MacGillivray Freeman Films has announced that its acclaimed documentaries Everest, Ireland, and Coral Reef Adventure will air on PBS stations nationwide. The films, narrated by Liam Neeson, are set for broadcast through PBS SoCal and the National Educational Telecommunications Association starting in spring 2026. They align with cultural events like St. Patrick’s Day and Earth Month.
MacGillivray Freeman Films, based in Laguna Beach, California, revealed on March 11, 2026, that three of its award-winning giant-screen documentaries—Everest, Ireland, and Coral Reef Adventure—have been accepted for national distribution on public television. PBS SoCal will act as the presenting station, while the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) will make the films available to PBS member stations across the country as part of a seasonal programming slate.
The documentaries, originally produced for IMAX and giant-screen theaters, feature immersive storytelling on human exploration, cultural heritage, and natural ecosystems. Everest, the highest-grossing giant-screen film of all time, covers climbers ascending the Himalayas. Ireland showcases landscapes like the Cliffs of Moher and Irish traditions, timed for St. Patrick’s Day broadcasts. Coral Reef Adventure highlights colorful underwater reefs, aligning with Earth Month.
All three are narrated by Liam Neeson and emphasize education and inspiration. “Public television provides a unique opportunity to bring these stories into homes and classrooms across the country,” said Shaun MacGillivray, president of MacGillivray Freeman Films. “By aligning these films with moments like St. Patrick’s Day and Earth Month, we’re able to deepen their cultural relevance and extend their educational impact for audiences nationwide.”
NETA’s model allows individual PBS stations to schedule the airings independently, with broadcasts expected throughout spring 2026. MacGillivray Freeman Films has produced nearly 50 such films, earning two Academy Award nominations and three inductions into the IMAX Hall of Fame. It is the first documentary company to surpass one billion dollars in worldwide box office revenue.
