Highlights January 1 to January 7

Monday, January 1st

LONDON'S NEW YEAR'S DAY PARADE 2024 is a cherished turn-of-year tradition bringing pomp, circumstance, and good old-fashioned fun to the U.K. capital. The event, now in its fifth decade, raises spirits along its iconic parade route through the ancient city of Westminster.Cultural and community groups rub shoulders with leading professional entertainers and the mayors of London. Plus, more than 20 U.S. marching bands and a thousand varsity cheerleaders fill the streets of the U.K. capital for their moment in the global spotlight. London's New Year's Day Parade 2024 at 6:00 am.

It's off to the races for amazing appraisals at Churchill Downs Racetrack, like a Twin Spires painted roof slate from around 1895, a 1943 Picasso ink-on-paper and 1963 letter, and an art deco brooch. One may be worth up to $200,000. Antiques Roadshow Churchill Downs Racetrack Hour 1 at 7:00 pm.

RENAISSANCE WOMAN RESTORED documents the restoration of a magnificent mural created by a 16th-century nun who is considered the first great woman artist of the Renaissance. As the half-hour documentary follows the restoration of the mural by a team of female art conservationists, experts speak to the scope of the art Plautilla Nelli created, the significance of her work, and the importance of highlighting women artists who have largely been ignored. Renaissance Woman Restored at 8:00 pm.

GREAT PERFORMANCES continues its tradition of ringing in the New Year with the Vienna Philharmonic at the world-famous Musikverein, with PBS favorite Hugh Bonneville returning as host for a fifth year. The celebrations also showcase the virtuosic dancing of the Vienna City Ballet performed on location in sumptuous Vienna landmarks. Great Performances From Vienna: The New Year's Celebration 2024 at 8:30 pm.

In the 1600s and 1700s, godlike royals clung to the old medieval order while new ideas bubbled beneath the surface. The art of "divine" kings and popes, and that of the revolutionaries and reformers who countered them, tells the story of a Europe in transition. In the Catholic south, Baroque society favored fanciful decoration, high drama, and exuberant emotion. In the Protestant north, art was more sober and austere. And in France, the excesses of kings gave way to revolution, Napoleon, and the cerebral art of neoclassicism. RICK STEVES ART OF THE BAROQUE AGE explores this fascinating period of art and architecture. Rick Steves Art of the Baroque Age at 10:00 pm.

Tuesday, January 2nd

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the remarkable roots of singers Alanis Morissette and Ciara, using DNA analysis and genealogical detective work to travel back centuries, revealing his guest's hidden connections to history and to music. Finding Your Roots Born to Sing at 7:00 pm.

Edward Hopper's work is the most recognizable art in America - popular, praised, and mysterious. Countless painters, photographers, filmmakers and musicians have been influenced by his art - but who was he, and how did a struggling illustrator create such a bounty of notable work? This new film takes a deep look into Hopper's art, his life, and his relationships. From his early career as an illustrator; his wife giving up her own promising art career to be his manager; his critical and commercial acclaim; and in his own words - this film explores the enigmatic personality behind the brush. Combined with expert interviews, diaries and a startling visual reflection of American life, Hopper: An American love story brings to life America's arguably most influential artist. American Masters HOPPER: An American Love Story at 8:00 pm.

A Citizen's Guide to Preserving Democracy is based on Dr. Richard Haass' best-selling book "The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens." Through interviews and real-life examples, Hari Sreenivasan and Dr. Haass explore how Americans are working towards strengthening democracy and renewing the spirit of a more informed and engaged citizenry. A Citizen's Guide to Preserving Democracy at 9:00 pm.

Discover Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (The Trocks), an all-male company that for 45 years has offered audiences their passion for ballet classics mixed with exuberant comedy. With every step they poke fun at their strictly gendered art form. Great Performances Ballerina Boys at 10:00 pm.

Wednesday, January 3rd

Explore some of the most remote and spectacular places on Earth with a pioneering group of scientists who make surprising discoveries that transform human understanding of nature and ecology. Based on a book of the same name. Nature The Serengeti Rules at 7:00 pm.

Journey to the top of the world with scientists as they embark on the most ambitious Arctic research expedition of all time. The Arctic - a vast frozen ocean, shrouded in darkness for half the year - is warming at twice the rate as the rest of the globe. Since the northern ice cap acts as a cooling system for the entire planet, what happens in the Arctic doesn't stay in the Arctic. As the ice cap melts, the world warms faster, disrupting weather patterns, diverting ocean currents, and endangering biodiversity. Yet because the Arctic is so inaccessible and inhospitable, establishing exactly what's going on and forecasting its future have proven elusive. Now, Arctic Drift takes viewers on a groundbreaking expedition that will bring vital new clarity to scientists' predictions of global change. With breathtaking cinematography, heart-wrenching personal stories, and high stakes science, Arctic Drift follows the scientists in their risky race against time to understand the Arctic before it changes our world forever. Nova Arctic Drift at 8:00 pm.

Amateur archaeologist Philippa Langley, who discovered Richard III's remains, searches for what really happened to his two nephews who, legend has it, he had murdered. Secrets of the Dead The Princes in the Tower at 9:00 pm.

After Rome fell, Europe spent a thousand years regaining its footing in the Middle Ages. Its medieval art shows how the light of civilization flickered in humble monasteries and on Europe's fringes: Christian Byzantium, Moorish Spain, and pagan Vikings. Then, around A.D. 1000, Europe rebounded. The High Middle Ages brought majestic castles, radiant Gothic cathedrals, and exquisite art - both sacred and secular - that dazzled pilgrims and princes alike. RICK STEVES ART OF THE MIDDLE AGES explores this fascinating period of European art and architecture. Rick Steves Art of the Middle Ages 10:00 pm

Thursday, January 4th

When Homo sapiens turned up in prehistoric Europe, they ran into the Neanderthals. The two types of human were similar enough to interbreed - and they were just as capable at making artifacts. But as more Homo sapiens moved into Europe, there was an explosion of art and symbolic thought. The balance of power had shifted and Neanderthals were overwhelmed. Ever since, we've had Europe and the rest of the world to ourselves. First Peoples Europe at 7:00 pm.

Chet explores the traditions and establishments that truly make the Bayou City what it is. From its 75-year old Famers Market to its wacky Art Car Parade to its beloved Pappas Bros Steakhouse, we explore the iconic parts of H-town. The Daytripper Iconic Houston, TX at 8:00 pm.

Fagin meets Monks and is promised handsome payment if he brings about Oliver's death. He is intrigued by Monks' hatred of Oliver and reasons that if Monks is prepared to pay to have him killed, someone else will pay to keep him safe. Oliver Twist at 8:30 pm.

It's been a year since Martin resigned his medical license, and Louisa is now the one seeing patients out of the surgery for her child counseling practice, while Martin looks after James Henry and four-month-old Mary Elizabeth. When the mother of one of Louisa's patients presents with serious symptoms but refuses to allow Martin to examine her, he finally admits that he wants to be a doctor again. Doc Martin I Will Survive at 8:59 pm.

Based on real-life stories, follow the modern-day heroes of the Royal Flying Doctor Service as they navigate private lives as turbulent and profound as the heart-stopping emergencies they attend to in the Australian outback. When new Senior Medical Officer Eliza Harrod's first retrieval with the RFDS turns problematic, her team will be left wondering whether or not she has what it takes. RFDS: Royal Flying Doctor Service at 9:45 pm.

Friday, January 5th

Andy Weir's first science-fiction novel, The Martian, rocketed up the bestseller lists and peaked with a big-budget film adaptation. Before that, The Martian was being released as chapters on Andy's blog. Hugh Howey's dystopian hit, Wool, expanded into a full series, attracting Apple's attention for a new TV show. Before that, Wool was an unpromoted short story on Amazon. Christopher Paolini's fantasy debut,Eragon, birthed a four-book franchise, which has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. Before that, Christopher was a self-published 16-year-old, selling copies of his book out of the family pickup truck. Mason Engel is an aspiring writer trying to find his path to success. He explores the unusual origin stories of Andy Weir, Hugh Howey, and Christopher Paolini, and thinks that good writing must always lead to bestsellerdom. Nnedi Okorafor's story makes him think differently. Nnedi's work has won the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy Award, and basically every other major accolade in her genre. Yet, awards didn't always win her commercial success. With a group of other struggling novelists in Los Angeles, Mason examines the stories of his author idols in hopes of finding the secret road to the bestseller lists. Story Road at 7:30 pm.

The name Hitchcock recalls not one but two extraordinary characters: Alfred and his wife, Alma. While he was the celebrated director, Alma was in the background supporting his productions as an editor and screenwriter. Through their close personal and professional relationship, the Hitchcocks developed their own art of storytelling, staging, and production. Follow their life together in HITCHCOCK CONFIDENTIAL, which features archival clips with Doris Day, Ingrid Bergman, Gary Cooper, Tippi Hedren, Grace Kelly, and Janet Leigh along with scenes from the director's iconic films including Rear Window, The Birds, Psycho, North by Northwest and Vertigo. Hitchcock Confidential at 8:00 pm.

Saturday, January 6th

Anthony and Xose host a pop-up at Discada serving a special made by their employee; Edgar and Sara invite their friends to Xochimilco to celebrate their wedding, then return to Austin to view a potential new restaurant space; Beto reflects on his personal and family health issues while reconnecting with his roots in Mexico City; the Taco Mafia reflects on its formation. Taco Mafia Supervivencia at 5:00 pm.

Savor the return of legendary singer/songwriter Jackson Browne to the ACL stage. Browne performs hits and songs from his latest album Downhill from Everywhere. Austin City Limits Jackson Browne at 7:00 pm.

Sunday, January 7th

Electric cars are fast and efficient and produce no local emissions. But they're also expensive, with issues around the metals for their batteries. Dr. David Rapson, Economic Policy Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank and Professor of Economics, University of California, and Dr. Beia Spiller, Director of the Transportation Program, Resources for the Future, discuss these issues. Energy Switch Electric Cars - Pros and Cons, Part 1 at 6:00 pm.

Eliza teams up with Duke to investigate a burglary in a high-end brothel whose clients include important members of the British government. Miss Scarlet and the Duke On Masterpiece Elysium at 7:00 pm.

Skeldale House is busier than ever while Tristan is away serving. James and Helen dream about the future, hoping that James will not be called up to serve. When Mrs. Hall takes a leap of faith, Siegfried offers his support. All Creatures Great and Small Broodiness at 8:00 pm.

Series Premiere. It's the height of the swinging 60s and Barbara Parker has just been crowned Miss Blackpool - but there's got to be more to life than being a beauty queen in a seaside town, right? She wants to be... someone. The bright lights of London are calling, and our determined hero sets off to find out who that someone is. The London she encounters is not as quite as swinging as the one she'd read about and seen on TV. However, after a series of setbacks Barbara finds herself in unfamiliar territory - an audition for a TV comedy show. Barbara's uncompromising northern wit proves to be the X factor that the show has been missing. She gets the part and becomes part of a ground-breaking new sitcom. Being a woman in a largely male environment has its own challenges, but as Barbara 'finds her funny' she re-defines the prevailing attitude to funny women and in the process, reinvents herself. Episode 1: Blackpool beauty queen Barbara Parker heads to swinging 60s London and embarks on her dream to work in show business. Funny Woman at 9:00 pm.

Series Premiere. At the world renowned Paris Opera, the dazzling career of aging prima ballerina Zoe has recently faltered. Too many parties, lovers, anxieties and injuries. In danger of being laid off, she will have to come to terms with the institution, her peers, and especially her own demons if she wants to earn herself a second chance. Meanwhile, ambitious young Black dancer Flora has just joined the company, and new director of dance Sebastien is under pressure to revive the Paris Opera Ballet and maintain their reputation in the international dance world. Episode 1: Despite being one of the company's elite stars, Zoe's dancing has been subpar for years, and the newly appointed dance director, Sebastien, is threatening to fire her. But Zoe isn't going to let herself be pushed aside, willing to fight for a second chance. L’Opera at 10:00 pm.