Explore New PBS Series Episodes for Winter Armchair Travel
As winter approaches, viewers can indulge in armchair travel with new episodes from PBS, showcasing captivating destinations. The upcoming season of popular series offers a range of travel ideas for 2026, featuring the adventures of Samantha Brown and Mickela Mallozzi.
New Episodes of Samantha Brown’s Places to Love
Samantha Brown’s Places to Love returns for its ninth season on January 9, 2026. This Emmy Award-winning host has gained popularity for her engaging presentations and exploration of diverse cultures.
This season, Brown embarks on an exciting journey along Route 66, highlighting iconic stops and experiences. She begins her travels in New Mexico, where she immerses herself in classic car museums and Indigenous history. Her exploration of the historic highway leads her through:
- Arizona: Discovering fossilized forests and cliff dwellings.
- California: Visiting vintage gas stations and classic motels, ultimately reaching Santa Monica, the highway’s terminus.
Brown emphasizes the importance of the Route 66 centennial, celebrating a living story filled with creativity and community resilience. Aside from Route 66, she explores Zurich, Switzerland, visiting Old Town and sampling vegetarian delicacies at Hiltl. Other exciting destinations include:
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Tampa, Florida
- Bologna and Modena, Italy (featured in a two-part episode)
An upcoming Art and Artisans Special explores Giacometti in Zurich and Indigenous Australian artisans in Darwin. Additionally, a Food Special highlights global delicacies, including:
- Bean-to-bar chocolate in Costa Rica
- Currywurst in Berlin
- Tomato pie from North Carolina
Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi Season 8
Another much-anticipated series returning to PBS is Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi. This season, which premiered on December 1, 2025, is a heartfelt tribute to the power of human connection through music and dance. Mallozzi, a dancer and musician, has gained acclaim, earning four Emmy Awards for her vibrant exploration of culture.
This season transports viewers to destinations worldwide, including:
- Taiwan:
- Dancing with the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre.
- Collaborating with the indigenous Bulareyaung Dance Company.
- Exploring food and culture in Tainan City.
- New Zealand:
- Learning Māori traditions and language with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei iwi.
- Celebating the Māori New Year in Matariki in Aotearoa.
- Cuba:
- Exploring Afro-Cuban culture and salsa music.
This season also marks a partnership with Intrepid Travel, introducing Bare Feet Tours. Fans can join Mallozzi on immersive cultural journeys inspired by the series.
To catch the latest episodes, check local listings, or access streaming options via PBS.org and the Passport App.
