The Week’s guide to what’s worth watching

Hawaii Five-0

The abduction of a computer hacker puts Cmdr. Steve McGarrett and his Five-0 task force on the trail of a dangerous gang with military training. Highlights of this week’s episode include well-choreographed action sequences and effective performances from guest stars Christine Lahti and Shelley Berman; Alex O’Loughlin leads the cast. Monday, Nov. 19, at 10 p.m., CBS

American Masters: Inventing David Geffen

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Before he became a media mogul, David Geffen was just an ambitious kid from Brooklyn. This compelling profile chronicles his career from its start in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency, and recounts Geffen’s role in launching Joni Mitchell and the Eagles to stardom before he went on to produce Broadway musicals and Oscar-winning films. An activist as well as a talent spotter, he played significant roles in the fight against HIV/AIDS and in rallying Hollywood support for Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 8 p.m., PBS; check local listings

Punkin Chunkin

In what has become a Thanksgiving tradition, more than 100 teams of tinkerers will gather in a Delaware cornfield to see who can hurl a pumpkin the farthest. Their colorful contraptions compete in several divisions, including catapult and air cannon. Kari Byron, Grant Imahara, and Tory Belleci of Mythbusters host the event. Thursday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m., Science

Unlikely Animal Friends

In Ghostbusters,Bill Murray spoke of “cats and dogs, living together” as proof of a world gone mad. Yet such odd couplings are common in this two-night, four-episode special. In the first unlikely pairing, a yellow Lab bonds with Duggie the Dolphin. Other highlights include big cats making nice with rabbits, and rhinos hanging out with sheep. Cesar “The Dog Whisperer” Millan provides commentary. Friday–Saturday, Nov. 23–24, at 8 p.m., Nat Geo Wild

Soul Train Awards 2012

John Legend, Fantasia, Gladys Knight, and Charlie Wilson are among the artists who performed at the Soul Train awards ceremony taped last week at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Usher leads the pack of nominees with nods in five different categories, followed by singer Estelle and rapper Nas with three apiece. R&B legends New Edition will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award; comedian Cedric the Entertainer hosts. Sunday, Nov. 25, at 9 p.m., BET/Centric

Other highlights

Top Gear Apocalypse

The car-buff magazine show takes a lighthearted look at the end of the world, suggesting the best vehicles for navigating Armageddon. Monday, Nov. 19, at 8:30 p.m., BBC America

The Layover With Anthony Bourdain

The outspoken chef and author returns with more guidance on what to see and eat in cities around the world. Season 2’s first stop: Chicago. Monday, Nov. 19, at 9 p.m., Travel Channel

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Hello Kitty and Papa Smurf debut as giant balloons. Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, and Al Roker emcee the 86-year-old holiday event. Thursday, Nov. 22, at 9 a.m., NBC