The Week’s guide to what’s worth watching

The Eastwood Factor

Critic and film historian Richard Schickel wrote and directed this new overview of the work of Clint Eastwood, which debuts as the iconic star turns 80. Eastwood himself offers a wry perspective on his long career, in interviews conducted both at his home and at the locations of many of his movies. The documentary is part of a 24-hour marathon of his films. Monday, May 31, at 10:30 p.m., TCM

I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale

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Character actor John Cazale made only five movies before he died, at age 42, but all five were Best Picture nominees—including both The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, whose script supplies the title of this documentary (“I knew it was you, Fredo”). Along with clips from his films and rarely seen personal photos and video, this portrait of a brilliant but often overlooked artist includes interviews with such co-stars as Al Pacino, Gene Hackman, and Robert De Niro, director Sidney Lumet (Dog Day Afternoon), and Cazale’s longtime girlfriend Meryl Streep. Tuesday, June 1, at 8 p.m., HBO

Independent Lens: Goodbye Solo

For its season finale, Independent Lens shifts from its usual documentary style to present this acclaimed drama about a Senegalese cab driver who suspects that his passenger, a bitter old man, is planning suicide. Ramin Bahrani (Man Push Cart) directed the poignant film, an award winner at the Venice Film Festival. Tuesday, June 1, at 10 p.m., PBS; check local listings

Whale Wars

This series follows the eco-activist Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in its controversial efforts to forcibly stop illegal whaling. The Season 3 premiere chronicles a dangerous cat-and-mouse game across the Antarctic, as the Sea Shepherd fleet avoids a reconnaissance vessel determined to stop it from finding Japanese whalers. Friday, June 4, at 9 p.m., Animal Planet

Expedition Great White

Science blends with sports adventure in this new series, which follows the sometimes-hazardous voyages of the high-tech ship Ocean off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. A shark expert teams with fishermen to stalk great whites, haul them out of the water, keep them alive as they take samples and measurements, and then release them unharmed. Sunday, June 6, at 9 p.m., National Geographic Channel

Other highlights

Carole King–James Taylor: Live at the Troubadour

The two pop icons perform their greatest hits. Starting June 1, PBS; check local listings

Royal Pains

This comedy-drama series, starring Mark Feuerstein as a doctor to the wealthy of Long Island’s Hamptons, returns. Henry Winkler joins the cast. Thursday, June 3, at 9 p.m., USA

Wendy and Lucy

Michelle Williams portrays a woman on the brink of poverty who embarks on a trip to Alaska with her dog. Making its U.S. television debut, this film was on many critics’ 2008 top 10 lists. Sunday, June 6, at 8:30 p.m., Sundance Channel