Maryland Public Television’s MPT Showcase premieres Thursday, October 15

Maryland Public Television will premiere its first-ever MPT Showcase program on Thursday, October 15 at 8 p.m. on MPT and the MPT livestream. Produced live before a studio audience in The Irene and Edward H. Kaplan Production Studio in Owings Mills, MPT Showcase will offer viewers an exciting and entertaining preview of PBS and MPT series, documentaries, and specials coming to the statewide public TV network this fall and into 2027. A preview is available at mpt.org/showcase.

The fast-paced, one-hour program will guide audiences through a star-studded lineup of new and returning public TV favorites. Throughout the show, audiences tuning in at home and joining watch parties across the state are encouraged to engage with the network and connect using the hashtag #MPTShowcase on Facebook and Instagram.

“With the MPT Showcase, we’ve taken TV networks’ classic ‘fall premiere preview’ concept and evolved it into a live, modern celebration for our audience to enjoy,” said MPT President and CEO Steven J. Schupak. “Our viewers have so much inspiring, enlightening, and entertaining programming to look forward to in the coming months, and we’re excited to share this exclusive sneak peek of exceptional content coming their way.”

The program will feature appearances from renowned PBS icons Ken Burns, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Pati Jinich, Rick Steves, and others. Beloved MPT personalities will also appear live from the studio to introduce exclusive previews of upcoming programming across a range of genres.

Live presentations include:

· Maryland Farm & Harvest host Joanne Clendining, previewing science and nature programs such as NATURE, NOVA, and Outdoors Maryland.

· MotorWeek host and creator John Davis, delivering a special behind-the-scenes look at TV’s original and longest-running automotive magazine and introducing independent films such as Christianity at a Crossroads and The Gettysburg Book: A Father, Son, and The Killer Angels.

· MPT’s “First Lady” Rhea Feikin, previewing arts and culture programs such as Great Performances, To Dine For with Kate Sullivan, and Chesapeake Collectibles.

· Pledge talent Tony Hill, presenting The Gold, All Creatures Great & Small, Professor T, and other MASTERPIECE dramas.

· Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer Travis E. Mitchell, presenting history programs such as In Pursuit: Lessons in Leadership with Lonnie Bunch, Crime and Punishment in America, and the MPT production A Nation Begins: The Maryland State House at 250.

· Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education’s Krista Respass, senior managing director, Early Childhood Education Projects, presenting PBS KIDS series such as Carl the Collector and highlighting MPT’s educational resources in living rooms, classrooms, and communities across the state and beyond.

· News Anchor Jeff Salkin, informing viewers about what’s ahead for news and public affairs programs including FRONTLINE, Direct Connection, and State Circle.

Encore presentations of the MPT Showcase will air on MPT and the MPT livestream throughout October and November. The program will also be available to view live and on demand via MPT’s online video player and the free PBS app. To find additional broadcasts, visit mpt.org/schedule.