or


[01/18/24 - 09:31 AM]
PBS Announces "The Express Way with Dule Hill" - New Four-Part Series Premieres Tuesdays, April 23-May 14, 2024
Hill and director Danny Lee take audiences on an emotional and celebratory road trip across the nation to explore the transformative power of the arts.

[via press release from PBS]

PBS Announces THE EXPRESS WAY WITH DULÉ HILL

New Four-Part Series Premieres Tuesdays, April 23-May 14, 2024

Join the Renowned Actor, Singer and Performer as He Travels Across the Country to Find Artists Using Their Creativity as a Force for Self Expression and Positive Change

ARLINGTON, VA; XX, 2024 - In a new four-part series, multi-talented actor and performer Dulé Hill ("The Wonder Years," "The West Wing") and director Danny Lee ("Who Is Stan Smith?") take audiences on an emotional and celebratory road trip across the nation to explore the transformative power of the arts. Along his journey, Hill travels to California, the Appalachian region, Texas and Chicago to connect with local visionaries, activists, changemakers and pioneers who are using their artistic passions to foster connection, deepen empathy, and create meaningful change within their communities. THE EXPRESS WAY WITH DULÉ HILL premieres Tuesdays, April 23-May 14, 9:00-10:00 pm ET (check local listings) on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS App.

What would it be like to create art without sight? How does one explore dance through music that cannot be heard? And how can creative expression be used to break down barriers, combat hate and create safe spaces for everyone? As Hill crisscrosses the country, he explores these questions and more, meeting with a wide array of creatives who are challenging traditional narratives, reclaiming space for themselves and their communities and paving a pathway forward for others to follow.

"The power of the human spirit is really an inspiring thing. There are many people in this world who create space out of nothing. They are the ones turning on the light, setting the path, and then guiding others along the journey," said Hill. "As a lifelong dancer, actor and singer, the arts are what drive me. There's something about when you see yourself reflected that allows you to believe that you exist."

"For me as a filmmaker of color, art has not only been a way to be seen, but a deeply transformative force in my life," said Lee. "As a pillar of American culture, PBS has always impressed upon me the importance of the arts. So to be able to craft a moving series that shines light on the power of creative expression, alongside such a phenomenal talent like Dulé Hill and my team at CALICO, is a dream come true."

"PBS is deeply committed to arts and cultural programming and recognizes its importance in a thriving and healthy community," said Sylvia Bugg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager of General Audience Programming, PBS. "As a celebrated artist himself, Dulé is the perfect person to be our guide, as we meet artists across the country who are supporting cultural understanding through creative expression."

Descriptions and premiere dates for each of the four episodes are provided below:

Episode 1: "California" (Premieres Tuesday, April 23, 9:00pm ET)

In the Golden State, actor Dulé Hill connects with people who are using art to rewrite their narrative, and the narrative of their communities.

As a dancer himself, Dulé never considered that it would be possible for someone to move to a beat that they could not hear. That is, until he meets deaf dancer, Shaheem Sanchez, who is showing the world that the "deaf can dance." In San Francisco, Dulé meets a different set of artistic pioneers: the Grant Avenue Follies, a cabaret troupe made up of sassy senior citizens. Led by Cynthia Yee, the Follies' are also activists, keeping alive Chinatown's rich history, and using their newfound rap skills to combat anti-Asian hate. Finally in Los Angeles, Dulé gets his groove on after meeting Carlos Sameniego, the founder of the world's first LGBTQ+ mariachi group, Mariachi Arcoiris, along with his friend Natalia, Mariachi's only trans woman.

Episode 2: "Appalachia" (Premieres Tuesday, April 30, 9:00pm ET)

The Appalachian region has some of the highest poverty and addiction rates in the nation and in this episode Dulé connect with artists who are improving life for themselves and their communities through music.

First Dulé speaks to Doug Naselroad, who is the founder of the Appalachian Stringed Instrument Company and the Culture of Recovery - a program that assists individuals on the road to recovery from opioid addiction by teaching them to make stringed instruments. In Johnson City, Tennessee, Dulé learns about the black community's contributions to traditional American music from Amythyst Kiah, a queer, black, bluegrass musician whose dedication and talents have earned her a Grammy nomination. Finally, in Durham, North Carolina, Dulé meets Grammy-nominated artist Joe Troop, who is out to show the world that music has no borders. Joe is the creator of "Latin-grass," a fusion of Latin and American folk music played with traditional bluegrass instrumentation. Joe explains that by blending the cultural elements he's picked up abroad with the traditional music of Appalachia, he can take a stand against xenophobia and racism.

Episode 3: "Texas" (Premieres Tuesday, May 7, 9:00pm ET)

In Texas, Dulé connects with three artists, each a leader in transforming their communities.

In Houston, Dulé learns the "Mexica" handshake from Abuela M'api Rainflowa, the founder of Houston Aztec Dance & Drum. Rainflowa, who grew up as a devout Catholic believing that she was of Mexican decent, learned in college that she was actually indigenous. Rainflowa teaches Dulé the Aztec Sun Dance, and he later joins her for a sweat lodge ceremony, exploring the spiritual roots of indigenous practices. In Dallas, Dulé meets David Lozano, Executive Director of Cara Mía Theatre. Cara Mía uses daring theatrical productions to amplify the Latino experience in the United States including one-woman play featuring Liz Magallanes, an undocumented immigrant, about her experience as a "dreamer." And in Denton, Dulé connects with John Bramblitt, a blind painter who lost his vision in 2001 and, as a result, re-taught himself to paint by touch. He currently leads workshops at museums like the Guggenheim, helping others with blindness reclaim their artistic abilities.

Episode 4: "Chicago" (Premieres Tuesday, May 14, 9:00pm ET)

Chicago is a city known for its rich history and culture, but for some, it's been marred by crime and violence. In this episode, Dulé meets several of the city's talented artists to explore why art and activism are often synonymous in the Midwest.

On the South Side of Chicago, Dulé joins a casting session with the Andre Theatre Collective, a group trying to produce their first play written by incarcerated playwrights. The play examines why much of the city has been riddled by crime, especially for those living in Black communities. Dulé also meets with Vershawn Sanders Ward, founding Artistic Director and CEO of Red Clay Dance, who is creating a space for people of color to be seen and highlighting issues affecting her community, like food inequality, through African Diasporic dance. Dulé also takes the stage with Bassel Almadani, a first-generation, Syrian-American musician who is using his platform to bring awareness to the civil war ravaging his family's beloved homeland, and the resulting refugee crisis.

THE EXPRESS WAY WITH DULÉ HILL will be available to stream on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS App, available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast and VIZIO.

THE EXPRESS WAY WITH DULÉ HILL is produced by CALICO for PBS. Danny Lee is the director and executive producer. Sophia Kruz is co-executive producer. Jazmyn Simon and Dulé Hill are executive producers, producing under their production company Simon Says Hill. Christopher Howard and Josh Jacobs are also executive producers. Margaret Ebrahim is the executive in charge for PBS.

Funding for THE EXPRESS WAY WITH DULÉ HILL was provided, in part, by Anne Ray Foundation.

About Dulé Hill

As a lifelong performing artist and tap dancer, Dulé Hill received an Emmy-nomination for his portrayal of Charlie Young on "The West Wing," and most recently portrayed the family patriarch Bill Williams on the remake of "The Wonder Years." Hill was also a series regular on the USA Network drama "Suits." Previously, Hill appeared in the HBO series "Ballers" with Dwayne Johnson. For eight seasons Hill portrayed the role of Burton 'Gus' Guster in the USA Network comedy "Psych" and served as a producer of the series. For this role, he was nominated for four NAACP Image Awards for "Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series." Hill revived his role with the original co-stars in the USA Network/Peacock films "Psych: The Movie 1, 2 and 3." Hill also serves on the SAG-AFTRA Board of Directors.

About Danny Lee

An Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Lee helmed the acclaimed "Who is Stan Smith?" and "30 for 30: Friedman's Shoes." Previously, Lee directed "Defining Moments" for Hulu and the award-winning PBS series "Breaking Big." A multidisciplinary filmmaker, Lee also directed the Lionsgate narrative feature "Public Disturbance;" as well as "The Story of Dunk" and "The Story of Air Max" commercial campaigns for Nike. In 2004, Lee made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed "Rock Fresh," an intimate documentary about graffiti artists making the leap from subversive to commercial art. Lee is also founder and principal of BIPOC production company CALICO.

About PBS

PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 42 million adults on linear primetime television, more than 15 million users on PBS-owned streaming platforms, and 56 million people view PBS content on social media, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature, and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS's broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS LearningMedia for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. As the number one educational media brand, PBS KIDS helps children 2-8 build critical skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality content on TV - including a PBS KIDS channel - and streaming free on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app, games on the PBS KIDS Games app, and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at PBS.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, Facebook, Instagram, or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Communications on Twitter.

About CALICO

The brainchild of filmmaker Danny Lee, CALICO is a 100% BIPOC-owned, award-winning production company dedicated to culturally authentic + impactful storytelling through inventive filmmaking. In TV + film, CALICO has produced projects for HBO, Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, Showtime, ESPN, PBS, Uninterrupted, Starz, Spotify, Complex, and more. CALICO is also an MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) certified company.

- PBS -





  [january 2024]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
 


· EXPRESS WAY WITH DULÉ HILL, THE (PBS)





[11/22/24 - 01:31 PM]
Video: "Suits LA" Arrives February 2025 - NBC
The all-new spinoff of the beloved legal drama, starring Stephen Amell, Lex Scott Davis, Josh McDermitt, and Bryan Greenberg, lands on the West Coast.

[11/22/24 - 12:11 PM]
Video: Peacock Releases First Look at the Third Season of Emmy Award-Winning Reality Competition Series "The Traitors" Returning January 9 with Alan Cumming as Host
Last season, "The Traitors" became the #1 unscripted series in the U.S. across all streaming platforms during launch week, according to Nielsen.

[11/22/24 - 10:15 AM]
Apple's Drama "Your Friends & Neighbors" Lands Early Season Two Renewal
Starring and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Jon Hamm, "Your Friends & Neighbors" will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, April 11 with two episodes, followed by one new episode weekly through Friday, May 30.

[11/22/24 - 09:01 AM]
Apple Original Films' "Fly Me to the Moon" to Premiere December 6, 2024
Since its debut in theaters worldwide, the film has received the Verified Hot certification on Rotten Tomatoes by fans.

[11/22/24 - 08:03 AM]
Peacock Exclusively Streams Blumhouse's "Speak No Evil" Beginning December 6
The psychological horror thriller stars James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler, Dan Hough, Scoot McNairy, and more!

[11/22/24 - 07:35 AM]
2024 "Emirates NBA Cup" Championship Game Exclusively on ABC and ESPN+ December 17
In addition, ESPN platforms will exclusively present a semifinal game and a quarterfinal game as part of its 2024 Emirates NBA Cup Knockout Round coverage.

[11/22/24 - 07:12 AM]
Peacock and Sky's Original Hit Drama Series "The Day of the Jackal" Scores Second Season Renewal
In the US it ranked #1 on Peacock's Top 10 TV Shows on its platform and was a Top 5 streaming original in the US for its opening weekend (according to preliminary Nielsen data).

[11/22/24 - 06:31 AM]
Video: "Chef's Table" Volume 7 - Official Teaser - Netflix
Meet five world-class chefs who redefine culinary boundaries with delicious, innovative dishes honoring their diverse cultures and personal philosophies.

[11/22/24 - 05:41 AM]
"They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce" Set for January 2025 on ESPN
Airing on Friday nights/early Saturday mornings, the new personality-driven, one-hour program will take its inspiration from traditional late-night television, emphasizing a comedic approach throughout all five scheduled episodes which run in conjunction with the finale of the NFL regular season and playoffs.

[11/22/24 - 03:01 AM]
Video: "Ad Vitam" - Official Trailer - Netflix
After escaping an attempted murder, Franck Lazarev (Guillaume Canet) must find his wife Léo, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious group of armed men.

[11/21/24 - 04:01 PM]
"Rugged Rugby: Conquer or Die" Premieres December 10: A Battle for Supremacy Begins
In the shadows of Korea's rugby world, seven teams engage in a fierce battle of strength, strategy, and teamwork - all vying to be crowned champion.

[11/21/24 - 04:00 PM]
ABC Presents a Two-Night Special Event To Commemorate the Diamond Anniversary of "Mary Poppins"
First, "The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20," a two-hour special from ABC News Studios chock full of rarely seen footage, photos and stories from the film's living legends, airs Wednesday, November 27 on ABC and streams next day on Hulu and Disney+.

[11/21/24 - 01:32 PM]
2024 International Emmy Nominees on Hulu
Check out these Emmy-worthy international series streaming on Hulu.

[11/21/24 - 01:12 PM]
"Dancing with the Stars" Semifinals Is Top Program of the Night in Adults 18-49 and All Key Women Demographics
The spectacular season 33 penultimate episode grew over the previous week's 500th episode celebration in both Total Viewers (5.19 million vs. 5.13 million) and Adults 18-49 (0.75 rating vs. 0.71 rating), hitting a season high in Total Viewers.

[11/21/24 - 01:05 PM]
NBC Orders Five Additional Episodes of Its Friday Night Comedy Hit "Happy's Place"
The "Happy's Place" premiere has hit 14 million viewers across all platforms.