PBS Loos at Past and Present of Nuclear World with Special Programming

How can we safely contain some of the deadliest, most long-lasting substances on earth? What happens when weapons built to deter slip from our control? And why is a simple rock-uranium- the most powerful substance on Earth? PBS uncovers the awesome and terrifying power of the atom in a three-night marathon of nuclear-themed programming from January 9-11, 2017 (check local listings). Exploring nuclear power and the global nuclear arsenal, the programming block showcases new specials from PBS series AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, INDEPENDENT LENS and NOVA, and an encore presentation of 2015's URANIUM - TWISTING THE DRAGON'S TAIL.

"We're familiar with both the promise and the threat of nuclear energy, but we know less about the systems in place to develop, manage, and contain it," says Bill Gardner, PBS' Vice President, Programming and Development. "This slate of sober and compelling programs explores the many sides of the nuclear issue by looking to history, examining the present and imagining the future."

The following programs will air January 9-11, 2017 (check local listings):

INDEPENDENT LENS "Containment" - Attempts to plan for a radioactive future and the startling failure to manage waste in the present are explored in this disturbing documentary that highlights how millions of gallons of radioactive sludge, covering a vast amount of land, were left over from the Cold War. Monday, January 9, 10:00-11:30 p.m. ET

COMMAND AND CONTROL: AMERICAN EXPERIENCE - Directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Robert Kenner and based on the book by Eric Schlosser, this film tells the terrifying truth behind one of America's most dangerous nuclear accidents: the deadly 1980 incident at an Arkansas Titan II missile complex. It's a chilling, minute-by-minute account of a long-hidden story. Tuesday, January 10, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET

NOVA "The Nuclear Option" - Five years after the Fukushima disaster, the future of nuclear power is in question. This special follows engineers as they embark on an unprecedented cleanup and investigate new technologies that may prevent future meltdowns. Wednesday, January 11, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET

URANIUM -- TWISTING THE DRAGON'S TAIL - In this encore presentation, host and physicist Dr. Derek Muller unlocks the mysteries of one of the Earth's most controversial elements that has revolutionized society from medicine to warfare. Mueller's epic journey across the globe explains the fascinating details of uranium's birth and longevity, how it profoundly shaped the past, how it will change the future, and why it will exist long after humans have left the Earth. Wednesday, January 11, 2017, 10:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. ET

About PBS PBS, with 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 100 million people through television and nearly 33 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. TEACHERS of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS' premier children's TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents' and teachers' most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing CURIOSITY and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices.

Image courtesy of PBS