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An American Family

In the early 1970s, THIRTEEN documented a family in the cinéma vérité style.

Aired 01/31/2013 | Rating NR

Pioneers of Thirteen

An American Family

Clip | 5m

In the early 1970s, THIRTEEN documented a family in the cinéma vérité style.

For a 7-month-period in the early 1970s, THIRTEEN documented a family in the cinéma vérité style. It was one of the most original documentary ideas of the decade, and was named by TV guide as one of the 50 greatest TV programs ever made. "Pioneers of THIRTEEN: The '70s - Bold and Fearless" premieres January 31 at 9 PM.

Aired 01/31/2013 | Rating NR

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Pioneers of Thirteen is a local public television program presented by THIRTEEN PBS

The '60s: Experimental Days

The first decade of public television on THIRTEEN, which began broadcasting on Sept. 16. (30s)

The 90’s and Beyond – Changing Landscape

Explores the fourth and fifth decades of THIRTEEN’s history, from the 90s to the present. (31s)

Don Mischer

Director Don Mischer launched his career in the ‘70s at THIRTEEN. (5m 51s)

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce hosted THIRTEEN’s 2002 celebration of Stephen Sondheim’s 80th birthday. (3m 15s)

David Horn

“Great Performances" executive producer David Horn joined THIRTEEN in the late ‘70s. (2m 52s)

Bill Moyers

Broadcast Journalist, Host & Producer of Moyers & Company (7m 11s)

Bill Chase

In 1981, Bill Chase worked on “Gala of Stars” at Carnegie Hall with Liza Minnelli. (3m 33s)

Tony Brown

Journalist Tony Brown joined THIRTEEN in the 1970s as host of “Black Journal." (5m 16s)

Susan Lacy

Executive producer Susan Lacy launched the iconic series “American Masters” in 1986. (7m 10s)

Stan Lathan

Director Stan Lathan joined THIRTEEN in the ‘60s to work on “Black Journal” and “SOUL!" (5m 38s)

Savion Glover

In 1989, Savion Glover appeared in THIRTEEN's “Gregory Hines' Tap Dance in America.” (3m 48s)

Sandra Sheppard

Sandra Sheppard created the groundbreaking and popular show “Cyberchase” in 2002. (4m 54s)

Sam Pollard

Filmmaker Sam Pollard has created countless award-winning shows for THIRTEEN. (4m 24s)

Ric Burns

In 1999, filmmaker Ric Burns created the epic “New York: A Documentary" with THIRTEEN. (4m 6s)

Renée Fleming

Renowned soprano Renée Fleming has appeared in countless THIRTEEN performances. (4m 30s)

Peter Gelb

Peter Gelb oversaw the Metropolitan Opera's 2012 broadcast of the "Ring Cycle" on THIRTEEN (4m 46s)

Perry Miller Adato

Perry Miller Adato has directed numerous award-winning documentaries for THIRTEEN.

Maria Hinojosa

Journalist Maria Hinojosa joined THIRTEEN in the ‘90s, on the show “Informed Sources.” (8m 12s)

Lin Manuel Miranda

THIRTEEN showcased Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical sensation “In the Heights” in 2009. (2m 50s)

Lindsay Law

Lindsay Law created over 40 dramatic films for THIRTEEN’s “American Playhouse.”

Ken Burns Pioneers of THIRTEEN

In 1981, THIRTEEN championed filmmaker Ken Burns and his very project, Brooklyn Bridge. (3m 59s)

Judith Jamison

In 1974, THIRTEEN showcased choreographer Alvin Ailey and dancer Judith Jamison. (5m 48s)

Jon Alpert

Filmmaker Jon Alpert started out in the '70s on THIRTEEN’s creative workshop “The TV Lab." (4m 35s)

Joan Konner

Joan Konner served as senior executive producer for national public affairs at THIRTEEN.

Jeremy Irons

Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons starred in THIRTEEN’s 1982 period drama, “Brideshead Revi (7m)

Jeff Folmsbee

Jeff Folmsbee spearheaded art programs “City Arts” and “EGG: The Arts Show” at THIRTEEN. (4m 32s)

James Earl Jones

Actor James Earl Jones starred in THIRTEEN’s “King Lear” at Central Park in 1974. (2m 39s)

Humberto Cintron

THIRTEEN launched public TV’s 1st national Latino show in '72, hosted by Humberto Cintron. (4m 20s)

Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. created THIRTEEN’s “African American Lives." (6m 56s)

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein narrated the ground-breaking documentary “The Times of Harvey Milk.” (5m 23s)

Harry Belafonte

Performer Harry Belafonte is a musical icon and political and social activist. (3m 53s)

Fred Kaufman

Fred Kaufman joined “Nature” in the early 80s and is now its executive producer. (4m 50s)

Chita Rivera

In 2000, musical theater star Chita Rivera appeared in THIRTEEN’s “My Favorite Broadway." (2m 15s)

Charlayne Hunter-Gault

Journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault joined “The MacNeil/Lehrer Report” in 1977. (6m 29s)

Bill Moyers, one of America's most respected journalists

Bill Moyers, one of America's most respected journalists, joined THIRTEEN in the '70s. (7m 11s)

Beth Hoppe

In 2002, Beth Hoppe created THIRTEEN’s iconic documentary history series “Frontier House." (5m 51s)

Bebe Neuwirth

Award-winning Bebe Neuwirth has performed many times on THIRTEEN’s “Great Performances.” (2m 40s)

Ang Lee

In 1985, THIRTEEN aired Oscar-winning director Ang Lee’s NYU Thesis film, “Fine Line.” (6m 40s)

Albert Maysles

In 1966, the Maysles brothers filmed a THIRTEEN documentary about author Truman Capote. (1m 19s)

Alan Gilbert

THIRTEEN aired conductor Alan Gilbert’s 2009 debut as the NY Philharmonic music director (3m 30s)

Abigail Disney

Filmmaker Abigail Disney spearheaded the THIRTEEN series “Women, War and Peace” in 2011. (6m 52s)

Spike Lee and Ang Lee Film Debuts on Independent Focus

THIRTEEN's 'Independent Focus' was a champion for independent filmmakers. (3m 11s)

First Episode of NATURE on PBS

NATURE with George Page premiered in 1982 with 'The Flight of The Condor.' (3m 13s)

Pioneering Rock

"Welcome to the Fillmore East" featured Van Morrison, The Byrds, and The Allman Brothers. (2m 54s)

Monty Python's Flying Circus

"Monty Python's Flying Circus" was an immediate success when it first aired on THIRTEEN. (1m 15s)

Making SOUL!

The origins of the THIRTEEN show variety show devoted to African-American culture. (5m 52s)

The Great American Dream Machine

THIRTEEN's 1970's "The Great American Dream Machine" was an irreverent variety show. (5m)

An American Family

In the early 1970s, THIRTEEN documented a family in the cinéma vérité style. (5m)

The '70s: Bold and Fearless | The TV Lab

Pioneers of THIRTEEN's "The '70s: Bold and Fearless" premieres January 31 at 9 PM. (30s)

The '70s: Bold and Fearless | Great American Dream Machine

Pioneers of THIRTEEN's "The '70s: Bold and Fearless" premieres January 31 at 9 PM. (30s)

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