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2025 PBS Preview: Queens, Kings, and Schemers — Don’t Miss Out!

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By Avery Sandridge

2025 PBS Preview: Queens, Kings, and Schemers — Don’t Miss Out!

Photo of author

By Avery Sandridge

Prepare for Engrossing Historical Dramas, Insightful Documentaries, and Intriguing Mysteries

PBS remains a beacon of quality and affordability in a sea of fluctuating streaming services. Where else can you simultaneously receive a history lesson, keep up with current events, and escape into different worlds? The depth of PBS’s digital library is impressive, which is why we’re excited to present our picks for the top shows of 2025 (both new and returning). We’ve curated a selection of dramas and documentaries to kick off the year, and we will continue to update this guide with noteworthy premieres each season.

Before we get started, here’s how you can watch these shows: PBS is available on your local TV listings, PBS.org, and through the PBS mobile app. Passport members have the added benefit of on-demand streaming.


A Rival to Only Murders In The Building with a touch of historical intrigue: Vienna Blood season four (premiered January 5)

At first, Vienna Blood might remind you of Miss Scarlet And The Duke, now rebranded as Miss Scarlet, but it also shares similarities with Only Murders In The Building. The series features a diverse group of sleuths who unravel mysteries while dealing with their own dark pasts and complex relationships, all clad in impeccable attire. Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt (Jürgen Maurer) and psychoanalyst Max Liebermann (Matthew Beard) have a dynamic reminiscent of OMITB’s Oliver and Charles. Clara Weiss (Luise von Finckh), now a journalist, must navigate her professional and personal relationships, particularly with Max. The setting of early 20th-century Vienna adds an extra layer of tension as they begin the season trying to thwart a nefarious plot against the Austro-Hungarian Empire. [Danette Chavez]


A daring female detective unravels Victorian mysteries: Miss Scarlet season five (Masterpiece on PBS, January 7)

The introduction of Miss Scarlet And The Duke was a hit among romance and mystery fans, drawn by the slow-burning, will-they-won’t-they relationship between two childhood friends turned Victorian detectives. Now in its fifth season, the show sees a significant change as The Duke steps aside, and a new Detective Inspector, Alexander Blake (Tom Durant Pritchard), steps in. This shift might unsettle some long-time viewers but also offers a fresh start for newcomers. Miss Eliza Scarlet (Kate Phillips) continues to prove herself in a male-dominated profession, facing not just criminal cases but also societal challenges and maybe a touch of romance. [Mary Kate Carr]

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Meet your new favorite royals: Sisi: Austrian Empress season three (January 17)

Move over, Windsors and Tudors, and make way for the Habsburgs of Austria. Like its predecessors The Crown and Victoria, this German-language series dives into the life of Empress Elisabeth, aka Sisi. The first two seasons chronicled her challenging adjustments to royal life and marriage. The upcoming third season focuses on her experiences with motherhood against a backdrop of impending global conflict. Expect a mix of personal drama, romance, and stunning period costumes. [Mary Kate Carr]


Britain’s answer to Midge Maisel: Funny Woman season two (February 2)

Fans of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel who crave a combination of humor, drama, and feminism will find a perfect match in Funny Woman. Based on Nick Hornby’s novel Funny Girl, the series follows Barbara Parker (Gemma Arterton) who leaves her life as a small-town beauty queen to pursue a career in comedy in London. Now known as Sophie Straw, the sitcom star navigates the ups and downs of her career and personal life against the vibrant backdrop of the 1960s. Expect glimpses of the era’s glamour, alongside a dose of political and feminist awakening. And yes, Sophie’s fashion sense is as iconic as Midge’s. [Mary Kate Carr]


A documentary showcasing the power of unity: Independent Lens: The Strike (February 3)

This documentary by JoeBill Muñoz and Lucas Guilkey draws inspiration from an unexpected place: Pelican Bay State Prison, notorious for its prolonged use of solitary confinement. In 2013, nearly 30,000 inmates protested these inhumane conditions with a hunger strike. The Strike explores this moment of collective defiance, offering insights into the potential for reform within the prison system through interviews with those directly involved. [Danette Chavez]

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A gripping historical mystery with modern implications: Secrets Of The Dead: Plunderer (February 19)

The latest chapter of Secrets Of The Dead delves into a chilling chapter from World War II, exploring how Nazis looted one-fifth of Europe’s artworks. The two-part series, premiering on February 19 and 26, sheds light on the shadowy dealings that enriched figures like Bruno Lohse and reveals the ongoing impact of these cultural thefts, which still affect many nations today. [Mary Kate Carr]


A sumptuous historical series with contemporary echoes: Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light (Masterpiece on PBS, March 23)

Thomas Cromwell’s meteoric rise and perilous tenure as Henry VIII’s chief minister continue in this sequel to Wolf Hall. Mark Rylance reprises his role, navigating the treacherous waters of Tudor politics in his final days. This adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s last book in the trilogy captures the dramatic fall of a man who once held immense power. The lush production values and compelling performances make this a must-watch, even if the outcome is already known. [Danette Chavez]


A beloved period drama confronts modern challenges: Call The Midwife season 14 (March)

Heidi Thomas’ Call The Midwife has consistently delivered heartwarming yet poignant stories of camaraderie among women in post-war London. As the series moves into the 1970s, Nonnatus House faces new societal pressures that test its values. This season promises to tackle these issues head-on, maintaining its cozy feel while exploring the tensions of the era. [Danette Chavez]


Additional Upcoming Highlights

All Creatures Great And Small season five (January 12)

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Nova, “What Are UFOs?” (January 22)

Jacqueline Du Pre: Genius And Tragedy (January 24)

Great Migrations: A People On The Move (January 28)

Walter Presents: Velvet season two (January 31)

Independent Lens, “The In Between” (February 10)

Nova, “Egypt’s Tombs Of Amun” (February 12)

Nature, “Museum Alive With David Attenborough”; Nova, “Pompeii’s Secret Underworld” (February 19)

American Masters, “The Disappearance Of Miss Scott” (February 21)

American Experience, “The NAACP And Its Architects” (w.t.) (February 25)

Walter Presents: Murder In Sweden season four (March 14)

Great Performances At The Met: Grounded (March 21)

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