How the mighty have fallen
Protests over a Minnesota hunter's recent killing of a beloved lion are certainly understandable, but save some outrage for the fate of Africa's elephants, a much more endangered species whose peril is well examined in "Explorer: Warlords of Ivory." This is an in-depth examination into the highly lucrative — and devastating — hunt for tusks. Host Bryan Christy, who tracks part of the illegal trade to a notorious militia, can get a bit too breathless and dramatic in his reporting, but it's easy to see why he gets so passionate about an underreported crime to an animal that desperately needs protection. For an even deeper investigation, see the current issue of National Geographic. 7 p.m. Sunday, National Geographic Channel.
Party in the USA
Miley Cyrus will most likely keep her tongue firmly planted in cheek as host of the MTV Video Music Awards, but we'd be pleased as punch if she lent nominee Taylor Swift her wrecking ball to bowl over Kanye West during his acceptance speech for the Vanguard Award. 8 p.m. Sunday, MTV
Spin the bottle
Jenny Slate gives a lecture on the origins of the Big Bang Theory — but only after getting her booze on in the Season 3 premiere of "Drunk History." The intoxicated lessons are enhanced by the likes of Stephen Merchant as Abraham Lincoln and Christopher Meloni setting aside his tough-guy image to play a fossil hunter. 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Comedy Central
Fashion statement
Cable news takes a break from wall-to-wall coverage of Donald Trump to give us a report on the "Fresh Dressed," the movers and shakers who helped shape fashion trends over the past 40 years. Pharrell Williams, Jeff Tweedy and Russell Simmons are among those waxing poetic about fat-laced sneakers and Cazal sunglasses. 8 p.m. Thursday, CNN
Neal Justin
