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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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
Several More Lives to Live - S1 E3
Thoreau returns to society to test what he learned at Walden, taking on roles as surveyor, scientist and abolitionist, and making two more Maine trips - gaining deeper insights. Facing a lifelong illness, he writes with renewed urgency.
- Sunday August 30, 2026 8:00 pm ET on KET2
- Sunday August 30, 2026 7:00 pm CT on KET2
- Tuesday September 1, 2026 2:00 am ET on KET2
- Tuesday September 1, 2026 1:00 am CT on KET2
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