Need to Know

Need to Know

Canceled First aired 07/May/2010 United States English 4 season(s) 166 episode(s)
DocumentaryNews
Need to Know is an American public television news program produced by WNET, and broadcast weekly on all Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) affiliate-stations in the United States. It aired from May 2010 until June 2013.

PBS stated that the show was intended to fill the public-affairs and "hard"/investigative news void left by both the one-hour Bill Moyers Journal, and the cancelled, half-hour NOW on PBS. Both departing shows had been long-running, highly rated, and critically acclaimed for their journalistic quality, and focus on issues that deeply impacted regular Americans' lives, yet went largely ignored by commercial TV news outlets. "NTK" branded itself the "TV and Web newsmagazine [that] gives you what you need to know." PBS had described the show as “a multi-platform current affairs news magazine, uniting broadcast and web in an innovative approach to news-gathering and reporting."
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TimeScore 33% Skip It
Binge Meter 48% Slow Burn
Episode Pulse Quiet 40% activity score
Drop Rate 0% Very Low

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Seasons & Episodes

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Season 2012 · Season 2012
35 episode(s)
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Season 2011 · Season 2011
51 episode(s) · Air date: 07/Jan/2011
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S2011E35
9-11, Ten Years Later
Air date: 09/Sep/2011
Summary

A special edition on the ten-year anniversary of 9/11. We visit three military families to see how the nation’s longest war effort has affected military children. Also: Six-word memoirs on 9/11, and an “In Perspective” essay from Jon Meacham.

Summary

A special edition on the ten-year anniversary of 9/11. We visit three military families to see how the nation’s longest war effort has affected military children. Also: Six-word memoirs on 9/11, and an “In Perspective” essay from Jon Meacham.

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S2011E7
The Universe(s), Egypt’s Future, and Fracking
Air date: 18/Feb/2011
Summary

How many universes are there? Author Brian Greene explains. Plus: A fracking update, a look at what’s next in Egypt and an interview author Parag Khanna.

Summary

How many universes are there? Author Brian Greene explains. Plus: A fracking update, a look at what’s next in Egypt and an interview author Parag Khanna.

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S2011E6
Ahead of the Class
Air date: 11/Feb/2011
Summary

As the nation debates how to get the best performance out of students and teachers, Need to Know presents an hour devoted to success stories in teaching.

Summary

As the nation debates how to get the best performance out of students and teachers, Need to Know presents an hour devoted to success stories in teaching.

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S2011E5
Egypt, End-of-Life Care, Alzheimer’s
Air date: 04/Feb/2011
Summary

Amid the upheaval in Egypt, we turn our attention to the political tension between Egypt and the U.S. Also, the defunct “death panel” provision, a new scan for Alzheimer’s, and “Reagan.”

Summary

Amid the upheaval in Egypt, we turn our attention to the political tension between Egypt and the U.S. Also, the defunct “death panel” provision, a new scan for Alzheimer’s, and “Reagan.”

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S2011E4
Aging in the Car-Happy Suburbs, Congo, A New 'New Deal'?
Air date: 28/Jan/2011
Summary

Getting older in the car-dependent suburbs, the State of the Union and the state of the Congo. Plus: an animated editorial by Steve Brodner.

Summary

Getting older in the car-dependent suburbs, the State of the Union and the state of the Congo. Plus: an animated editorial by Steve Brodner.

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S2011E3
Care for Disabled Adults, Michael Vick’s Dogs, China
Air date: 21/Jan/2011
Summary

This week, we visit with parents struggling to maintain care for their developmentally disabled adult children in the face of budget cuts. Plus: where are Michael Vick’s dogs now? And: the Amy Chua phenomenon.

Summary

This week, we visit with parents struggling to maintain care for their developmentally disabled adult children in the face of budget cuts. Plus: where are Michael Vick’s dogs now? And: the Amy Chua phenomenon.

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S2011E2
Gun Control, Haiti, High-Speed Rail
Air date: 14/Jan/2011
Summary

In light of the Arizona shooting, we revisit a story on gun rights. Also: Two Haitian children treated in Boston after the earthquake, a look at high speed rail and author Peter Bergen on al Qaeda.

Summary

In light of the Arizona shooting, we revisit a story on gun rights. Also: Two Haitian children treated in Boston after the earthquake, a look at high speed rail and author Peter Bergen on al Qaeda.

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S2011E1
Foster Care, A ‘Lost Boy’ of Sudan
Air date: 07/Jan/2011
Summary

On the eve of Sudan’s historic elections, we profile a “lost boy” who returned to aid his hometown. Plus: medicating foster kids, more “fixing America” and advice from Peter Sagal.

Summary

On the eve of Sudan’s historic elections, we profile a “lost boy” who returned to aid his hometown. Plus: medicating foster kids, more “fixing America” and advice from Peter Sagal.

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Season 2010 · Season 2010
34 episode(s) · Air date: 07/May/2010
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S2010E34
Episode 34
Air date: 24/Dec/2010
Summary

Jon Meacham talks with Stacy Schiff about Cleopatra and Robert Alter on the continued relevance of The Bible. Editorial cartoonist Steve Brodner revisits the major headlines of 2010. Plus: Resa Aslan, David Grossman and K’Naan.

Summary

Jon Meacham talks with Stacy Schiff about Cleopatra and Robert Alter on the continued relevance of The Bible. Editorial cartoonist Steve Brodner revisits the major headlines of 2010. Plus: Resa Aslan, David Grossman and K’Naan.

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S2010E33
Episode 33
Air date: 17/Dec/2010
Summary

Jon Meacham reflects on the legacy of Richard Holbrooke, special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, who died suddenly this week. And we sit down with former diplomat Frank Wisner to take a closer look at the state of President Obama’s foreign policy strategy, following a recent status report on the war in Afghanistan.

Summary

Jon Meacham reflects on the legacy of Richard Holbrooke, special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, who died suddenly this week. And we sit down with former diplomat Frank Wisner to take a closer look at the state of President Obama’s foreign policy strategy, following a recent status report on the war in Afghanistan.

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S2010E32
Episode 32
Air date: 10/Dec/2010
Summary

John Larson investigates coal mine safety. A new series on social innovators. Meacham talks tax cuts. And director Julie Taymor discusses the new Spider-Man musical.

Summary

John Larson investigates coal mine safety. A new series on social innovators. Meacham talks tax cuts. And director Julie Taymor discusses the new Spider-Man musical.

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S2010E31
Episode 31
Air date: 03/Dec/2010
Summary

We examine the recent flare-up between North and South Korea and what it means China and the U.S. Plus: Nuclear waste, the Fort Dix Five and author Gary Shteyngart.

Summary

We examine the recent flare-up between North and South Korea and what it means China and the U.S. Plus: Nuclear waste, the Fort Dix Five and author Gary Shteyngart.

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S2010E30
Episode 30
Air date: 26/Nov/2010
Summary

We bring you some of our best coverage on soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and the troubles they face after returning home. Plus: a holiday message from Peter Sagal.

Summary

We bring you some of our best coverage on soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and the troubles they face after returning home. Plus: a holiday message from Peter Sagal.

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S2010E29
Episode 29
Air date: 19/Nov/2010
Summary

Why is the USDA promoting cheese? Plus: part two of our report on Somali pirates, a visit with the 71st Cavalry in Afghanistan, a conversation with religious scholar Reza Aslan, and a Steve Brodner animated editorial.

Summary

Why is the USDA promoting cheese? Plus: part two of our report on Somali pirates, a visit with the 71st Cavalry in Afghanistan, a conversation with religious scholar Reza Aslan, and a Steve Brodner animated editorial.

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S2010E28
Episode 28
Air date: 12/Nov/2010
Summary

A special international edition: the Burmese government’s nuclear ambitions, an abduction by Somali pirates, and a discussion with author David Grossman on the Middle East. Plus: Sage advice from Peter Sagal.

Summary

A special international edition: the Burmese government’s nuclear ambitions, an abduction by Somali pirates, and a discussion with author David Grossman on the Middle East. Plus: Sage advice from Peter Sagal.

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S2010E27
Episode 27
Air date: 05/Nov/2010
Summary

A close look at Yemen, home to a prominent al-Qaida group. Plus: restoring marshes in Iraq, the dysfunctional U.S. Senate, and a Steve Brodner animated editorial.

Summary

A close look at Yemen, home to a prominent al-Qaida group. Plus: restoring marshes in Iraq, the dysfunctional U.S. Senate, and a Steve Brodner animated editorial.

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S2010E26
Election special edition
Air date: 29/Oct/2010
Summary

We bring you a special hour-long report on the midterm elections, including a look at faulty voting machines and investigation into redistricting.

Summary

We bring you a special hour-long report on the midterm elections, including a look at faulty voting machines and investigation into redistricting.

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S2010E24
Alaska native corporations, schools
Air date: 15/Oct/2010
Summary

Has a program intended by Congress to help native Alaskans delivered on its promise? In cooperation with the Washington Post, Need to Know examines whether a plan to promote the welfare of the disadvantaged and disenfranchised has instead enriched non-native executives and shortchanged taxpayers.

Summary

Has a program intended by Congress to help native Alaskans delivered on its promise? In cooperation with the Washington Post, Need to Know examines whether a plan to promote the welfare of the disadvantaged and disenfranchised has instead enriched non-native executives and shortchanged taxpayers.

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S2010E23
A special report on the jobs crisis
Air date: 08/Oct/2010
Summary

An hour-long special report on the jobs crisis, profiling the different faces of unemployment. And we talk to Robert Reich and Sara Horowitz about what can be done about joblessness.

Summary

An hour-long special report on the jobs crisis, profiling the different faces of unemployment. And we talk to Robert Reich and Sara Horowitz about what can be done about joblessness.

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S2010E19
Episode 19
Air date: 10/Sep/2010
Summary

We examine where we are as a people on the ninth anniversary of 9/11, including a look at homegrown terrorism and a progress report on the rebuilding of Ground Zero.

Summary

We examine where we are as a people on the ninth anniversary of 9/11, including a look at homegrown terrorism and a progress report on the rebuilding of Ground Zero.

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S2010E16
Episode 16
Air date: 20/Aug/2010
Summary

The religious history of lower Manhattan. The U.S. transition in Iraq. And best-selling author Gary Shteyngart, who absolutely loves “weiner dogs.”

Summary

The religious history of lower Manhattan. The U.S. transition in Iraq. And best-selling author Gary Shteyngart, who absolutely loves “weiner dogs.”

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S2010E15
Episode 15
Air date: 13/Aug/2010
Summary

An epidemic of gun violence in Chicago. Is the Google-Verizon a deal a pact for good, or evil? And Andy Borowitz takes a cue from JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater.

Summary

An epidemic of gun violence in Chicago. Is the Google-Verizon a deal a pact for good, or evil? And Andy Borowitz takes a cue from JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater.

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S2010E14
Episode 14
Air date: 06/Aug/2010
Summary

Life in a war zone. An embattled outpost where the U.S. military trains Afghan soldiers. Steve Mumford’s paintings of the war in Iraq. And a special pledge week edition of Next Week’s News.

Summary

Life in a war zone. An embattled outpost where the U.S. military trains Afghan soldiers. Steve Mumford’s paintings of the war in Iraq. And a special pledge week edition of Next Week’s News.

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S2010E13
Episode 13
Air date: 30/Jul/2010
Summary

Could the WikiLeaks be dangerous? 100 days after the start of the oil spill in the Gulf, we check in on an ailing community in Grand Isle. Plus a look back at the life of prison reform advocate David Lewis.

Summary

Could the WikiLeaks be dangerous? 100 days after the start of the oil spill in the Gulf, we check in on an ailing community in Grand Isle. Plus a look back at the life of prison reform advocate David Lewis.

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S2010E12
Episode 12
Air date: 23/Jul/2010
Summary

Putting the Shirley Sherrod saga in context. A report on the most dangerous highway in Georgia. And a rare dispute between conservationists and renewable energy advocates in Wyoming.

Summary

Putting the Shirley Sherrod saga in context. A report on the most dangerous highway in Georgia. And a rare dispute between conservationists and renewable energy advocates in Wyoming.

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S2010E11
Episode 11
Air date: 16/Jul/2010
Summary

Where art thou, Obama? A look at how Avandia and other possibly dangerous drugs make it to market. And a photojournalist travels to Bangladesh to document one of the world’s most dramatic health crises: childhood malnutrition.

Summary

Where art thou, Obama? A look at how Avandia and other possibly dangerous drugs make it to market. And a photojournalist travels to Bangladesh to document one of the world’s most dramatic health crises: childhood malnutrition.

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S2010E10
Episode 10
Air date: 09/Jul/2010
Summary

Women in the military’s elite bomb squad. Special courts for veterans. And BP’s “other” disaster in the Gulf. Plus: A special summer movie edition of Next Week’s News.

Summary

Women in the military’s elite bomb squad. Special courts for veterans. And BP’s “other” disaster in the Gulf. Plus: A special summer movie edition of Next Week’s News.

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S2010E8
Episode 8
Air date: 25/Jun/2010
Summary

We take a hard look at the consequences of America’s wars, from wounded vets to a fired general. We also go deep inside Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Iran, and talk to the citizens who criticize or support him. Plus, Andy Borowitz wonders what Tony Hayward will do next to try and re-brand BP.

Summary

We take a hard look at the consequences of America’s wars, from wounded vets to a fired general. We also go deep inside Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Iran, and talk to the citizens who criticize or support him. Plus, Andy Borowitz wonders what Tony Hayward will do next to try and re-brand BP.

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S2010E7
Episode 7
Air date: 18/Jun/2010
Summary

Our correspondents travel to the Gulf to look at the oil spill from multiple vantage points. We also examine America’s renewed fascination with gold, and talk to Somali-Canadian hip-hop artist K’naan.

Summary

Our correspondents travel to the Gulf to look at the oil spill from multiple vantage points. We also examine America’s renewed fascination with gold, and talk to Somali-Canadian hip-hop artist K’naan.

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S2010E6
Episode 6
Air date: 11/Jun/2010
Summary

A closer look at BP’s safety record, the generosity of a Palestinian family after their son’s killing, and an interview with Sookie Stackhouse’s creator.

Summary

A closer look at BP’s safety record, the generosity of a Palestinian family after their son’s killing, and an interview with Sookie Stackhouse’s creator.

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Season 1 · Season 1
46 episode(s) · Air date: 07/May/2010
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Alison Stewart
Jon Meacham
Jon Meacham

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