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National Productions

For more than four decades, WETA has been a top producer for PBS, creating exceptional television programs for audiences nationwide.

WETA is especially noted for its more than 20-year partnership with Ken Burns that has resulted in landmark television series such as THE WAR, as well as acclaimed news and public affairs series such as The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and Washington Week with Gwen Ifill and National Journal.

Many of WETA's productions and co-productions are staples of the national public television schedule — information about these series are on the Ongoing Productions page. In addition to its own productions, WETA distributes programs and series by other producers. Our presentation portfolio includes many PBS children series, including Super WHY!, Animalia and Maya & Miguel.

Below are just a few examples of national television productions currently in WETA's pipeline. Look for them to be broadcast on public television stations nationwide in the months and years ahead!

Currently in production

George Carlin: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize

Coming in 2009

The Kennedy Center will posthumously award The Mark Twain Prize to the late George Carlin at the eleventh annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The evening will recognize the life and achievements of the late comedian. Carlin passed away on June 22, 2008.

The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Coming in September 2009

This six-part Ken Burns documentary series chronicles the human story behind the creation of America's national parks.

Benjamin Henry Latrobe: Architect of the New Republic

Coming in 2009

A one hour biography of the country's first architect — the man who created an "American" style and left his imprint on the U.S. Capitol and the White House.

Baseball: The Tenth Inning

Coming in 2010

Ken Burns and his producing partner Lynn Novick provide a follow-up to their landmark series on "America's Pastime" in this two-hour special due for PBS broadcast.

Forgiveness

Coming in 2010

Filmmaker Helen Whitney (Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero and The Mormons) explores the the concept of forgiveness in its many forms — public and private — in this two hour special.

Forbidden Fruit: America During Prohibition

Coming in 2011

The social experiment that was Prohibition is examined in this multi-part series from the team that also produced Baseball and Jazz.