PBS is the room where 'Hamilton' happens

BEVERLY HILLS — PBS is doubling down on Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The network had already announced that Great Performances this fall would be airing Hamilton’s America, a behind-the-scenes look at Miranda's landmark musical. And at the Television Critics Association press tour Thursday, PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger announced that Miranda will also host the PBS Arts Fall Festival, which kicks off Oct. 21.

Kerger believes Hamilton is an important part of American cultural history — which makes it an ideal subject for a PBS documentary. The filmmakers, she says, "started following this production very early on. It's such an interesting and compelling piece of art that we were hopeful we would be able to do something ... (Hamilton) really changes the way you think about Broadway musicals."

'Hamilton's America' on PBS to go behind scenes of the smash musical

What shows will Miranda introduce? Highlights include broadcasts of the hit London revival of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton, Alan Cumming’s cabaret act Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs, and Live From Lincoln Center’s Joshua Bell’s Seasons of Cuba.

These are relatively good days for PBS, but no day is without its problems. The network took some flak earlier this month for A Capitol Fourth, which substituted a taped fireworks display for the rain-drenched real one without labeling it. Kerger says that violates PBS policy.

"If a decision is made in a live event to switch to something that isn't live, it should be labeled as such. They made a mistake. ... We contacted them immediately as we saw what was happening. They did fix it in the subsequent broadcast."

Why did it matter? "This is PBS. People trust us."

What to expect from your favorite TV shows this season

Other PBS announcements:

• American Experience will air a six-hour documentary about World War I, The Great War. It will debut in April 2017, the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into the war. 
• Starting Sept. 12, PBS will launch Spotlight Education, a week of programs that examine the challenges facing the education system.
• In January, shortly before the presidential inauguration, Frontline will air Divided States of America. The four-hour, two-night documentary will examine the divisions and problems the about-to-be president will inherit.