The Pursuit of Happiness: Written 250 years ago in the Declaration of Independence, what does it mean to Americans today?

New documentary debuting nationally November 1 explores how everyday Americans and their communities find their answers

SAINT PAUL, Minn., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new three-part documentary series produced by Minnesota PBS and distributed by American Public Television, 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.

Debuting nationally on November 1 on PBS stations, the PBS app, and YouTube, Pursuit of Happiness embarks on a journey to explore how Americans are defining and pursuing happiness in today's rapidly changing world.

Throughout the three episodes of Pursuit of Happiness, viewers are introduced to inspiring Americans and their communities as they share their own paths to happiness.

Host Amanda Brinkman imparts compelling personal stories, expert insights, and conversations with people who may have found their own answers. Together, their stories offer a nuanced look at the choices, challenges, and unexpected discoveries that can shape a life of greater meaning and joy.

Minnesota is routinely ranked among the happiest states in the country. Despite its cold winters and recent civic happenings including Operation Metro Surge earlier this year, Minnesotans boast a great sense of community and well-being. With this in mind, the team at Minnesota PBS had its inspiration to create 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.

About American Public Television
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation's public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and nearly one-half of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT's diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children's series and news and current affairs programs. America's Test Kitchen, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, The Chavis Chronicles, Christopher Kimball's Milk Street Television, Doc Martin, Hope Street, Lidia's Kitchen, Midsomer Murders, My Life is Murder, Pati's Mexican Table, The Real Wild West, Rick Steves' Europe, Samantha Brown's Places to Love, Table for All with Buki Elegbede, Willie Nelson's 90^th Birthday Celebration and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APT's programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming — and WORLD™, public television's premier news, science and documentary channel.

More information at APTonline.org 

SOURCE Minnesota PBS