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Henry David Thoreau and Transcendentalism

After graduating from Harvard Divinity School, Henry David Thoreau is introduced to an electrifying new social movement: transcendentalism. Transcendentalism is the first youth movement in American history, and it boils down to one simple, but powerful idea: that there is a spark of divinity within everyone, including enslaved people. This idea calls the entirety of American society into question.
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Clip Season 1 Episode 1 Length 05:09 Premiere: 03/30/26

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Clips & Previews

Season 1 Episodes

Several More Lives to Live
S1 E3 Length 1:01:51 Premiere Date 03/30/26

Being Alive
S1 E2 Length 56:54 Premiere Date 03/30/26

Who are We?
S1 E1 Length 54:19 Premiere Date 03/30/26

An Introduction to the Words and Life of Henry David Thoreau
Clip Length 08:20 Premiere Date 03/30/26

Henry David Thoreau and Transcendentalism
Clip Length 05:09 Premiere Date 03/30/26

Ralph Waldo Emerson's Mentorship of Henry David Thoreau
Clip Length 09:09 Premiere Date 03/30/26

Official Trailer
Preview Length 00:30 Premiere Date 03/30/26

Making Henry David Thoreau
Clip Length 01:50 Premiere Date 03/30/26

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Who Are We? - S1 E1

As the nation struggles with its ideals and industry reshapes the land, Henry David Thoreau pursues a career as an author. But, unsuccessful and disheartened, he retreats to a cabin in the woods to live simply, deliberately - and write.

  • Sunday August 23, 2026 8:00 pm ET on KET2
  • Sunday August 23, 2026 7:00 pm CT on KET2
  • Tuesday August 25, 2026 2:00 am ET on KET2
  • Tuesday August 25, 2026 1:00 am CT on KET2

Being Alive - S1 E2

At Walden Pond, Thoreau finds solace in nature and writes two books, including a classic about his time there. Over his two-year stay, an expedition to Maine and an act of civil disobedience protesting slavery reshape his idea of freedom.

  • Sunday August 23, 2026 9:00 pm ET on KET2
  • Sunday August 23, 2026 8:00 pm CT on KET2
  • Tuesday August 25, 2026 3:00 am ET on KET2
  • Tuesday August 25, 2026 2:00 am CT on KET2

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