People are strange

The early days of television bred some unlikely stars, not the least of which was Robert Ripley, a former sports cartoonist whose curiosity about the world's most unusual people led him to ask viewers to "believe it or not." The latest edition of "American Experience" does a bang-up job of presenting the foibles and flaws of a showman who thoroughly enjoyed his fame, crisscrossing the world with unrestricted delight. Ripley, through the eyes of director Cathleen O'Connell, comes across as a great American figure who used his eccentricities to blaze a weird, wonderful trail. 8 p.m. Tuesday, TPT, Ch. 2

Geraldo at large

The real question at the beginning of every season of "The Celebrity Apprentice" isn't who is going to win, but who is going to come across as the biggest jerk. That award goes to Geraldo Rivera, whose ego looms large over his fellow contestants, including Kate Gosselin, Vivica A. Fox and Terrell Owens. Look for an upcoming appearance by previous winner Joan Rivers, who taped segments before her untimely death last year. 8 p.m. Sunday, KARE, Ch. 11

Temp jobs

"The Late, Late Show" is using replacement hosts until James Corden settles into his new digs. First up: Craig Ferguson's longtime buddy Drew Carey, who will welcome Eric Idle, Ethan Hawke and Sharon Osbourne, among others, all this week. Future subs include John Mayer, Sean Hayes, Wayne Brady and Will Arnett. 11:35 p.m. Monday-Friday, WCCO, Ch. 4

Jenny & the New Kid on the Block

What's a honeymoon without a crew of cameras in tow? The new series "Donnie Loves Jenny" opens with the wedding of Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy, two celebrities who have thrived in the reality spotlight. Early drama revolves around adjusting to the presence of Jenny's dad and teaching her son, Evan, all about the birds and the bees. Hey, give the kid a few copies of "Singled Out." That should do the trick. 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, A&E

Neal Justin