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Top Picks: The documentary 'Citizenfour,' PBS's 'A Few Good Pie Places,' and more

Comedians Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele imagine a world in which teachers get the same attention as pro athletes, Buddy Guy's album 'Born to Play Guitar' reaffirms his status as the blues' greatest torchbearer, and more top picks.

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Teen immigrants

The “POV” documentary Neuland (“New Territory”) follows a group of teenagers who have immigrated to Switzerland. Enrolled in a two-year integration course under the tutelage of Mr. Zingg, the students are prepared for life and work in a new world. Hailing from Afghanistan, Serbia, Venezuela, and Cameroon, the students face the future together. “Neuland” premières on PBS Aug. 17 at 10 p.m. (check local listings).  

Meeting Snowden

Filmmaker Laura Poitras’s documentary Citizenfour gives viewers an inside look at Edward Snowden as he prepares to release classified government materials. Poitras was one of the first reporters to be contacted by Snowden, whose actions later revealed the extent of the US National Security Agency’s surveillance program. This thrilling and suspenseful film calls on viewers to think deeply about morality and democracy. “Citizenfour” is out on DVD and Blu-ray Aug. 25. 

American pies

Be prepared for your mouth to water (and get the ice cream ready)! In A Few Good Pie Places and A Few Good Bakeries, PBS travels the United States in search of favorite pies and baked goods in local communities. Meet the bakers, and see how it’s done. The specials air back-to-back Aug. 25 beginning at 8 p.m. on PBS (check local listings). 

Teacher draft

As a new school year approaches, comedians Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele imagine what it would be like if we paid the same attention to teachers as we do to pro athletes. In a segment for the comedy show “Key & Peele,” the duo anchor a fictional TeachingCenter (modeled after ESPN’s “SportsCenter”), in which a top teacher makes headlines by switching schools. If only teaching methods were analyzed like football plays. Check it out at http://bit.ly/teachingcenter.

Buddy’s blues

Buddy Guy is keeping the blues alive, and his latest album reaffirms his status as the genre’s greatest torchbearer. In Born to Play Guitar, the influential and effervescent Guy strikes familiar, toe-tapping riffs while continuing to preserve his musical roots. “Flesh & Bone,” with Van Morrison, pays tribute to the late B.B. King. “Come Back Muddy” is a wistful homage to Guy’s legendary mentor, Muddy Waters. With his latest effort, Guy triumphantly ensures the blues flame will keep burning brightly.

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