What's on TV

Saturday 8/17

CNN Presents – America Remembers (CNN, 8-9 p.m., Part 2 continues Aug. 24): Two-part documentary commemorates the Sept. 11 tragedy. This early memorial covers the event from the perspective of reporters covering the story and from those who experienced it.

America's Big Cat Crises (MSNBC, 8-9 p.m.): National Geographic Explorer looks at the growing phenomenon of lions, tigers, and pumas kept as pets.M

Two Young Americans: The Patriot and the Taliban (A&E, 9-10 p.m.): Investigative Reports examines two young Americans who faced off in the desert of Afghanistan: John Walker Lindh, an American citizen captured fighting for the Taliban, and CIA Special Agent Mike Spann, the first American killed in action in Afghanistan. Their encounter lasted only a few moments as Spann interrogated Lindh. A few moments later, the Al Qaeda prisoners revolted.

Ground Force: New York (BBC America, 8 p.m.): Horticulture in New York? The English team of experts transforms a derelict lot in New York's East Village into an oasis of sunshine and flowers for the whole community. Every city in America could use green thumbs like these.

The Isaac Mizrahi Show (Oxygen, 10:30- 11 p.m.): Janeane Garofalo guest stars on the clothes designer's second season opening. Natalie Portman, Kristen Davis, and John Leguizamo will guest star during the season.

Wide Angle: Bitter Harvest (PBS, check local listings): The Taliban may have been defeated, but the drug lords of Afghanistan are more powerful than ever. The opium crops are huge. Heroin has hit the highways, and its flowing into countries like Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.riday

Into the Death Zone: Skywalkers (Discovery Channel, 8-9 p.m.): Building skyscrapers is no job for the faint of heart. Ironworkers must be strong, sure on their feet, and fearless of heights. This fascinating documentary takes us inside the industry – way up in the sky – and introduces us to the courageous men who make their living there.