American Experience: The Greely Expedition
In 1881, Lt. Adolphus Greely led 25 men on an Arctic expedition to collect scientific climate data. American Experience chronicles the poor decisions, personality problems, and ill luck that led to the deaths of all but six of them. The crew’s harrowing journey—marked by shipwreck, a mutiny, starvation, and cannibalism—nonetheless yielded knowledge that has new relevance today. Monday, Jan. 31, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Independent Lens: For Once in My Life
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The Spirit of Goodwill Band is an ensemble whose 29 musicians work at the Goodwill Industries center in Miami; each has a disability such as autism, Down syndrome, or blindness. This moving documentary, a winner of the Audience Award at the South by Southwest film festival, follows the group as it prepares for a formidable challenge: performing at the U.S. Mayors Convention. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 10 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Naked Science: The Book That Can’t Be Read
For decades, expert cryptologists have pored in vain over the Voynich manuscript, a medieval text that’s handwritten in an unknown language and illustrated with puzzling drawings and diagrams. Naked Science looks at the latest research on the book’s chemical composition, which indicates that the manuscript may be centuries older than previously thought. Thursday, Feb. 3, at 8 p.m., National Geographic Channel
Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel
On the eve of the Super Bowl, Gumbel’s team looks at ex-NFL players who have lost their money on risky investments and offers a profile of Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, who has carved out a successful second career as a football color commentator. Other segments include a profile of Sports Illustrated columnist Peter King and an updated report on weight issues threatening the health of former linemen. Friday, Feb. 4, at 8 p.m., HBO
Super Bowl XLV
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers vie for the NFL championship at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Joe Buck will call the play-by-play, and former Cowboys star Troy Aikman provides analysis. Black Eyed Peas are the scheduled halftime performers; Christina Aguilera sings the national anthem. Sunday, Feb. 6, Fox; kickoff at approximately 6:25 p.m.
Other highlights
Pioneers of Television: Crime Dramas
A look at classic TV crime dramas, including Dragnet, The Untouchables, and Columbo. Interviewees include Bill Cosby (I Spy), Martin Landau (Mission: Impossible), and James Garner (The Rockford Files). Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m., PBS; check local listings
An Idiot Abroad
In this new series, The Office creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant arrange a bumpy world tour for a friend named Karl who’s no fan of traveling. This week he visits the Holy Land. Saturday, Feb. 5, at 10 p.m., Science Channel
Glee
Continuing a series of high-profile casting stunts, the popular musical comedy–drama welcomes a guest appearance from CBS news anchor Katie Couric, who plays herself. Sunday, Feb. 6, Fox; after the Super Bowl
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