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POV (Point of View) is an American television series that has been airing on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) from 1988. This documentary series is a pioneering exploration of the art of non-fiction filmmaking, featuring independent documentaries created by both American and international filmmakers. The series features a diverse range of documentaries that confront contemporary social and political issues.

POV specifically focuses on presenting stories that have societal relevance, with a primary goal of capturing diverse perspectives on topics ranging from immigration, race, and class inequality to global environmental issues. The show has been recognized for its unparalleled quality of storytelling, reflecting the essence of independent filmmaking.

The series stands out for its commitment to the authentic representation of people’s lives. POV documentaries are a testament to the transformative power of cinema and and its ability to create empathy and humanize the stranger, thus bridging cultural, linguistic, and geographic divides.

Since its inception, the series has been renowned for pushing the envelope in documentary filmmaking. It provides a platform for filmmakers to share complex human stories that may otherwise go unnoticed and provides an opportunity to connect viewers with different people and cultures.

POV has maintained an impeccable reputation for its responsible approach to sharing real-life experiences with its audience. The series showcases an outstanding range of documentaries that tackle the critical issues that affect contemporary society.

The show presents a dynamic mix of documentary styles, from character-driven narratives that follow individuals through their personal stories to exploring more social issues through the eyes of multiple subjects. The consistent thread throughout is the filmmaker's passion for telling an important and compelling story. With POV, each documentary presented is a unique reflection of the filmmaker's vision and passion.

POV boasts an impressive track record of documentaries that have been frequently recognized by prestigious award shows, including the Academy Awards and the Emmy Awards. Some of the notable documentaries include Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker's "The War Room," which provided a behind-the-scenes look at Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign for president, and Davis Guggenheim's "An Inconvenient Truth," which was a wakeup call about the effects of climate change.

The series has often gravitated towards stories that are underrepresented in the media, giving voices to ordinary people who have extraordinary stories to tell. One of the notable examples of this is filmmaker Deann Borshay Liem's “First Person Plural,” which tells the story of the filmmaker's family’s experiences as immigrants to America. The film explores issues such as cultural identity and the psychological impact of displacement, as well as challenging the notions of memory and truth.

Overall, POV remains one of the most essential documentary series on television. The show has contributed massively to the art of documentary filmmaking while also bringing thought-provoking and enlightening stories to a diverse audience. POV aims to evoke empathy and understanding through stories that challenge our perceptions and preconceptions about the world, inviting us to view humanity in a different light.

POV is a series that is currently running and has 36 seasons (501 episodes). The series first aired on July 5, 1988.