PBS’ fast start this fall: mysteries, elections, Hispanic history

While the broadcast networks get off to a semi-groggy start this fall, PBS will be busy quickly.
Its three-mystery Sundays will start Sept. 15, centering on “Moonflower Murders” (shown hare), witty sequel to the 2022 “Magie Murders.” Some of its non-fiction shows start that week, with an early emphasis on the elections.
A few hings will arrive even earlier, including a profile of writer-director Blake Edwards (“Pink Panther,” “10”) on Aug. 28. Like the late Edwards, it managed to be funny and joyous, with moments of morose depth.
And some will be late. Sara Bareilles will star in her “Waitress” musical on Nov. 15. Three days later, PBS starts Ken Burns’ “Leonardo Da Vinci,” a richly detailed, two-night, four-hour film.
Many of the key shows will be in place before the commercial network shows arrive. CBS, for instance, is holding most of its season-openers until the week of Oct. 14. Meanwhile, some PBS highlights include:
— “Masterpiece” mysteries on Sundays. “Moonflower Murders” (the “Magpie” sequel) will be at 9 p.m., surrounded by “Ridley” at 8 and “Van Der Valk” at 10.
— The election emphasis. The key film, as always, is “The Choice” (Sept. 24), with the “Frontline” team having deep profiles of the presidential candidates. Others include looks at the electoral college (Sept. 30) and the vice-presidency (Oct. 1). And on Sept. 23, Judy Woodruff has “Crossroads,” which tries to bridge the divided nature of current politics.
— A Latino emphasis. Author Julia Alvarez will be profiled on Sept. 17. John Leguizamo starts his “Untold History of Latinos” on Sept. 27, the night PBS has the Hispanic Heritage Awards . And “Latino Vote 2024” will be Oct. 22.
— And the usual emphasis on nature and science and such. A key early starter will be “Big Cats,” a six-parter that begins Sept. 18. An international team spent six months filming in Botswana.