Skip to Main Content

Ralph Waldo Emerson's Mentorship of Henry David Thoreau

Ralph Waldo Emerson invites Thoreau to move in with his family, and Emerson mentors Thoreau to help him improve his writing craft. However, Thoreau begins to bristle at the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy Emerson family. Personal tragedy strikes both families as Thoreau's brother, John, dies and is followed soon after by Emerson's son, Waldo. These deaths radically impact Thoreau's life.
Go to episode
chevrons
Clip Season 1 Episode 1 Length 09:09 Premiere: 03/30/26

Recent Episodes

Sponsored by:

Turquoise and blue background with illustrations of smartphone, tv, computer. Text reads Used by more than two millions people each weekTurquoise and blue background with illustrations of smartphone, tv, computer. Text reads Used by more than two millions people each week

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

See All Episodes

caret down

TV Schedules

Jump to Recent Airdates

Upcoming

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

Recent

No recent airdates

Top

Explore KET