Plot Synopsis

WORLD ON FIRE is a multi-stranded drama series that tells the story of World War II through the lives of ordinary people from all sides of this global conflict. Season 1 of this series takes viewers across the first year of the war, from ordinary life in Manchester to the beaches of Dunkirk, getting right under the skin and into the hearts and minds of those living their lives during this extraordinary time as they grapple with the unthinkable: a world in flames.

Season 1 opens in Summer 1939. Translator Harry is working at the British Embassy in Warsaw, falling in love with Polish waitress Kasia. When German tanks roll into Poland and Britain declares war on Germany, Harry and Kasia are faced with terrible choices. With her life in grave danger, the only way for Kasia to be safe is to escape. Can Harry help her -- and if he does, how will he ever explain himself to factory worker and singer Lois Bennett, the girl he left behind in Manchester? As the Nazi threat spreads across Europe, Kasia must choose between love and fighting for her country, Harry must find his place in the world, and Lois seizes new opportunities the war throws up. The conflict overturns everything for Harry's snobbish mother Robina and for Douglas, Lois' pacifist father, and her firecracker younger brother Tom, who joins the navy and finds himself under fire in one of the first major battles of the war. In Berlin, outspoken American journalist Nancy risks her life trying to help her neighbors the Rosslers from the attentions of the ruling Nazi regime, while in Paris Nancy's nephew, medic Webster refuses to leave the city and the man he loves.

The sophomore season of WORLD ON FIRE made its U.S. debut on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 9pm on PBS (check local listings). Season 2 goes from the war-torn streets of Britain deep into Nazi Germany, the resistance within occupied France, and the brutal sands of the North African desert. In the season opener, the war reaches the sands of the Egyptian desert while bombs fall on Manchester, and Harry introduces an explosive force into Robina's household.
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On Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 9pm (check local listings), PBS aired the Season 2 finale of WORLD ON FIRE. Harry returns to Manchester, but Kasia is determined to leave; in Europe, Marga and Henriette must each make their escape, while North Africa becomes even more brutal for Rajib.