Previous Series Collaborations Include PBS Space Time, PBS Infinite Series and PBS Idea Channel
Arlington, VA; August 30, 2017 – PBS Digital Studios announced today the premiere of a new digital series, ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING, hosted by Yale doctoral candidate Danielle Bainbridge. The new weekly series, produced by Kornhaber Brown, will be the studios’ first show launched on dual platforms, with episodes uploaded each week to YouTube and Facebook simultaneously. The series begins Tuesday, September 5, 2017; view a preview here.
ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING is a show dedicated to exploring the idea that the past is always present. Every aspect of modern life—whether the words we use, the foods we love, the objects that get us through the day, the geographical borders that surround us or even the identities we give ourselves—emerges from the past. ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING will use a historical lens to unpack how all of these things came about and provoke audiences to think a little differently about their world. Current episode topics include “Why is 18 considered an adult?,” “How makeup, WWII and communism created the United States healthcare system,” “The 3,000 year history of the ‘#’”and “How Columbus invented cannibals.”
“The most exciting part of developing ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING is that every week we get to enliven history in a way that covers a wide range of topics and approaches,” said Danielle Bainbridge, ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING host. “History isn’t just about examining a distant set of dates in the past. It’s also about bringing a level of critical urgency to all the questions we’re asking by saying, ‘Why did this story/date/event become respected as a historical “truth”? And how can we test the limits of that knowledge to gain a better understanding of the world around us? And since I grew up hoping to be one of the kids on Zoom, working with PBS Digital Studios and everyone at Kornhaber Brown has been my own personal nerd dream come true.”
“Danielle Bainbridge is a subject-matter expert who delivers history with a splash of humor in this irreverent but informative digital series,” said Brandon Arolfo, Senior Director of Content Development at PBS Digital Studios. “Whether it’s the origin of scary clowns or a deep dive into the word ‘cannibalism,’ the audience will find a new appreciation for the words, ideas and objects that permeate our daily lives. Danielle is a fantastic addition to our network and we are thrilled to welcome her.”
“We’re extremely excited for the launch of ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING because we don’t believe history is merely a collection dates or stories about people long ago,” said Andrew Kornhaber, Executive Producer, ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING. “Rather, ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING will investigate the reality that the world we live in is the consequence of thousands of intersecting histories. And whether we know it or not, everything in our daily lives, from governments we have to the technologies we use to the pop culture we love, all emerge from this crazy place we call history.”
ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING is produced by Kornhaber Brown for PBS Digital Studios. Additional series include PBS Space Time, PBS Infinite Series and PBS Idea Channel.
About Danielle Bainbridge
Danielle Bainbridge graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012 with a BA in English and Theatre Arts. She is pursuing a PhD in African-American Studies and American Studies and the certificate in Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies at Yale University.
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About PBS Digital Studios
The PBS Digital Studios network on YouTube includes more than 15 ongoing original series, including those from PBS member stations across the country, designed to engage, enlighten and entertain online audiences. The PBS Digital Studios network has more than 12 million subscribers and has generated more than one billion views. Series include the Webby Award-winning It’s Okay To Be Smart, Physics Girl and Crash Course, as well as popular series such as BrainCraft, PBS Space Time and more.
About Kornhaber Brown
Kornhaber Brown is an award-winning? production company dedicated to creating smart, funny shows that don’t feel like eating your vegetables. Founded in 2010 by Eric Brown and Andrew Kornhaber, Kornhaber Brown has been at the forefront of intelligent entertainment, working with networks like PBS, MTV, AMC, and brands like Google, HP, Riot Games. In 2011, they helped launch PBS Digital Studios with the documentary series Off Book. ORIGIN OF EVERYTHING will be their sixth show with PBS Digital Studios.
About PBS
PBS, with nearly 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 100 million people through television and nearly 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS’ premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV – including a new 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.
Contacts:
Atiya Frederick, PBS, anfrederick@pbs.org, 703-739-5147
Colleen Flanagan, PBS, crflanagan@pbs.org, 703-739-8130
