NOVA: Ghosts of Machu Picchu
Peru’s Machu Picchu has been the most famous ruin in the Western hemisphere since its discovery in 1911, yet many mysteries still surround it, including how (and why) the Incas hauled massive blocks to the face of a steep mountain. NOVA joins archaeologists as they probe previously untouched areas of “the Lost City of the Incas” and even unearth some of its buried builders. Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 8 p.m., PBS; check local listings
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Why We Laugh
This documentary by actor and filmmaker Robert Townsend traces the history of African-American comedy and its influence on mainstream American culture, from Stepin Fetchit to Chris Rock, and TV’s Amos ’n’ Andy to The Cosby Show. Townsend talks to Cosby, Rock, and other comics, as well as to critic Stanley Crouch, Rep. Diane Watson, and philosopher Cornel West. Thursday, Feb. 4, at 8 p.m., Showtime
Temple Grandin
Intelligent writing, inventive but unobtrusive directing, and bravura acting by Clare Danes in the title role all convey the intense sensory world of Temple Grandin, who became a best-selling author and expert in animal behavior in spite of autism. This affecting, outstanding biodrama also features sensitive performances by Catherine O’Hara and Julia Ormond. Saturday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m., HBO
Super Bowl XLIV
The Indianapolis Colts meet the New Orleans Saints at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Who will perform at halftime, and Jim Nantz and Phil Simms will call the action. Kickoff time is 6:28 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, CBS
Other highlights
This Is Not a Robbery
The colorful story of the oldest documented bank robber in U.S. history: J.L. “Red” Rountree, who in 2003 was apprehended trying to pull off a heist at age 91. Monday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m., Sundance Channel
Lost
The final season begins in the aftermath of the detonation of a hydrogen bomb on the plane crash survivors’ island. Tuesday, Feb. 2,
at 9 p.m., ABC
The Office
Kathy Bates guest-stars in the first of four episodes as the CEO of Sabre, a mysterious firm that is buying faltering paper company Dunder Mifflin. Meanwhile, Pam and Jim look for a day-care center. Steve Carell, John Krasinski, and Jenna Fischer lead the ensemble. Thursday, Feb. 4, at 9 p.m., NBC
