Great Performances (1971)
PBS's landmark performing arts series, celebrating over five decades of world-class music, opera, theater, and dance.
Great Performances - Series Information
- Original Title: Great Performances
- First Air Year: 1971
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Documentary, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (90 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 51
- Number of Episodes: 673
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 28, 1971 (United States - TV-14)
- Networks: PBS
- Alternative Titles: GREAT PERFORMANCES | PBS (US)
- Production Countries: United States of America
Great Performances - Plot
The best in the performing arts from across America and around the world including a diverse programming portfolio of classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries.
Great Performances - Trailer
See the artistry and spectacle that have defined this iconic series for over fifty years:
Where to Watch Great Performances
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Great Performances - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Bray Poor
- Julie Andrews
- Hugh Bonneville
- Scott Yoo
- Plácido Domingo
- Tony Bennett
- Betty Comden
- Renée Fleming
- Geraldine Fitzgerald
- Blythe Danner
Writers
- Conor McPherson
- Ring Lardner
- Richard Bean
- Oscar Wilde
- George S. Kaufman
Executive Producers
- Alan King
Great Performances - FAQs
Where can you watch Great Performances online?
Great Performances is available to stream on PBS, which offers free access through its website and app. Additional streaming options include WETA+ (subscription and ad-supported) and KQED (ad-supported). Check JustWatch for a full list of current viewing options available in your region.
How many seasons does Great Performances have?
Great Performances has aired 51 seasons since its debut in 1971, accumulating 673 episodes. The series remains in active production and continues to air on PBS, making it one of the longest-running performing arts programs in American television history.
What is Great Performances about?
Great Performances showcases the finest in the performing arts from across the United States and around the world. Its diverse programming spans classical music, opera, popular song, musical theater, dance, drama, and performance documentaries, bringing world-class artistic events to public television audiences.
Is Great Performances still airing on PBS?
Yes, Great Performances is currently a returning series and remains in active production. It continues to air on PBS, with Season 51 featuring 22 episodes and Season 52 presenting 24 episodes, confirming the program's ongoing commitment to bringing live and recorded performing arts to viewers.
Who are some notable performers featured in Great Performances?
Great Performances has featured an extraordinary roster of talent over the decades, including Julie Andrews, Plácido Domingo, Renée Fleming, Tony Bennett, Betty Comden, Hugh Bonneville, Blythe Danner, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Scott Yoo, and Bray Poor, among hundreds of other celebrated artists.
What content rating does Great Performances carry?
Great Performances is rated TV-G, meaning it is suitable for general audiences of all ages. This family-friendly rating reflects the series' focus on performing arts programming, including classical music, opera, dance, and theatrical productions appropriate for viewers across all age groups.
When did Great Performances first air on television?
Great Performances first aired on January 28, 1971, on PBS in the United States. Over more than five decades on air, it has grown into one of public television's most celebrated and enduring cultural institutions, earning widespread recognition for its commitment to the performing arts.
Has Great Performances won any major awards?
Great Performances has received numerous Emmy Awards over its long run, recognized for outstanding achievement in arts programming. The series has been honored for individual episodes and specials spanning opera, theater, and dance, cementing its reputation as one of public television's most acclaimed cultural programs.
More About Great Performances
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