The Week’s guide to what’s worth watching

American Pickers

This new, 10-part series follows two antiques “pickers” who prowl the Midwest’s back roads in search of Americana coveted by collectors. In the debut episode, they dicker with a retired carnival worker in central Illinois and uncover an outsize figure of Johnny Roventini, the bellboy who became a “living trademark” for Philip Morris cigarettes. Monday, Jan. 18, at 9 p.m., History

Be Good Johnny Weir

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Figure skater Weir is a three-time U.S. national champion who lost his title in 2007. This often funny docu-series follows him both on and off the ice as he strives to make a comeback at next month’s 2010 Winter Olympics. His female Ukrainian coach, who instructs with an iron fist, contrasts starkly with the flamboyant, free-spirited Weir. Monday, Jan. 18, at 10:30 p.m., Sundance Channel

Independent Lens: Copyright Criminals

With the rise of hip-hop, sampling—the use and manipulation of parts of previous recordings to fashion new ones—has become widespread. Is it legitimate expression or plagiarism that should be prosecuted? In this lively documentary, musicians and experts weigh in on various sides of the issue. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 10 p.m., PBS; check local listings

White Collar

This crime-caper series makes the most of New York City locations and the chemistry between its stars. Matt Bomer plays a captured con artist, and Tim DeKay is the FBI handler who uses him to catch other crooks. As the show returns from a winter hiatus, their uneasy partnership is strained by an undercover assignment on Wall Street. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 10 p.m., USA

Masterpiece: Emma

Following in the footsteps of Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Beckinsale, Romola Garai (Atonement) makes Jane Austen’s meddlesome matchmaker charming and funny in this handsome new version of the much-adapted comedy of manners. The fine supporting cast includes Jonny Lee Miller (Trainspotting), Michael Gambon, and the scene-stealing Tamsin Greig. Sundays, Jan. 24–Feb. 7, at 9 p.m., PBS;

check local listings

Other highlights

Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel

Correspondent Bernard Goldberg takes an in-depth look at concussions in the NFL, and probes why the league has suddenly begun to confront the issue after decades of denial. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 10 p.m., HBO

Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …

The second season concludes with two episodes featuring Bruce Springsteen, who discusses his career and performs several songs. Wednesdays, Jan. 20 and 27, at 10 p.m., Sundance Channel

Food Tech

This new, 10-week series looks at the origins and production methods behind America’s favorite foods, starting with cheeseburgers and fries. Thursday, Jan. 21, at 9 p.m., History