Carole King, Mike Nichols Documentaries Set for New Season of PBS's AMERICAN MASTERS

PBS's "American Masters" celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2016. New documentaries confirmed for January-May 2016 premiere on PBS include:

*Jan. 29 at 9p: American Masters: Mike Nichols (w.t.)
Meet one of America's late, great directors Mike Nichols (The Graduate, Angels in America), who discusses his life and 50-year artistic career, from the comedy duo Nichols and May to his final film, Charlie Wilson's War. The documentary includes new interviews with Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks and more. Directed by Elaine May. Produced by Julian Schlossberg. More details below in film announcement.

*Feb. 19 at 9p: AMERICAN MASTERS -- Carole King: You've Got a Friend
Delve into the hit singer-songwriter's life and career from 1960s New York to the music mecca of 70s LA to the present. Carole King joins collaborators and family in new interviews, while rare home movies, performances and photos complete the tapestry.

*Feb 26 at 9p: AMERICAN MASTERS -- Janis: Little Girl Blue
Observe Janis Joplin's life through intimate letters and rare footage in the first in-depth celebration of the iconic rock singer. Oscar-nominated director Amy Berg (Deliver Us From Evil, West of Memphis) presents a portrait of a complicated, driven, often beleaguered artist. Chan Marshall (also known as Cat Power) narrates. Oscar-winner Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side, Going Clear) is one of the film's producers.

*March 4 at 9p: AMERICAN MASTERS -- Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl
Explore the country legend's hard-fought road to stardom. From her Appalachian roots to the Oscar-winning biopic of her life, Coal Miner's Daughter, Loretta Lynn struggled to balance family and her music career and is still going strong after more than 50 years.

*May 27 at 9p: AMERICAN MASTERS -- The Highwaymen: Friends Till the End (w.t.)
Discover THE STORY BEHIND the pioneering OUTLAW COUNTRY music supergroup that featured Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, told through vintage performances and new interviews about life on the road and in the studio.