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Henry David Thoreau Asks Us to Live in the Present

On May 6th, 1862, Henry David Thoreau passes away peacefully at age 44 from tuberculosis. His work continues to inspire generations to live in the present, experiment, and get excited about the experiment of being alive. Thoreau offers us these messages, but it's up to us to open the book and read.
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Clip Season 1 Episode 3 Length 08:19 Premiere: 03/31/26

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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

Thoreau Begins to Work with the Underground Railroad

Clip Length 05:03 Premiere Date 03/31/26

Joe Polis Teaches Thoreau the Penobscot View of Nature

Clip Length 09:45 Premiere Date 03/31/26

Henry David Thoreau Asks Us to Live in the Present

Clip Length 08:19 Premiere Date 03/31/26

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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TV Schedules

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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.

  • Wednesday April 1, 2026 2:00 am ET on KET
  • Wednesday April 1, 2026 1:00 am CT on KET

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.

  • Wednesday April 1, 2026 3:00 am ET on KET
  • Wednesday April 1, 2026 2:00 am CT on KET

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.

  • Thursday April 2, 2026 2:00 am ET on KET
  • Thursday April 2, 2026 1:00 am CT on KET
Jump to Upcoming Airdates

Recent

Several More Lives to Live - S1 E3

  • Tuesday March 31, 2026 9:00 pm ET on KET
  • Tuesday March 31, 2026 8:00 pm CT on KET

Being Alive - S1 E2

  • Monday March 30, 2026 10:00 pm ET on KET
  • Monday March 30, 2026 9:00 pm CT on KET

Who Are We? - S1 E1

  • Monday March 30, 2026 9:00 pm ET on KET
  • Monday March 30, 2026 8:00 pm CT on KET
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