October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.
The Arts & Entertainment Network presents Pole to Pole, a series of eight one-hour documentaries. Hosted by Michael Palin, A&E’s resident explorer, the series begins at the North Pole and journeys through Russia, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Africa en route to the South Pole. Along the way, Palin discusses geography, history, and cultural diversity. Each commercial-free segment begins at 7 a.m. (EDT).
October 5.
NOVA, PBS’s award-winning science series, airs “The Nova Quiz.’' During this one-hour special, eight contestants will answer questions on a wide variety of science topics and perform hands-on experiments as they compete for the grandprize, an opportunity to join a noted scientist on the winner’s choice of 162 Earthwatch-sponsored projects in 58 countries. Earthwatch, a nonprofit enterprise, supports field research to improve our understanding of the planet. The show will also include questions for the home audience, posed by such celebrity guests as Ted Koppel, Gregory Hines, and Harry Connick Jr., among others. The show begins at 8 p.m. (EDT).
October 12.
The Discovery Channel presents “How The West Was Lost: The Apache,’' a one-hour documentary that examines the efforts of the Apache tribe to hold on to their homeland as pioneers began to encroach and challenge their indigenous lifestyle. The show begins at 9 a.m. (EDT) and is part of The Discovery Channel’s Assignment Discovery series.
October 14.
The Discovery Channel airs “The International Sweethearts of Rhythm,’' a one-hour Assignment Discovery documentary about a multiracial, 16piece, all-women’s jazz band in the late 1940s. The show begins at 9 a.m. (EDT).
October 22.
“Race to Save the Planet: Do We Really Want To Live This Way?’' is yet another one-hour Discovery Channel Assignment Discovery documentary, this one hosted by Meryl Streep. The program explores a number of environmental issues, ranging from population growth and soil erosion to the destruction of forests and longterm climatic changes. The show airs at 9 a.m. (EDT).
