Preview ’94 : PBS Loads the Bases : KEN BURNS’ ‘BASEBALL,’ F.D.R., WILL ROGERS AND A TRIP TO POLYNESIA ARE NETWORK SLUGGERS

PBS hopes to hit a home run this fall with “Baseball,” Ken Burns’ long-awaited 18 1/2-hour documentary. But there are plenty of other programs at bat on public television’s home plate, including a five-hour history of Polynesia, a two-evening chronicle of the life and career of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and an “American Masters” portrait of Will Rogers. Several popular series, including “Masterpiece Theatre” and “Mystery!,” also are returning.

The following is a look at PBS’ highlights and the dates they’re scheduled for Southern California channels:

NEW SERIES

“The Hermitage: A Russian Odyssey”: A three-part look at the Hermitage, the former winter palace of Russian imperialist rulers in St. Petersburg, one of the world’s extraordinary art museums. Sept. 18 from 1-4 p.m. KCET; Sept. 21, 28 and Oct. 5 at 10 p.m. KOCE.

“Visions of California: The Story of California Scene Painting”: This three-part series illustrates how many of the California regional painters reflected and influenced the social setting where they lived. Monday-Wednesday at 8 p.m; also Sept. 19, 26 and Oct. 3 at 9 p.m. KOCE.

“Baseball”: Ken Burns, the filmmaker who made the acclaimed 1990 documentary “The Civil War,” is back with an 18 1/2-hour look at America’s pastime. Sept. 18-22 and 25-28 at 7 p.m. KVCR, 8 p.m. KCET and KPBS.

“National Geographic’s China: Behind the Clouds”: First entry in a new documentary series examines the traditional culture of contemporary Chinese society. Oct. 3-4 at 7 p.m. KVCR, 8 p.m. KCET and KPBS.

“Future Quest”: Jeff Goldblum is the host of a series that gives viewers a glimpse into the 21st Century. Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. KVCR, 8 p.m. KCET, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. KPBS.

“Think Twice”: New game show for “curious minds.” Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. KCVR, 8:30 p.m. KCET, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. KPBS.

“The Ride”: This six-hour documentary follows teen-agers as they drive across the United States. Nov. 1-3 at 10 p.m. KCET.

“The Windsors”: A four-hour documentary traces the British royal family through four generations. Nov. 7 and 14 at 8 p.m. KVCR, 9 p.m. KCET, TBA KPBS.

“Nomads of the Wind”: This five-hour “Nature” miniseries chronicles Polynesia and the people who discovered and settled the islands. Nov. 20-22 at 8 p.m. KCET, KPBS.

“Legendary Trails”: Four writers trace historic journeys to sacred places in a four-part series. Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. KCET.

SPECIALS

“El Gato Montes”: Placido Domingo headlines the Los Angeles Music Center Opera’s production of Manuel Penella’s opera. Oct. 5 at 9 p.m. KCET. Part of KCET’s “Hispanic Heritage Month” programming from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

“A Woman’s Health”: Rita Moreno is the host of a documentary profiling the health battles American women confront most. Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. KVCR, 9 p.m. KCET, 10 p.m. KPBS, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. KOCE.

“Frederick Douglass: When the Lion Wrote History”: A profile of the former slave, author and social critic who was a leader in the abolitionist movement. Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. KVCR, 9 p.m. KCET, KPBS.

“Mark Russell Comedy Specials”: Russell celebrates his 20th season on PBS. Nov. 9 at 8 p.m., Dec. 28 at 10 p.m. KCET.

“Will Rogers: An American Masters Special”: An in-depth documentary on the humorist who never met a man he didn’t like. Nov. 9 at 9 p.m. on KVCR, 10 p.m. KCET.

“Kurt Browning: You Must Remember This”: The four-time World Champion figure skater headlines a special. Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. KVCT, 8 p.m. KCET.

RETURNING SERIES

“The Metropolitan Opera Presents”: James Levine conducts “Elektra.” Monday at 7 p.m. KVCR, 8 p.m. KCET.

“Nature:” The wildlife documentary returns with “In the Lions Den With Anthony Hopkins,” Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. KCET, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. KOCE, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. KPBS. Also: “Pandas of the Sleeping Dragon,” Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. KCET, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. KOCE, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. KPBS; “Warts and All,” Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. KCET, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. KOCE, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. KPBS.

“Masterpiece Theatre”: A staple of PBS, the acclaimed series opens with Emma Thompson in “The Blue Boy,” Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. KVCR, 9 p.m. KCET and KPBS, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. KOCE. Also: Lindsay Duncan stars in “The Rector’s Wife,” Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. KCVR, 9 p.m. KCET and KPBS, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. KOCE. Michael Kitchen stars in “Dandelion Dead,” Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. KVCR, 9 p.m. KCET and KPBS, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. KOCE. David Rintoul stars in “Dr. Finlay, II,” Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. KVCR, 9 p.m. KCET and KPBS, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. KOCE.

“Life & Times”: KCET’s current affairs and documentary program kicks off a fourth season. Oct 3 at 7:30 p.m. KCET.

“Scientific American Frontiers”: This series will explore Italy and the origins of life. Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. KCET and KPBS.

“Great Performances”: The 22nd season begins with a gala concert by Sir Neville Mariner and the Academy of St. Martin of the Fields. Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. on KVCR. 9 p.m. KCET. Also: Anne Bancroft stars in Paddy Chayefsky’s “The Mother.” Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. KVCR, 9 p.m. KCET.

“Nova”: The scientific series returns. Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. KVCR; 8 p.m. KCET and KPBS.

“American Experience:” The season opens with “FDR,” Oct. 11-12 at 8 p.m. KVCR, 9 p.m. KCET and KPBS; “Telegrams of the Dead” examines spiritualism from 1850-1890, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. KVCR and KPBS, 9 p.m. KCET; “Midnight Ramble” Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. KVCR and KPBS, 9 p.m. KCET; “The Battle of the Bulge,” Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. KVCR and KPBS, 9 p.m. KCET.

“In Performance at the White House”: The season gets under way with Aretha Franklin. Oct. 12 at at 7 p.m. KVCR, 8 p.m. KCET.

“Great Railway Journeys II”: Railway excursions in Russia, South America, South Africa, Ireland, Pakistan and China. Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. KCET, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. KPBS.

“Mystery!”: The 15th season begins investigating with Michael Gambon as “Maigret,” Oct. 13 at 9 p.m. KCET and KPBS, Oct. 16 at 9 p.m. KVCR; David Suchet is “Poirot,” Nov. 24 at 9 p.m. KCET and KPBS, Nov. 27 at 9 p.m. KVCR.

“Frontline”: The documentary series opens with “School Colors,” a look at a turbulent year at a large urban high school. Oct. 18 at 9 p.m. KCET, KBPS.

“New Explorers”: The season premiere travels to Africa. Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. KCET, 9 p.m. KPBS.

“American Playhouse”: Liam Neeson and Patricia Arquette star in ‘Ethan Frome.” Nov. 28 at 9 p.m. KCET.