The Week’s guide to what’s worth watching

last updated 8 January 2015

Blue-Collar Dogs

“Man’s best friend” takes on new meaning in this engaging three-part documentary about highly trained working dogs. “Canine MD” shows how dogs are being trained to sniff out diabetes and cancer; “Border Hounds” spotlights a U.S. Customs K-9 team trained to detect narcotics and find people stranded in the desert; and “New York Police” follows dogs searching rubble for bodies and patrolling subways. Monday, Feb. 21, at 8 p.m., Nat Geo Wild

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Tracing the roots of the turmoil in Egypt, Frontline reporters in Cairo follow young protest leaders who began two years ago to use the Internet to foment resistance to Hosni Mubarak and continued pushing for change despite imprisonment and torture. In addition, correspondent Charles Sennott looks at Egypt’s longest-established opposition group: the Muslim Brotherhood. Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings

Interviews with many of Burroughs’s intriguing friends highlight this new profile of the late Beat Generation icon, who exerted far-reaching influence on 20th-century culture despite addiction and personal tragedy. Colleagues who comment include Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, Laurie Anderson, and directors John Waters and Gus Van Sant. With a sound track by Sonic Youth. Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 10 p.m., PBS; check local listings

Correspondent Bernard Goldberg catches up with BALCO founder Victor Conte, who served prison time related to the distribution of steroids but is now working with athletes again. Other segments include a look at the irreverent sports website Deadspin.com, an interview with former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson, and a profile of Jimmie Johnson, the only driver ever to win five consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championships. Friday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m., HBO

For the first time in decades, a current Oscar nominee will host the ceremonies: Co-host James Franco, who will share podium duties with Anne Hathaway, is a Best Actor contender for his performance in 127 Hours. As all Hollywood gathers at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles for the live broadcast, The King’s Speech, with 12 nominations, is heavily favored to win Best Film honors. True Grit has 10 nominations, and Inception and The Social Network have eight apiece. Sunday, Feb. 27, at 8 p.m., ABC

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