TV Smarts

Some broadcast and cable programs contain material included in the public school curriculum and on standardized examinations. Here are home-viewing tips:

* Today-- “Weight Watchers” (A&E; 8-9 p.m.) Traces the beginning of a weight loss program started 30 years ago when Jean Nidetch brought together six overweight friends for group therapy and calorie-counting sessions in the Bronx. Also, “David’s Journey” (KCBS 10-11 p.m.) Describes the symptoms of an obsessive-compulsive disorder experienced by a gifted young California scholar and other patients being helped by a medical specialist in Boston, Dr. Michael Jenike.

* Friday--”The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne” (SCI-FI 10-11p.m.) Initial episode of a series of fictional dramas about French author Jules Verne. Set in the 1860s, it introduces viewers to the main themes of his classic science-fiction novels, including “Around the World in 80 Days” and “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Cast includes Chris Demetral as young Verne and David Warner as his antagonist.

* Saturday--”An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence” (KNBC 3-7 p.m.) Annual fund-raising telecast for the United Negro College Fund co-hosted by Lou Rawls and featuring an all-star cast of performers, such as Robert Townsend, Sinbad, Marylin McCoo and Aretha Franklin.

* Sunday--”Tecumseh, the Last Warrior” (ODSY 6-p.m.) Based on the life of Shawnee leader Tecumseh, who resisted efforts by William Henry Harrison to establish settlements in the continent’s interior 200 years ago. Also, “Heroes for the Planet--A Tribute to National Geographic” (National Geographic Channel 8-9 p.m.) Marks the launch of the National Geographic Society’s cable channel, looking at contributions of explorers, scientists and photographers to global preservation. Pierce Brosnan hosts. The program also airs tonight on CNBC from 8 to 9 and the Fox News Channel from 9-10 p.m.

* Monday--”America’s Most Secret Agency” (History 8-9 p.m.) Describes efforts by the National Security Agency to safeguard America’s strategic intelligence information and decode the secret communications of other nations. Also, “Jazz” (KCET 9-10:30 p.m.) Initial episode of Ken Burns’ 10-part documentary on America’s unique art form. Airtime for subsequent episodes is 9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays until Jan. 31. For background, see https://www.pbs.org/jazz or read “Jazz: A History of America’s Music” by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns.

* Tuesday--”Boom! Hollywood’s Greatest Disaster Movies” (AMC 7-8 p.m.) Illustrates how movie technicians create disasters on camera. Buster Keaton’s silent movie “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” played on early 20th century fears, while films such as “Towering Inferno” and “When Worlds Collide” echoed later headlines and science reports.

* Wednesday--”The Magnificent Yankee” (TCM 9-10:45 p.m.) Biography of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. (1841-1933) shows why he became the best-known American jurist of the last century and established high standards for U.S. Supreme Court justices. Also, “Boats” (TLC 10-11 p.m.) Describes a competition between a California team of kinetic sculptors and New Mexico craftsmen to build the best powerboat.

*

Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, dean of the School Of Education, College of St. Rose, Albany, New York. Columns available at https://www.calendarlive.com/go/tvsmarts.