American Masters: Phil Ochs—There But for Fortune
Using archival footage, documentarian Kenneth Bowser evokes the turbulent 1960s that acerbic folk singer Phil Ochs chronicled in such songs as “I Ain’t Marching Anymore.” Fellow artists, fans, and family remember the late songwriter, whose fierce commitment to political protest informed his music until, in the throes of alcoholism and depression, he took his own life, at age 35. Monday, Jan. 23, at 10 p.m., PBS; check local listings
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In Tahrir Square: 18 Days of Egypt’s Unfinished Revolution
This documentary immerses the viewer in the historic Cairo street demonstrations that cost nearly 850 protesters their lives and culminated in the Feb. 11 resignation of longtime Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The film analyzes the role of social media in spawning the Arab Spring protests, and it showcases Egyptian-American journalist Sharif Abdel Kouddous, whose reporting from Tahrir Square drew international attention. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 8 p.m., HBO2
Bering Sea Gold
In this new docuseries, cameras follow Nome, Alaska–based fortune seekers searching for sediments of gold washed into the Bering Sea by melting glaciers. The premiere episode introduces the hopeful crews of four seagoing craft, ranging from an 80-foot barge to a skiff that barely seats two. Friday, Jan. 27, at 10 p.m., Discovery
Namath
New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath carried himself with a swagger that reflected the tenor of his times, and he turned the Super Bowl into a major event when he delivered on his widely derided guarantee of a Jets victory in pro football’s 1969 title game. This profile of the now 68-year-old “Broadway Joe” puts his life and career in perspective through interviews with his family members, teammates, coaches, and peers. Saturday, Jan. 28, at 9 p.m., HBO
Other highlights
State of the Union Address
President Obama’s annual address to Congress this year falls between the Republican presidential primaries in South Carolina and Florida. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 9 p.m., various networks
CSI
Original cast member Marg Helgenberger leaves the show after a dozen seasons when her character, crime-scene supervisor Catherine Willows, makes a life-changing decision. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 10 p.m., CBS
Secrets of the FBI
A look at the measures the Bureau takes to protect the Capitol during the State of the Union address, which is considered a tempting terrorism target. Sunday, Jan. 29, at 8 p.m., Discovery
