Note by Note
(The Making of Steinway L1037)
In an age of mass production, a Steinway concert grand piano remains a triumph of handcraftsmanship. This documentary traces the making of one such instrument over 12 months, from an Alaska forest to Carnegie Hall. Along the way, the filmmakers interview the artisans who build the instruments and musicians who play them, including Pierre-Laurent Aimard. Monday, Sept. 14, at 10 p.m., PBS; check local listings
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Full Color Football: The History of the American Football League
This five-week documentary series chronicles the lively history of the upstart league that challenged the NFL in the 1960s, drawing on vintage footage as well as interviews with such key players as Joe Namath and John Madden. Episode 1 details how Lamar Hunt, longtime owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, dreamed up the AFL after being rejected in his attempt to buy the then–Chicago Cardinals. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m., Showtime
Community
The best comedy pilot of the fall season turns the inspirational-teacher genre on its head. Joel McHale, of E!’s The Soup, is perfectly cast as a fast-talking phony. Exiled to a community college after his law degree (from Colombia—not Columbia) is declared invalid, he becomes an unlikely Mr. Chips to a group of misfits. Co-stars include Chevy Chase and The Daily Show’s John Oliver. Thursday, Sept. 17, at 9:30 p.m., NBC
Georgia O’Keeffe
In this intelligent biodrama, Joan Allen radiates quiet intensity as the legendary American painter, while Jeremy Irons take on the more extroverted role of O’Keeffe’s husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz. Together their fine performances trace a stormy and touching love story, played out against the backdrop of New Mexico locations and O’Keeffe’s original works. Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9 p.m., Lifetime
Bored to Death
In this new comedy series, Jason Schwartzman stars as a young New Yorker who becomes an unlicensed private detective after his girlfriend leaves him. The show shamelessly imitates old Woody Allen portrayals of jittery, artistic New Yorkers, and Schwartzman’s mannered acting is not for all tastes. Yet the show has flashes of wit and several funny supporting characters—in particular, Ted Danson as a magazine editor stuck in an arrested adolescence. Sunday, Sept. 20, at 9:30 p.m., HBO
Other highlights
Retirement Revolution: The New Reality
Money, health-care payments, and second careers are among the challenges of retirement that experts analyze. Paula Zahn hosts. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
Crash
Eric Roberts joins the cast as this series, spun off from the Oscar-winning Best Picture of 2005, starts its second season. Friday, Sept. 18, at 10 p.m., Starz
61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards
Neil Patrick Harris hosts the ceremonies live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Sunday, Sept. 20, at 8 p.m., CBS
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