All times Eastern

SUNDAY, MAY 2

Doctors of the Church: St. Athanasius

EWTN, 2:30 p.m.

On his feast day, this bio recalls a confessor and a doctor of the Church, St. Athanasius (ca. 295-373), bishop of Alexandria, Egypt. He earned one of his titles, “Champion of Orthodoxy,” for fearlessly defending Christ's divinity at the Council of Nicea (325) and then spending years in exile in an era when Arian heretics held sway in many dioceses.

WEEKDAYS

Clean Sweep

The Learning Channel, 6 p.m.

This five-member crew helps folks reduce clutter in their homes.

MONDAYS IN MAY

Cruising America's Waterways

PBS, 9 a.m.

Climb aboard, relax and take in the scenery and local attractions as you cruise along “The Erie Canal, Albany to Buffalo” (three parts, May 3, 10 and 17) and around “Seattle and the San Juan Islands” (two parts, May 24 and 31).

MONDAY, MAY 3

American Experience: Golden Gate Bridge

PBS, 9 p.m.

This new documentary profiles a dreamer who “got it done,” the man behind the Golden Gate Bridge. Midwest bridge builder Joseph Strauss had never designed a suspension bridge, but starting in the 1920s he sought support for building such a span across one of the world's greatest natural harbors, San Francisco Bay.

TUESDAY, MAY 4

Innovation: Brain Fingerprinting

PBS, 9 p.m.

Citing actual cases, this program looks at attempts to detect deception, or the lack of it, by “reading” brain waves. Some in law enforcement are said to consider this new technique the biggest step in crime fighting since DNA. What dangers does it present?

THURSDAY, MAY 6

For Mother's Day

Food Network

Mom's big day is near, and here are tips to make it extra-special for her. At 11:30 a.m., Hot Off the Grill with Bobby Flay prepares a super brunch. At 6 p.m., 30-Minute Meals makes lamb chops and fixins’. At 8 p.m., Emeril Live's topic is, “Our Favorite Moms.” Best of all, at 10:30 p.m., The Best Of … suggests “Places to Take Mom.”

FRIDAY, MAY 7

B-17 Flying Fortress

History Channel, 10 p.m.

Here is the story of the brave men of the U.S. Eighth Air Force and the all-metal bombers they flew over Europe in World War II.

SATURDAY, MAY 8

Home To Go

Home & Garden TV, 11 p.m.

In this episode, “Student to Grown-Up Living,” host Peter Fallico and designer Gerald Nimchuk help guest Sonna “graduate” from the student-style furnishings in her condo.

Dan Engler writes from Santa Barbara, California.