In the not-too-distant past, if you flipped across PBS while channel surfing, you would probably have seen a low-budget educational program that was kind of weird and that people make fun of today, like Bob Ross on the Joy of Painting.  In the past few years, however, that perception is completely changing.  Rather than flipping past PBS as soon as you surfed across it, these days you are much more likely to be drawn in by the interesting programs.  Today, instead of dusty shows that no one wants to watch, much less contribute money to, PBS features some major hits with large followings.  Smart programming choices have lead PBS to this new status as a cool station to watch; here are 5 of the most influential.

Downton Abbey

No discussion about PBS and its increased popularity can exist without a mention of Downton Abbey. This drama about a wealthy family in Edwardian England became as big a hit in the United States as it was when it premiered in the United Kingdom. Led by Oscar winning actress Dame Maggie Smith, this PBS episodic series has become “water cooler” conversation and a marketing bonanza.  We can’t get enough of snarky Lady Mary’s love affair with Matthew Crawley or the beautiful sets and costumes.  With the newest season having already aired in Britain, eager fans may have been highly tempted to make a lengthy long distance call to their friends in London to find out what lies in store for the Crawleys before the January 5 premier on PBS.

 Doctor Who

Science fiction classic Doctor Who has been on PBS since the series was sold to US markets in 1978.  While current seasons run on BBCAmerica, the classic episodes still have a home on PBS stations across the country, and their profile has been greatly raised by the huge success of the newer episodes. While the lead actor has changed many times since its television inception in 1963, its legion of fans in the past 50 years has only grown in size and exuberance.

 Concerts

While PBS was once known for classical music and folk singing, it is now known for music from all genres from around the world. Concerts featuring well-known artists have not only attracted a strong audience, but been helpful for PBS fund raising purposes.  From mainstream stars like Jimmy Buffet to  famous Broadway performers like Sarah Brightman, there are concerts to appeal to the taste of everyone, and this has also helped PBS to shed its stuffy old image.

 Sherlock

The detective mysteries of Sherlock Homes have never ceased to amaze readers and viewers alike.  With the clever re-imagining of the classic detective in a modern setting using technology combined with brains and witty repartee, PBS struck on another hit with a large cult following.  Huge controversy ignited over how Sherlock survived his apparent death in the last season, and a multitude of elaborate theories have been discussed to no end.  With only three episodes airing at a time and a break of a few years between seasons, the intensely devoted fans are whipped into a frenzy with the new season set to air back-to-back with Downton Abbey in January.

 Children’s TV

Educational television was never the same after the emergence of Sesame Street in the early 1970’s.  The show is still beloved by children around the world, and the producers and writers have found many ways to keep the program fresh over the years.  New programs have also added to the image of PBS.  Imaginative television continues to teach the basics to kids while keeping them entertained. The multitude of online games and resources that tie into the shows available at PBSkids.com have also helped to keep the station hip.  In addition to shows for a new audience of children who live in a digital world, older broadcasts allow parents and children to enjoy viewing together as a family activity.

More and more viewers are discovering for the first time or rediscovering the cultural mecca that PBS presents.  Now, people of all ages and backgrounds are tuning in to enjoy the programming on the station.  These days you can turn to PBS on your fibe tv and be completely entertained while also feeling smarter and more sophisticated about your viewing choices.