Rick Sebak
Biography: Rick Sebak is an American public broadcasting television producer, writer and narrator who lives and works in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States. Rick makes unusual television programs. His slightly wacky documentaries celebrate various aspects of modern American life and the unexpected charms of Pittsburgh. Audiences have learned to recognize his friendly narrative style and the unusual topics that he obviously loves. Sebak is the creator of the "scrapbook documentary" genre, many of which he has created for WQED and PBS. This scrapbook style incorporates lots of old films, home movies, postcards, old photos and memorabilia of all sorts. Rick does not appear on-camera in these programs, but audiences have learned to recognize his voice and distinctive narrative style.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: June 05, 1953
Deathday: N/A
Popularity:
Known For
Houses Around Here
1994-07-01
Houses Around Here
Overview: Looking in other people’s houses can be fun. And in southwestern Pennsylvania, it doesn’t matter if you live in a city neighborhood like Friendship or in rural Washington County, you can find wonderful houses not far away that reveal much about the history, the culture and the people in this comfy corner of the state.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-07-01
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no more room in hell
2023-03-24
no more room in hell
Overview: "no more room in hell" began with initial research conducted at the archive of horror director George A. Romero (Dir. Night of the Living Dead) housed at the University of Pittsburgh. Extending research beyond the archive, the film examines the implications of zombiehood in relation to industry, late techno-capitalism, and apocalyptic realities. The experimental cinematic work models itself after Romero’s cult classics which birthed the American cinematic zombie against the industrial backdrop of Western Pennsylvania.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2023-03-24
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Pittsburgh From the Air
2011-08-08
Pittsburgh From the Air
Overview: Whether you've walked its neighborhoods, driven around its streets, hiked and biked through its surrounding mountains and valleys, or watched out the plane window enroute to Pittsburgh International Airport, you have never experienced Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania like you will in Pittsburgh from the Air. Using the latest technology in HD aerial photography, this WQED Multimedia production takes you up in the air -- over neighborhoods, rivers and forests, inside the exploding spectacle of July 4th fireworks - to capture stunning aerial views of one of America's most vibrant regions. This is Western Pennsylvania at work and play -- in its glorious green seasons and in the cold, crystalline beauty of winter light. This is Pittsburgh from the Air.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-08-08
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Pittsburgh From the Air II
2012-12-12
Pittsburgh From the Air II
Overview: Featuring stunning autumn colors and the fresh greens of spring, the much-anticipated Pittsburgh From The Air II takes you on an unforgettable sightseeing tour of Western Pennsylvania. Our helicopter and production crew used the latest technology in HD aerial photography as they swooped over mountains, valleys, rivers, gorges, skyscrapers, and towns to showcase the beauty of the region. Highlights include spectacular views of the Pittsburgh Marathon, the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail, historic covered bridges, Youghiogheny River Lake, Friday night football and much more.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2012-12-12
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A Program About Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff
2004-07-11
A Program About Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff
Overview: A travelogue featuring oddly-shaped buildings (and the folks who live in, work in, own and admire them) located along USA highways.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2004-07-11
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An Ice Cream Show
1996-05-28
An Ice Cream Show
Overview: Everybody loves ice cream. It’s cool, sweet and delicious. It’s also the tantalizing topic of this happy documentary program that takes viewers to ice cream places across America from Vermont to Hawaii, highlighting outstanding places to get a cone or a bowl. An Ice Cream Show features mostly small ice cream lovers – from makers and eaters to collectors and cone-makers.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1996-05-28
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A Hot Dog Program
1999-08-31
A Hot Dog Program
Overview: Enjoy an all-American celebration of what may be the country's most popular fast food. From Connecticut to South Carolina to California, Rick Sebak visits some of the nation's coolest hot dog places, taking viewers inside a giant hot dog-shaped building, stopping at some crazy late-night stands, and looking at how hot dogs are made. Wonder how and when hot dogs became so popular-or what toppings are tops these days? Tune in and find out.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-08-31
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A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway
2008-10-29
A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway
Overview: The Lincoln Highway was established in 1913 as America’s first coast-to-coast paved highway. It connected New York City with San Francisco and passed through towns and cities in 13 states. It was an adventure for early motorists, and drivers today still love its hidden charms and all the stuff along its several paths. A RIDE ALONG THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY considers some of the history of the road and shows some of the joys of finding and riding along the various alignments of the highway today. Along the way, we meet highway historians and enthusiasts from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Evanston, Wyoming, and many places in between. We check out the cottages at the Lincoln Motor Court near Bedford, PA, stop for lunch in Mount Vernon, Iowa, meet some folks in Eureka, Nevada, and even walk out to the end of the Berkeley pier in California. It's a great trip.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-10-29
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Great Old Amusement Parks
1999-07-21
Great Old Amusement Parks
Overview: On a Hot Summer day, there may be no better place on earth than a traditional amusement park. A place where you can hop on a classic wooden coaster, reach for the ring as you whirl by on the merry-go-round, or cool down on the Caterpillar. In this documentary, you get to visit some of America's most charming parks from Lake Compounce in Connecticut to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California. You get to gallop on the Derby Racer at Playland, go with the flow on the Boat Chute at Lake Winnepesaukah, and rock on Deno's Wonder Wheel at Coney Island. And of course there are coasters, including the Thunderbolt at Kennywood, the Cyclone at Astroland, the Raven at Holiday World, and San Diego's Giant Dipper!
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-07-21
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Kennywood Memories
1988-09-30
Kennywood Memories
Overview: It’s roller coasters! French fries! And lots of good times! It’s a high-flying, double dipped, screeching, squealing, scream-your-eyes-out documentary about one of America’s greatest amusement parks, Kennywood!
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-09-30
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Things That Aren't There Anymore
1990-05-31
Things That Aren't There Anymore
Overview: Remember when Forbes Field was the world’s greatest ballpark? When the Dips roller coaster at West View Park came out to Route 19? When everyone went to the Allegheny County Fair? When streetcars ran all over town? They’re all parts of this warm and winsome program about Pittsburgh’s past, this heartfelt tribute to great and old places where people used to go to have fun.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1990-05-31
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Downtown Pittsburgh
1992-01-01
Downtown Pittsburgh
Overview: This documentary explores the wonders of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rick Sebak narrates while you are taken on a nostalgic journey through downtown Pittsburgh's rich history as a bustling American urban center. The film explores downtown Pittsburgh's culture, history, architecture, and secrets. With new and archival footage.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-01-01
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The Strip Show
1996-01-01
The Strip Show
Overview: The Strip District is a delicious old neighborhood in Pittsburgh. On most Saturday mornings, its one of the best places on earth, full of hungry people, crunchy fruits, snappy vegetables, world-class street food, cool characters and tasty surprises of all sorts. This 1996 documentary is a tour of the Strip including big breakfasts, shopping along Penn Avenue and Smallman Street, warehouses, churches and nightclubs, along with some amazing history. Producer Rick Sebak says, "It ends up being a big commercial for the Strip, but the neighborhood deserves lots of loving attention. Its a great, great place."
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1996-01-01
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A Flea Market Documentary
2001-07-30
A Flea Market Documentary
Overview: A Flea Market Documentary is a new PBS special and an all-American celebration of open-air shopping across the country. On any weekend, there may be no better place to find out what makes America great than at a flea market. A Flea Market Documentary is an unabashed celebration of the unusual people and the enticing things that can be found in parking lots, fairgrounds, drive-ins, sidewalks, and wherever else someone has posted a sign saying "Flea Market." It's capitalism mixed with craziness. It's amazing old stuff, great salespeople, the ancient tradition of the open-air market, and the possibility of finding a bargain, all uniting shoppers across the nation. Produced by WQED Pittsburgh, A Flea Market Documentary travels from the gigantic Rose Bowl Market in Pasadena, California, to the busy but modest- sized Eastern Market in Washington, DC, talking with organizers, vendors, food merchants and shoppers.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2001-07-30
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Sandwiches That You Will Like
2002-06-18
Sandwiches That You Will Like
Overview: Maybe it's Pittsburgh's chipped-beef "Slammer" you're craving. Or Iowa's Maid Rite "loosemeat"? Louisville's "Hot Brown"? Escape fast-food sameness on a mouth-watering tour through America's distinctive sandwich landscape. Let veteran guide Rick Sebak (A Hot Dog Program, An Ice Cream Show) take you across the country to New Orleans for muffaletta, to Chicago for Italian beef, and New York City for pastrami on rye.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-06-18
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Breakfast Special
2010-07-14
Breakfast Special
Overview: This documentary from PBS travels throughout America in search of the best breakfast places the country has to offer. Along the way, the patrons, employees, and owners of such establishments give their take on what makes for great breakfast fare, and what keeps a customer coming back for more.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2010-07-14
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Pittsburgh A to Z
2001-12-02
Pittsburgh A to Z
Overview: Here are twenty-six Amazing, Beautiful, Captivating and Delicious pieces of a great medium-sized city! This unusual video includes everything from Fish sandwiches to Grant Street, from the History Center to our Interesting Islands. Pittsburgh A to Z is a delightful documentary that celebrates (in alphabetical order!) a wide variety of topics from Amateur Archaeologists (looking for arrowheads and other ancient American artifacts) to the zinging zaps of the Zambelli’s. It’s an amusing adventure, a tantalizing tour, a homey history lesson led by popular producer Rick Sebak. All that and much more!
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2001-12-02
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Return to Downtown Pittsburgh
2016-01-28
Return to Downtown Pittsburgh
Overview: In this sequel to his 1992 documentary Downtown Pittsburgh, Rick Sebak takes viewers on a tour of a twenty-first century Pittsburgh that's both changing and charming.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2016-01-28
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Shore Things
1996-07-31
Shore Things
Overview: People love going to the beach for lots of different reasons. The sun. The sand. The salt-water taffy. In this slightly wacky documentary, we consider all kinds of things that draw people to the coast: board walks, seafood, lifeguards, even metal-detectors and roller skates. From Nantucket to Venice Beach, people relax and bounce in the waves. From the Outer Banks to Oahu, beachgoers bring along their fishing gear and hope to catch some dinner.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1996-07-31
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A Few Good Pie Places
2015-08-25
A Few Good Pie Places
Overview: There's something tasty, often sweet, fruity and all-American about a really good piece of pie. In this delicious documentary, travel across the country to visit shops, restaurants, cafes, and even a few homes in search of some excellent crusts, crimping, fillings and flavors.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2015-08-25
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A Few Great Bakeries
2015-08-25
A Few Great Bakeries
Overview: Bakeries are popular places. They smell great. They are full of wonderful things to eat, from crusty breads to gooey and sweet treats. And they often become neighborhood meeting places, where bakers work hard and where people often leave with good feelings as well as fresh baked goods. In this documentary, we celebrate A Few Great Bakeries across America, never claiming that this is a list of "Best Bakeries" but rather just a few warm ones worth checking out. All of these places seem connected by early mornings, long hours of hard work, delicious products and customers who love them. We happily celebrate these few bakeries and hope that everyone will be inspired to look for more great ones all across America.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2015-08-25
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A Cemetery Special
2005-10-26
A Cemetery Special
Overview: A documentary profiling cemeteries and cemetery-related businesses and events across the United States.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2005-10-26
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To Market To Market To Buy A Fat Pig
2007-08-14
To Market To Market To Buy A Fat Pig
Overview: A celebration of market houses, market places and farmers' markets across the United States. Rick Sebak checks out crab cakes in Baltimore's Lexington Market, shops with a chef in Pittsburgh's East Liberty Farmers' Market and attends a tomato tasting in Asheville, North Carolina. This program looks at the joys of talking to people who grow our food and the fresh opportunities that are found in markets.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2007-08-14
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Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets
2012-12-25
Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets
Overview: Mmm, smell the bacon! Order the grits with red-eye gravy! Get the lobster hash! Try the veggie omelet! Part food show and part travelogue, Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets is another celebration of getting up and going out for a memorable morning meal. Visit a diner in Connecticut, admire homemade biscuits in North Carolina, and savor some big pancakes in Pittsburgh. Along the way we find seaside specialties in New Hampshire, duck breast in Philadelphia, and salmon cakes in Detroit. On the Big Island of Hawaii, we sample loco moco, Portuguese donuts and scrumptious variations on all of the above! Cooks, servers, and regulars all across America share their love and loyalty for our most important meal of the day.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2012-12-25
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Flying Off the Bridge to Nowhere
1990-10-28
Flying Off the Bridge to Nowhere
Overview: Pittsburgh is often called The City of Bridges, and it's easy to see why. With three mighty rivers and lots of hills and valleys, the area around this city is the site for many outstanding bridges with innovative and beautiful designs. It's one-of-a-kind documentary about people and structures that have helped make Pittsburgh such an unforgettable place.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1990-10-28
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North Side Story
1997-12-03
North Side Story
Overview: t’s a show full of ketchup and beer, beautiful houses and ice balls, exotic birds, barbecue and history. It’s the fun of watching while they open one of Andy’s time-capsule boxes at the Warhol Museum. It’s shopping along East Ohio Street. It’s finding out why kids like to go to the Old Post Office building. And it’s marveling at the cosmic impact that stars and telescopes have had on this part of town. The North Side is where all the millionaires used to live, where the Pirates have been playing for years, and where you’ll find some of the most charming neighborhoods on earth. In this fun documentary, WQED’s Rick Sebak takes you to the part of Pittsburgh that until 1907 used to be a separate city called Allegheny.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1997-12-03
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Something About Oakland
2000-12-06
Something About Oakland
Overview: It started when Mary Schenley donated land for a beautiful wooded park. Soon Andrew Carnegie built a great library and museums nearby. There was a grand hotel, a spectacular greenhouse, and a beloved old ballpark Forbes Field. We visit the Bug Rooms, the murals and Music Hall at the Carnegie Museums. We race through Schenley Park, stop at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, and visit shops along Craig St.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2000-12-06
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What Makes Pittsburgh Pittsburgh?
2006-02-15
What Makes Pittsburgh Pittsburgh?
Overview: It’s a question with no real easy or definitive answer. There are countless factors that make the Pittsburgh area unusual and charming, distinctive and unique. You’ve got the hills, the valleys and amazing hilltop views. You’ve got three rivers (full of history, Gateway Clipper boats and water.) Any or all of those things could be the answer. Maybe it’s just the simple pleasures of a social club like the WEMCO Club in Homewood. Or the delicious treats to be found in a neighborhood bakery. But Pittsburgh’s also full of surprises like the world’s largest green building and the tiny Natrona Bottling Company, the last pop producer in Allegheny County. And lots of people will tell you “It’s the people!” which may be true, especially when everyone in the city becomes a Steelers fan with traditions, banners and lots of gusto. There are so many factors to consider, and we’ve squeezed as many as we could into this fast and friendly look at one of America’s most beautiful cities.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2006-02-15
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The Mon, The Al & The O
1988-05-31
The Mon, The Al & The O
Overview: A slightly goofy look at the three rivers that help define Pittsburgh
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-05-31
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Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh
2002-11-23
Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh
Overview: Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh looks at some of the things that make the end of the year and the start of the new one special times in Western Pennsylvania. It's a joyous, light-filled celebration of hometown happiness.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-11-23
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Holy Pittsburgh!
1989-05-31
Holy Pittsburgh!
Overview: Pittsburgh’s churches are full of sacred treasures, unforgettable people, and wonderful ways of preserving important traditions. Holy Pittsburgh! takes you on a tour of some of the city’s most memorable and unusual houses of worship.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-05-31
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Pennsylvania Diners and Other Roadside Restaurants
1993-12-07
Pennsylvania Diners and Other Roadside Restaurants
Overview: In an age when every fast food place seems the same, diners have remained distinctive, fun places to stop, full of local flavor. This program takes a look at several of the most interesting diners in Pennsylvania, and also considers a few other roadside restaurants (like Midway Plaza on the Pennsylvania Turnpike) that have interesting histories and reputations for good “home-cooked” food. So get a cup of coffee. Have a seat. And come along as we visit great little restaurants from Wellsboro to Downingtown, from Milford to Conneaut Lake. Let’s go to Potato City, to the Melrose in Philly and to unforgettable little places from Pittsburgh to Poconos. Whether it’s the middle of the night in State College or lunchtime in Smethport, this documentary gives you an unusual taste of Pennsylvania and some of its quirkier cuisine.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1993-12-07
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The Pennsylvania Road Show
1992-11-18
The Pennsylvania Road Show
Overview: This somewhat zany travelogue is full of surprising places, friendly people, and lots of unforgettable roadside attractions. Ride along the Lincoln Highway, have breakfast at Lee’s Diner in York! Go underground on the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour near Scranton! Throw bread to the huge carp at the Linesville Spillway!
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1992-11-18
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It's the Neighborhoods
1994-12-07
It's the Neighborhoods
Overview: Where you live is important. What makes it a pleasant and unforgettable place depends on many factors. In this new Pittsburgh History special, producer Rick Sebak and his TV team look for some of the reasons why neighborhoods around here are so memorable, from Aluminum City Terrace in New Kensington to Polish Hill. We check out the incredible Carnegie Library in Homewood, a classic corner grocery store in the Tenth Ward of McKeesport, and a warm and wonderful coffee shop in Highland Park. Come climb the steps that are such important parts of so many area neighborhoods, run around Regent Square, and sample all the sidewalk food at Bloomfield's Italian Days. See how murals are brightening neighborhoods around the city, how the Lawrenceville House Tour celebrates that section, and why St. Rocco is really special in parts of Aliquippa. What makes the Pittsburgh area such a charming and interesting place? Well, you could say It's the Neighborhoods.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-12-07
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Invented, Engineered, and Pioneered in Pittsburgh
2008-09-02
Invented, Engineered, and Pioneered in Pittsburgh
Overview: What connects Ferris Wheels with state of the art nuclear power plants? Why is there a connection between George Westinghouse and 21st century robotics? What’s the common thread that links John Roebling, Jonas Salk, the Mellon Arena and video games? It’s Pittsburgh’s amazing love and respect for innovation, great engineering and unfettered imagination.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-09-02
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Underground Pittsburgh
2007-05-15
Underground Pittsburgh
Overview: Ever wonder what's below the surface of western Pennsylvania? Come for a hike into Laurel Caverns, investigate the fabled Fourth River, visit the Bug Rooms at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and zip through several tunnels around here. We ride the T, look under the Dormont Pool, and descend into several basements (including two at Marshall Elevator!) We consider a Pittsburgh potty and follow the sewer to ALCOSAN. You can watch the harvest at Creekside Mushrooms, see some of what's stored at Iron Mountain, and go 600 feet down to meet the coal miners at CONSOL's Bailey Mine in Greene County, among other things. Watch this one on your basement TV.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2007-05-15
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