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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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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

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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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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