Premiering on PBS, A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE is a groundbreaking six-part documentary series executive produced by Kathryn Murdoch, Ari Wallach, Wendy Schmidt, and Drake’s DreamCrew. This innovative series, set to debut on April 3, 2024, at 9:00 p.m. ET, challenges dystopian narratives and champions a protopia design studio approach to envisioning tomorrow. Hosted by futurist Ari Wallach, the series offers a refreshing and hopeful perspective, perfectly aligning with the educational mission of PBS Learning Media.
This captivating series, accessible on PBS (check local listings), PBS.org, and the PBS App, encourages viewers to actively participate in shaping a brighter future. Moving beyond prevalent dystopian visions, A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE embodies the essence of a protopia design studio by presenting potential solutions to global challenges. It inspires audiences to imagine a future brimming with discovery, optimism, and opportunities, empowering them to contribute to a world where future generations can thrive.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE masterfully blends historical context, scientific insights, and compelling storytelling to illuminate the profound impact of present-day choices on our future. Each episode showcases individuals and initiatives dedicated to tackling significant global issues. The series features a diverse array of thought leaders, scientists, innovators, and storytellers, including prominent figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur, musician Grimes, architect Bjarke Ingels, and climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe. Their collective wisdom enriches the series, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Kathryn Murdoch, executive producer, emphasizes the series’ inspiring objective: “Showing what the future can be is critical to getting there. People need to have hope and to understand what we’re capable of. From AI to floating cities, restoring coral reefs to deliberative democracy, there are so many exciting futures to explore.” This proactive and solution-oriented approach mirrors the goals of a protopia design studio, focusing on incremental progress and achievable positive change.
Ari Wallach, host and renowned futurist, further elaborates on the series’ intent: “We want to create an inspiring counterpoint to the doomerism and dystopia that dominates much of today’s public discourse about the future.” Wallach’s concept of “protopia” – a future that is better than today, even if not perfect – is central to the series and resonates strongly with the educational values promoted by PBS Learning Media. This aligns with the idea of a protopia design studio – a space for iterative design towards a better, more realistic future.
Wendy Schmidt, executive producer and philanthropist, connects humanity’s enduring hope to the series’ message: “As long as humanity has existed, so has hope. When we recall the builders of ancient monuments who never lived to see the final product, the Indigenous communities who imagined the world seven generations ahead, and the activists who fight for human rights through decades of war, we realize that we are always working for a better future, and we can only create it if we can envision it.” This historical perspective underscores the timeless relevance of proactive future-thinking, a cornerstone of the protopia design studio ethos.
Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS, highlights the network’s commitment to solutions-focused storytelling: “At PBS we are focused on storytelling that highlights solutions. We want to share how people can make a difference, and together build a brighter and better future. By opening a window to the worlds of possibilities, we seek not just to educate our audiences, but also to inspire and empower them. In this spirit, we are excited to share A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE with our viewers.” This mission to educate, inspire, and empower perfectly complements the resources and objectives of PBS Learning Media, making the series a valuable asset for educators and learners alike.
Andrew Morgan, writer and director, describes the series as an adventure that explores humanity’s diverse paths forward through the lens of “protopias”: “Full of heart and humanity, A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE will take viewers on an adventure as Ari Wallach travels the world in search of humanity’s many paths forward. Interwoven in this exploration of ‘protopias’ – the term Wallach uses to describe realistic, improved visions of tomorrow – will be insight into the multiple social, artistic, economic, and philosophical issues that impact the many decisions required to ensure that all life on Earth can continue to thrive for generations to come.” This journey of discovery and exploration aligns seamlessly with the learning experiences fostered by PBS Learning Media.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE ultimately poses a crucial question: “How can we become the great ancestors the future needs us to be?” This thought-provoking inquiry encourages viewers to consider their role in shaping a positive legacy, a concept that is highly relevant for educational discussions and future-oriented learning, areas strongly supported by PBS Learning Media.
The six episodes delve into specific themes crucial for understanding our future:
- “Beyond the Now” (April 3, 2024): Introduces Ari Wallach’s quest to find individuals and ideas shaping a sustainable future.
- “Chaos & Complexity” (April 10, 2024): Explores the overwhelming nature of transformative times and the opportunities they present.
- “Once Upon a Time” (April 17, 2024): Examines the power of storytelling in shaping beliefs about what is possible, a key concept for educators utilizing PBS Learning Media.
- “Human” (April 24, 2024): Investigates empathy, compassion, and the values instilled in AI for a better human future.
- “Together” (May 1, 2024): Focuses on human cooperation and its impact on communities and societies.
- “Tomorrows” (May 8, 2024): Challenges conventional future perspectives, emphasizing personal agency and broader thinking.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE will be available for streaming on all PBS platforms, including PBS.org, the PBS App, PBS Passport, and the “PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel.” This wide accessibility ensures that the series can reach a broad audience, including educators and students who benefit from PBS Learning Media resources.
Produced by Futurific Studios, which can be viewed as a protopia design studio in its approach to creating hopeful future narratives, and UNTOLD, the series is a collaborative effort by Kathryn Murdoch, Ari Wallach, Wendy Schmidt, and DreamCrew. This team of visionaries brings together diverse expertise to deliver a compelling and impactful documentary series.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE is made possible by the Rosalind P. Walter Foundation and public television viewers, underscoring the community support for educational and future-focused programming aligned with the mission of PBS Learning Media.
About PBS
PBS, a cornerstone of American media with over 330 member stations, provides access to diverse content through television and digital platforms. Reaching millions monthly, PBS offers enriching programs spanning science, history, nature, and public affairs. PBS Learning Media serves as a crucial educational resource for teachers nationwide, offering digital content that enhances classroom learning. PBS KIDS, a leading educational brand, provides high-quality content for young learners, accessible through TV, streaming, and apps. PBS’s commitment to education and public enrichment is mirrored in the themes and accessibility of A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE.
For further information, contact DKC at [email protected].
About DreamCrew Entertainment
DreamCrew Entertainment, led by Drake and Adel ‘Future’ Nur, is a production company focused on culturally significant storytelling across film, TV, and digital media.
About Futurific
Futurific, founded by Kathryn Murdoch and Ari Wallach, is a protopia design studio focused on creating stories that inspire positive visions of the future. Their launch of A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE on PBS exemplifies their mission. Contact Futurific at [email protected].
About UNTOLD
UNTOLD is an award-winning film and creative studio recognized for its documentary and scripted storytelling across various platforms. Contact UNTOLD at [email protected].
About Wendy Schmidt
Wendy Schmidt is a philanthropist dedicated to supporting initiatives in clean energy, resilient food systems, healthy oceans, and human rights through the Schmidt Family Foundation and Schmidt Ocean Institute. Contact Karen Denne at [email protected].
About Ari Wallach
Ari Wallach, futurist and author, hosts A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FUTURE and founded Longpath Labs, promoting future-focused thinking. His TED Talk on “Longpath” has garnered millions of views. His book is Longpath: Becoming the Great Ancestors Our Future Needs. Contact [email protected].
