love this 2013, Peabody award-winning documentary narrated by Joel Grey. Not only does it explore the role of Jewish composers and lyricists in the creation of the modern American musical, it also features footage from performances of beloved shows like Zero Mostel in Fiddler on the Roof, Nathan Lane in The Producers and Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl. May is also Jewish American heritage month and this program is a loving showcase of the contributions Jewish American artists have made to our culture. I guarantee you’ll have at least one or two great Broadway showtunes stuck in your head by the end.
Airs on KQED 9 Friday May 29 at 8pm and encores on KQED PLUS on Sunday May 31 at noon.
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More May Highlights
LUCKY CHOW, SEASON 8
In the new season, host Danielle Chang takes viewers on a European vacation to explore its cultures and uncover how its traditions compare and contrast with those of Asia.
Airs on KQED 9 starting Tuesday May 5 at 7:30pm. Stream early with KQED Passport on the PBS App starting May 1.
GREAT PERFORMANCES: IRVING BERLIN’S TOP HAT
Enjoy this acclaimed musical inspired by one of my favorite movies, the 1935 film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Featuring a timeless score by Irving Berlin.
Airs on KQED 9 Friday May 15 at 9pm, with an encore on KQED PLUS on Sunday May 17 at 12pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the same day.
SATURDAY NIGHT MOVIE: THE OUTSIDERS
Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, and Rob Lowe star in the 1983 adaptation of the popular novel about a teen gang in rural Oklahoma.
Airs on KQED 9 Saturday May 23 at 10:13pm and Saturday May 30 at 8pm.
FOOD ROOTS
Emmy-winning restaurateur Billy Dec travels through the Philippines and gains a deeper understanding of his family’s tragic past and how food has shaped their worldview.
Airs on KQED PLUS Sunday May 24 at 7pm. Stream early for free on the PBS App May 1.
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT
Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise return to host America’s national night of remembrance, featuring personal stories and tributes interwoven with musical performances.
Airs on KQED 9 Sunday May 24 at 8pm with an encore at 9:30pm. Stream for free on the PBS App the next day.
AMERICAN MASTERS: HANNAH ARENDT: FACING TYRANNY
Passport members can revisit this portrait of Hannah Arendt, who fled Nazi Europe as a Jewish refugee. Her voice shines a light on how to act in dark times.
Stream with KQED Passport on the PBS App now.
More Must-See TV
Looking for more programs to watch? Find our past recommendations:
