Effects of Celibacy’ explored on HBO
“Celibacy,” on HBO at 10, sounds like that rare thing — a cable show about people not having sex.
But this “America Undercover” exploration of religious traditions and human behavior suggests that repressing this most primal urge may lead to disaster, such as the sex-abuse crisis still roiling the Catholic faith.
Interviews with former celibates in several religions, as well as historians and psychologists, explore the effects, both religious and personal, of a life with faith and without sex. The filmmaker is Antony Thomas.
Highlights
ABC at 8: Tonight reruns of “George Lopez,” “My Wife and Kids,” “According to Jim” and “Hope & Faith,” followed by another installment of Diane Sawyer’s “Weddings” miniseries.
“Still Standing,” CBS at 8: Bill and Judy try to impress the PTA parents. Repeat.
“North Shore,” Fox at 8: Nicole’s surprise birthday party brings rich hotties and trouble to the hotel.
“Fear Factor,” NBC at 8: This repeat makes ABC look good. It’s the charming family competition, in which the kids are submerged up to their shoulders in a box full of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. Followed by “For Love or Money” and “Who Wants to Marry My Dad?”
“Yes, Dear,” CBS at 8:30: Country singers Trace Adkins and Travis Tritt guest as work-release cons. Repeat.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 9: Amy’s mom (Georgia Engel) and Ray work a jigsaw puzzle and flash back to family stories. Repeat.
“The Casino,” Fox at 9: A fresh-faced beauty arrives in Vegas looking for her big break, but soon learns the real meaning of “sin city,” while Tim and Tom try to keep their high rollers from cleaning out the Golden Nugget. Produced by reality-TV king Mark Burnett.
“History Detectives,” KSPS at 9: Art from a Japanese-American internment camp.
Cable Cast
“Rocky” (1976), AMC at 8: The cable channel is running the entire “Rocky” epic, one movie a night, all week long. Sylvester Stallone stars.
“The Division,” Lifetime at 8: Two-hour season finale reunites star Nancy McKeon with her “Facts of Life” buddy Kim Fields, who plays the principal of a high school facing a Columbine-style tragedy. On the up side, Jinny and Hank are getting hitched.
“Tylenol Par 3 Shootout,” ESPN at 10: Some of golf’s big names take on some short holes, and no doubt encounter a few headaches. Masters champion Phil Mickelson is among the players.
Late Night Talk
“Late Show with David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Kirsten Dunst of “Spider-Man 2” and musical guest Chris Robinson.
“Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” NBC at 11:35: Tom Hanks, Jackie Chan and 311. Repeat.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Clay Aiken.
“Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn,” CBS at 12:35: Shawn and Marlon Wayans, singer Mark McGrath and the Alarm.
“Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35.