Great Performances

Great Performances (1972- )

RunningVariety show

Great Performances is a television series devoted to the performing arts, has been telecast on PBS since 1972. The show is produced by WNET in New York City. It is one of the longest running performing arts anthologies on television, second only to Hallmark Hall of Fame. Great Performances presents concerts, ballet, opera, an occasional documentary, and plays. The series has also won many television awards, including an Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, and an Image Award, with nods from the Directors Guild of America and the Cinema Audio Society.

Streaming

Watch Now

Network
Scheduleevery Friday at 21:00 (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S52E20Now Hear This Everyone Loves JoplinApr. 17, 2026
S52E19Samara Joy at Royal Albert HallFeb. 27, 2026
S52E18From Vienna: The New Year's Celebration 2026Jan. 1, 2026
S52E17Nutcracker from English National BalletDez. 16, 2025
S52E16Twelfth NightNov. 14, 2025
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Great Performances premiere?

Great Performances premiered on November 4, 1972.

What kind of performances were featured on Great Performances?

Great Performances featured a range of performances, including opera, ballet, music, and drama.

Who were some famous performers featured on Great Performances in 1972?

In 1972, Great Performances featured performances by Leonard Bernstein, Luciano Pavarotti, and Rudolf Nureyev, among others.

Was Great Performances a weekly or monthly show in 1972?

Great Performances was a monthly show in 1972.

Did Great Performances feature any contemporary performances?

Yes, Great Performances featured contemporary performances in addition to classic ones.

Where were the performances featured on Great Performances filmed?

The performances featured on Great Performances were filmed in various locations around the world.

Was Great Performances only broadcast in the United States?

No, Great Performances was also broadcast internationally.

Did Great Performances feature any behind-the-scenes segments in 1972?

It is unclear if Great Performances featured behind-the-scenes segments in 1972.

Was Great Performances produced by a specific network in 1972?

Great Performances was produced by WNET, a public television station in New York City, in 1972.

How long were the episodes of Great Performances in 1972?

The length of the episodes of Great Performances in 1972 is not specified.

Did Great Performances feature any non-performing arts content in 1972?

It is unclear if Great Performances featured any non-performing arts content in 1972.

Was Great Performances produced live or pre-recorded in 1972?

It is unclear if Great Performances was produced live or pre-recorded in 1972.

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The UnXplained
Running

The UnXplained

The UnXplained will tackle subjects that have mystified mankind for centuries, from mysterious structures and cursed ancient cities to extraterrestrial sightings and bizarre rituals. The series will also feature contributions from top scientists, historians, engineers and researchers - each seeking to shed light on how the seemingly impossible can happen.

The Valley
Running

The Valley

The Valley follows a group of close friends as they trade bottle service in West Hollywood for baby bottles in the Valley all while they navigate bustling businesses, rocky relationships and feisty friendships.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan
Running

Power Book III: Raising Kanan

Power Book III: Raising Kanan is a prequel story that takes viewers back to the '90s and the early years of iconic Power character Kanan Stark.

GenreDrama, Crime
Brilliant Minds
Running

Brilliant Minds

Inspired by the extraordinary life and work of world-famous author and physician Oliver Sacks, Brilliant Minds follows a revolutionary, larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns as they explore the last great frontier - the human mind - while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.

Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage
Running

Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage

Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage follows Georgie and Mandy as they raise their young family in Texas while navigating the challenges of adulthood, parenting and marriage.