PBS' free original programming lane may close soon, with Ken Burns and Elon Musk projects coming

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. With commercial networks largely bereft of fresh material beyond reality shows, sports and games, PBS has a fall schedule of new programming, including a heavy dose of nonfiction, led by Ken Burns' look at “The American Buffalo.” “I have to believe that people are looking for new stuff,” said Paula Kerger, CEO of the Public Broadcasting Service. One exception is a delay making “American Historia,” a three-part documentary series helmed by actor John Leguizamo about Latino figures in history, Kerger said. Among the nonfiction projects on the docket this fall are “Evolution Earth,” about how animals are adapting to changes in their habitat caused by humans; “The Busing Battleground,” about the 1970s-era integration fight in Boston; along with “American Masters” programs on Jerry Brown, lawyer Floyd Abrams and drummer Max Roach. Other scripted series are on the docket, including “Unforgotten,” “Van Der Valk,” and “Little Bird,” the latter about an adopted woman who tries to investigate her personal history.