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New Year, new stories: Three series premiere on PBS Wisconsin this January

January 2026 brings three brand-new series to PBS Wisconsin – each with its own flavor of mystery, drama and inspiration.

Alyssa Beno

12/22/25

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January 2026 brings three brand-new series to PBS Wisconsin – each with its own flavor of mystery, drama and inspiration. Mark your calendars and watch when they premiere on PBS Wisconsin or download the free PBS app and stream anytime!

For eligible PBS Wisconsin members, PBS Wisconsin Passport provides extended access to an on-demand library of PBS programming. Learn more about PBS Wisconsin Passport and become a member!

Whitstable Pearl

Drama series premieres 9:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2 / Stream now with PBS Passport

Follow single mother Pearl (Kerry Godliman) as she pursues her lifelong dream to start a private detective agency, which she runs from her family restaurant in the coastal English town of Whitstable.

Bookish

New mystery series premieres 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11

In post-war London, Gabriel Book, a literary enthusiast and bookseller, combines his day job with his favorite hobby – helping solve knotty murder cases. Although happily married to his best friend, Trottie, Book is a gay man at a time when homosexuality was illegal. When a new assistant, Jack, arrives at the bookshop, it soon becomes clear his appointment wasn’t as random as it at first seems.

Fork & Hammer

New dining series premieres 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 / Stream now with PBS Passport

Married restaurateurs Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown are turning an abandoned historic church into Charlotte’s next landmark dining experience. At the same time, they’re relocating a 120-year-old building while running five award-winning eateries, managing 230 employees and raising three children. It’s a high-stake juggling act that is the ultimate test of ambition, grit and family.

Alyssa Beno

What do you think?

I would love to get your thoughts, suggestions, and questions in the comments below. Thanks for sharing!

Alyssa Beno

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9 Comments

  • Kelly Hughes

    We just purchased a new smart TV (LG brand). As a former Roku user, I was used to accessing the PBS app to stream my favorite shows. Turns out LG doesn’t offer the PBS app…my workaround is to go to the TV’s web browser and log in to PBS there. Were you aware of this? Seems to me all smart TV’s should offer the PBS app.

    • Alyssa Beno

      Hi Kelly – thank you for your comment. I will share this with member services!

  • John Fenner

    I love all of these new shows, and of course the return of all of my favourite characters on PBS Wisconsin! Huzzah!

  • Albert Keller

    I only watch the British or other foreign mysteries for the most part. I find your news too liberal and partisan for my liking. I fully support public TV as it is the only on the air programing that I view. Hope this is meaningful.

  • Kathleen Miller

    Haven’t received my January Airwaves yet. Was wondering if they were mailed and I was missed? Would appreciate a response.
    Thank you.

    • Alyssa Beno

      Hello Kathleen – I’m sorry to hear that. I am going to pass your message along to our member services and they will be in touch. Thank you for reaching out.

  • Diane Dillett

    Looking forward to the new shows. Appreciate detective stories and would like to see the return of a drama series like Portafino or Last Tango in Halifax.

  • Susan Puntillo

    Will Bookish be on Passport?

    • Alyssa Beno

      Hi Susan – yes! You can stream the entire new season of Bookish on Passport beginning Jan. 11. Enjoy!