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This week’s TV highlights
Hundreds of channels, hours and hours of programming. So much to watch, so little time. Here are some highlights to get you started on your week of viewing.
Sunday
“Cranford,” 8 p.m. on PBS — The latest entry from “Masterpiece Theater” springs from the writings of Elizabeth Gaskell. Set in 1842, the three-part film (continues May 11 and May 18) chronicles life in a rural English town that’s teetering on the brink of major change. Oscar winner Judi Dench stars, along with Eileen Atkins and Imelda Staunton.
“Cold Case,” 7 p.m. on CBS — This superbly filmed but often overlooked crime drama airs its season finale tonight. Ending early without an early renewal commitment doesn’t bode well for the show’s future.
Monday
“Dancing with the Stars,” 7 p.m. on ABC — Will Latino hunk Cristian de la Fuente survive two dances? Or even one? Last week, you may recall, he popped a tendon in his bulging bicep. Fans voted him back anyway. We’ll see if he can do it.
“Independent Lens,” 10 p.m. on PBS — In honor of Cinco de Mayo, the series profiles the Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, the first all-female mariachi band. Bravo!
Tuesday
Democratic Primary Results, 6 p.m. on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC — Once again the broadcast networks are ceding election coverage to cable news. And once again tonight’s primaries in North Carolina and Indiana could be decisive.
Wednesday
“American Masters,” 8 p.m. on PBS — A splendid bio-pic of legendary singer Marvin Gaye. Shot to death by his own father in 1984, Gaye’s music contributions may be well-known, but his battles with family violence, depression and drug addiction may not be. This is the full picture of a genius.
“Audition: Barbara Walters’ Journey,” 9 p.m. on ABC — The hour gallops through Walters’ long-running career, with side trips into her mostly private personal life. ABC anchor Charles Gibson hosts.
Thursday
“Beijing Olympic Stadium,” 8 p.m. on National Geographic Channel — Nicknamed the “Birds Nest,” this incredibly ambitious design comes from 42,000 pounds of steel and hundreds of tons of concrete. It’s the main venue for the Summer Olympics, which begin Aug. 8.
Friday
“True Hollywood Story Investigates: Cheerleading,” 7 p.m. on E! — Into every couch potato’s life a little cheese must fall. A two-hour doc on cheerleading culture, replete with back-stabbing and nail-biting, should fill the bill.
Saturday
“Braveheart,” 8:30 p.m. on HBO — If you can’t remember why Mel Gibson was once a major movie star, check out this spectacular historical saga about the crusading Scottish rebel William Wallace. Not only does Gibson star, he won the directing and best picture Oscars.
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