Civilizations

Can a comprehensive history of art be told in just nine episodes? PBS and the BBC are giving it a try, building on Kenneth Clark’s famous 1969 history of Western art by starting over and trying to celebrate the artistic achievements of every significant civilization. Liev Schreiber narrates, but art historian Simon Schama generally leads the conversation, backed by fellow scholars Mary Beard and David Olusoga. Tuesday, April 17, at 8 p.m., PBS; check local listings