POV (1988)
PBS's landmark independent documentary series, bringing intimate human stories and urgent social issues to American audiences since 1988.
POV - Series Information
- Original Title: POV
- First Air Year: 1988
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 38
- Number of Episodes: 516
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: PBS
- Alternative Titles: Point of View (US)
POV - Plot
Since its 1988 premiere, this critically acclaimed documentary series has presented hundreds of films that put a human face on contemporary social issues by relating a compelling story in an intimate fashion. "POV" has won virtually every major film and broadcasting award available, including 38 Emmys, 22 Peabody Awards and three Oscars.
POV - Trailer
See the series in action with this official preview from POV:
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POV - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Rashida Tlaib
- Veronica Escobar
- Stanley Grafton Njootli Jr.
- Stanley Njootli Sr.
- Tommy Lee Jones
- Susan Sarandon
- Tony Kushner
- Andrew Firda
- Ravish Kumar
- Sushil Mohapatra
Writers
- Rick Goldsmith
- Jay Rosenstein
- Freida Lee Mock
- Amaan Shaikh
- Abhinav Tyagi
Executive Producers
- Sally Jo Fifer
- Simon Kilmurry
- Cara Mertes
- Erika Dilday
- Chris Eyre
POV - FAQs
What makes POV different from other documentary series?
POV focuses exclusively on independent, non-fiction storytelling that centers on personal perspective and social justice. Rather than network-produced content, it curates filmmaker-driven documentaries that bring intimate human stories to a national audience on PBS, giving independent voices a platform rarely found elsewhere on American television.
How many awards has POV won over the years?
POV has accumulated an extraordinary awards record over its decades on air, earning 38 Emmy Awards, 22 Peabody Awards, and three Academy Awards. This haul makes it one of the most decorated documentary series in broadcasting history, a testament to the consistent quality of the films it selects and champions.
Where can viewers watch POV online?
POV airs on PBS and episodes are typically available to stream on the PBS website and the PBS app after broadcast. Availability of individual films may vary depending on licensing agreements. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming options available in your region.
What topics and themes does POV typically explore?
POV covers a wide spectrum of contemporary social issues, including immigration, racial justice, political activism, environmental concerns, Indigenous rights, and global democracy. Each season brings a fresh selection of independent documentaries, united by their commitment to personal storytelling and their ability to illuminate urgent human experiences.
Is POV still producing new episodes in 2025?
POV is very much still active. Now in its 38th season, the series continues to air on PBS and remains in production, with Season 38 comprising 13 episodes. Its longevity since 1988 reflects both the enduring demand for quality independent documentary filmmaking and PBS's ongoing commitment to the series.
Who are some notable filmmakers featured on POV?
POV has featured work from acclaimed documentary filmmakers including Laura Poitras and Kirsten Johnson, both of whom have served as cinematographers on films in the series. Writers and directors such as Freida Lee Mock, Rick Goldsmith, and Judith Ehrlich have also contributed, reflecting the series' commitment to celebrated independent voices.
How is each episode of POV structured?
Each episode of POV is a standalone documentary film running approximately 60 minutes. Rather than following recurring characters or a serialized narrative, the series presents a new film each week, allowing viewers to engage with a completely self-contained story. This anthology format makes it easy to watch individual episodes without prior context.
What are some shows similar to POV worth watching?
If you enjoy POV's documentary style, consider exploring 30 for 30 for sports-focused non-fiction storytelling, Biography for in-depth personal profiles, or Cursed Films for genre-specific documentary deep dives. Inside Pixar and Great Performances also offer compelling non-fiction content for viewers who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven documentary programming.
More About POV
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