The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien
O’Brien takes over the seat Jay Leno has occupied for almost 17 years, becoming only the fifth host of the late-night talk show since it debuted, with Steve Allen, in 1954. His writers and house band, the Max Weinberg 7, will also make the transition from Late Night With Conan O’Brien, and Andy Richter, his onetime sidekick, will return as announcer. O’Brien’s first guests will be Will Ferrell and grunge rockers Pearl Jam. Monday, June 1, at 11:35 p.m., NBC
Smile Pinki
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This touching documentary is a cinéma vérité look at two children from rural India, ostracized for their cleft lips, who make the long journey to the city of Banaras, where they receive corrective surgery—and acceptance for the first time in their lives. The film spotlights the work of the Smile Train, a nonprofit group that helps thousands of children in developing countries each year. It won the Oscar this year for Best Documentary Short Subject. Wednesday, June 3, at 7 p.m., HBO
World’s Toughest Fixes
Hosted by Sean Riley—a rigger and an expert at moving very large things—this series tracks gargantuan construction and repair projects. The second-season opener takes Riley to New Orleans for the hazardous job of cleaning up after Hurricane Gustav—clearing a 300-ton barge lodged on a levee, while keeping it from collapsing on top of the work crew or the filmmakers. Thursday, June 4, at 9 p.m., National Geographic Channel
Home by Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Striking aerial views from more than 50 countries, shot over many months by renowned French photographer Arthus-Bertrand, reveal dramatic evidence of man-made damage to the planet. Debuting simultaneously in movie theaters, on DVD, on the Internet, and on television, the event marks World Environmental Day. Glenn Close narrates the high-def special. Friday, June 5, at 9 p.m., National Geographic Channel
The 63rd Annual Tony Awards
Neil Patrick Harris will host Broadway’s big night live from Radio City Music Hall. Billy Elliot the Musical has 15 nominations, tying a record set by The Producers, in 2001. Among dramas, the nominees include Yasmina Reza’s God of Carnage, whose cast members—James Gandolfini, Hope Davis, Jeff Daniels, and Marcia Gay Harden—have all received nominations for Best Leading Actor or Actress in a Play. Sunday, June 7, at 8 p.m., CBS
Other highlights
Is Your House Killing You?
Experts probe homes for hidden biological and chemical dangers, in this seven-week series from Australia. Tuesday, June 2, at 9:30 p.m., Sundance Channel
Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel
Segments include a look at ultra-ambitious parents who resort to private coaching and DNA testing to help their kids excel at sports. Tuesday, June 2, at 11 p.m., HBO
Army Wives
As the third season begins, the wives band together when the daughter of one of them disappears. Sunday, June 7 at 10 p.m., Lifetime
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