Bandit and the bandit
Networks are shying away from fresh programming during the Olympics — a bummer for those who can't appreciate the art of curling. Leave it to two legendary outlaws to ride to the rescue. "Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid," a new episode of "American Experience," focuses on the duo's bravado and how it was no match for a country that was becoming less tolerant of the Wild West. It's a terrific story, one made all the more thrilling by the absence of "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head." 8 p.m. Tue., TPT, Ch. 2, and on DVD Wednesday.
Prison break
After a two-month break, the cast of "The Walking Dead" returns, at least those who weren't destroyed in the shocking midseason finale. Actually, shocking may be too strong a word. As we've come to learn, everyone in front of (or even behind) the camera is vulnerable. Now that the prison has been destroyed, where will the gang move next? I hear Santa Fe is nice this time of year. 8 p.m. Sun., AMC
Hitting the roof
PBS has Sherlock Holmes on the payroll, but it's opted to employ historians and engineers to help solve "The Great Cathedral Mystery," a "Nova" special about the dome that crowns Florence's great cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo, one of architecture's greatest marvels. 8 p.m. Wed., TPT, Ch. 2
Three's company
We're still in the Hollywood rounds on "American Idol," but it's not too early to declare a winner: The new judges' panel. The tension-free trio appears to be having a grand time while offering some of the soundest advice the show has ever had. Kudos to Harry Connick Jr., who proves it is indeed possible to be simultaneously tough and tender. 7 p.m. Wed.-Thu., KMSP, Ch. 9
Neal Justin
