Twin Cities Public Television

The story behind the creation of the transistor, one of the 20th century's most important inventions.

The documentary AMERICAN REDS provides a historical overview of 20th century Communism and the growth, decline and contemporary relevance of the Communist Party, USA (CPUSA). Since its founding in 1919, the CPUSA has championed the struggles for democracy, labor rights, women’s equality, and racial justice. During its heyday in the 1930s and 1940s, it attracted millions of Americans to support its causes and almost 100,000 men and women to enlist in its ranks. The film begins with the Party's emergence as a small militant sect in the 1920s and documents its rise to the foremost radical group in the United States during the Great Depression, fighting against racism, sexism and fascism, as well as for the rights of workers to organize. It ends with the decline of the Party during the Cold War under the assaults of the FBI and anti- communist crusades.

A fan of "Twin Peaks"? Get the inside scoop from co-creator Mark Frost. Hear what keeps people coming back to the show and what this means for the future of television.

Discover the evolutionary secrets of some of the world’s most majestic creatures. From voracious crocodiles and acrobatic birds to stupendous whales and majestic elephants, this documentary follows top scientists on a global adventure as they follow clues from the fossil record and change what we thought we knew about the evolution of iconic beasts.

A quickfire portrait of the New York City ballroom scene in the ‘80s.

Alzheimer's: Every Minute Counts is an urgent wake-up call about the national threat posed by Alzheimer's disease. Many know the unique tragedy of this disease, but few know that Alzheimer's is one of the most critical public health crises facing America. Because of the growing number of aging baby boomers, and the fact that the onset of Alzheimer's is primarily age-related, the number of Alzheimer's case is predicted to skyrocket in the United States. This will not only be a profound human tragedy, but an overwhelming economic one as well. Due to the length of time people live with the illness and need care, it's the most expensive medical condition in the U.S. Future costs for Alzheimer's threaten to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid, and the life savings of millions of Americans.

Heading out west to her Grandma's birthday celebration, Lynda Barry and Kevin Kling record their adventures along the way.

What is it really like to go to war? Filled with terror, pain, and grief, it also brings exhilaration, and a profound sense of purpose. Renowned authors Karl Marlantes and Sebastian Junger help us make sense of this paradox and get to the heart of what it’s like to be a soldier at war. Veterans of various conflicts reveal some universal truths of combat with unflinching candor.

Skinhead culture started as multi-cultural, working-class, and anti-racist, but soon was co-opted by white supremacy. To fight back against Nazis, the Baldies were formed in Minneapolis and beyond.

25 years after the pro wrestler shocked the world when elected Governor of Minnesota, it's high time to explore the people, values and experiences that shaped him.

Dr. Michael Pinkus, D.C., utilizes alternative Eastern medicine practices and applies techniques involving ancient acupressure points in order to provide pain relief and shows viewers how to apply these techniques in daily life. Often airs on PBS stations during pledge drive season.

A possibly true story of the legendary Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue. Prince may have made the club famous, but many others have toiled backstage to keep this landmark standing. From the days of Woodstock, through disco, punk, and hip-hop this "pirate ship that goes nowhere" has weathered the storm - just barely. Discover the story of a Minneapolis nightclub that launched the careers of Hüsker Dü, the Replacements, Semisonic, Soul Asylum and more. The film includes images and interviews of an array of musicians and bands that have played the club. From the days of Woodstock, through disco, punk and hip-hop, this "pirate ship that goes nowhere" has weathered the storm to become a part of music history.

Roots of racial disparities are seen through a new lens in this film that explores the origins of housing segregation in the Minneapolis area. But the story also illustrates how African-American families and leaders resisted this insidious practice, and how Black people built community — within and despite — the red lines that these restrictive covenants created.