News

Award-Winning Documentary 'Troubled Water' to Air on 80 percent of PBS Stations Nationwide, Highlighting Grassroots Fight Against Line 5 Pipeline.

Troubled Water, a compelling adventure documentary chronicling the epic journey of two Northern Michigan friends through the Great Lakes to raise awareness about the threat of the Line 5 crude oil pipeline, will broadcast on approximately 80% of PBS stations nationwide this fall, reaching an estimated audience of several million viewers.

The film follows Chris and William, lifelong explorers of Northern Michigan's lakes and shores, as they undertake a 425-mile stand-up paddle expedition through the Great Lakes while joining the Oil & Water Don't Mix (OWDM) campaign's fight to shut down what many consider the country's most threatening crude oil pipeline.

"This film represents not just our journey, but the collective voice of thousands who care deeply about protecting the Great Lakes," said Chris Yananda, co-subject of the documentary. "We're grateful to the OWDM supporters whose donations made it possible to share this story on PBS."

Nationwide PBS Distribution

Between October and November 2025, Troubled Water will air on at least 49 individual PBS stations, including the top three markets—New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago—with additional stations to be added. Additionally, the film will receive seven separate broadcasts on PBS WORLD, a national channel distributed to approximately 200 PBS stations, each airing, ensuring simultaneous nationwide coverage for each broadcast.

Beginning October 4, 2025, Troubled Water will stream free for three years on the PBS app.

"This film represents not just our journey, but the collective voice of thousands who care deeply about protecting the Great Lakes. We're grateful to the OWDM supporters whose donations made it possible to share this story on PBS." - Chris Yahanda, co-subject of the documenatary

Community-Powered Filmmaking

The documentary's journey to PBS was made possible in part by supporters of the Oil & Water Don't Mix campaign, who contributed funding to bring this critical environmental story to a national audience. The film not only documents the activists' work to shut down Line 5 but also showcases the power of grassroots organizing and citizen action.

Additional station broadcasts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with another major scheduling push planned for Earth Day 2026.

About Troubled Water

Troubled Water combines adventure storytelling with environmental activism, offering viewers an intimate look at ordinary citizens taking extraordinary action in defense of the Great Lakes. This freshwater resource provides drinking water to millions of people in the United States and Canada.

Troubled Water 2025 Carriage Schedule

(subject to change - see the latest at troubledwaterfilm.com)