Written by Julio Martinez
June 26, 2025
PBS THIS SUMMER
PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS organization, has announced the return of a new season of the award-winning, locally-produced environmental series, “Earth Focus.” The sixth season of the acclaimed series explores ecological solutions to protect Southern California’s natural resources and will be narrated by Los Angeles Area Emmy Award-winning journalist, science communicator, television personality, author and podcaster Dr. Cara Santa Maria Earth Focus: “The Cost of Fast Fashion” airs Wed, July 2 (7:30pm). on PBS SoCal and Sun., July 6 at 8:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal Plus. Fast fashion is a phenomenon where clothing can be purchased and delivered almost instantaneously through an unsustainable cycle that has huge impacts on climate and the environment. Meet researchers, rehabilitation enterprises and artists as they reimagine a sustainable cycle of fashion by coming up with new ways to reuse textiles and other artistic and creative solutions.
https://www.pbs.org/show/renaissance-the-blood-and-the-beauty/
The greatest works of art in western civilization emerged from one of the bloodiest periods in history. Italy at the end of the fifteenth century was a place of extreme turbulence, betrayal, bloodshed and political upheaval. How and why did such unparalleled creativity flourish under these brutal conditions? This series explores the lives of three of the greatest artists in history – Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael – as they navigate a deadly snakes-and-ladders world of changing powerbrokers, violent warfare and intense personal rivalry. “Renaissance: The Blood and the Beauty” premieres Tuesdays (July 8 – 22, 9pm ET) on PBS, PBS.org & PBS app.
Marcella Hazan
American Masters heads into the kitchen with a fascinating new documentary exploring the extraordinary, improbable, inspiring and delicious life and influence of iconic cookbook author, Marcella Hazan, famous for bringing her innovative Italian recipes to millions of home cooks. “American Masters: Marcella Hazen” premieres nationwide Friday, July 11 on PBS at 9 p.m. ET (check local listings), pbs.org/americanmasters and the PBS App.
HULU
The gang embraces the corporate era in upcoming Season 17 of FX’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” debuting July 7 (pm) on FXX, streaming next day on Hulu. The story of how greed and the New American Dream have consumed Paddy's Pub. Ronald “Mac” MacDonald (Rob Mac), Charlie Kelly (Charlie Day), Dennis Reynolds (Glenn Howerton), Dee Reynolds (Kaitlin Olson), and Frank Reynolds (Danny DeVito) return to shamelessly shed their "niche" label for grander aspirations. “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is executive produced by creator Rob Mac, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Michael Rotenberg, Nicholas Frenkel, Dave Chernin, John Chernin, Rob Rosell, David Hornsby, Nina Pedrad, and Victor Hsu for FX Productions.
FOOD NETWORK
Laila Ali
Boxing champion Laila Ali is stepping into the ring once again, this time to host Food Network’s “Chef Grudge Match,” a single round, winner-take-all culinary battle where elite chefs come to settle long standing disputes and bitter rivalries. From employees who have been wronged by their boss to restaurateurs defending their livelihoods from copycats, competing culinary pros put their favorite knives, and egos, on the line in a bid to put old scores to bed. Each episode features two head-to-head battles where resident judge Jet Tila welcomes a guest judge to help determine who walks out with $10,000 cash, the losing chef's most coveted knife and bragging rights for life. In the premiere episode, host Laila Ali welcomes Gabe Bertaccini, a Food Network favorite who has been holding a grudge for 15 years against his prodigy, Tyler Romine, who quit Gabe’s catering business with only three days’ notice. The series premieres Aug 12 (9pm ET/PT on Food Network and streams next day on HBO Max). Guest judges joining the action across the season include Eric Adjepong, Maneet Chauhan, Adrienne Cheatham, Tiffani Faison, Stephanie Izard, Eddie Jackson, Chris Oh and Claudette Zepeda.
- Julio Martinez
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