The Week’s guide to what’s worth watching

Bang Goes the Theory

Not to be confused with a hit sitcom with a similar name, this fast-paced science series features a handful of lovable young geeks who possess actual science credentials. Episode 2 delivers the show’s usual mix of goofy experiments and serious reporting: While gadget guru Jem Stansfield tries to set a land-speed record in a go-kart powered by a fire extinguisher, co-host Dallas Campbell visits with Virgin founder Richard Branson to talk about oil’s eventual end times. Monday, Feb. 18, at 10:20 p.m., BBC America

After Newtown: Guns in America

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Guns have been part of the American story since European settlers first set foot on the continent. From the Revolutionary War to the Wild West to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, this penetrating special looks at the role firearms have played in the cultural clashes that have shaped our national identity. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings

American Masters: Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Long before Elvis or Little Richard, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was mixing the spiritual and the secular in guitar-driven music that combined gospel and rollicking blues. Her hit records and sold-out nightclub shows petered out in the 1950s, but pioneers who followed in her path remembered her fondly enough that she’s known as the godmother of rock ’n’ roll. This foot-tapping documentary retraces her mostly forgotten career from its Arkansas roots to New York City’s Cotton Club and beyond. Friday, Feb. 22, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings

Out There

If the kids from South Park ever aged and sprouted huge mops of face-covering hair, they might resemble two of the boys in Out There. While following three nerds’ stumbling progress through adolescence in a small town, this new series from former South Park animation director Ryan Quincy trades irreverence for earnestness without losing the laughs. Friday, Feb. 22, at 10:30 p.m., IFC

85th Academy Awards

The movie industry’s biggest night unleashes a new emcee—actor, singer, and Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane. At press time, Vegas odds were predicting big things for Lincoln, including a Best Picture win and a Best Actor statuette for Daniel Day-Lewis. In the Best Actress betting, Silver Linings Playbook’s Jennifer Lawrence held a solid edge over Zero Dark Thirty’s Jessica Chastain. Sunday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m., ABC

Other highlights

Cult

In this new thriller series, a reporter (Matt Davis) investigates a disappearance he suspects might be linked to a hit TV show about a dangerous cult. The stars, he learns, are getting spooked too. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 9 p.m., CW

Body of Proof

The supporting cast has been shuffled, but Dana Delany is returning for a third season as medical examiner Megan Hunt. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 10 p.m., ABC

Immortalized

Competitive taxidermy turns out to be surprisingly compelling in this new reality series, whose second episode features two contestants using the craft to create scenes evoking the end of the world. Thursday, Feb. 21, at 10 p.m., AMC