Rick Sebak

Acting

Rick Sebak

Born

1953-06-05 (73)

Place of birth

Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Known for

Acting

Credits

86 titles

Rick Sebak is an American public broadcasting television producer, writer and narrator who lives and works in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States. Rick makes unusual television programs. His slightly wacky documentaries celebrate various aspects of modern American life and the unexpected charms of Pittsburgh. Audiences have learned to recognize his friendly narrative style and the unusual topics that he obviously loves. Sebak is the creator of the "scrapbook documentary" genre, many of which he has created for WQED and PBS. This scrapbook style incorporates lots of old films, home movies, postcards, old photos and memorabilia of all sorts. Rick does not appear on-camera in these…

Known for

Shore Things poster
8.0

People love going to the beach for lots of different reasons. The sun. The sand. The salt-water taffy. In this slightly wacky documentary, we consider all kinds of things that draw people to the coast: board walks, seafood, lifeguards, even metal-detectors and roller skates. From Nantucket to Venice Beach, people relax and bounce in the waves. From the Outer Banks to Oahu, beachgoers bring along their fishing gear and hope to catch some dinner.

Shore Things

1996

A Hot Dog Program poster
8.5

Enjoy an all-American celebration of what may be the country's most popular fast food. From Connecticut to South Carolina to California, Rick Sebak visits some of the nation's coolest hot dog places, taking viewers inside a giant hot dog-shaped building, stopping at some crazy late-night stands, and looking at how hot dogs are made. Wonder how and when hot dogs became so popular-or what toppings are tops these days? Tune in and find out.

A Hot Dog Program

1999

A Cemetery Special poster
10.0

A documentary profiling cemeteries and cemetery-related businesses and events across the United States.

A Cemetery Special

2005

Pittsburgh From the Air poster
NR

Whether you've walked its neighborhoods, driven around its streets, hiked and biked through its surrounding mountains and valleys, or watched out the plane window enroute to Pittsburgh International Airport, you have never experienced Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania like you will in Pittsburgh from the Air. Using the latest technology in HD aerial photography, this WQED Multimedia production takes you up in the air -- over neighborhoods, rivers and forests, inside the exploding spectacle of July 4th fireworks - to capture stunning aerial views of one of America's most vibrant regions. This is Western Pennsylvania at work and play -- in its glorious green seasons and in the cold, crystalline beauty of winter light. This is Pittsburgh from the Air.

Pittsburgh From the Air

2011

Sandwiches That You Will Like poster
7.2

Maybe it's Pittsburgh's chipped-beef "Slammer" you're craving. Or Iowa's Maid Rite "loosemeat"? Louisville's "Hot Brown"? Escape fast-food sameness on a mouth-watering tour through America's distinctive sandwich landscape. Let veteran guide Rick Sebak (A Hot Dog Program, An Ice Cream Show) take you across the country to New Orleans for muffaletta, to Chicago for Italian beef, and New York City for pastrami on rye.

Sandwiches That You Will Like

2002

Fred Rogers: America's Favorite Neighbor poster
8.5

Writer, producer, puppeteer, songwriter--America's Favorite Neighbor takes a thorough look at the career of legendary children's television host Fred Rogers. Produced for Pittsburgh's WQED, this informative documentary tracks his rise as floor manager for various NBC programs, such as Your Hit Parade, to the major awards he received later in life, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Along the way, he's seen launching public TV programs The Children's Corner, which featured a soon-to-be-famous puppet named King Friday, and Canada's MisteRogers. The latter, naturally, was followed by Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which made its national debut in 1968, and would eventually became the longest running program in PBS history. Hosted by fellow Pennsylvania native Michael Keaton (Batman), who worked on his show in the early days, America's Favorite Neighbor is suitable for all ages, but is geared more towards adults, particularly parents and educators.

Fred Rogers: America's Favorite Neighbor

2004

Film credits

2010s · 15 titles

Pittsburgh From the Air poster
NR

Whether you've walked its neighborhoods, driven around its streets, hiked and biked through its surrounding mountains and valleys, or watched out the plane window enroute to Pittsburgh International Airport, you have never experienced Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania like you will in Pittsburgh from the Air. Using the latest technology in HD aerial photography, this WQED Multimedia production takes you up in the air -- over neighborhoods, rivers and forests, inside the exploding spectacle of July 4th fireworks - to capture stunning aerial views of one of America's most vibrant regions. This is Western Pennsylvania at work and play -- in its glorious green seasons and in the cold, crystalline beauty of winter light. This is Pittsburgh from the Air.

Pittsburgh From the Air

2011

Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets poster
10.0

Mmm, smell the bacon! Order the grits with red-eye gravy! Get the lobster hash! Try the veggie omelet! Part food show and part travelogue, Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets is another celebration of getting up and going out for a memorable morning meal. Visit a diner in Connecticut, admire homemade biscuits in North Carolina, and savor some big pancakes in Pittsburgh. Along the way we find seaside specialties in New Hampshire, duck breast in Philadelphia, and salmon cakes in Detroit. On the Big Island of Hawaii, we sample loco moco, Portuguese donuts and scrumptious variations on all of the above! Cooks, servers, and regulars all across America share their love and loyalty for our most important meal of the day.

Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets

2012

Miss Springmaid poster
NR

"Colonel" Elliott White Springs spearheaded an innovative ad campaign to sell bed sheets that changed the approach of the country's advertising industry. He began acquiring and commissioning artwork depicting attractive young women as "Springmaids." He copiously employed sexual innuendo in his ad copy. Many were outraged by his approach, but there was convincing proof that "sex sells."

Miss Springmaid

2016

Pittsburgh From the Air II poster
NR

Featuring stunning autumn colors and the fresh greens of spring, the much-anticipated Pittsburgh From The Air II takes you on an unforgettable sightseeing tour of Western Pennsylvania. Our helicopter and production crew used the latest technology in HD aerial photography as they swooped over mountains, valleys, rivers, gorges, skyscrapers, and towns to showcase the beauty of the region. Highlights include spectacular views of the Pittsburgh Marathon, the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail, historic covered bridges, Youghiogheny River Lake, Friday night football and much more.

Pittsburgh From the Air II

2012

A Few Good Pie Places poster
NR

There's something tasty, often sweet, fruity and all-American about a really good piece of pie. In this delicious documentary, travel across the country to visit shops, restaurants, cafes, and even a few homes in search of some excellent crusts, crimping, fillings and flavors.

A Few Good Pie Places

2015

Return to Downtown Pittsburgh poster
NR

In this sequel to his 1992 documentary Downtown Pittsburgh, Rick Sebak takes viewers on a tour of a twenty-first century Pittsburgh that's both changing and charming.

Return to Downtown Pittsburgh

2016

No artwork available
NR

Rick Sebak's documentary explores the history and some of the wonderful surprises you can find in Millvale! It's an unassuming borough on the Allegheny River, not far from Downtown Pittsburgh, but it's got Jean-Marc's French Bakery, Yetter's Candy Store, Grant Bar, Lincoln Pharmacy, Pamela's P&G Diner, Attic Records and much much more.

The Joys of Millvale

2013

No artwork available
NR

Rick Sebak is a Pittsburgh treasure whose award-winning documentaries have entertained and educated local and national viewers for 25 years. As he celebrates this anniversary at WQED, we look back at Rick's memorable programs and hear about the stories behind them. Rick talks about his inspiration as a filmmaker, while colleagues and fans share their thoughts on Rick's appealing and timeless body of work.

What Makes Rick Tick?

2013

A Few Great Bakeries poster
NR

Bakeries are popular places. They smell great. They are full of wonderful things to eat, from crusty breads to gooey and sweet treats. And they often become neighborhood meeting places, where bakers work hard and where people often leave with good feelings as well as fresh baked goods. In this documentary, we celebrate A Few Great Bakeries across America, never claiming that this is a list of "Best Bakeries" but rather just a few warm ones worth checking out. All of these places seem connected by early mornings, long hours of hard work, delicious products and customers who love them. We happily celebrate these few bakeries and hope that everyone will be inspired to look for more great ones all across America.

A Few Great Bakeries

2015

No artwork available
NR

It's a giant sort-of-Victorian holiday village covered in candy! It's an astounding work of folk art. It's Gingerbread Lane. We follow its creator, chef Jon Lovitch, from icing in February to assembling in November at Station Square. Sweet stuff!

Gingerbread Lane

2013

No artwork available
NR

As Rick has gathered interviews for IT'S PITTSBURGH episodes over the last 2 seasons, he has often ended the conversation by asking, "Why do you live in Pittsburgh?" In this program, we edit together many of the responses, and we look at the Experienced Dreamers Contest that challenged entrepreneurs over 45 years of age to write about why they could bring their dream to Pittsburgh. It's an entertaining consideration of one of life's great questions.

Why Do You Live in Pittsburgh?

2013

No artwork available
NR

It's true. Pittsburgh is seldom the city you expect. And in the first season of It's Pittsburgh & A Lot of Other Stuff, producer Rick Sebak and his collaborators celebrated some surprising people, places and donuts in the Pittsburgh area. So we've gathered some of the program's best stories to help answer unexpected questions: Can you ride your bike up the most treacherous streets in Pittsburgh? How early do you have to get up to get donuts at the little shop on Steuben Street? Do you leave your holiday lights up all year? You'll find out here.

It's Pittsburgh & A Lot of Other Stuff: Best of Season One

2011

No artwork available
NR

The North Side Leadership Conference held a special North Side Sandwich Week competition at the Penn Brewery. Cameraman Bob Lubomski and producer Rick Sebak went to sample some of the sandwiches, and now we've put together this report celebrating ten great spots to get outstanding North Side sandwiches.

North Side Sandwiches

2013

Breakfast Special poster
NR

This documentary from PBS travels throughout America in search of the best breakfast places the country has to offer. Along the way, the patrons, employees, and owners of such establishments give their take on what makes for great breakfast fare, and what keeps a customer coming back for more.

Breakfast Special

2010

No artwork available
NR

We celebrate the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Squirrel Hill Tunnels! Looking at history, the ongoing renovation project, and some surprises, including help from Sam Hall, WTAE's traffic reporter.

Squirrel Hill Tunnels

2013

2000s · 13 titles

A Cemetery Special poster
10.0

A documentary profiling cemeteries and cemetery-related businesses and events across the United States.

A Cemetery Special

2005

Sandwiches That You Will Like poster
7.2

Maybe it's Pittsburgh's chipped-beef "Slammer" you're craving. Or Iowa's Maid Rite "loosemeat"? Louisville's "Hot Brown"? Escape fast-food sameness on a mouth-watering tour through America's distinctive sandwich landscape. Let veteran guide Rick Sebak (A Hot Dog Program, An Ice Cream Show) take you across the country to New Orleans for muffaletta, to Chicago for Italian beef, and New York City for pastrami on rye.

Sandwiches That You Will Like

2002

A Program About Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff poster
8.0

A travelogue featuring oddly-shaped buildings (and the folks who live in, work in, own and admire them) located along USA highways.

A Program About Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff

2004

A Flea Market Documentary poster
10.0

A Flea Market Documentary is a new PBS special and an all-American celebration of open-air shopping across the country. On any weekend, there may be no better place to find out what makes America great than at a flea market. A Flea Market Documentary is an unabashed celebration of the unusual people and the enticing things that can be found in parking lots, fairgrounds, drive-ins, sidewalks, and wherever else someone has posted a sign saying "Flea Market." It's capitalism mixed with craziness. It's amazing old stuff, great salespeople, the ancient tradition of the open-air market, and the possibility of finding a bargain, all uniting shoppers across the nation. Produced by WQED Pittsburgh, A Flea Market Documentary travels from the gigantic Rose Bowl Market in Pasadena, California, to the busy but modest- sized Eastern Market in Washington, DC, talking with organizers, vendors, food merchants and shoppers.

A Flea Market Documentary

2001

A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway poster
NR

The Lincoln Highway was established in 1913 as America’s first coast-to-coast paved highway. It connected New York City with San Francisco and passed through towns and cities in 13 states. It was an adventure for early motorists, and drivers today still love its hidden charms and all the stuff along its several paths. A RIDE ALONG THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY considers some of the history of the road and shows some of the joys of finding and riding along the various alignments of the highway today. Along the way, we meet highway historians and enthusiasts from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Evanston, Wyoming, and many places in between. We check out the cottages at the Lincoln Motor Court near Bedford, PA, stop for lunch in Mount Vernon, Iowa, meet some folks in Eureka, Nevada, and even walk out to the end of the Berkeley pier in California. It's a great trip.

A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway

2008

Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh poster
NR

Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh looks at some of the things that make the end of the year and the start of the new one special times in Western Pennsylvania. It's a joyous, light-filled celebration of hometown happiness.

Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh

2002

Something About Oakland poster
NR

It started when Mary Schenley donated land for a beautiful wooded park. Soon Andrew Carnegie built a great library and museums nearby. There was a grand hotel, a spectacular greenhouse, and a beloved old ballpark Forbes Field. We visit the Bug Rooms, the murals and Music Hall at the Carnegie Museums. We race through Schenley Park, stop at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, and visit shops along Craig St.

Something About Oakland

2000

No artwork available
NR

Ever wonder what's below the surface of western Pennsylvania? Come for a hike into Laurel Caverns, investigate the fabled Fourth River, visit the Bug Rooms at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and zip through several tunnels around here. We ride the T, look under the Dormont Pool, and descend into several basements (including two at Marshall Elevator!) We consider a Pittsburgh potty and follow the sewer to ALCOSAN. You can watch the harvest at Creekside Mushrooms, see some of what's stored at Iron Mountain, and go 600 feet down to meet the coal miners at CONSOL's Bailey Mine in Greene County, among other things. Watch this one on your basement TV.

Underground Pittsburgh

2007

Pittsburgh A to Z poster
NR

Here are twenty-six Amazing, Beautiful, Captivating and Delicious pieces of a great medium-sized city! This unusual video includes everything from Fish sandwiches to Grant Street, from the History Center to our Interesting Islands. Pittsburgh A to Z is a delightful documentary that celebrates (in alphabetical order!) a wide variety of topics from Amateur Archaeologists (looking for arrowheads and other ancient American artifacts) to the zinging zaps of the Zambelli’s. It’s an amusing adventure, a tantalizing tour, a homey history lesson led by popular producer Rick Sebak. All that and much more!

Pittsburgh A to Z

2001

Invented, Engineered, and Pioneered in Pittsburgh poster
NR

What connects Ferris Wheels with state of the art nuclear power plants? Why is there a connection between George Westinghouse and 21st century robotics? What’s the common thread that links John Roebling, Jonas Salk, the Mellon Arena and video games? It’s Pittsburgh’s amazing love and respect for innovation, great engineering and unfettered imagination.

Invented, Engineered, and Pioneered in Pittsburgh

2008

What Makes Pittsburgh Pittsburgh? poster
NR

It’s a question with no real easy or definitive answer. There are countless factors that make the Pittsburgh area unusual and charming, distinctive and unique. You’ve got the hills, the valleys and amazing hilltop views. You’ve got three rivers (full of history, Gateway Clipper boats and water.) Any or all of those things could be the answer. Maybe it’s just the simple pleasures of a social club like the WEMCO Club in Homewood. Or the delicious treats to be found in a neighborhood bakery. But Pittsburgh’s also full of surprises like the world’s largest green building and the tiny Natrona Bottling Company, the last pop producer in Allegheny County. And lots of people will tell you “It’s the people!” which may be true, especially when everyone in the city becomes a Steelers fan with traditions, banners and lots of gusto. There are so many factors to consider, and we’ve squeezed as many as we could into this fast and friendly look at one of America’s most beautiful cities.

What Makes Pittsburgh Pittsburgh?

2006

South Side poster
NR

Whether you live here, shop here, come to eat and drink here or just enjoy people-watching here, the South Side is an unforgettable place, one of the liveliest neighborhoods around. It’s home to a beautiful old Carnegie Library, a great little pretzel bakery and a number of bars and music clubs too. Come along as WQED’s Rick Sebak and his team give a tour of this part of town that’s divided into “flats” and “slopes.” Along the way, we check out some used book stores, visit the huge Terminal Buildings, look for stuff at T&T Hardware, stop for lunch at Cupka’s, take a dip in the Oliver Bathhouse, get a cone at Page Dairy Mart and a coffee at the Beehive. We even spend some time at a South Side Summer Street Spectacular (not there anymore since 2004.)

South Side

2006

To Market To Market To Buy A Fat Pig poster
10.0

A celebration of market houses, market places and farmers' markets across the United States. Rick Sebak checks out crab cakes in Baltimore's Lexington Market, shops with a chef in Pittsburgh's East Liberty Farmers' Market and attends a tomato tasting in Asheville, North Carolina. This program looks at the joys of talking to people who grow our food and the fresh opportunities that are found in markets.

To Market To Market To Buy A Fat Pig

2007

1990s · 14 titles

Shore Things poster
8.0

People love going to the beach for lots of different reasons. The sun. The sand. The salt-water taffy. In this slightly wacky documentary, we consider all kinds of things that draw people to the coast: board walks, seafood, lifeguards, even metal-detectors and roller skates. From Nantucket to Venice Beach, people relax and bounce in the waves. From the Outer Banks to Oahu, beachgoers bring along their fishing gear and hope to catch some dinner.

Shore Things

1996

A Hot Dog Program poster
8.5

Enjoy an all-American celebration of what may be the country's most popular fast food. From Connecticut to South Carolina to California, Rick Sebak visits some of the nation's coolest hot dog places, taking viewers inside a giant hot dog-shaped building, stopping at some crazy late-night stands, and looking at how hot dogs are made. Wonder how and when hot dogs became so popular-or what toppings are tops these days? Tune in and find out.

A Hot Dog Program

1999

Downtown Pittsburgh poster
8.0

This documentary explores the wonders of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rick Sebak narrates while you are taken on a nostalgic journey through downtown Pittsburgh's rich history as a bustling American urban center. The film explores downtown Pittsburgh's culture, history, architecture, and secrets. With new and archival footage.

Downtown Pittsburgh

1992

Great Old Amusement Parks poster
8.0

On a Hot Summer day, there may be no better place on earth than a traditional amusement park. A place where you can hop on a classic wooden coaster, reach for the ring as you whirl by on the merry-go-round, or cool down on the Caterpillar. In this documentary, you get to visit some of America's most charming parks from Lake Compounce in Connecticut to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California. You get to gallop on the Derby Racer at Playland, go with the flow on the Boat Chute at Lake Winnepesaukah, and rock on Deno's Wonder Wheel at Coney Island. And of course there are coasters, including the Thunderbolt at Kennywood, the Cyclone at Astroland, the Raven at Holiday World, and San Diego's Giant Dipper!

Great Old Amusement Parks

1999

It's the Neighborhoods poster
NR

Where you live is important. What makes it a pleasant and unforgettable place depends on many factors. In this new Pittsburgh History special, producer Rick Sebak and his TV team look for some of the reasons why neighborhoods around here are so memorable, from Aluminum City Terrace in New Kensington to Polish Hill. We check out the incredible Carnegie Library in Homewood, a classic corner grocery store in the Tenth Ward of McKeesport, and a warm and wonderful coffee shop in Highland Park. Come climb the steps that are such important parts of so many area neighborhoods, run around Regent Square, and sample all the sidewalk food at Bloomfield's Italian Days. See how murals are brightening neighborhoods around the city, how the Lawrenceville House Tour celebrates that section, and why St. Rocco is really special in parts of Aliquippa. What makes the Pittsburgh area such a charming and interesting place? Well, you could say It's the Neighborhoods.

It's the Neighborhoods

1994

Houses Around Here poster
NR

Looking in other people’s houses can be fun. And in southwestern Pennsylvania, it doesn’t matter if you live in a city neighborhood like Friendship or in rural Washington County, you can find wonderful houses not far away that reveal much about the history, the culture and the people in this comfy corner of the state.

Houses Around Here

1994

Things That Aren't There Anymore poster
8.5

Remember when Forbes Field was the world’s greatest ballpark? When the Dips roller coaster at West View Park came out to Route 19? When everyone went to the Allegheny County Fair? When streetcars ran all over town? They’re all parts of this warm and winsome program about Pittsburgh’s past, this heartfelt tribute to great and old places where people used to go to have fun.

Things That Aren't There Anymore

1990

An Ice Cream Show poster
7.4

Everybody loves ice cream. It’s cool, sweet and delicious. It’s also the tantalizing topic of this happy documentary program that takes viewers to ice cream places across America from Vermont to Hawaii, highlighting outstanding places to get a cone or a bowl. An Ice Cream Show features mostly small ice cream lovers – from makers and eaters to collectors and cone-makers.

An Ice Cream Show

1996

Pennsylvania Diners and Other Roadside Restaurants poster
NR

In an age when every fast food place seems the same, diners have remained distinctive, fun places to stop, full of local flavor. This program takes a look at several of the most interesting diners in Pennsylvania, and also considers a few other roadside restaurants (like Midway Plaza on the Pennsylvania Turnpike) that have interesting histories and reputations for good “home-cooked” food. So get a cup of coffee. Have a seat. And come along as we visit great little restaurants from Wellsboro to Downingtown, from Milford to Conneaut Lake. Let’s go to Potato City, to the Melrose in Philly and to unforgettable little places from Pittsburgh to Poconos. Whether it’s the middle of the night in State College or lunchtime in Smethport, this documentary gives you an unusual taste of Pennsylvania and some of its quirkier cuisine.

Pennsylvania Diners and Other Roadside Restaurants

1993

The Pennsylvania Road Show poster
NR

This somewhat zany travelogue is full of surprising places, friendly people, and lots of unforgettable roadside attractions. Ride along the Lincoln Highway, have breakfast at Lee’s Diner in York! Go underground on the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour near Scranton! Throw bread to the huge carp at the Linesville Spillway!

The Pennsylvania Road Show

1992

North Side Story poster
NR

t’s a show full of ketchup and beer, beautiful houses and ice balls, exotic birds, barbecue and history. It’s the fun of watching while they open one of Andy’s time-capsule boxes at the Warhol Museum. It’s shopping along East Ohio Street. It’s finding out why kids like to go to the Old Post Office building. And it’s marveling at the cosmic impact that stars and telescopes have had on this part of town. The North Side is where all the millionaires used to live, where the Pirates have been playing for years, and where you’ll find some of the most charming neighborhoods on earth. In this fun documentary, WQED’s Rick Sebak takes you to the part of Pittsburgh that until 1907 used to be a separate city called Allegheny.

North Side Story

1997

Flying Off the Bridge to Nowhere poster
NR

Pittsburgh is often called The City of Bridges, and it's easy to see why. With three mighty rivers and lots of hills and valleys, the area around this city is the site for many outstanding bridges with innovative and beautiful designs. It's one-of-a-kind documentary about people and structures that have helped make Pittsburgh such an unforgettable place.

Flying Off the Bridge to Nowhere

1990

The Strip Show poster
NR

The Strip District is a delicious old neighborhood in Pittsburgh. On most Saturday mornings, its one of the best places on earth, full of hungry people, crunchy fruits, snappy vegetables, world-class street food, cool characters and tasty surprises of all sorts. This 1996 documentary is a tour of the Strip including big breakfasts, shopping along Penn Avenue and Smallman Street, warehouses, churches and nightclubs, along with some amazing history. Producer Rick Sebak says, "It ends up being a big commercial for the Strip, but the neighborhood deserves lots of loving attention. Its a great, great place."

The Strip Show

1996

Things That are Still Here poster
NR

Take a big bite of an Oram's Donut. Go for a refreshing swim at Ligonier Beach. Sit and stare at the dinosaur bones at Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Oakland. Then you might start to understand some of the enduring charms of western Pennsylvania. The area around Pittsburgh is full of intriguing old places, unusual family-owned businesses, a wacky set of colored "belts" that sometimes circle the city, and lots of other unexpected pieces of our past. In this delightful documentary, Rick Sebak celebrates some interesting old buildings, classic artifacts like Fiesta dinnerware, hand-painted movie posters and assorted other things that have survived in spite of our local civilization. Find out about ancient evidence of human habitation at Meadowcroft Rockshelter. Learn about hidden luxuries in Braddock's Carnegie Library, and discover surprises like the Warner Brothers' first movie theater, the old Sewickley Train Station and the Calder mobile hanging at the Pittsburgh airport.

Things That are Still Here

1999

Behind the camera

Shore Things poster
8.0

People love going to the beach for lots of different reasons. The sun. The sand. The salt-water taffy. In this slightly wacky documentary, we consider all kinds of things that draw people to the coast: board walks, seafood, lifeguards, even metal-detectors and roller skates. From Nantucket to Venice Beach, people relax and bounce in the waves. From the Outer Banks to Oahu, beachgoers bring along their fishing gear and hope to catch some dinner.

Shore Things

1996

Shore Things poster
8.0

People love going to the beach for lots of different reasons. The sun. The sand. The salt-water taffy. In this slightly wacky documentary, we consider all kinds of things that draw people to the coast: board walks, seafood, lifeguards, even metal-detectors and roller skates. From Nantucket to Venice Beach, people relax and bounce in the waves. From the Outer Banks to Oahu, beachgoers bring along their fishing gear and hope to catch some dinner.

Shore Things

1996

A Hot Dog Program poster
8.5

Enjoy an all-American celebration of what may be the country's most popular fast food. From Connecticut to South Carolina to California, Rick Sebak visits some of the nation's coolest hot dog places, taking viewers inside a giant hot dog-shaped building, stopping at some crazy late-night stands, and looking at how hot dogs are made. Wonder how and when hot dogs became so popular-or what toppings are tops these days? Tune in and find out.

A Hot Dog Program

1999

A Hot Dog Program poster
8.5

Enjoy an all-American celebration of what may be the country's most popular fast food. From Connecticut to South Carolina to California, Rick Sebak visits some of the nation's coolest hot dog places, taking viewers inside a giant hot dog-shaped building, stopping at some crazy late-night stands, and looking at how hot dogs are made. Wonder how and when hot dogs became so popular-or what toppings are tops these days? Tune in and find out.

A Hot Dog Program

1999

A Hot Dog Program poster
8.5

Enjoy an all-American celebration of what may be the country's most popular fast food. From Connecticut to South Carolina to California, Rick Sebak visits some of the nation's coolest hot dog places, taking viewers inside a giant hot dog-shaped building, stopping at some crazy late-night stands, and looking at how hot dogs are made. Wonder how and when hot dogs became so popular-or what toppings are tops these days? Tune in and find out.

A Hot Dog Program

1999

A Cemetery Special poster
10.0

A documentary profiling cemeteries and cemetery-related businesses and events across the United States.

A Cemetery Special

2005

A Cemetery Special poster
10.0

A documentary profiling cemeteries and cemetery-related businesses and events across the United States.

A Cemetery Special

2005

A Cemetery Special poster
10.0

A documentary profiling cemeteries and cemetery-related businesses and events across the United States.

A Cemetery Special

2005

Sandwiches That You Will Like poster
7.2

Maybe it's Pittsburgh's chipped-beef "Slammer" you're craving. Or Iowa's Maid Rite "loosemeat"? Louisville's "Hot Brown"? Escape fast-food sameness on a mouth-watering tour through America's distinctive sandwich landscape. Let veteran guide Rick Sebak (A Hot Dog Program, An Ice Cream Show) take you across the country to New Orleans for muffaletta, to Chicago for Italian beef, and New York City for pastrami on rye.

Sandwiches That You Will Like

2002

Sandwiches That You Will Like poster
7.2

Maybe it's Pittsburgh's chipped-beef "Slammer" you're craving. Or Iowa's Maid Rite "loosemeat"? Louisville's "Hot Brown"? Escape fast-food sameness on a mouth-watering tour through America's distinctive sandwich landscape. Let veteran guide Rick Sebak (A Hot Dog Program, An Ice Cream Show) take you across the country to New Orleans for muffaletta, to Chicago for Italian beef, and New York City for pastrami on rye.

Sandwiches That You Will Like

2002

Sandwiches That You Will Like poster
7.2

Maybe it's Pittsburgh's chipped-beef "Slammer" you're craving. Or Iowa's Maid Rite "loosemeat"? Louisville's "Hot Brown"? Escape fast-food sameness on a mouth-watering tour through America's distinctive sandwich landscape. Let veteran guide Rick Sebak (A Hot Dog Program, An Ice Cream Show) take you across the country to New Orleans for muffaletta, to Chicago for Italian beef, and New York City for pastrami on rye.

Sandwiches That You Will Like

2002

Fred Rogers: America's Favorite Neighbor poster
8.5

Writer, producer, puppeteer, songwriter--America's Favorite Neighbor takes a thorough look at the career of legendary children's television host Fred Rogers. Produced for Pittsburgh's WQED, this informative documentary tracks his rise as floor manager for various NBC programs, such as Your Hit Parade, to the major awards he received later in life, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Along the way, he's seen launching public TV programs The Children's Corner, which featured a soon-to-be-famous puppet named King Friday, and Canada's MisteRogers. The latter, naturally, was followed by Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which made its national debut in 1968, and would eventually became the longest running program in PBS history. Hosted by fellow Pennsylvania native Michael Keaton (Batman), who worked on his show in the early days, America's Favorite Neighbor is suitable for all ages, but is geared more towards adults, particularly parents and educators.

Fred Rogers: America's Favorite Neighbor

2004

Fred Rogers: America's Favorite Neighbor poster
8.5

Writer, producer, puppeteer, songwriter--America's Favorite Neighbor takes a thorough look at the career of legendary children's television host Fred Rogers. Produced for Pittsburgh's WQED, this informative documentary tracks his rise as floor manager for various NBC programs, such as Your Hit Parade, to the major awards he received later in life, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Along the way, he's seen launching public TV programs The Children's Corner, which featured a soon-to-be-famous puppet named King Friday, and Canada's MisteRogers. The latter, naturally, was followed by Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which made its national debut in 1968, and would eventually became the longest running program in PBS history. Hosted by fellow Pennsylvania native Michael Keaton (Batman), who worked on his show in the early days, America's Favorite Neighbor is suitable for all ages, but is geared more towards adults, particularly parents and educators.

Fred Rogers: America's Favorite Neighbor

2004

No artwork available
NR

Examines the history and culture of Shag, an official state dance.

Shag

1987

No artwork available
NR

Examines the history and culture of Shag, an official state dance.

Shag

1987

George Romero & the City of the Living Dead poster
NR

When Pittsburgh Magazine named George A. Romero (1940-2017) Pittsburgher of the Year in 1991, Rick Sebak explored how the filmmaker's career has intersected with the city. See how Romero used the greater Pittsburgh area as the setting for many of his films, and learn about his early work in advertising and television, including Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

George Romero & the City of the Living Dead

1991

A Program About Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff poster
8.0

A travelogue featuring oddly-shaped buildings (and the folks who live in, work in, own and admire them) located along USA highways.

A Program About Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff

2004

A Program About Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff poster
8.0

A travelogue featuring oddly-shaped buildings (and the folks who live in, work in, own and admire them) located along USA highways.

A Program About Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff

2004

A Program About Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff poster
8.0

A travelogue featuring oddly-shaped buildings (and the folks who live in, work in, own and admire them) located along USA highways.

A Program About Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff

2004

Downtown Pittsburgh poster
8.0

This documentary explores the wonders of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rick Sebak narrates while you are taken on a nostalgic journey through downtown Pittsburgh's rich history as a bustling American urban center. The film explores downtown Pittsburgh's culture, history, architecture, and secrets. With new and archival footage.

Downtown Pittsburgh

1992

Downtown Pittsburgh poster
8.0

This documentary explores the wonders of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rick Sebak narrates while you are taken on a nostalgic journey through downtown Pittsburgh's rich history as a bustling American urban center. The film explores downtown Pittsburgh's culture, history, architecture, and secrets. With new and archival footage.

Downtown Pittsburgh

1992

Downtown Pittsburgh poster
8.0

This documentary explores the wonders of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rick Sebak narrates while you are taken on a nostalgic journey through downtown Pittsburgh's rich history as a bustling American urban center. The film explores downtown Pittsburgh's culture, history, architecture, and secrets. With new and archival footage.

Downtown Pittsburgh

1992

A Flea Market Documentary poster
10.0

A Flea Market Documentary is a new PBS special and an all-American celebration of open-air shopping across the country. On any weekend, there may be no better place to find out what makes America great than at a flea market. A Flea Market Documentary is an unabashed celebration of the unusual people and the enticing things that can be found in parking lots, fairgrounds, drive-ins, sidewalks, and wherever else someone has posted a sign saying "Flea Market." It's capitalism mixed with craziness. It's amazing old stuff, great salespeople, the ancient tradition of the open-air market, and the possibility of finding a bargain, all uniting shoppers across the nation. Produced by WQED Pittsburgh, A Flea Market Documentary travels from the gigantic Rose Bowl Market in Pasadena, California, to the busy but modest- sized Eastern Market in Washington, DC, talking with organizers, vendors, food merchants and shoppers.

A Flea Market Documentary

2001

A Flea Market Documentary poster
10.0

A Flea Market Documentary is a new PBS special and an all-American celebration of open-air shopping across the country. On any weekend, there may be no better place to find out what makes America great than at a flea market. A Flea Market Documentary is an unabashed celebration of the unusual people and the enticing things that can be found in parking lots, fairgrounds, drive-ins, sidewalks, and wherever else someone has posted a sign saying "Flea Market." It's capitalism mixed with craziness. It's amazing old stuff, great salespeople, the ancient tradition of the open-air market, and the possibility of finding a bargain, all uniting shoppers across the nation. Produced by WQED Pittsburgh, A Flea Market Documentary travels from the gigantic Rose Bowl Market in Pasadena, California, to the busy but modest- sized Eastern Market in Washington, DC, talking with organizers, vendors, food merchants and shoppers.

A Flea Market Documentary

2001

A Flea Market Documentary poster
10.0

A Flea Market Documentary is a new PBS special and an all-American celebration of open-air shopping across the country. On any weekend, there may be no better place to find out what makes America great than at a flea market. A Flea Market Documentary is an unabashed celebration of the unusual people and the enticing things that can be found in parking lots, fairgrounds, drive-ins, sidewalks, and wherever else someone has posted a sign saying "Flea Market." It's capitalism mixed with craziness. It's amazing old stuff, great salespeople, the ancient tradition of the open-air market, and the possibility of finding a bargain, all uniting shoppers across the nation. Produced by WQED Pittsburgh, A Flea Market Documentary travels from the gigantic Rose Bowl Market in Pasadena, California, to the busy but modest- sized Eastern Market in Washington, DC, talking with organizers, vendors, food merchants and shoppers.

A Flea Market Documentary

2001

Great Old Amusement Parks poster
8.0

On a Hot Summer day, there may be no better place on earth than a traditional amusement park. A place where you can hop on a classic wooden coaster, reach for the ring as you whirl by on the merry-go-round, or cool down on the Caterpillar. In this documentary, you get to visit some of America's most charming parks from Lake Compounce in Connecticut to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California. You get to gallop on the Derby Racer at Playland, go with the flow on the Boat Chute at Lake Winnepesaukah, and rock on Deno's Wonder Wheel at Coney Island. And of course there are coasters, including the Thunderbolt at Kennywood, the Cyclone at Astroland, the Raven at Holiday World, and San Diego's Giant Dipper!

Great Old Amusement Parks

1999

Great Old Amusement Parks poster
8.0

On a Hot Summer day, there may be no better place on earth than a traditional amusement park. A place where you can hop on a classic wooden coaster, reach for the ring as you whirl by on the merry-go-round, or cool down on the Caterpillar. In this documentary, you get to visit some of America's most charming parks from Lake Compounce in Connecticut to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California. You get to gallop on the Derby Racer at Playland, go with the flow on the Boat Chute at Lake Winnepesaukah, and rock on Deno's Wonder Wheel at Coney Island. And of course there are coasters, including the Thunderbolt at Kennywood, the Cyclone at Astroland, the Raven at Holiday World, and San Diego's Giant Dipper!

Great Old Amusement Parks

1999

Great Old Amusement Parks poster
8.0

On a Hot Summer day, there may be no better place on earth than a traditional amusement park. A place where you can hop on a classic wooden coaster, reach for the ring as you whirl by on the merry-go-round, or cool down on the Caterpillar. In this documentary, you get to visit some of America's most charming parks from Lake Compounce in Connecticut to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California. You get to gallop on the Derby Racer at Playland, go with the flow on the Boat Chute at Lake Winnepesaukah, and rock on Deno's Wonder Wheel at Coney Island. And of course there are coasters, including the Thunderbolt at Kennywood, the Cyclone at Astroland, the Raven at Holiday World, and San Diego's Giant Dipper!

Great Old Amusement Parks

1999

A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway poster
NR

The Lincoln Highway was established in 1913 as America’s first coast-to-coast paved highway. It connected New York City with San Francisco and passed through towns and cities in 13 states. It was an adventure for early motorists, and drivers today still love its hidden charms and all the stuff along its several paths. A RIDE ALONG THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY considers some of the history of the road and shows some of the joys of finding and riding along the various alignments of the highway today. Along the way, we meet highway historians and enthusiasts from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Evanston, Wyoming, and many places in between. We check out the cottages at the Lincoln Motor Court near Bedford, PA, stop for lunch in Mount Vernon, Iowa, meet some folks in Eureka, Nevada, and even walk out to the end of the Berkeley pier in California. It's a great trip.

A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway

2008

A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway poster
NR

The Lincoln Highway was established in 1913 as America’s first coast-to-coast paved highway. It connected New York City with San Francisco and passed through towns and cities in 13 states. It was an adventure for early motorists, and drivers today still love its hidden charms and all the stuff along its several paths. A RIDE ALONG THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY considers some of the history of the road and shows some of the joys of finding and riding along the various alignments of the highway today. Along the way, we meet highway historians and enthusiasts from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Evanston, Wyoming, and many places in between. We check out the cottages at the Lincoln Motor Court near Bedford, PA, stop for lunch in Mount Vernon, Iowa, meet some folks in Eureka, Nevada, and even walk out to the end of the Berkeley pier in California. It's a great trip.

A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway

2008

A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway poster
NR

The Lincoln Highway was established in 1913 as America’s first coast-to-coast paved highway. It connected New York City with San Francisco and passed through towns and cities in 13 states. It was an adventure for early motorists, and drivers today still love its hidden charms and all the stuff along its several paths. A RIDE ALONG THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY considers some of the history of the road and shows some of the joys of finding and riding along the various alignments of the highway today. Along the way, we meet highway historians and enthusiasts from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Evanston, Wyoming, and many places in between. We check out the cottages at the Lincoln Motor Court near Bedford, PA, stop for lunch in Mount Vernon, Iowa, meet some folks in Eureka, Nevada, and even walk out to the end of the Berkeley pier in California. It's a great trip.

A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway

2008

Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh poster
NR

Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh looks at some of the things that make the end of the year and the start of the new one special times in Western Pennsylvania. It's a joyous, light-filled celebration of hometown happiness.

Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh

2002

Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh poster
NR

Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh looks at some of the things that make the end of the year and the start of the new one special times in Western Pennsylvania. It's a joyous, light-filled celebration of hometown happiness.

Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh

2002

Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh poster
NR

Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh looks at some of the things that make the end of the year and the start of the new one special times in Western Pennsylvania. It's a joyous, light-filled celebration of hometown happiness.

Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh

2002

Slightly Wacky Aussie Doco poster
NR

Covering everything from the Spoleto Festival to Vegemite, the team led by Host and Producer Rick Sebak experienced Melbourne, Australia. They also make stops at Port Fairy in Victoria, and in Hamilton near the Grampian mountains where they met emus, kangaroos, and koalas. The crew returned to Melbourne to film the rest of the Spoleto festival and interview festival founder, Gian Carlo Menotti.

Slightly Wacky Aussie Doco

1986

It's the Neighborhoods poster
NR

Where you live is important. What makes it a pleasant and unforgettable place depends on many factors. In this new Pittsburgh History special, producer Rick Sebak and his TV team look for some of the reasons why neighborhoods around here are so memorable, from Aluminum City Terrace in New Kensington to Polish Hill. We check out the incredible Carnegie Library in Homewood, a classic corner grocery store in the Tenth Ward of McKeesport, and a warm and wonderful coffee shop in Highland Park. Come climb the steps that are such important parts of so many area neighborhoods, run around Regent Square, and sample all the sidewalk food at Bloomfield's Italian Days. See how murals are brightening neighborhoods around the city, how the Lawrenceville House Tour celebrates that section, and why St. Rocco is really special in parts of Aliquippa. What makes the Pittsburgh area such a charming and interesting place? Well, you could say It's the Neighborhoods.

It's the Neighborhoods

1994

It's the Neighborhoods poster
NR

Where you live is important. What makes it a pleasant and unforgettable place depends on many factors. In this new Pittsburgh History special, producer Rick Sebak and his TV team look for some of the reasons why neighborhoods around here are so memorable, from Aluminum City Terrace in New Kensington to Polish Hill. We check out the incredible Carnegie Library in Homewood, a classic corner grocery store in the Tenth Ward of McKeesport, and a warm and wonderful coffee shop in Highland Park. Come climb the steps that are such important parts of so many area neighborhoods, run around Regent Square, and sample all the sidewalk food at Bloomfield's Italian Days. See how murals are brightening neighborhoods around the city, how the Lawrenceville House Tour celebrates that section, and why St. Rocco is really special in parts of Aliquippa. What makes the Pittsburgh area such a charming and interesting place? Well, you could say It's the Neighborhoods.

It's the Neighborhoods

1994

It's the Neighborhoods poster
NR

Where you live is important. What makes it a pleasant and unforgettable place depends on many factors. In this new Pittsburgh History special, producer Rick Sebak and his TV team look for some of the reasons why neighborhoods around here are so memorable, from Aluminum City Terrace in New Kensington to Polish Hill. We check out the incredible Carnegie Library in Homewood, a classic corner grocery store in the Tenth Ward of McKeesport, and a warm and wonderful coffee shop in Highland Park. Come climb the steps that are such important parts of so many area neighborhoods, run around Regent Square, and sample all the sidewalk food at Bloomfield's Italian Days. See how murals are brightening neighborhoods around the city, how the Lawrenceville House Tour celebrates that section, and why St. Rocco is really special in parts of Aliquippa. What makes the Pittsburgh area such a charming and interesting place? Well, you could say It's the Neighborhoods.

It's the Neighborhoods

1994

Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets poster
10.0

Mmm, smell the bacon! Order the grits with red-eye gravy! Get the lobster hash! Try the veggie omelet! Part food show and part travelogue, Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets is another celebration of getting up and going out for a memorable morning meal. Visit a diner in Connecticut, admire homemade biscuits in North Carolina, and savor some big pancakes in Pittsburgh. Along the way we find seaside specialties in New Hampshire, duck breast in Philadelphia, and salmon cakes in Detroit. On the Big Island of Hawaii, we sample loco moco, Portuguese donuts and scrumptious variations on all of the above! Cooks, servers, and regulars all across America share their love and loyalty for our most important meal of the day.

Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets

2012

Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets poster
10.0

Mmm, smell the bacon! Order the grits with red-eye gravy! Get the lobster hash! Try the veggie omelet! Part food show and part travelogue, Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets is another celebration of getting up and going out for a memorable morning meal. Visit a diner in Connecticut, admire homemade biscuits in North Carolina, and savor some big pancakes in Pittsburgh. Along the way we find seaside specialties in New Hampshire, duck breast in Philadelphia, and salmon cakes in Detroit. On the Big Island of Hawaii, we sample loco moco, Portuguese donuts and scrumptious variations on all of the above! Cooks, servers, and regulars all across America share their love and loyalty for our most important meal of the day.

Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets

2012