EVERY WEDNESDAY World Events

Discover the real story behind the rise and fall of empires, from historic to holy. Witness the seismic events that created shockwaves spanning continents and centuries.

WEDNESDAY ON STORY

February 18, 2026

All times Eastern
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8:00A

4:00P

12:00A

Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution

Part 1: The Revolutionaries

Chronicles how the pioneers of Black comedy turned the stand-up stage into one of the most important platforms for social discourse in America. This episode explores how Dick Gregory, Richard Pryor, Moms Mabley, and Redd Foxx, among others, used "offensive" humor to break racial and cultural barriers during the civil rights and counterculture eras. Their defiance in the face of insurmountable challenges set the foundation for the freedoms that black comedians enjoy today.

10:00A

6:00P

2:00A

Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution

Part 2: The Contemporaries

Explores the new breed of Black comedian that surfaced after the Civil Rights movement and the significant challenges they still faced. Starting in the 1980s, some Black comedians like Eddie Murphy enjoyed unprecedented success while many of them still remained on the sidelines. Working outside of the mainstream, Spike Lee, Robert Townsend, Kenan Ivory Wayans, and Whoopi Goldberg created new opportunities for more socially-relevant work to emerge. Political upheaval in the 21st century mobilized Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and a diverse cast of young Black comedians like never before, giving them a much more prominent role in American society.

12:00P

8:00P

4:00A

Story Feature

After Jackie

The story of the second wave of Black baseball players after Jackie Robinson--such as Bill White, Curt Flood, and Bob Gibson--who were up next in the fight for equality. Directed by Andre Gaines and based largely on Jackie Robinson's private letters, this two-hour documentary honors these brave men--many whose stories are unknown--who put their lives on the line to integrate baseball and demand a fairer, more inclusive America for African American athletes around the world.

2:00P

10:00P

6:00A

Story Feature

When We Were Kings

Take a look behind the scenes of the 1974 world heavyweight championship fight between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali.                                

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