Showcase

This April, MPB is bringing back "The Magic Place," a beloved children's program that delighted young audiences throughout Mississippi from the 1970s to the 1990s. Designed to entertain and educate, "The Magic Place" combined engaging storytelling, puppetry, music, and special guests to spark children's imaginations and instill valuable life lessons. Set in a whimsical world filled with colorful characters, the show nurtured creativity, kindness and a love of learning.

At the heart of "The Magic Place," memorable hosts guide children through exciting adventures in reading, science and everyday life. The show also featured a cast of puppets and animated friends who help reinforce lessons about friendship, problem-solving and self-expression. Each episode introduced interesting guests, including local artists, musicians, and educators, who share their talents and knowledge with young viewers, making learning both fun and meaningful. Don't miss this special opportunity to revisit a true Mississippi classic! Tune into "The Magic Place" at 9 p.m. on April 29 on MPB.

This May, Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) proudly presents a special archival broadcast of Chan’s beloved series Aloha China, airing May 13 at 10 p.m. 

Titus Chan, a pioneering Chinese- American chef, played a vital role in introducing authentic Chinese cuisine to American households. Born in Canton, China, Chan immigrated to the U.S. in 1954, earning degrees in literature and education before settling in Honolulu. There, he made a name for himself as a respected chef at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and a popular cooking instructor at the University of Hawaii. His success in the classroom would eventually lead him to the national spotlight through public television. 

In 1983, Chan approached the Mississippi Authority for Educational Television (now MPB) with his concept: a series that would blend step-by-step Chinese cooking demonstrations with the stunning backdrop and cultural richness of Hawaii. Bringing in a crew from Mississippi would surprisingly be more cost effective hiring one locally. In the partnership, MPB would receive the rights to distribute nationally through PBS, while Chan retained the option to market it commercially.