New Documentary on Singer-Songwriter Dory Previn, DORY PREVIN: ON MY WAY TO WHERE, Headlines PBS SoCal’s 2026 Women’s History Month Lineup
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Select programming will also be available to stream on PBS.org and the free PBS App. Members of PBS SoCal get extended access through PBS Passport.
Los Angeles, Calif. – Feb. 12, 2026 – PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS organization, today announced the lineup of programs celebrating Women's History Month this March. The slate spotlights boundary-pushing women who defied convention and help shape modern history. The highlight of this year’s lineup is DORY PREVIN: ON MY WAY TO WHERE which explores the life of influential singer-songwriter Dory Previn. Her career began as an Academy Award-nominated lyricist writing songs for Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Dionne Warwick. After a tabloid scandal and highly publicized breakdown, she reemerged in the 1970s as a cult icon in the Laurel Canyon music scene. Co-directed by Julia Greenberg and Dianna Dilworth, the film draws from archives with J. Smith-Cameron (“Succession”) reading personal journal excerpts giving a voice to her inner world. The 60-minute documentary will be broadcast on Fri., March 20 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal.
PBS SoCal will also premiere the new AMERICAN MASTERS special, “Bella! This Woman’s Place Is in the House,” chronicling the meteoric rise of trailblazing politician and activist, Bella Abzug. As a U.S. congresswoman during the second wave of the feminist movement, she championed women's rights and progressive causes, upending the political status quo in Washington and shaping the national conversation on gender equality. The film features interviews and reflections on her legacy from Hillary Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Barbra Streisand, Marlo Thomas among others. Premieres on Tues., March 17 at 9 p.m.
Rounding out the month’s premieres, WW2 WOMEN ON THE FRONTLINE explores the daring stories of women whose World War II service and contributions have often gone untold. From pilots navigating enemy skies to scientists, journalists and spies who risked everything, these courageous women defied expectations to change the course of history. Premieres on Thurs., March 19 at 8 p.m.
Select content slated to air during Women’s History Month is listed as follows (*schedule subject to change):
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: “Women’s Work” – Mon., March 16 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Celebrate trailblazing women in a special hour spotlighting outstanding contributions from female athletes, artists, activists and more who left an indelible mark on the world around us through their thought-provoking objects and accomplishments.
AMERICAN MASTERS: “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore” – Mon., March 16 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Tues., March 17 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
Learn about the life and career of four-time Emmy nominee Marlee Matlin as she shares her story in her native American Sign Language. Known for roles in “The West Wing” and “CODA,” at 21 years old, Matlin became the first Deaf actor to win an Oscar.
FINDING YOUR ROOTS: “Born to Sing” – Tues., March 17 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., March 18 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the roots of singers Alanis Morissette and Ciara—using DNA analysis and genealogical detective work to trace lineages that run from shtetls in Eastern Europe to Jazz Age Harlem. Along the way, Alanis and Ciara reimagine their families and meet the people who laid the groundwork for their success—including one ancestor who was at the center of a song.
AMERICAN MASTERS: “Bella! This Woman’s Place Is in the House” – Tues., March 17 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., March 18 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
Follow the meteoric rise of firebrand politician and activist Bella Abzug. See how her commitment to women's rights and progressive causes upended the status quo in Washington.
AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: “The Sun Queen” – Tues., March 17 at 11 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Biophysicist and inventor Mária Telkes, designer of the first successfully solar-heated modern residence, held more than 20 patents at the time of her death in 1995.
WOMEN OF FIRE – Wed., March 18 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus and Thurs., March 19 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Follow a group of female candidates through the Los Angeles County Women’s Fire Prep Academy. As the women consider their future careers as firefighters, the film addresses how with almost 3,400 firefighters in the Southern California region, less than 100 women currently work for the department.
WW2 WOMEN ON THE FRONTLINE – Thurs., March 19 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Tues., March 24 at 8:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
Explore the daring and unknown histories of the remarkable women pilots, journalists, guerrillas and spies who fought, flew and died in the Second World War.
DORY PREVIN: ON MY WAY TO WHERE – Fri., March 20 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sat., March 21 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
Dory Previn began as an Academy Award nominated lyricist for Hollywood musicals with songs for Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Dionne Warwick before a tabloid scandal and public breakdown led to her re-emergence as a cult artist in the Laurel Canyon scene. The film draws from rare archives with J. Smith-Cameron (“Succession”) reading journal excerpts giving a voice to her inner world.
CALL THE MIDWIFE “Episode One” – Sun., March 22 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal – SEASON PREMIERE – New!
The Nonnatus team grow increasingly concerned for the welfare of four young children. Sister Catherine faces her first solo delivery, and the midwives attend a women's lib meeting.
INDEPENDENT LENS: “Keep Quiet and Forgive” – Mon., March 23 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sat., March 28 at 10 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus – New!
An Amish sexual assault survivor breaks her silence, sparking a movement for justice and reform.
FINDING YOUR ROOTS: “Larger Than Life” – Tues., March 24 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Wed., March 25 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. introduces actors Lea Salonga and Amanda Seyfried to ancestors who are every bit as dramatic as the characters they’ve played on stage and screen. Moving from a naval base in the Philippines to a small-town bakery in Pennsylvania to steamships on the Atlantic Ocean, Lea and Amanda hear stories of relatives who survived wars, murders and heart-wrenching ordeals.
AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: “Fly With Me” – Wed., March 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus and Thurs., March 26 at 7 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Showcasing the women who defied societal expectations as flight attendants and navigated the world of limited opportunities fighting for equal rights in the workforce, this production consists of firsthand accounts and personal stories of these women who were often neglected.
GROUNDBREAKERS – Thurs., March 26 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Celebrate 50 years of female excellence in sports through the eyes of athletes who changed the system. Hosted by sports icon and champion of equality Billie Jean King, the film weaves together eight athletes’ discussions of how their own struggles and achievements shaped women’s sports. Features Naomi Osaka, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Chloe Kim, Nancy Lieberman, Suni Lee, Julie Foudy and Diana Flores.
MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY: WE ARE OUR TIME “American Spirit” – Fri., March 27 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
This two-part documentary tells the story of Martha Graham, the fiercely lived foundational artist, beset by conflict, competition and inspiration, and how she forged the path for the future of modern dance. The series captures how the fire, drive and passion of this towering figure continues to inspire dancers, artists and culture the world over. In 2026, the Martha Graham Company, America’s oldest and the longest running dance company, will celebrate its centennial anniversary.
GREAT PERFORMANCES: “Tiler Peck: Suspending Time” – Fri., March 27 at 10:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Follow acclaimed ballerina Tiler Peck as she overcomes injury to reclaim her place on stage and debut her own choreography with New York City Ballet, revealing the resilience and artistry behind a modern-day prima ballerina.
PBS ARTS TALK “Misty Copeland” – Fri., March 27 at 11:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Choreographer Twyla Tharp explores her career and creative process with fellow dancer Misty Copeland.
CALL THE MIDWIFE “Episode Two” – Sun., March 29 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal – New!
A new medical technique threatens to change the face of obstetrics forever, whilst a potential rabies outbreak has Poplar in a state of fear. Cyril meets Rosalind's parents.
FINDING YOUR ROOTS: “The Butterfly Effect” – Tues., March 31 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. introduces actors Debra Messing and Melanie Lynskey to ancestors who made bold decisions that forever reshaped their family trees. Moving from shtetls in Eastern Europe to a fruit stand in NY City to the wilds of New Zealand, Gates introduces his guests to relatives who took great risks, overcame enormous hardships—and unwittingly transformed the lives of their descendants.
AMERICAN MASTERS “Liza: A Truly Terrific, True Story – Tues., March 31 at 9 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus
Take an intimate look into the life of Liza Minnelli, best known for her Oscar-winning role in “Cabaret.” Following in the footsteps of her mother Judy Garland, Minnelli used her boundless raw talent to build her own legacy in showbiz.
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