Michael Jackson talks on ‘Rivera’
The troubled Prince of Pop sits down with cable journalism’s Sultan of Sleaze when Michael Jackson submits to an interview with Geraldo Rivera on “At Large with Geraldo Rivera” (10 p.m. tonight, Fox News). If prosecutors have their way, Jackson may not be “at large” for much longer.
Rivera seems perfectly suited to act as ringmaster for the circus that is certain to accompany Jackson’s legal proceedings. A larger-than-life news personality, Rivera was singularly responsible for the birth of tabloid-TV news coverage and the shotgun marriage of journalism and entertainment.
Although Michael Jackson’s days as a “Free Bird” may be numbered, Southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd appear ready to perform their ‘70s anthem until the end of time. Look for surviving members of the band on “Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Super Bowl Saturday Night Special” (9 p.m. tonight, CMT). They will perform along with guests Charlie Daniels, 3 Doors Down, Jo Dee Messina and Donnie Van Zant.
James Garner receives the Life Achievement Award on the “11th Annual Screen Actor’s Guild Awards” (8 p.m. tonight, TNT). Union-card-holding actors will honor outstanding performances in five film and eight television categories.
Fox hopes to use the ratings success of “Super Bowl XXXIX” (3 p.m. Sunday, Fox) to promote its new cartoon comedy “American Dad” (7:30 p.m. Sunday, Fox, time approximate after football). “Dad” airs after a special episode of “The Simpsons” (7 p.m. Sunday Fox, time approximate) that features the voices of Tom Brady, Warren Sapp, Yao Ming, LeBron James and Michelle Kwan.
Created by young animator Seth MacFarlane, “Dad” is remarkably similar to MacFarlane’s “Family Guy,” a cartoon that aired briefly on Fox, found a cult audience on The Cartoon Network and recently has returned to Fox.
MacFarlane provides the voice of dad Stan Smith, a hyperactive CIA agent with a nerdy 13-year-old son, Steve (Scott Grimes), a hippie junior-college freshman daughter, Hayley (Rachael MacFarlane) and a doting wife, Francine (Wendy Schael).
The Smiths live with Roger (Seth MacFarlane), an outer-space creature with atrocious hygiene and a weakness for sweets. For reasons unknown, Roger speaks just like a bad imitation of the late Paul Lynde.
There’s also Klaus (Dee Bradley Baker), a goldfish with the brain of an East German athlete who is the end result of some CIA cover-up. Despite his gilled status, Klaus harbors a desperate, unrequited crush on Francine
If you like “Dad,” you’ll have to wait a while to see it again; it won’t join the Fox schedule on a permanent basis until May 1.
Super Bowl counterprogramming goes to the dogs with “The Puppy Bowl” (3 p.m. Sunday, Animal Planet), a three-hour celebration of youthful canine exuberance. Viewers will find out how they can adopt a puppy of their own.
The fur flies again at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Other cable alternatives intend to keep you in stitches.
Dayna Devon (“Extra”) shares her passion for sewing on “Celebrity Hobbies” (8 p.m., Sunday, DIY). If that doesn’t thread your needle, Shelly Morrison (Rosario on “Will & Grace”) offers tips for knitting and crocheting.
Today’s highlights
“The Directors” (11 a.m., Encore) examines the films of Nora Ephron, including “You’ve Got Mail” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” Interviews include Tom Hanks, Steve Martin and Rob Reiner.
“Black Preachers” (7 p.m., History) examines the role of religious leaders in African-American history.
Cosmetic surgery can be a killer on “Law & Order” (8 p.m., NBC).
Poisoned punch fells churchgoers on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (9 p.m., NBC).
Gabrielle puts on a fashion show on “Desperate Housewives” (9 p.m., ABC).
Scheduled on “48 Hours Mystery” (10 p.m., CBS): the murder of Long Island tycoon Ted Ammon.
Mary Stuart Masterson guest-stars on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (10 p.m., NBC).
Sunday’s hightlights
The news special “Child Prodigies” (7 p.m., CBS) celebrates gifted youth. “60 Minutes” has the night off.
Murder in the drug industry on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m., NBC).
Randy Travis guest-stars on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (9 p.m., ABC).
A fireman’s ex is accused of killing his new wife on “Law & Order” (9 p.m., NBC).
A burglar makes his accomplices disappear on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (10 p.m., NBC).
The hunt for Mrs. Huber on “Desperate Housewives” (10 p.m., ABC).