Minnesota PBS to Launch Documentary Series, Pursuit of Happiness, Hosted by Amanda Brinkman

Local premiere set for Monday, October 5 at 8 pm CT with National Debut in November

SAINT PAUL, Minn., Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Happiness is at the heart of America's founding. So why does it sometimes feel out of reach? Minnesota PBS will explore that question in Pursuit of Happiness, a new three-part documentary series hosted by storyteller and passionate teacher of purpose, Amanda Brinkman. The series will premiere locally Monday, October 5, at 8 pm CT on Minnesota PBS, followed by its national debut via American Public Television beginning November 1, 2026.

Pursuit of Happiness explores one of America's founding ideals as stated in the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Those words were written more than 250 years ago. What did it mean to "pursue happiness" in 1776, and what does it mean now?

Brinkman embarks on a journey to explore how Americans are defining and pursuing happiness in this rapidly changing world. Through compelling personal stories, expert insights, and conversations with people who may have found their own answers, the series examines themes including wealth, resilience, technology, purpose, and wellbeing.

Throughout the three episodes of Pursuit of Happiness, viewers will be introduced to nine inspiring Minnesotans and their communities as they share their own paths to happiness. Together, their stories offer a nuanced look at the choices, challenges, and unexpected discoveries that can shape a life of greater meaning and joy.

"We started with a deceptively simple question: What makes you happy?" said Marissa Blahnik, Executive Producer of Pursuit of Happiness. "The more we explored it, the more complicated - and fascinating - the answer became. Happiness looks different for everyone, and these stories challenge some of the assumptions we make about what it takes to live a fulfilling life."

"We spend so much of our lives pursuing happiness, but I think we rarely stop to ask what happiness actually means to us, or whether the things we're pursuing will truly make us happy," says Brinkman. "This series gives us the opportunity to hear deeply personal stories from people of different generations and backgrounds, and to explore the resilience, relationships, choices, and communities that shape a meaningful life. I've spent much of my career asking how we can use our work and our lives to do good, and this series feels like a natural extension of that conversation: exploring not just how we pursue happiness, but how purpose helps us create a life that feels truly meaningful."

The local premiere will be followed by additional opportunities for audiences to engage with the series through Minnesota PBS platforms and community programming.

Pursuit of Happiness strengthens the position of Minnesota PBS as a producer of nationally relevant documentary storytelling while bringing a distinct Minnesota perspective.

Dates: Minnesota Premiere: Monday, October 5, 2026

National Premiere: Beginning November 1

Check local station listings for times

Assets: Link to stills, videos

pw: happiness

Trailer: Minnesota PBS Pursuit of Happiness

About Minnesota PBS 

 Minnesota PBS's mission is to enrich lives and strengthen communities through the power of media. Building on nearly 70 years of public media service, Minnesota PBS provides trusted programming, educational resources, and community engagement through broadcast channels, digital platforms, and outreach initiatives that connect with communities across Minneapolis, St. Paul, Austin, and Rochester. Minnesota PBS produces high-impact local films and series that explore the people, places, culture, and ideas shaping Minnesota and develops original content that reaches audiences nationally through PBS and other media platforms. Through innovative storytelling, learning resources, and community activations, Minnesota PBS reflects the diverse voices, experiences, and stories of the communities it serves. Minnesota PBS has been recognized for its originality and creativity with numerous awards, including Peabody Awards and national and regional Emmy® Awards.

Learn more at MinnesotaPBS.org.

SOURCE Minnesota PBS