California's Missions(2000)

California's Missions is a documentary miniseries following host Huell Howser and cameraman Luis Fuerte as they journey through all 21 Spanish colonial missions spanning the length of California. Each thirty-minute episode explores three missions, tracing the historical and architectural legacy of these iconic structures that shaped the state's early development. The series aired across California's PBS affiliates for seven consecutive weeks, offering viewers an intimate look at the missions' spiritual significance, cultural impact, and preservation efforts. Howser's distinctive narrative style brings the stories of these religious settlements to life, from their founding through their role in California's complex colonial history. The miniseries serves as both a historical document and a travel guide to some of the state's most important cultural landmarks.