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Programming Highlights | April 2026

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by
Jennifer Wieland
• Published on
Text: Programming Highlights | April 2026, Background: A light blue sky with trees covered in white blossoms.
Programming

April Showers bring May flowers and we know what you can do on a rainy day! Cozy up with your favorite shows and this month's programming highlights.

Finding Your Roots

Song of the South
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 7pm 

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the family secrets of actor Danielle Deadwyler and musician Rhiannon Giddens, meeting heroes and villains--and celebrating the virtue of accepting one's relatives whoever they may be.

  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 04/07/2026 @ 7:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 04/08/2026 @ 12:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Thu, 04/09/2026 @ 4:00 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sun, 04/12/2026 @ 8:00 PM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Mon, 04/13/2026 @ 12:00 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Mon, 04/13/2026 @ 8:00 AM

Rags to Riches
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 7pm 

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. maps the roots of actor Kate Burton and media mogul Barry Diller--telling stories of sacrifice and exploring a profound question: What do we inherit from ancestors whose lives were far more challenging than our own?

  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 04/14/2026 @ 7:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 04/15/2026 @ 12:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Thu, 04/16/2026 @ 4:00 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sun, 04/19/2026 @ 8:00 PM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Mon, 04/20/2026 @ 12:00 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Mon, 04/20/2026 @ 8:00 AM
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Puritans and Pioneers
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 7pm 

Actors Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen and William H. Macy trace their nonconformist ancestors through American conflicts, the Civil War and the American Revolution, all the way back to the Puritan establishment.

  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 04/21/2026 @ 7:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 04/22/2026 @ 12:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Thu, 04/23/2026 @ 4:00 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sun, 04/26/2026 @ 8:00 PM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Mon, 04/27/2026 @ 12:00 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Mon, 04/27/2026 @ 8:00 AM

Hidden in the Genes
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 7pm 

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. helps Rebecca Hall and Lee Daniels solve family mysteries through DNA detective work, illuminating both history and their own identities.

  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 04/28/2026 @ 7:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 04/29/2026 @ 12:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Thu, 04/30/2026 @ 4:00 AM

Independent Lens

Backside: The Unseen Hands of Horse Racing
Monday, April 13, 2026, 9pm 

Set at Churchill Downs, BACKSIDE is a portrait of the immigrant grooms who care for Kentucky Derby racehorses year-round. The lives of these workers showcase the unseen labor, class disparities and the human bond sustaining an iconic American sport.

  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Mon, 04/13/2026 @ 9:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 04/15/2026 @ 2:00 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Wed, 04/15/2026 @ 7:00 PM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Thu, 04/16/2026 @ 12:00 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Thu, 04/16/2026 @ 8:00 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sat, 04/18/2026 @ 11:00 AM

The Whitney Reynolds Show

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Choosing Joy Anyway
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 10:30 AM 

Whitney opens the season with stories of choosing joy in the face of challenge. Luv City founder Dre Rodriguez spreads love through art and community, while drummer Victoria Boateng shows the rhythm of resilience as a performer with autism. Chef Soo Ahn brings passion and purpose to the plate and comedian Craig Robinson reminds us laughter is healing.

  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sat, 04/18/2026 @ 10:30 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Mon, 04/20/2026 @ 5:30 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Mon, 04/20/2026 @ 12:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Mon, 04/20/2026 @ 10:30 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 04/22/2026 @ 3:30 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sat, 04/25/2026 @ 5:00 AM

Reclaiming Identity
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10:30 AM 

The Whitney Reynolds Show confronts the dark reality of minor sex trafficking in San Diego. In a powerful conversation with Lily Couts, this episode uncovers how children are targeted, why the crisis often goes unseen and what must change to protect vulnerable youth and stop traffickers.

  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Sat, 04/25/2026 @ 10:30 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Mon, 04/27/2026 @ 5:30 AM
  • WTVP-WORLD 47.3 - Mon, 04/27/2026 @ 12:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Mon, 04/27/2026 @ 10:30 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 04/29/2026 @ 3:30 AM

Ireland with Michael Westmeath

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The Heartland
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 10:30pm 

At the heart of Ireland, Westmeath conceals captivating mysteries that are sure to enchant visitors. Within this region lies Dun Na Sí, a heritage park where Michael participates in a class on Sean Nós (Old Style) dancing. His journey continues as he uncovers the refined grandeur of Belvedere House, characterized by its Palladian architectural style, and explores Athlone, the residence of Count John McCormack, Ireland's most renowned tenor. Michael embarks on a leisurely cruise along the impressive Shannon River, immersing himself in the sights and sounds of this waterway. Mullingar becomes his next destination, where he encounters a group of young learners mastering traditional instruments in the town that hosts the Fleadh Cheoil, Ireland's national festival celebrating Irish arts.

  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 04/21/2026 @ 10:30 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Sat, 04/25/2026 @ 2:30 AM

Shannonside
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 10:30pm

Michael delves into the myriad possibilities offered by direct flights from the US to Shannon Airport. Unveiling the airport's historical significance as a gateway to the West, he embarks on a journey that encompasses various experiences. His itinerary includes a visit to the charming village of Killaloe, where he acquaints himself with the bodhran alongside the iconic musician Tommy Hayes. Venturing beneath the earth's surface, Michael explores the Aillwee Caves, where he playfully tests the acoustic properties. He also takes a moment to indulge in the culinary delights of Ireland's sole Michelin-starred pub. Furthermore, his adventure is elevated by the ethereal harmonies of the Shannon Gospel choir, adding a touch of spiritual beauty to his escapade. 

  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Tue, 04/28/2026 @ 10:30 PM

The First Class

The First Class
Monday, April 27, 2026, 9pm 

The high school system was built in the early 1900s. But the world has changed and our schools must change, too. THE FIRST CLASS chronicles the founding class of students at Memphis' Crosstown High, a school crafting a bold new approach to learning in the 21st century. Watch and see how Crosstown is better equipping young people for today's world--while redefining education in the process.

  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Mon, 04/27/2026 @ 9:00 PM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Wed, 04/29/2026 @ 2:00 AM
  • WTVP-HD 47.1 - Thu, 04/30/2026 @ 3:00 AM