Hindenburg: The Last Flight
Nearly 76 years after the Hindenburg airship burst into flames over Lakehurst, N.J., killing passengers and crew, the cause of the tragedy remains unknown. This two-night dramatic miniseries plays fast and loose with the mystery, embracing speculation that a bomb was planted aboard the doomed zeppelin. The creators have also thrown in a Titanic-style romance between a handsome German engineer (Maximilian Simonischek) and a beautiful American socialite (Lauren Lee Smith). Monday, March 11, and Tuesday, March 12, at 8 p.m., Encore
Ring of Fire
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Perhaps Hindenburg is not the disaster drama or Lauren Lee Smith vehicle you were looking for? In this two-part miniseries, airing the same nights, an oil rig triggers a volcanic eruption in a small town, setting off a potentially world-ending string of eruptions across the Pacific Ring of Fire. CSI’s Smith stars here alongside Terry O’Quinn (Lost) and Michael Vartan (Alias). Monday, March 11, and Tuesday, March 12, at 8 p.m., Reelz
Nova: Cracking Your Genetic Code
Science’s ability to map individual genetic codes promises both medical breakthroughs and ethical dilemmas. This sobering look at the new reality, first aired last year, examines all angles of the coming debate. Will gene-mapping allow individuals to defeat chronic or fatal disease? And should employers and insurance companies know what you know? Wednesday, March 13, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Yukon Men
If you think you’ve had a rough winter, be glad you’re not one of the 200 residents of Tanana, Alaska. Living 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle means subzero temperatures, wolverine raids, and a routine threat of starvation. Trapping season has begun on this engaging reality series, which has become a bit of a sleeper hit. Friday, March 15, at 9 p.m., Discovery
Trip Flip
In this envy-inducing reality series, unsuspecting travelers enjoy dramatic upgrades in their itineraries when host Bert Kreischer crashes their vacations. Season Two’s first episode follows an American couple whose anniversary trip suddenly includes bungee jumping in Australia’s Daintree Rainforest. Sunday, March 17, at 8 p.m., Travel Channel
Other highlights
Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout?
In this lighthearted new show, grown men compete against Boy Scouts in merit badge categories from knot tying to wilderness survival. Monday, March 11, at 8 p.m., National Geographic
Preachers’ Daughters
Stereotypes about preachers’ daughters are put to the test in this new series, which follows three teenage girls, each coming of age under the watch of a pastor father. Tuesday, March 12, at 10 p.m., Lifetime
Tuba U: Basso Profundo
Large, low-pitched, and unwieldy, the tuba may be the most underappreciated brass instrument. This documentary gives the horn its due while following a 22-member tuba ensemble on a path to Carnegie Hall. Friday, March 15, at 10:30 p.m., PBS; check local listings
5 ladylike cartoons about women's role in the election
The right to die: what can we learn from other countries?
Volkswagen on the ropes: a crisis of its own making
