Creative states: Tour America with homegrown artists in ‘The Express Way’

From sea to shining sea, Americans express their creativity, and the new, four-part documentary series “The Express Way With Dulé Hill,” premiering Tuesday, April 23, on PBS, looks at the ways self-expression and creativity are intertwined. Featuring artists from four different corners of the United States, “The Express Way” looks at the ways these individuals use art to make connections within and outside of their communities. As host Dulé Hill (“The Wonder Years”) joins artists in California, the Appalachian region, Texas and Chicago to learn how they use their artwork to challenge views and blaze a trail for others to follow in the future, the series explores the lengths art goes in breaking down barriers and making room for everyone to be included.

Best known by most for his portrayal of Gus in eight seasons in the detective sitcom “Psych,” which he also reprised for three spinoff films, Hill, a real TV veteran, has also had starring roles in “The West Wing,” “Ballers,” “Suits” and more recently, the ABC sitcom “The Wonder Years.”

Now, turning his attention to the artistic pursuits of others, PBS shared in a news release that Hill traveled across America “to connect with local visionaries, activists, changemakers and pioneers who are using their artistic passions to foster connection, deepen empathy and create meaningful change within their communities.” In each episode, Hill meets with three local artists to learn about their work and the place it holds in their communities.

“There are many people in this world who create space out of nothing. They are the ones turning on the light, setting the path and then guiding others along the journey,” Hill shared about the series in the release.

Shaheem Sanchez, known for his performance in the 2019 film “Sound of Metal,” is a deaf dancer based in Los Angeles. Hill meets with Sanchez in the first episode of “The Express Way,” connecting over a shared passion for dance before getting to know other artists across California.

Take a guided tour across America and meet some of the most inspiring creative forces representing their communities when “The Express Way” premieres Tuesday,April 23, on PBS.