Weekly TV Picks

All times Eastern

SUNDAY, AUG. 26

The Mighty Mississippi

Biography, 9 p.m.

This informative series on America's greatest river follows an 8 p.m. show on an author forever linked with the Mississippi, Mark Twain: His Amazing Adventures. At 9 p.m., Born of the Ice Age studies the river's formation. At 10 p.m., Steamboats A-Comin! pictures the Mississippi's colorful riverboat heyday of the 1850's. At 11 p.m., War Along the River describes both sides' military use of the river in the U.S. Civil War.

MONDAY, AUG. 27

Bullied to Death

A & E, 10 p.m.

In this back-to-school “Investigative Report,” Bill Kurtis examines how and why many children become schoolyard and neighborhood bullies who terrorize other children and inflict lifelong psychological (and physical) scars on them. He also explores the urgent need for parents and teachers to recognize bullying, intervene and put an end to it.

TUESDAY, AUG. 28

Nuclear Subs

History Channel, 10 p.m.

This world premiere “Modern Marvels” show reveals the latest data on the capabilities of the giant U.S. nuclear submarines that patrol the seas to gather intelligence and to deter attacks on our country.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 29

“Little Women” from Houston Grand Opera

PBS, 8 p.m.

The Houston Grand Opera stages U.S. composer Mark Adamo's opera based on Louisa May Alcott's beloved 19th-century novel. Patrick Summers conducts and mezzo-sopranos Stephanie Novacek and Joyce DiDonato lead the cast in this operatic story of the family life of four sisters in New England in the Civil War era.

THURSDAY, AUG. 30

Holocaust: The Untold Story

History Channel; check listings

This “History Undercover” program notes that, in World War II, the mainstream U.S. press tended to either dismiss reports that leaked out of Europe about the Holocaust, or to consign them to the back pages. The show asks whether U.S. newspapers could have saved lives in Europe by pursuing the reports and making the story a major one.

FRIDAY, AUG. 31

Religion & Ethics Newsweekly

PBS; check local listings

In this interview by Bob Abernethy, J. Michael Fay calls his conservation efforts in the jungles of Gabon and the Congo “his religion.” Catholic viewers will find that notion inadequate but will gain insight into how some conservationists and environmentalists think.

SATURDAY, SEP. 1

Soldiers of the Pope: The Story of the Swiss Guard EWTN, 8 p.m.

This exciting premiere documentary goes inside the Vatican to offer an exclusive look at the daily life of the Swiss Guards and to examine their rich history and traditions. To be rebroadcast Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 6., at 3 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Dan Engler writes from Santa Barbara, California.