PBS Fall Studies: War, Intrigue, and Environment

America’s tragic past, environmental issues, an examination of the Pacific region since World War II and the return of several favorite series highlight the fall season on PBS.

Following is a look at PBS series this fall and their air dates on the various PBS stations:

“The Civil War”--Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ken Burns’ five-part series portrays the conflict that tore this country apart. The series, five years in the making, features archival photographs, live cinematography of battle sites, interviews with historians, newsreel footage of Civil War veterans and a chorus of voices reading diaries, letters, speeches and newspapers of the era. Narrated by historian David McCullough and featuring the voices of Jason Robards, Julie Harris, Jeremy Irons, Arthur Miller, Sam Waterston and Morgan Freeman. Sept. 23-27 at 8 p.m. on KCET and KVCR; Sept. 23-27 at 9 p.m. on KOCE; Sundays Sept. 30-Oct. 28 at 11 a.m on KLCS.

“Race to Save the Planet”--A 10-part series examining environmental issues around the world. Hosted by Meryl Streep, narrated by Roy Scheider. Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. on KCET and KOCE; Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. on KVCR.

“The Decade of Destruction”--A four-part “Frontline” special documenting the destruction of Brazil’s rain forest. Sept. 18 at 9 p.m. and Sept. 19-21 at 10 p.m. on KCET; Sept. 18-21 at 8 p.m. on KOCE.

“Fire on the Rim”--Four-part series looking at how earthquake and volcanic activity has affected the Pacific Rim. Air dates on KCET and KOCE to be announced; begins Oct. 29 at 9 p.m. on KVCR and Nov. 6 at 9 p.m. on KLCS.”Korea: The Unknown War”--This six-hour series spans the history of the Korean War, using archival material from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Turkey and North and South Korea. Air dates on KCET and KOCE to be announced; Nov. 12-14 at 9 p.m. on KVCR; Sundays Nov. 18-23 at 2 p.m. on KLCS.

“Power in the Pacific”--A four-part look at the shifting power in the Pacific region since World War II and the economic issues that dominate it today. Tuesdays Oct. 16-Nov. 6 at 10 p.m. on KCET and KVCR; Mondays Oct. 22-Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. on KLCS; KOCE air dates to be announced.

“Seasons of Life”--David Hartman hosts a five-part series following the human life cycle from infancy to late adulthood and teaches life-span psychology. KCET, KVCR and KOCE air dates to be announced; Mondays Nov. 19-Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. on KLCS.

“Scientific American Frontiers”--A series about technology, medicine, biology, physics, geology and chemistry. Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. on KCET and 10 p.m. on KOCE.

“The American Experience”--Subjects of this look at U.S. history include Charles Lindbergh, Richard M. Nixon and the assassination of President James Garfield. Mondays at 9 p.m. beginning Oct. 1 on KCET.

“Great Performances”--The new season includes “Spike & Co.: Do It A Cappella,” a celebration of a cappella singing hosted by filmmaker Spike Lee and actress Debbie Allen. Oct. 5 at 9 p.m. on KCET and KVCR; Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. on KOCE.

“Live from Lincoln Center”--The series presents “The New York Philharmonic with Zubin Mehta Conducting.” Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. on KCET and 9 p.m. on KVCR; Oct. 6 at 10 p.m. on KOCE.

New on “Masterpiece Theatre”:

“Heat of Day,” starring Peggy Ashcroft, Michael Gambon, Patricia Hodge and Michael York. Sept. 30 at 9 p.m. on KCET and 8 p.m. on KOCE and KVCR; Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. on KLCS.

“The Ginger Tree,” starring Samantha Bond as an Englishwoman who has an affair with a Japanese nobleman. Oct. 14 at 9 p.m. on KCET and 8 p.m. on KOCE and KVCR; Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. on KLCS.

“Jeeves and Wooster,” an adaptation of the P.G. Wodehouse stories. Nov. 11 at 9 p.m. on KCET and 8 p.m. on KOCE and KVCR; Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. on KLCS. New on “Mystery!S:

David Suchet stars in a new “Poirot” thriller. Oct. 4 at 9 p.m. on KCET and 8 p.m. on KOCE; Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. on KLCS; Oct. 7 at 9 p.m. on KVCR.

“Mystery!” host Diana Rigg stars in the three-part “Mother Love.” Oct. 25 at 9 p.m. on KCET and 8 p.m. on KOCE; Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. on KLCS; Oct. 28 at 9 p.m. on KVCR.

Peter Davison returns in three new episodes of “Campion II.” Nov. 15 at 9 p.m. on KCET and 8 p.m. on KOCE; Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. on KLCS; Nov. 18 at 9 p.m. on KVCR.

“The Metropolitan Opera Presents” Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. on KCET and KOCE and 9 p.m. on KVCR.

“Nova”--The award-winning show kicks off its new season with “The CIA, the KGB, the Computer and Me,” a real-life story of computer hacking and espionage. Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. on KCET and 9 p.m. on KOCE.

“Wonderworks Family Movie”--The series begins its new season with the award-winning drama “Looking for Miracles.” Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. on KCET; Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. on KOCE.

“Glasnost Film Festival”--A 13-part series featuring films from the Soviet Union. Oct. 8 at 10 p.m. on KVCR.