PREVIEW ’91 : From Crystal to Cronkite : Cable’s schedule includes comedy on HBO and a dose of documentaries

As the four commercial networks concentrate their efforts this fall on sitcoms and reality-based series, cable is offering an eclectic mixture of environmentally themed series, documentaries, new comedy series (including HBO’s “Sessions,” created by Billy Crystal), dramas and even an old-fashioned musical-variety show.

Here are the shows and series coming to cable this season, their time slots and premiere dates. Viewers should note that each cable system carries a different lineup of cable networks.

A&E;

“Dinosaur!”--Walter Cronkite is host and narrator of this four-part documentary on the mystery of the dinosaur, featuring state-of-the-art animatronics to show how the dinosaur looked, behaved and lived, today-Tuesday at 5 and 9 p.m.

“Lovejoy”--Ian McShane stars in this mystery series based on the books by Jonathan Gash about a roguish British antique dealer working in the world of auctions, forgers and opportunists, Sept. 22 at 5 and 9 p.m.; Mondays at 11 p.m., beginning Sept. 30.

“First Flights”--Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, makes a giant leap as host of this new 26-part series, tracing the evolution of modern aviation using archival footage and vintage aircraft to recreate historic takeoffs, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Sept. 25.

“Brute Force”--George C. Scott is host of this series examining the evolution of modern weaponry from its earliest days of theory to recent history, Thursdays at 10 p.m. Sept. 26.

“Time Machine with Jack Perkins”--This new documentary showcase will explore key stories and events in history and will look ahead to predict the trends of the future, Fridays at 9 p.m. Sept. 27.

“Investigative Reports”--Bill Kurtis hosts this new series looking at the stories behind the headlines. It opens with the five-part documentary “The Man Who Killed Kennedy,” which refutes the Warren Commission’s findings, suggesting a U.S. intelligence/military conspiracy in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Fridays at 10 p.m. Sept. 27.

“The Nobel Century”--Four-part series commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize. Nov. 15.

AMC

“Movie Milestones”--A look back at on-and-off-screen highlights that have helped transform movies from a novelty to a cultural phenomenon. The series will feature 100 “monumental” moments in the 100-year-history of the motion picture. Tentatively October or November.

C-SPAN

“Road to the White House”--A weekly round-up of politics. Fridays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 9:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Already premiered.

DISCOVERY

“The Second Russian Revolution”--Six-part series examining Gorbachev’s Soviet Union and the era leading up to the failed coup, Sept. 22 at 6 and 10 p.m.; Sept. 23-26 at 7 p.m. A seventh segment, covering the junta, will air later in the fall.

“Moments of Courage”--ABC correspondent Tom Jarriel uses the archives of “20/20” to update stories that tell of ordinary people taking extraordinary action in times of natural disaster and crisis, Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 2.

“Hollywood Stuntmakers”--James Coburn hosts this series highlighting special effects and stunts and the people behind them, Wednesdays at 7 p.m.; Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. Oct. 2.

“Wildlife Tales”--Stories about some of the most exotic, photographed and intriguing animals in the world, Wednesdays at 8 p.m.; Fridays at 5 p.m.; Sundays at 11 a.m. Oct. 2.

“Choppers”--A look at the history of helicopters, Wednesdays at 9 p.m.; Fridays at 6 p.m.; Sundays at 1 p.m. Oct. 2.

“The Adventurers”--Doug McConnell hosts this series profiling individuals who thrive on challenge, Wednesdays at 11 p.m.; Saturdays at 7 p.m. Oct. 2.

“Hunters in the Sky”--Profiles of World War II flying aces who survived combat, Thursdays at 5 p.m.; Fridays at 9 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m. Oct. 3.

“America Coast to Coast”--Susan Hunt explores the nation’s scenic vacation spots, Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 11 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. Oct. 3.

“Discovery Journal”--Showcase for specially selected documentaries addressing social and political situations and issues, Saturdays at 2 and 11 p.m.; Sundays at noon. Oct. 5.

“Earth Guide”--Documentary magazine on the environment presents practical information on how individuals can make a difference in helping to preserve the balance of nature; hosted by noted author and ethnobotanist Wade Davis, Saturdays at 4 p.m.; Sundays at 10 a.m. Oct. 5.

THE FAMILY CHANNEL

“Backstage at the Zoo”--Dennis Weaver hosts this series, which travels each week to one of the world’s biggest and best zoos. Fall.

“Hometown Hero”--Bob Chandler hosts this series chronicling ordinary people and their extraordinary stories, Sundays at 9 p.m. and Mondays at 8 p.m. Already premiered.

“That’s My Dog”--Each week two dogs will go head to head in comical and challenging contests such as “Fetch My Slippers,” Sundays at 7 p.m. Already premiered.

“Witness to Survival”--Reality-based series about people whose lives were changed by their close encounters with death, Sundays at 9:30 p.m. Already premiered.

“You Asked for It Again”--Comedy-variety series which looks at the weirdest footage ever seen on TV, Sundays at 7:30 p.m, Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. Already premiered.

“The Legend of Prince Valiant”--Robby Benson is the voice of this Dark Ages’ adventurer in this new animated series, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Already premiered.

HBO

“The Kids in the Hall”--The innovative sketch-comedy troupe returns for its third season with 20 new episodes. Winter.

“Off the Road with Paula Poundstone”--The stand-up comic stars in this four-part talk show/comedy series. October.

“Sessions”--Billy Crystal created this six-part comedy series looking at one man’s life through his encounters with his psychiatrist. Michael McKean and Elliott Gould star. October.

THE LEARNING CHANNEL

“Played in the USA”--Martin Sheen hosts this anthology series featuring documentaries and shorts celebrating American music and the people who create it, Sundays at 7 p.m. Oct. 6.

THE NASHVILLE NETWORK

“The Statler Brothers Show”--The most award-winning act in the history of country music hosts TNN’s first original variety series; Barbara Mandrell, the Oak Ridge Boys, Charley Pride, Jerry Lee Lewis and Conway Twitty are among the scheduled guests, Saturdays at 6 and 9 p.m. Oct. 12.

USA

“Beyond Reality”--Based on true stories of paranormal experiences, this dramatic series follows the lives of two university professors who form a department of parapsychology at an urban university, where they investigate the world of paranormal events, Fridays at 9 p.m. Oct. 4.

“USA’s Gonzo Games”--A weekly tournament that will test the physical strength and mental fortitude of competing teams of men against men and women against women, Sundays at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6.

VH-1

“Late Night Classic Rock with Bob Davis”--Five-week series hosted by Bob Davis, featuring classic videos by Tom Petty, Bonnie Raitt, Talking Heads, the Doors and the Eagles. Mondays-Thursdays at 8 p.m. Already premiered.