Strong enough
A number of Lance Armstrong's acquaintances warn director Marina Zenovich in "30 for 30: Lance" that her subject will do his best to manipulate her. They're right. But that doesn't mean he's successful. Watching the cycling legend cook up half-baked apologies for his doping deception is almost as exciting as the race footage. Those going through "The Last Dance" withdrawal will be more than satisfied with this two-part doc that concludes next Sunday.
8 p.m. Sunday, ESPN
General knowledge
Despite a six-hour running time, "Grant" is far from a complete biography of Ulysses S. Grant. It works superbly as a big-budget Civil War re-enactment, expertly detailing the general's strategy and savvy on the battlefield. But the three-part docudrama treats Grant's two terms in the White House as an afterthought. Leonardo DiCaprio is an executive producer, which makes you wonder if the Oscar winner might be thinking about portraying the former president in a feature film.
8 p.m. Mon.-Wed., History Channel
Way out West
"Barkskins," the ambitious novel from Pulitzer Prize-winning Annie Proulx, gets the TV treatment in this new series that follows two immigrants who embark on a journey to the New World in the 1600s. The first few episodes are a bit plodding, with lots of menacing dialogue from pioneers badly in need of a bath. David Thewlis stars as a landowner who always seems to be auditioning for the part of a Shakespeare villain.
8 p.m. Mondays, National Geographic
The truth teller
In "Hannah Gadsby: Douglas," Australian comic Gadsby wonders aloud why she got so much attention for her breakthrough special "Nanette." Then she proceeds to prove why she earned it. This time around, her targets include Renaissance artists, anti-vaxxers and the star of "Where's Waldo." "He should have to find himself like the rest of us have to," she says. Welcome back, Hannah.
Starts streaming Tuesday on Netflix
