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Departments
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Best Bets
 Cinco de Mayo
WHYY commemorates the annual celebration of Mexican independence with special programs. Plácido Domingo hosts Mariachi: The Spirit of Mexico, which captures the excitement of Guadalajara's International Mariachi Festival. In The Mexican Americans, actor Ricardo Montalban, comedian Paul Rodriguez and others explore Mexican culture north of the border.
Sunday, May 4 beginning at 1:30 p.m.
 Baseball
With the season in full swing, selections from this classic Ken Burns' film recall the difficult times and memorable moments that defined one of America's favorite pastimes. The first episode, "Shadow Ball," explores the decade from 1930 to 1940, as the sport struggled to survive the Great Depression and Babe Ruth's fading career and welcomed a new generation of stars, including Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams.
Mondays at 9 p.m. beginning May 5
 Hitler's Victory
What would have happened if the Nazis successfully invaded Great Britain in 1940 as planned? Using advanced computer graphics, materials discovered in German archives and never-before-seen film footage, the program vividly depicts this frightening scenario. Also, after 50 years of silence, ordinary British citizens trained to resist a German invasion share their stories.
Tuesday, May 6 at 10 p.m.
 A Celebration in Song
For 30 years, Great Performances has presented diverse productions, from opera to classic Broadway shows to dance. This new 30th anniversary special revisits the program's most memorable moments -- including Elaine Paige's definitive performance of "Memory" from Cats and the rousing finale from Les Misérables in Concert -- and features guest appearances by some of the series' greatest stars.
Wednesday, May 7 at 9 p.m.
 Warrior Challenge
By day, they are Marines, Air Force personnel, riot police and athletes, but in this new series, a group of American and British volunteers attempt to survive the rigors of life as Roman centurions, medieval knights, Vikings and gladiators. The participants adhere to the historic details of each era as they learn to handle deadly weapons, engage in combat drills and feast on traditional fare.
Tuesdays at 9 p.m. beginning May 6
 A Double Dose of Laughter
WHYY celebrates two beloved American comedians with a night of special programs. Through extensive archival footage and interviews with those close to her, Lucille Ball: Finding Lucy explores the television star's remarkable life and legacy. In A Salute to Carl Reiner, Steve Martin, Jerry Seinfeld, Mary Tyler Moore and others honor the multitalented comedian, who received the annual Mark Twain Prize in 2000.
Saturday, May 10 beginning at 8 p.m.
 White Teeth
Author Zadie Smith's anarchic comedy comes to life in this Masterpiece Theatre adaptation of her critically-acclaimed first novel. Set in the colorful, multiracial London neighborhood of Willesden Green, where Smith grew up, and featuring a nostalgia-inducing soundtrack of popular hits, the story begins on New Year's Eve 1974 and follows the peculiar lives of two unlikely but longtime friends and their families through 1992.
Sunday, May 11 and 18 at 9 p.m.
 Kingdom of David: The Saga of the Israelites
More than 3,000 years ago, a small group of tribes gave birth to a nation and a religion that would dare to redefine humanity's relationship with God. Filmed in Israel, Tunisia and Morocco, this four-part series combines dramatic re-creations with the perspectives of noted experts to tell the dramatic story of the Jews.
Wednesday, May 14 at 9 p.m.
 Robert Capa: In Love and War
The American Masters profile explores the life and work of this legendary figure, who risked death to photograph five wars on three continents. Filmmakers were granted exclusive access to Capa's extensive photo archives, personal correspondence and diaries. Throughout, Capa's brother Cornell, counterpart Henri Cartier-Bresson, childhood friend Eva Besnyoe and others who were close to him share their intimate memories.
Wednesday, May 28 at 9:30 p.m.
 Bob Hope: The Road to Laughter
The beloved comedian turns 100-years-old today, and this special looks back at his legendary life and career. Starting in vaudeville, Hope found fame on Broadway, radio, film and television, and earned the title of "USO's Ambassador of Good Will" for entertaining U.S. troops around the world. Through film clips and interviews with family and friends, the special celebrates this comedy icon.
Thursday, May 29 at 9 p.m.
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