MADE IN THE WEST to Premiere on PBS, Narrated by Tanya Tucker
Coproduced by Nashville PBS and Wyoming PBS, the film profiles craftspeople shaping the Western aesthetic.
PBS announced the new one-hour film MADE IN THE WEST, premiering Friday, September 4, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS app (check local listings). Narrated by country music icon Tanya Tucker, the film celebrates the functional art and enduring craftsmanship of the American West while exploring what is at stake as many of today's master artisans age out of their crafts.
A coproduction of Nashville PBS and Wyoming PBS, MADE IN THE WEST examines a tradition of creating objects designed not merely to be admired, but to be used, valued and passed down for generations. These are functional works of art that people can sit on, drink from or wear, all influenced by the landscapes, wildlife, materials and culture of the West.
At a time of fast fashion and fast furniture, MADE IN THE WEST invites viewers to slow down and appreciate the patience, skill and attention to detail behind something made by hand. Through intimate portraits of contemporary craftspeople, the film reveals how practical objects become enduring works of art.
The film also celebrates the impact of Indigenous artists and influential figures of the past who helped define the Western aesthetic, including William F. Cody as Buffalo Bill and designer Thomas Molesworth. Their influence can still be seen in the materials, imagery and traditions embraced by Western artisans today.
But the future of this uniquely American art form is uncertain. As master artisans grow older, questions remain about whether their knowledge, techniques and creative legacies will be preserved, and who will carry them forward. MADE IN THE WEST encourages future generations of artisans to explore the pride that comes from skilled handiwork and the fulfillment of creating something lasting with their own hands.
'The American West isn't just a place I sing about — it's in my bones,' said country music icon Tanya Tucker. 'Narrating Made in the West let me celebrate the artisans who are keeping that spirit alive with their own two hands, and I'm proud to have been part of telling their story.'
MADE IN THE WEST will stream Friday, September 4, 2026, and be available on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS app, available on iOS, Android, Roku streaming devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, VIZIO and LG Smart TVs. PBS station members can view many series, documentaries, and specials via PBS Passport. For more information about PBS Passport, visit the PBS Passport FAQ website or contact your local station.
MADE IN THE WEST is a coproduction of Nashville PBS and Wyoming PBS in association with PBS and with Tanya Tucker as narrator. The film was made possible by Carlene Lebous, Thomas and Elizabeth Grainger, Naoma Tate, AllianceBernstein, Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, Carolyn and Scott Heppel, PacifiCorp Foundation (aka Rocky Mountain Power Foundation), and First Horizon Foundation.
Photo Credit: PBS Key Art
Photo Credit: PBS Key Art
