The right path

I'm not a big fan of actors masquerading as journalists, but I'm willing to make an exception for "A Path Appears," in which celebrities including Mia Farrow, Ashley Judd and Jennifer Garner tag along with esteemed husband-and-wife reporters Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn as they explore gender inequality in America, Haiti and Kenya. The stories would be harrowing enough without the big names, but the actresses' reactions to the young girls being abused help bring heart to this four-hour series. You're strongly encouraged to check this out as well as their previous project, "Half the Sky," which covers many of the same issues. 9 p.m. Monday, TPT, Ch. 2

Out of this world

Nia Sanchez does her patriotic duty by representing the United States in the "63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant." She's got home-field advantage as the contestants walk the runway just outside Miami. No word yet on who will participate from Saturn. Boxer Manny Pacquiao is among the celebrity judges. 7 p.m. Sunday, KARE, Ch. 11

Checking in

Former Minnesotan Gordon Schaeffer enters a "Hotel Showdown" when he shows off his hip, trendy Luxx Hotel in Santa Fe. The winner gets $25,000, which by reality competition series standards is the equivalent of a free buffet at Red Roof Inn. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Travel Channel

Going postal

Mail carriers live up to their credo "through rain, sleet or snow" in "Penguin Post Office," a documentary about a postal station in Antarctica where workers interact with gentoo penguins seeking their mates every summer. Fortunately, the film will not examine the mating rituals of the humans. 7 p.m. Wednesday, TPT, Ch. 2

Neal Justin