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Oh, how we miss Huell Howser, the folksy laureate of California and its Amaaaazing history who passed away in 2013. The late, great Howser could gush about the Golden State like no other, and his impassioned boosterism brought joy to our living rooms during his three decades as a public television host.
Our friends at KCET have generously continued to fill the Huell-sized hole in our hearts through their Howser-centric programming. Their latest special, which airs this Saturday, will feature California's National Parks, as seen by Howser.
The special will kick off with Howser traveling to Joshua Tree, followed by trips to Yosemite and Death Valley. It will be hosted by SoCal Connected anchor Val Zavala and features interviews with Huell Howser’s longtime cameraman Luis Fuerte, who will share anecdotes from his time working with the iconic TV legend.
Here's a preview:
Saturday's special will air the following episodes:
California's Gold: "Joshua Tree"
Huell travels to see the world’s tallest, oldest and one of the most peculiar-looking Joshua Trees in an episode devoted to this remarkable desert plant which has come to symbolize the Mojave Desert.
California's Gold: "Firefall"
Join Huell at the top of Glacier Point with Nic Fiore who was the last to push a pile of burning embers off the edge, creating the beautiful red-hot waterfall effect known as “Firefall.”
California's Gold: "Life in Death Valley"
Huell discovers that even though it’s thought of as one of the bleakest and most desolate places in the world, Death Valley can be beautiful. Contrary to its name, Death Valley is host to a wide variety of life-from prehistoric pupfish to stunning miniature wildflowers and much more!
The Huell Howser National Parks special will air on Saturday, May 6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT on KCET in Southern California.
The special will air again on Saturday May 20 at 8 p.m. on KCET and 11 p.m. on KCETLink.
