Nature: The White Lions
Because their color makes camouflage nearly impossible, white lions are extremely rare. In South Africa, only three cubs have survived since white lions were first documented there, in 1975. This fascinating documentary looks at how a pair of 2-year-old white lions—sisters that are now nearly fully grown after being reared and protected by two lionesses—adapt to their uncertain future in the country’s Kruger National Park. Wednesday, May 9, at 8 p.m., PBS; check local listings
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Latest Videos FromThe Week
This mind-bending police drama about a cop who shuttles between two realities—one in which his wife died in a car accident, another in which their son was killed instead—continues to be one of network TV’s most distinctive offerings. This week, Detective Britten (an excellent Jason Isaacs) is troubled by a strange dream that interferes with his ability to switch realities. Thursday, May 10, at 10 p.m., NBC
Independent Lens: Summer Pasture
Roughly 40 percent of Tibetans who live in the Kham region of China’s Sichuan province are nomads, though their numbers are quickly diminishing. This film, filled with gorgeous, windswept vistas, focuses on a young couple— yak herders who each season must migrate to grass areas designated for livestock. Says husband Locho, now the father of an infant girl: “We need to work until we die. That’s our way of life.” Thursday, May 10, at 10 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Common Law
This new series puts a twist on the mismatched buddy-cop genre: Its detective heroes bicker so much that they’ve been ordered into couples therapy. The show is lighthearted to the point of silliness, but Warren Kole and Michael Ealy bring more than enough charm to their respective roles as a wealthy lawyer turned cop and an insouciant Lothario. Friday, May 11, at 10 p.m., USA
Fish Tank Kings
Constructing the immense fish tank behind home plate at the Miami Marlins’ new stadium seems an unusual assignment, but not in this entertaining new series. “We don’t build fish bowls,” says Mat Roy, president of aquarium specialists Living Color. “We build fish mansions.” Living Color’s staff, including a self-proclaimed fish geek, will tackle a new project or two in each episode. Saturday, May 12, at 10 p.m., Nat Geo Wild
Other highlights
United Stats of America
Comedians Randy and Jason Sklar, who are identical twins, crisscross the country in this new series to stage stunts that illustrate statistical facts about American history. Tuesday, May 8, at 10 p.m., History
DC Cupcakes
The two sisters who run Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown Cupcake struggle to pull together a surprise birthday party for their mother while filling orders for eight weddings. Friday, May 11, at 10 p.m., TLC
The Fight Game With Jim Lampley
The Sports Emmy–winning commentator hosts this new periodic series devoted to boxing news and issues. Saturday, May 12, at midnight, HBO
