TV program notes -- week of Nov. 18

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Here are some television program notes for the week of Nov. 18 with their TV Parental Guidelines ratings if available. They have not been reviewed and therefore are not necessarily recommended by the Office for Film & Broadcasting.

Sunday, Nov. 18, 8-9 p.m. EST (PBS) "The Beauty of Ugly." From hagfish to naked mole rats, warthogs to proboscis monkeys to the ugliest bug in Oklahoma, this "Nature" episode explores how and why ugly can be beautiful -- even when it isn't pretty (TV-G -- general audience).

Sunday, Nov. 18, 8-10 p.m. EST (History) "Andrew Jackson." A documentary that purports to tell the true tale of a man whose passions and contradictions may, in retrospect, be subject to great controversy. Promising lavish re-enactments to illustrate Jackson's life from age 14 through his death at 78, the special features interviews with notable historians, including Robert Remini, official historian for the House of Representatives and author of numerous books on the life of Jackson; H.W. Brands, author of the recently published "Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times"; Winston Groom ("Forrest Gump"), author of "Patriotic Fire," relating the story of Jackson's victory at the Battle of New Orleans; and members of the Muscogee Creek Tribal Nation.

Sunday, Nov. 18, 8-11 p.m. EST (ABC) "2007 American Music Awards." Hosted by writer and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, who is returning for his fourth time to host the 35th anniversary of the popular awards show.

Sunday, Nov. 18, 10-11 p.m. EST (Discovery) "Angel Falls." Geologists and base jumpers descend into a Venezuelan jungle to trace the life history of the world's tallest waterfall, Angel Falls, which spills from the top of one of many shear-sided, flat-top mountains, or "tepuis," which are some of the most geologically distinctive formations in the world. As they search for a way to scale its walls, the scientists discover how the tepui were formed and glimpse the future of the falls. A presentation of "Fearless Earth." (TV-G -- general audience).

Sunday, Nov. 18, 10-11 p.m. EST (EWTN) "The Knights of St. John." A history of this global Catholic order from their conception 1,000 years ago until now. Originally Servants of the Hospital of St. John in Jerusalem at the time of the Crusades, this order soon became more regarded for its military role as defenders of the faith. Currently, the Knights represent the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the world's smallest sovereign nation, though they own no actual land. They are represented by 11,000 members all over the world and now, primarily, tend to serving the sick and needy.

Monday, Nov. 19, 8-9:15 p.m. EST (HBO) "I Am an Animal: The Story of Ingrid Newkirk and PETA." Documentary about Ingrid Newkirk, the co-founder and driving force of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The film contains graphic footage of animal cruelty that fuels many of Newkirk's campaigns against research facilities, meat-processing factories and clothing stores around the world.

Monday, Nov. 19, 9-11 p.m. EST (PBS) "Athens: The Dawn of Democracy." Writer Bettany Hughes explores the contradictions of the Golden Age of ancient Athens, where democracy emerged nearly 2,500 years ago. Far from an environment of peace and tranquility, democratic Athens was a bloody, tumultuous place of both brilliant ideas and a repressive regime (TV-14 -- parents strongly cautioned).

Tuesday, Nov. 20, 9-10 p.m. EST (PBS) "On Our Watch." The world said, "Never again!" after the Holocaust, yet Cambodia, Srebrenica in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Rwanda would follow. The "Frontline" installment asks why the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan was allowed to unfold, and profiles some the activists who took a stand -- including actress Mia Farrow as she travels through the refugee camps to chronicle the human cost of the world's failure in the face of evil.

Tuesday, Nov. 20, 10-11 p.m. EST (PBS) "The Creek Runs Red." The Environmental Protection Agency calls the mining town of Picher, Okla., the most toxic place in America, but a dwindling population still calls it home. Today the town is divided by fears of serious health risks, environmental politics, civic pride and old racial tensions between Indian and white society. This "Independent Lens" program explores the human response to an environmental disaster and the complex connection between people and place (TV-PG -- parental guidance suggested).

Saturday, Nov. 24, 8-9 p.m. EST (EWTN) "God Touches a Life." In 1830 a French nun, St. Catherine Laboure, received a series of Marian apparitions that would change the world. This is the story of her life, and how Mary used her to bring the Miraculous Medal to the world.

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Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops