A famous poet once called autumn "the year's last, loveliest smile." Here at BYUtv, we couldn't agree more. From comedy to history to music, watch BYUtv this fall for a host of new and original series that we're sure will give you reason to grin.

Studio C – Mondays at 9pm ET/7pm MT

BYUtv's first sketch-comedy series will have you rolling with laughter, and showcases the talent of former BYU Divine Comedy stars. Follow Mallory, Jason, Matt, Whitney and others as they poke fun at awkward, funny, scary and relevant human experiences in hilarious comedy sketches. Take a sneak peek here.

American Ride – Mondays at 9:30pm ET/7:30pm MT

One of BYUtv's most talked-about shows, tag along with host Stan Ellsowrth on his Harley Davidson as he travels to historical sites throughout America. With his gruff, candid style, Stan gives fresh life to stories you thought you knew and history you'll want to remember. American Ride was recently nominated for an Emmy Award.

The Song That Changed My Life – Mondays at 10pm ET/8pm MT

This original series from BYUtv features famous musicians who reveal the songs that changed the direction of their careers and influenced who they are as people and artists. On Monday's season premiere, England-born singer Howard Jones shares highlights from his long and successful time on stage.

Turning Point – Mondays at 10:30pm ET/8:30pm MT

In one, small moment, the course of a person's life can change drastically. Watch Turning Point to meet people who adopted extraordinary lives of service because of one defining moment, and how their brave decisions are blessing the lives of thousands of others.

The Story Trek – Wednesdays at 8pm ET/6pm MT

Think your life is boring? Think again. Join host Todd Hansen on The Story Trek as he travels to random communities around to U.S. to prove that every person has an interesting story (even if they don't realize it yet). The series was also nominated for an Emmy Award this year.

The District – Sundays at 8:30pm ET/6:30pm MT

The District is the first reality show on television that follows real LDS missionaries as they proselytize, serve and learn. In this unscripted, actor-less documentary series, you'll meet eight young men and women who serve LDS missions in San Diego, California.

When Israel and Danielle Paskowitz discovered their son had autism, they didn't know what to do. Isaiah, who was diagnosed at age three, suffered from sensory overload--something many autistic children experience. Simple sensations could overwhelm him.

A former competitive surfer, Israel had an idea. With Isaiah on the front of his surfboard, and "Izzy" steering from the back, the two spent one day day surfing together. Surfing had a profound impact on Isaiah. Israel and Danielle decided they wanted to share this unique therapy with other autistic children, so they began to host day camps at the beach where autistic children and their families could be exposed to a completely new experience of surfing.

Today, the Surfers Healing organization aims to help autistic children cope with the power of the sea. Learn more about this remarkable effort on the season premiere of Turning Point, Monday at 10:30pm ET/8:30pm MT on BYUtv.

The following post was written by one of Turning Point's directors, Steve Olpin.

Brighter Future Workshop is a little like Santa's workshop. The workshop is a brightly lit room full of sunshine and smiles. The sunshine floods into the room through the massive skylights in the ceiling. Workers are happy and there is a lot of laughter. Even the Brighter Future Workshop logo is a smiling sunshine. 

So what do they to at Brighter Future Workshop? They hire disabled and disadvantaged people to refurbish, repair and recycle wheelchairs and other mobility equipment. They work hard and turn out a massive amount of equipment. They also have a lot of fun. Work breaks are filled with foosball, snacks, music, art and lot of goofing around. Then it's back to work. There is discarded equipment stacked to the workshop's ceiling -- equipment that needs a lot of elbow grease. It's given new life, and in the process, disabled and disadvantaged workers are also given a new life and a sense of pride in a job that really matters. 

As a small film crew we traveled to Lancashire county in North West England and embedded ourselves into the workshop for a week. It was like falling in love, and the smiles were contagious. Peter and Jackie run the show there and they are inspirational. 

What was the eureka moment that started this whole thing that is helping so many people? Well, that is a perfect reason to to tune into Turning Point on BYUtv, Monday at 8:30pm MT. This episode is a heart-warming story about what happens when people dedicate their lives to helping someone other than themselves. Remember it is about the smile: you will see it on their faces, their shirts, everywhere at Brighter Future Workshops you will see smiles. Also prepare to meet Paul Miller, a guy that knows how to work on a wheelchair like nobody else.

Enjoy!

Narayanan Krishnan was living the good life in his hometown of Madurai, India, working as a chef at a five-star hotel. But one day he encountered a desperately poor old man living on the streets, and decided he could no longer go about life without doing something for the poor and needy in his city.

So Narayanan started Akshaya Trust, a small volunteer organization in Madurai that feeds 500 sick and homeless people breakfast, lunch, and dinner every single day of the year. He started the project with his own personal savings, and has fed almost two million people since 2003.

Narayanan's deep and genuine love for the people he serves is awesome to behold. Watch BYUtv this Wednesday at 10:30pm ET/8:30pm MT for a new episode of Turning Point, featuring Akshaya Trust.

And check out the short clip below from CNN with Narayanan:

Floating Doctors is an organization that brings critical medical supplies -- and a unique “floating clinic” -- to remote communities desperately in need of help. Watch a new episode of Turning Point on Wednesday at 10:30pm ET/8:30pm MT to learn about the amazing work this group does, and the amazing people they heal.

Here's a brief introduction of Floating Doctors:

Watch BYUtv on Wednesday at 10:30pm ET/8:30pm MT for a new episode of Turning Point, featuring Row New York -- an organization based in Long Island City that facilitates rowing opportunities for youth from troubled communities. By learning to compete in rowing, the young people don't just receive great exercise. They acquire learning experiences that build confidence and friendship, and prepare them for potential collegiate scholarships. More than 2,000 participants engage with Row New York each year.

Here's a video from Row New York with some of the girls who participate in the program. They mention a few of the reasons why rowing is changing their lives for the better. Tune in to BYUtv on Wednesday for a closer look at the founders of Row New York and what drove them to pursue a life of helping kids in need.

In the northeast of England lies a stable where people come not just to ride horses, but to change lives. Watch a new episode of Turning Point on Wednesday at 10:30pm ET/8:30pm MT to meet the good folks of Stepney Bank Stables, located in Newcastle upon Tyne. It's a special place where disadvantaged adults and youth come to interact with the horses, gaining self-confidence and employment opportunities in the process.

Watch the YouTube clip below to meet some of the volunteers at Stepney Bank Stables. And don't miss Wednesday's new Turning Point!

Wednesday's new episode of Turning Point (10:30pm ET/8:30pm MT) highlights a problem few of us ever give thought to: the plight of young refugees. Tune in to learn about a unique nonprofit group in the Netherlands whose mission is to empower children stuck in asylum-seeking centers by organizing creative activities for them.

The National Foundation for the Promotion of Happiness (commonly referred to as “The Happiness”) has built a network of artists, play writers, actors, musicians and volunteers who immerse refugee children and teenagers in music, sculpture, theater, games and much more. The activities give the children opportunities to express themselves that they never had, and provide entertainment and positive social interaction while they wait for asylum in Holland.

The Happiness defines their mission as follows: "We are talking about children who are victims of armed conflicts, torture, neglect, abuse or exploitation. They have the right to receive special care...The Happiness provides attention and ensures activities for children who are stuck in the no-man’s land of asylum-seeking procedures. The resilience of children inspires us. We need to invest in that and dare others to do so as well."

Tune in on Wednesday at 10:30pm ET/8:30pm MT for the incredible story of The Happiness on an all-new episode of BYUtv's Turning Point.

After winding down from the Independence Day celebrations, it’s time to honor a lesser-known but still important day today: National Cheer Up the Lonely Day. At BYUtv, we try our best to look for ways to visit, comfort and cheer up anyone who might be feeling alone. Here are just a few ways you can be a part of the good in the world on this day:

- Send an email or give a call to someone in need. We all know people who are going through a hard time. Cheer them up by simply letting them know that you’re thinking of them and are there for them.

- Visit the elderly. Whether you know someone in an assisted home or you just find a local senior center to visit, take some time to get to know and talk with an elderly person who may be lonely. Ask about some of their life experiences; you may even learn a thing or two and make a new friend.

- Write a note. In a digital age of emails, texts and other typed messages, the difference of a handwritten note can go a long way. Send a “thank you” or a simple “hi” to someone you think may need some friendly words.

- Smile. If nothing else, share your positivity with a smile. There is always someone who is going through a more difficult situation than you are, and the impact of your smile may be bigger than you think it is.

For inspiring and real-life stories about people who cheer up the lonely, tune in to Turning Point on Thursday at 9pm ET/7pm MT and midnight ET/10pm MT.

How will you cheer up the lonely today? Share with us in the comments below.

Watch BYUtv this fall for new seasons of some of BYUtv's most celebrated original series, including American Ride, Studio C, The Song That Changed My Life and Turning Point.

Monday, October 7 is our big premiere day, with season premieres of American Ride at 9pm ET/7pm MT and Studio C at 10pm ET/8pm MT.

Tune in on Tuesday, October 8, at 8:30pm ET/6:30pm MT for a new season of The Song That Changed My Life. And watch Sunday, October 13, for new episodes of Turning Point at 8pm ET/6pm MT.

New episodes of True Blue and The Story Trek continue this fall, as well as many live sports broadcasts -- including live BYU football, basketball, soccer and volleyball games.

Special sneak peeks of the new seasons of American Ride, Studio C, The Song That Changed My Life and Turning Point will air on BYUtv during the weekend of October 5-6. Follow BYUtv on Facebook for more updates.

See you this fall!

Congratulations to the talented producers, directors, hosts, writers and others from BYU Broadcasting who received Emmy® nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter.

Winners will be announced on October 19. Here's a list of the nominees:

Arts/Entertainment - Program/Special

Audio Files - Mates of State

BYU Broadcasting

Derek Marquis, Executive Producer
Scott Swofford, Executive Producer
Terri Pappas, Producer
Jared Shores, Producer
Sam Cardon, Producer
Matt Eastin, Producer/Director

The Song That Change My Life - Howard Jones

BYU Broadcasting

Derek Marquis, Executive Producer
Scott Swofford, Executive Producer
Terri Pappas, Producer
Sam Cardon, Producer
Russ Kendall, Producer
Micah Merrill, Director

Religion - Program/Special

Pioneros - La Huella de Parley P. Pratt

BYU Broadcasting

Luiz Malaman, Executive Producer
Saul Leal, Executive Producer
Scott Swofford, Executive Producer
Derek Marquis, Executive Producer

Education/Schools - Program Feature/Segment/Program/Special

Utah's Perfect Storm: Drought, Debt, & The Great Depression

KBYU-TV

Rob Sibley, Writer-Producer-Director

Historic/Cultural - Program/Special

American Ride - Legacy of Lincoln

BYU Broadcasting

Derek Marquis, Executive Producer
Scott Swofford, Executive Producer
Terri Pappas, Producer
Jared Shores, Producer
Jeff Miller, Producer

Societal Concerns - Program/Special

Turning Point - Floating Doctors

BYU Broadcasting

Derek Marquis, Executive Producer
Scott Swofford, Executive Producer
Terri Pappas, Producer
Jared Shores, Producer
Sam Wallace, Series Producer
Marty Patch, Series Producer

Human Interest - Program Feature/Segment

The Story Trek - The Accident that Changed My Life

THK Productions

Todd Hansen, Producer/Host
Todd Tanner, Associate Producer
Eric Gaylord, Director of Photography/Editor

Human Interest - Program/Special

La Cocina de La Abuela- Mazamorra Chiquita

BYU Broadcasting, Newland Pictures

Luiz Malaman, Executive Producer
Scott Swofford, Executive Producer
Derek Marquis, Executive Producer
Saul Leal, Executive Producer

Sports - Daily or Weekly Program

Countdown to Kickoff - BYU vs. Notre Dame (10/20/12)

BYU Broadcasting

Mikel Minor, Senior Coordinating Producer
Russell  Merrill, Director
Jarom Jordan, Producer

Sporting Event/Game - Live/Unedited

NCAA Men's Basketball: Utah State vs. BYU (2/19/13)

BYU Broadcasting

Mikel Minor, Senior Coordinating Producer
Russell  Merrill, Director
Caitlin Jenne, Producer

Documentary - Cultural

Tesoros Escondidos - Tamborileros

BYU Broadcasting, Newland Pictures

Luiz Malaman, Executive Producer
Saul Leal, Executive Producer
Scott Swofford, Executive Producer
Derek Marquis, Executive Producer

Heroes de La Comunidad - Visibles y Invisibles

BYU Broadcasting

Luiz Malaman, Executive Producer
Saul Leal, Executive Producer
Scott Swofford, Executive Producer
Derek Marquis, Executive Producer

Interview/Discussion - Program/Special or Series

The Story Trek - God Has Something Better

BYU Broadcasting

Derek Marquis, Executive Producer
Scott Swofford, Executive Producer
Terri Pappas, Producer
Jared Shores, Producer
Todd Hansen, Producer/Host
Eric Gaylord, Photographer

Public/Current/Community Affairs - Program/Special

VoteUtah 2012 Project

BYU Broadcasting

Mark Phillips, Producer

Special Event Coverage (other than News or Sports) - Live or Edited

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Presents The Joy of Song

BYU Broadcasting

Jim Bell, Producer
Edward Payne, Producer
Mack Wilberg, Music Director
Derek Marquis, Executive Producer
Scott Swofford, Executive Producer
Terri Pappas, Supervising Producer

Promotion Program - Single Spot or Campaign

BYUtv Spring Frames

BYU Broadcasting

Keith Willes, Executive Producer
Brian  Berthold, Producer/Writer
Michelle Budge, Art Director
Adam Forbes, Motion Graphics Director
Sam Cardon, Composer
Joseph Belliston, Audio/Engineer

Promotion: Program – Image

BYUtv Sports: Cougar Nation

BYU Broadcasting

Keith Willes, Executive Producer
Brian  Berthold, Producer/Writer
Rob York, Editor
Micah Brown, Cinematographer
Joseph Belliston - Audio Engineer

Promotion Program - Sports

"Ready for More" BYUtv Sports - Countdown to Kickoff

BYU Broadcasting

Keith Willes, Executive Producer
Brian  Berthold, Producer/Writer
Rob York, Editor
Derek Pueblo, Cinematographer
Joseph Belliston, Audio Engineer

Station Excellence

BYUtv Station Excellence

BYU Broadcasting

Derek Marquis, Managing Director/Executive Producer

Journalistic Enterprise

Todd Hansen

TKH Productions

Todd Hansen, Host/Producer/Writer

On-Camera Talent - Performer/Narrator

Studio C - "Driver's Ed"

BYU Broadcasting

Matthew Meese, Mr. Ecklestone

On-Camera Talent - Program Host/Moderator

American Ride - Legacy of Lincoln

Vineyard Productions

Stanford  Ellsworth, Host
Jeff Miller, Producer

Writer - Program (Non-News)

Todd Hansen's Writing

TKH Productions

Todd Hansen, Writer

Arts/Entertainment - Program Feature-Segment

Los Piano Guys

BYU Broadcasting

Luiz Malaman, Producer
Scott Swofford, Executive Producer
Derek Marquis, Executive Producer
Saul Leal, Executive Producer

Interstitial

Beehive Stories:  Iron County

KBYU-TV/ Brigham Young University

Brad Barber, Creator/Producer/Director/Cinematographer
Micah Dahl Anderson, Composer
John Bills, Cinematographer/Editor

Fall is a time for change, and that's certainly the case here at BYUtv beginning Monday, October 7!

Tune in at 9pm ET/7pm MT for the fifth season debut of American Ride, one of BYUtv's most popular original series. Follow host Stan Ellsworth as he travels on his Harley-Davidson up and down the U.S. East Coast, recounting the history of the Gilded Age and the fascinating genesis of America's industrial transformation.

Then, at 9:30pm ET/7:30pm MT, The Song That Changed My Life is back with a special episode featuring country music band Lonestar! You'll go behind-the-scenes with the group to private recording sessions and enjoy intimate interviews with band members.

Watch at 10pm ET/8pm MT for the much-anticipated return of Studio C, BYUtv's very own original sketch comedy series. Matt, Malory, Jason, Whitney and the rest of the cast are back with some of your favorite characters, including Captain Literally, Shoulder Angel and Awkward Avoidance Viking!

Plus, new episodes of The Story Trek and True Blue continue to air on BYUtv each Monday, at 8pm ET/6pm MT and 8:30pm ET/6:30pm MT respectively.

A memorable new broadcast of Turning Point will set the week off right on Sunday, October 6, at 2pm ET/12pm MT. You'll meet the City of Angels Ballet, a non-profit group that teaches dance and other life skills to kids in need.

So join us in the coming days as we roll out some of our best programming. Like the BYUtv Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for continuous updates and features!

Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike in the Hawaiian language translates to "in working, one learns". The folks at Hana Build in rural Maui put this mantra to the test by teaching not only construction training skills to local at-risk youth, but giving them a sense of purpose and community.

Watch BYUtv on Thursday, January 16, at 9pm ET/7pm MT to see a special new episode of Turning Point featuring this amazing non-profit group. Seeing young people move from hopelessness to happiness will touch your heart!

Learn more about Hana Build before Thursday's episode by watching their video below:

Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike - In Working One Learns from Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike on Vimeo.

Many of our lives are characterized by experiences we have had or decisions we have made. Turning Point, a BYUtv original series, is all about these important moments—moments that define who we are and inspire us to affect change in our own lives and beyond.

Don’t miss brand-new episodes of Turning Point, with a new season currently airing on BYUtv on Sundays at 9pm MT. Season 4 of Turning Point brings you and your family even more inspiring stories of hope, change, and paying it forward from all over the world.

This season, meet an Iraq War veteran who, after experiencing the devastating losses of fellow soldiers to suicide, created Continue Mission. Through recreational activities, wellness education, and community events, this non-profit organization raises mental health awareness and helps veterans heal from trauma and reintegrate into their communities.

Then, discover how one man’s determination to make a difference has grown into one of Holland’s most beloved volunteer organizations. Founded by ambulance driver Kees Veldboer, Ambulance Wish Foundation has hundreds of medically-trained volunteers and a special fleet of ambulances whose mission is to fulfill bedridden and terminally ill patients’ simple last wishes—from hearing the ocean waves to seeing a favorite art piece in a museum.

Get to know these and other inspiring people who have transformed their personal turning points into incredible stories of wide-reaching change for the better. Tune in for new episodes of Turning Point on Sundays at 9pm MT.

Stream BYUtv live on the website at byutv.org/live or watch episodes on demand on the Turning Point showpage. BYUtv is also available on several platforms, including apps for iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and more. Check out byutv.org/apps to see the complete list. Follow BYUtv on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates.

Turning Point is a series of one-hour documentary films celebrating the life and work of everyday, ordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives. The series highlights outstanding community heroes and social entrepreneurs who are determined to make a difference in the lives of others. The Turning Point team explores what these people have achieved and how they have affected others, sometimes in their local communities and other times on a larger scale. Most importantly, they want to revisit the moment in time when these special people made the decision to make a difference—their personal “Turning Point”. 

Turning Point producers are currently looking for suitable stories to include in the series, and we encourage your nominations! Producers are looking for ordinary people who are doing truly extraordinary things—not just a one-time service, but something they have dedicated a significant amount of their life to and something that continues to make a significant difference in the lives of others today. 

Do you know someone with a Turning Point story? Visit the Turning Point website here and fill out a nomination form. You can help spread their message of service and sacrifice to millions of people through BYUtv!