Halloween Specials on WNMU-TV
Watch spooky specials and frightful fun all month long! Check back for a complete list of Halloween-themed programming.
October 2023
October is full of new and festive programs on WNMU-TV! From documentaries commemorating Native American cultures, to Halloween specials for young and old, to new drama seasons and series from PBS, this month is packed with programs you won't want to miss.
Tune in to WNMU-TV all month long for quality programming. Programs are also available to stream LIVE from our website, pbs.org or the PBS app.
Scroll down to learn about this month's featured programs. Shows are organized week by week. All programs are on 13.1 unless otherwise noted.
October 1
The Investiture of President Brock Tessman
The investiture of a university president – formally investing him or her with honors or rank – is an enduring tradition in academia. The September 2023 investiture of Northern Michigan University President Dr. Brock Tessman is an opportunity to celebrate as a community and welcome a new era under new leadership.
Saturday, September 30 at 8/7c. Repeats Sunday, October 1 at 2:30/3:30c.
Potentially Dangerous - When it was a Crime to be Italian
A feature documentary film about a time during World War II when the U.S Government restricted the actions and freedoms of 600,000 Italian residents of the United States. All were declared “Enemy Aliens,” and many were placed under curfew, banned from their workplaces, evacuated from their homes and communities, and even placed in internment camps. Most Italians refused to speak about what happened to them. Even 80 years later, many have remained silent. Until now.
Sunday, October 1 at 7/6c.
Professor T
The Trial
A caretaker is accused of shooting dead his rich employer. Is it an open and shut case?
Sunday, October 1 at 8/7c. Repeats 10/2 at 12a/11c.
Unforgotten
Episode 5
Sunny and Jess attempt a reset as they follow the clues in the case.
Sunday, October 1 at 9/8c.
Van der Valk
Episode 5: Magic in Amsterdam (Part One)
The team's newest case involves the participant of in a magical ritual invoking a demon.
Sunday, October 1 at 10/9c.
Celebrity Antiques Road Trip
Nick Hewer and Margaret Mountford
Nick Hewer and Margaret Mountford travel around the South of England.
Monday, October 2 at 9/8c.
POV
Murders That Matter
African American, Muslim mother Movita Johnson-Harrell transforms from a victim of violent trauma into a fierce advocate against gun violence in Black communities.
Monday, October 2 at 10/9c.
Becoming Frida Kahlo
Episode 3
Dangerous politics and turbulent love shock Frida's world, while love and trauma shape her final year. With her body failing her, her painting thrives.
Tuesday, October 3 at 9/8c.
Frontline
The Astros Edge: Triumph and Scandal in Major League Baseball
The Houston Astros cheating scandal and what it says about baseball today. The making of one of the best teams and worst scandals in modern MLB history, and how Astros baseball changed the sport.
Tuesday, October 3 at 10/9c.
America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston
Utah: Choose Your Path
Baratunde journeys west to discover what modern day pilgrims are seeking in Utah’s outdoor spaces.
Wednesday, October 4 at 8/7c. Repeats 10/18 at 3/2c.
NOVA
Ancient Earth: Birth of the Sky Preview
See how Earth transformed from a barren hellscape to a planet capable of sustaining life.
Wednesdays at 9/8c, begins October 4. Repeats 10/5 at 3/2c.
Evolution Earth
Grasslands
Forgotten and overlooked, grasslands could hold the key to our planet’s survival.
Wednesday, October 4 at 10/9c.
Ask the DNR
Bird Hunting, Youth Hunt, Pre-Deer Season, Fall Fishing
Personnel from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources answer questions submitted from viewers.
Thursday, October 5 at 8/7c. Repeats 10/6 at 3/2c.
Halifax: Retribution
Episode 3
The shooter claims two more victims as Jane tries to grapple with a case from her past.
Friday, October 6 at 9/8c.
Roadtrip Nation: Rerouting
Innovators and leaders around the country show the roadtrippers how mid-life workers can adapt to the changing landscape of work, technology, and education.
Saturday, October 7 at 8/7c. Repeats 10/9 at 3/2c.
October 8-14
Have You Heard About Greg? A Journey Through Alzheimer's
Greg O'Brien, an award-winning investigative reporter that was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's at the age of 59 demonstrates his commitment to starting conversations about this quiet killer that impacts millions worldwide.
Sunday, October 8 at 7/6c.
Professor T
Swansong
The CID team blunder into a Drugs Squad operation that might implicate their colleague.
Sunday, October 8 at 8/7c. Repeats 10/9 at 12a/11c.
Unforgotten
Episode 6
Can Sunny, Jess, and the team bring the clues in the case together to solve it?
Sunday, October 8 at 9/8c.
Van der Valk
Episode 6: Magic in Amsterdam (Part Two)
Lucienne is forced to confront painful memories buried in her past.
Sunday, October 8 at 10/9c.
Celebrity Antiques Road Trip
Ainsley Harriott and Anne Diamond
Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott is pitted against presenter and journalist Anne Diamond.
Monday, October 9 at 9/8c.
Independent Lens
El Equipo
A collaboration changes the course of forensic science and international human rights.
Monday, October 9 at 10/9c.
The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween!
The Cat in the Hat takes Nick and Sally on the craziest Halloween ride filled with howlers and shockers and scary fandangles, big laughs and music and fun from all angles!
Tuesday, October 10 at 1/12c. Repeats 10/19 at 11:30a/10:30c; and 10/31 at 8a/7c.
FRONTLINE
Elon Musk's Twitter Takeover
Elon Musk’s long and often troubled relationship with Twitter.
Tuesday, October 10 at 9/8c.
Halloween Special
Wild Kratts: Creepy Creatures
When the Kratt brothers aren’t sure how to celebrate Halloween, they decide to go discover some “creepy cool” creatures. But after heading off find new animal friends, they learn Zach and the other villains are trying to ruin Halloween!
Wednesday, October 11 at 8a/7c. Repeats 10/17 at 12p/11c, 10/24 at 12p/11c, 10/29 at 7/6a, 10/30 at 1/12c, 10/31 at 6/5c.
America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston
Maine: Embrace the Cold
With its magnificent coastline and densely wooded interior, Mainers embrace the cold.
Wednesday, October 11 at 8/7c.
NOVA
Ancient Earth: Frozen
How did life survive on a planet covered in ice from pole to pole?
Wednesday, October 11 at 9/8c. Repeats 10/12 at 3/2c.
Secrets of the Dead
The Sunken Basilica
Uncover the sunken remains of a 4th-century basilica in western Turkey. Submerged beneath the waters of Lake Iznik for hundreds of years, the church could reveal crucial insights into the early days of Christianity.
Wednesday, October 11 at 10/9c.
A Halloween Special
Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest
Halloween's almost here! Hang onto your hats! It's George's first Halloween in the country, and Bill tells him and Allie about the Legend of No Noggin -- a spooky tale about a hat-kicking scarecrow who haunts the countryside on Halloween. But is the legend really real? George and Allie are determined to find out by taking a picture of No Noggin in hat-kicking action.
Thursday, October 12 at 12p/11c. Repeats 10/18 at 1/12c.
Ask the Doctors
General Health
Area medical professionals visit WNMU-TV to answer questions submitted from viewers.
Thursday, October 12 at 8/7c. Repeats 10/13 at 3/2c.
Arthur
The Haunted Tree House
This Halloween is sure to be the spookiest ever for Arthur and his friends. While trick-or-treating, Francine meets an old woman with a very mysterious past, while Binky finds himself at Mr. Ratburn's amazing haunted house (that's scarier than math class!). Muffy and Bailey decide to cut through a dark, rainy cemetery. And as for Arthur, Buster, and Ladonna? Their tree house sleepover seems to be haunted -- but by what?
Friday, October 13 at 10:30a/9:30c. Repeats 10/20 at 9:30a/8:30c; 10/27 at 6:30a/5:30c; 10/29 at 6a/5c; 10/31 at 1/12c.
Halifax: Retribution
Episode 4
The shooter’s attacks are escalating with the Task Force no closer to his apprehension.
Friday, October 13 at 9/8c.
On the Road with Chatham Rabbits
Husband-and-wife duo Sarah and Austin McCombie of Chatham Rabbits go on the road to follow their dreams of making it in music.
Sundays at 12a/11c, begins October 15.
October 15-21
Unseen: How We're Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters
Many parent caregivers for children or adults who are disabled or medically complex are exhausted and isolated. Their mental and physical struggle is a public health crisis that costs us all. This program gives an unfiltered, honest glimpse into their lives to enable a change for millions of caregivers and their families.
Sunday, October 15 at 7/6c.
Hotel Portofino
Returns
Step into the 1920s at the Italian Riviera for drama and mystery in the aftermath of WWI. Bella’s new spa runs over budget amidst an anonymous inspection and a return from someone closer to home.
Sundays at 8/7c, begins October 15. Repeats at 12a/11c.
World on Fire
Season 2, Episode 1
Season 2 takes viewers from Britain into Nazi Germany, France, and the African desert.
Sundays at 9/8c, begins October 15.
Annika
Season 2, Episode 1
When a phone with a recording of a brutal drowning is handed to police headquarters, the pressure is on for Annika and the team to track down the murderer.
Sundays at 10/9c, begins October 15.
The American Buffalo
Blood Memory
The dramatic story of how America’s national mammal, which sustained the lives of Native people, was driven to the brink of extinction.
Monday, October 16 at 8/7c. Repeats at 10/9c.
America's Last Little Italy: The Hill
In the late 1800s, Italians immigrated to St. Louis, creating one of the largest Italian American neighborhoods in the United States today, The Hill. While similar immigrant neighborhoods have long ago lost their identity, The Hill remains strong. Understand the story of this enduring neighborhood by looking at its past, present, and future.
Tuesday, October 17 at 3/2c.
The American Buffalo
Into The Storm
An improbable collection of unforgettable Americans rescues the national mammal from extinction. Ken Burns, Julie Dunfey and Dayton Duncan on creating their latest documentary.
Tuesday, October 17 at 8/7c. Repeats 10/17 at 10/9c.
Nature
The Platypus Guardian
A Tasmanian man befriends a platypus while protecting the species from urban development.
Wednesday, October 18 at 8/7c.
NOVA
Ancient Earth: Life Rising
See how life made the leap to land, turning a barren landscape into a lush, green world.
Wednesday, October 18 at 9/8c. Repeats 10/19 at 3/2c.
Secrets of the Dead
Jurassic Fortunes
Discover the world of dinosaur fossil collecting, an unusual hobby with a growing market.
Wednesday, October 18 at 10/9c.
Ask the Lawyers
October 2023
Area attorneys answer questions from viewers during this live broadcast.
Thursday, October 19 at 8/7c. Repeats 10/20 at 3/2c.
Halifax: Retribution
Episode 5
The shooter hacks Jane’s phone and they continue their conversation.
Friday, October 20 at 9/8c.
Great Museums: The Art of Islam at the Met and the Louvre
Examine the extraordinary artistic masterpieces in The Met's Islamic Art collections, revealing a surprising number of connections that unite Western and Islamic traditions, in art, science, and literature.
Saturday, October 21 at 9:30/8:30c.
October 22-28
Art + Medicine: Healthy Aging
Look at issues around aging through an artistic lens by focusing on the four M's framework: "Mobility," "Mentation" (or more commonly thought of as mood and memory), "Medication" and "what Matters" to older adults.
Sunday, October 22 at 7/6c.
Hotel Portofino
Episode 2
Cecil tries to buy Bella’s affections. Lucian and Constance acknowledge their attraction.
Sunday, October 22 at 8/7c. Repeats 10/23 at 12a/11c.
World on Fire
Episode 2
Harry struggles with the realities of desert combat. A mysterious stranger arrives at Robina’s door.
Sunday, October 22 at 9/8c.
Annika
Episode 2
Anika and the team are sent to Edinburgh to investigate the death of a recently released prisoner whose body is pulled out of the River Forth.
Sunday, October 22 at 10/9c.
Celebrity Antiques Road Trip
Brian Cox CBE and Philip Jackson
Hollywood star Brian Cox takes on Poirot star and friend Philip Jackson.
Monday, October 23 at 9/8c.
POV
Aurora's Sunrise
At 14, Aurora Madriganian survived the Armenian Genocide and escaped to New York, where her story became a media sensation. Her newfound fame led to her starring in one of Hollywood's earliest blockbusters. Aurora's Sunrise revives her forgotten story.
Monday, October 23 at 10/9c.
Native America
New Worlds
Native innovators lead a revolution in music, building, and space exploration. From the surface of Mars to the New York City hip hop scene to the Pine Ridge Reservation, Native traditions are transforming life on Earth and other worlds.
Tuesdays at 9/8c, begins October 24.
Bring Her Home
Three Indigenous women fight to vindicate and honor their missing and murdered relatives.
Tuesday, October 24 at 10/9c.
Spy in the Ocean, A Nature Miniseries
Deep Thinkers
Spy creatures reveal an ocean full of startling ways of thinking, including large-brained whales, smart octopi, diving monkeys, creative fish and other intelligent animals.
Wednesdays at 8/7c, begins October 25.
NOVA: Ancient Earth
Inferno
How did life bounce back after a cataclysmic extinction wiped out some 90% of all species?
Wednesday, October 25 at 9/8c. Repeats 10/26 at 3/2c.
Secrets of the Dead
Eiffel's Race to the Top
Discover the untold story behind Paris’ most famous landmark and the race to build a monument 1,000 feet tall.
Wednesday, October 25 at 10/9c.
Ask the Doctors
General Health/Diabetes
Area medical professionals visit WNMU-TV to answer questions submitted from viewers on diabetes and general health.
Thursday, October 26 at 8/7c. Repeats 10/27 at 3/2c.
CLassic Film of the Month
The Sin of Harold Diddlebock
A mild mannered, menial clerk gets fired, goes on a spree and gets drunk, wins a bundle of money and buys a circus.
Friday, October 27 at 9/8c.
Rosanne Cash at MacDowell
Composer, writer, and recording star Rosanne Cash receives the 61st Edward MacDowell Medal. Featuring insightful interviews and brief performances by Emmylou Harris, John Leventhal and Cash.
Friday, October 27 at 10:30/9:30c.
October 29-31
Great Lakes Now
Sunday, October 29 at 3:30/2:30c.
The New Divas: Live in Vienna
Enjoy five captivating young singers from around the world in a concert taped in Vienna in June 2023. Juliana Grigoryan, Lily Kerhoas, Larisa Martinez, Serena Saenz and Shelea perform classical, jazz, pop, opera and musical theatre selections.
Sunday, October 29 at 6:30/5:30.
Hotel Portofino
Comings Together
Cecil clashes with local gangsters. Emotions between Lucian and Constance come to a head.
Sunday, October 29 at 8/7c. Repeats 10/30 at 12a/11c.
World on Fire
Episode 3
As Stan and Rajib make a hasty retreat across the desert, David is in peril in the skies over France.
Sunday, October 29 at 9/8c.
Annika
Episode 2
Annika reflects on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as she and the team investigate a Scottish millionaire found dead in his own shark tank.
Sunday, October 29 at 10/9c.
Antiques Roadshow
Thrills & Chills
Trick or treat yourself to Roadshow's thrilling and chilling Halloween special!
Monday, October 30 at 8/7c. Repeats 10/31 at 3/2c.
American Experience
The War on Disco
Explore the cultural movement that gave rise to disco, and the backlash that tried to destroy it.
Monday, October 30 at 9/8c.
Theater of the Mind: A Halloween Special
Sherlock Holmes and the Giant Rat of Sumatra
In autumn 1898 in the Docklands of London, the world's first consulting detective Sherlock Holmes is called to investigate the appearance of a long overdue clipper ship that arrives with no crew, aside from a young boy, dead from a mysterious attack. Though the case does not initally capture Sherlock Holmes's attention, he does take interest in the disappearance of a famous archaeologist, leading to a shocking conclusion. Theater of the Mind: it's radio you can see!
Monday, October 30 at 10/9c.
A Halloween Special
Forgotten/Found
The tourism industry calls it “ruin porn” – a chic fascination with landmarks in decay. Visit a few unique, offbeat attractions across Pennsylvania.
Monday, October 30 at 11/10c.
Frankenstein: Theater of the Mind
Victor Frankenstein set out to create life – using corpses stolen from graveyards. During a raging storm, he is successful but, too late, realizes he has created a misshapen, inarticulate horror. And so begins a haunting tale of creature vs. creator, in KTWU’s local production - 1940’s radio-style drama from A.R.T.S., Inc.
Monday, October 30 at 11/10c on 13.3PLUS.
Native America
Warrior Spirit
Across Native America, warrior traditions support incredible athletes and connect people to combat, games, and glory. Celebrate and honor the men and women who live and breathe this legacy today.
Tuesday, October 31 at 9/8c.
Frontline
McConnell, the GOP & the Court
How Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell helped transform the Supreme Court and U.S. politics. Amid scrutiny of the high court, and a power struggle in the GOP, McConnell’s rise and role pushing the judiciary to the right, and America’s polarized democracy.
Tuesday, October 31 at 10/9c.
Dracula: Theater of the Mind
KTWU-TV presents "Dracula." It's radio you can see, complete with actors, music and a crew of sound effects The radio drama presents an audio-adaptation of the classic horror tale by Philip Grecian. A set that mimics a 1940's radio stage, complete with sound effects equipment, has been assembled in the KTWU-TV studios on the Washburn University campus.
Tuesday, October 31 at 11/10c on 13.3PLUS.
