What if people suddenly discovered that their most basic assumption about race--that the world's people can be divided biologically along racial lines--was false? And if race is a biological "myth," where did the idea come from?

These are among the questions raised by Race: The Power of an Illusion , a provocative new series airing Thursdays, April 24 through May 8 at 10/9 p.m. CT on KET2 and Mondays, April 28 through May 12 at 10/9 p.m. CT on KET1.

The first television series to scrutinize the very idea of race through the distinct lenses of science, history and social institutions, Race: The Power of an Illusion begins with the assumption that race is so fundamental to modern discussions on topics ranging from poverty and crime to music and sports, that people rarely question its validity.

Yet recent scientific evidence suggests that the idea of race is a biological myth. Anthropologists, biologists and geneticists have increasingly found that, biologically speaking, there is no such thing as "race" and that skin color really is only skin deep.

Yet race is deeply woven into the fabric of American life, and Race: The Power of an Illusion examines why and how in three parts. "The Difference Between Us" surveys the scientific findings that suggest that the concept of race has no biological basis. "The Story We Tell" provides the historical context for race in North America, including when and how the idea got started and why it took such a hold in people's minds. "The House We Live In" spotlights the ways social institutions perpetuate differences among races.

Race: The Power of an Illusion is produced by California Newsreel in association with Independent Television Service (ITVS). The program is closed-captioned for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.