Gary Sinise plays Gov. George Wallace on TNT; tales of famous pirates on TBS; UPN’s new two

Sunday

“George Wallace” / 5, 7 and 9 p.m. Concludes Tuesday TNT

Based upon the 1968 book by Marshall Frady, this compelling, expertly acted biography tells of the bigoted, pro-segregation governor of Alabama whose run for the presidency in 1972 was abruptly halted by a gunman whose five bullets left him in a wheelchair. Gary Sinise, so persuasive as Harry S. Truman in a 1995 HBO drama, is equally fine here (under the astute direction of veteran John Frankenheimer), as he humanizes the man who once called himself “just a rough ol’ country boy.”

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“Pirate Tales” / 6 p.m. TBS. Concludes next Sunday

Shiver me timbers, the buccaneers at TBS have assembled a two-part, four-hour look at those who plundered the high seas between the 16th and 18th centuries. Hence, we learn about the infamous exploits of such legends as Francis Drake, Henry Morgan, Captain Kidd, Blackbeard and the Irish “lady pirate” Granuaille by way of archival material, original paintings and commentary from historical experts. Roger Daltrey appears as 17th century pillager William Dampier. Yo-ho, yo-ho ...

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“Snow White: A Tale of Terror” / 9 p.m. Showtime

No one will confuse Disney’s animated classic with this macabre adaptation of the original Grimm Brothers fable. Here, the young heroine Lilli (Monica Keena) clashes with the icy second wife (Sigourney Weaver) of her loving father (Sam Neill). Weaver’s malevolent Claudia Alvise plots the demise of her stepdaughter in a story whose familiar elements include a vanity mirror, the Black Forest, a poisoned apple and seven dwarfs, er, “outcasts.”

Monday

U.S. Open Tennis / 8 a.m. USA. Saturday 8 a.m. CBS

Top-ranked Pete Sampras seeks his third consecutive U.S. Open title at this annual Grand Slam tournament. USA plans more than 84 hours of live coverage from the new Arthur Ashe Stadium, where opening ceremonies will be carried from Flushing, N.Y. CBS also plans nightly highlights at 12:37 a.m.

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“Good News” / 9 p.m. UPN

“Hitz” / Tuesday 9 p.m. UPN

When you’re smaller, you have to try harder. Or at least get an earlier start. And so this week UPN jump-starts the fall TV season with new sitcoms and season premieres. As for the former category, “Good News” centers on a young pastor (David P. Ramsey) with a gospel-singing congregation. Think of it as “Amen” sans Sherman Hemsley. Then there’s “Hitz,” about two record industry executives (Claude Brooks and Rick Gomez) and their crude, swaggering boss (Andrew Dice Clay). If it’s poor taste you’re after (offensive jokes about sex and drugs), this is the place.

Thursday

“Chinatown” / 9 p.m. KLCS; 10 p.m. KCET

Chinatown, the second most popular destination for San Francisco tourists (after the Golden Gate Bridge), has endured as a thriving community and gateway to Asian immigrants over the course of 150 years. Narrated by folklorist Charlie Chin, this hourlong PBS documentary recounts its history from the viewpoints of its residents. Producer Felicia Lowe says the neighborhood reflects “the long struggle of a people trying to gain a foothold here, often against overwhelming odds.”

Saturday

“Best of Hard Rock Live: The Women” / 5 p.m. and 1 a.m. VH1

If you missed them the first time around, consider this a second opportunity to catch captivating performances by the likes of Chaka Khan (“I’m Every Woman”), Paula Cole (“Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?”), Shawn Colvin (“Sunny Came Home”) and Jewel (“You Were Meant for Me”). The hour also presents memorabilia from Janis Joplin and Madonna.