Tuesdays, Feb. 16 & 23, March 30, April 13 & 20, May 4, 2021 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV
In CONNECTED: A SEARCH FOR UNITY, Monty Moran, CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, travels across the country and into Canada to speak with and share the stories of a range of individuals with unique perspectives on life, culture, the environment, politics, immigration and social media.
Over six episodes, the series demonstrates the importance of looking at the world through a different lens, and explores a novel vision for the country – one where a culture of empathy and understanding can grow and flourish, even in an era where discord seems entrenched.
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EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1: "We Are Blood" airs Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV: Alberta, Canada - During his visit with the Blood Tribe on the Blackfoot Nation, Monty learns how the first people are coping in the aftermath of cultural genocide. Despite being stripped of their land, tradition, language, and identity, Monty finds timeless wisdom even in the midst of great struggle, as well as powerful lessons of hope, forgiveness, redemption, and love.
Episode 2 "The Goodlands" airs Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV: Kensington, North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Set in a part of Philadelphia often referred to as “The Badlands,” Monty finds himself immersed in the largest open air drug market in the United States, where thousands of needles, filth and waste are scattered across streets and parks, despite an unending cycle of efforts to curb the problem. Yet, from seemingly unfertile soil, arise stories of resilience, redemption, and extraordinary people working to help each other find love and unity.
Episode 3 "The County That Built The Country" airs Tuesday, March 30 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV: McDowell County, West Virginia - Once one of the wealthiest counties in America and home to the first billion dollar company, McDowell has been called the county that built the country. But with most coal mines closed, it is now among the poorest places, and suffers the shortest life expectancy and highest death rate from opioids of all 3,142 counties in the USA. Set against stunning mountain landscapes, Monty meets extraordinary people with incredible grit, determination, hope, and a deep love for one another, who shatter many stereotypes of Appalachian life.
More episodes to be announced:
Episode 4 "The River" airs Tuesday, April 13 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV Laredo, Texas - Home to the largest inland port in the USA, Monty visits people whose lives are shaped by their proximity to the Rio Grande, which has long been the United States Mexico border. For Maria and her 7 year old daughter, after months of struggle, hunger, fear, violence, and kidnapping, this river symbolized the last obstacle in the way of her dreams of a new life of opportunity and security. For others, it represents the only thing protecting the USA from cartels, drugs, corruption and violence. Yet people in this town are committed to a life of compassion, understanding and love.
Episode 5 "My Father Was A Fisherman" airs Tuesday, April 20 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV: Port Clyde, Maine - Despite being difficult and often thankless work, for over a century the residents of this idyllic fishing village have followed their ancestors footsteps, and answered the mysterious call of the sea. Fishing these waters is their first passion and love, but there are many pitfalls and challenges. Yet once again, their struggles become the soil in which wisdom grows, and we again witness the triumph of the human spirit.
Episode 6 "The Divide" airs Tuesday, May 4 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV: Brunswick, Georgia - This coastal town in Southern Georgia is where a young black man, Ahmaud Arbery, was killed. Monty sits down with Ahmaud’s father and uncle, local activists and community leaders, and even those who celebrate the confederate flag. But as Monty learns the truth from the men and women closest to this tragedy, instead of division, he finds love, mutual respect, and unity that our whole nation can learn from.
Distributed by American Public Television.
