Skip to Main Content

The National Parks: When to Watch

Below is a summary of The National Parks: America's Best Idea broadcast schedule for WETA TV 26 and WETA HD. Detailed listings are on the Programs A-Z page for The National Parks.

WETA TV 26 Logo

WETA HD Logo

Sunday premiere

The National Parks - Yosemite - signature image - 480x360

Sunday, September 27
throughout the day

Episode 1 premieres on WETA TV 26 and WETA HD on Sunday, September 27 at noon. This first episode will be re-broadcast throughout the day and evening.

Primetime premiere

The National Parks - Eagle Rock - 480x360

Sunday, September 27 - Friday, October 2
8 pm (repeats at 10 pm)

From Sunday to Friday, a new episode of the six-part series will premiere each night at 8 pm on WETA TV 26 and WETA HD, with an encore presentation at 10 pm.

  • Sunday: Episode 1: “The Scripture of Nature” (1851-1890)
  • Monday: Episode 2: “The Last Refuge” (1890-1915)
  • Tuesday: Episode 3: “The Empire of Grandeur” (1915-1919)
  • Wednesday: Episode 4: “Going Home” (1920-1933)
  • Thursday: Episode 5: “Great Nature” (1933-1945)
  • Friday: Episode 6: “The Morning of Creation” (1946-1980)

Each program will also repeat during the overnight hours and the subsequent afternoon. Episode descriptions are available on the About the Series page.

Weekend encore

The National Parks - George Melendez Wright and Totuya - 480x360

October 4 & 11

Episodes 1-3 of the series will be re-broadcast on Sunday, October 4 starting at 11 am. Episodes 4-6 will be rebroadcast on Sunday, October 11 starting at 11 am.

Watch online

The National Parks - grizzly bear - 480x360

Full episodes of The National Parks: America's Best Idea will be available for viewing for a limited time online. Each episode will become available for one week, beginning the day after its broadcast premiere.

Watch online »