TV picks for May 25: Volkswagen Beetle, "Texas Rising," "The Island"

"Driving America" examines the Volkswagen Beetle, a car that Adolf Hitler had a hand in designing — but don't hold it against the bug-ster. 8 p.m. National Geographic Channel

The success of "Hatfields & McCoys" most likely helped greenlight "Texas Rising," a 10-hour series that follows the rise of the Texas Rangers. "Hatfields" star Bill Paxton stars alongside Kris Kristofferson, Ray Liotta and Brendan Fraser, an impressive cast for a network once known for its fascination with Hitler documentaries. 8 p.m. History

Minneapolis criminal defense attorney Jud Nichols tries to prove he can win outside the courtroom in "The Island," a new reality series in which survivalist Bear Grylls challenges macho men to see if they can live on a deserted island without luxuries. Hey, if Mr. Howl can do it, so can Nichols. 9 p.m. KARE, Ch. 11.

Neal Justin