What's on TV

SHOWS WORTH NOTING FOR JAN. 9-15

Listings are not necessarily recommended by the Monitor. All times Eastern, check local listings.

SATURDAY 1/9

NFL playoffs (Fox, 12:30-4 p.m.): The San Francisco 49ers, who scored a thrilling victory last week over the Green Bay Packers, play the Atlanta Falcons for a place in the conference finals. In the second game, the Miami Dolphins visit the Denver Broncos (CBS, 4-7 p.m.) On Sunday, the New York Jets host the Jacksonville Jaguars (CBS, 12:30-4 p.m.), followed by the Arizona Cardinals at the Minnesota Vikings (Fox, 4-7 p.m.).

SUNDAY 1/10

Purgatory (TNT, 8-10 p.m.): This compelling Western follows a band of outlaws to a mysterious ghost town. Stars Eric Roberts, Sam Shepard, and Randy Quaid. (See story, p. 18.) (TV-14, LV)

The PJs (Fox, 8:30-9 p.m.): One of several new animated comedies to hit the airwaves midseason. This hilarious new "foamation" (think claymation) comedy is set in an inner-city apartment building and stars the voice of Eddie Murphy. In "Hangin' With Mr. Super," the first episode, building super Thurgood Stubbs (Murphy) catches Calvin (Crystal Scales) playing hooky and teaches him a lesson by putting him to work. (TV-PG)

Three Gorges: The Biggest Dam in the World (Discovery, 9-10 p.m.): When completed in 2009, it will be the second Great Wall of China - a dam five times the size of the Hoover. Narrated by actress Jodie Foster, the special focuses on the ambitious construction project that will tame the mighty Yangzte River and offer China an economic ticket to the future. The cost: $28 billion and huge reservoir floods that will inundate 4,000 villages, 19 cities, 1 million acres of farmland, as well as many archaeological treasures.

PICK OF THE WEEK

The People's Choice Awards (CBS, 9-11 p.m.): Hosted by Ray Romano and broadcast from Pasadena, Calif., the 25th annual awards show will announce the American public's favorites in 18 categories of music, movies, and television. Presenters include Christina Applegate and Brooke Shields.

WEDNESDAY 1/13

60 Minutes II (CBS, 9-10 p.m.): Television's longest-running newsmagazine clocks in a new edition. The correspondents include Dan Rather, Bob Simon, Charlie Rose, and Vicki Mabrey. A full story will appear in next week's arts section.

FRIDAY 1/15

The Greatest Generation (NBC, 9-10 p.m.): Based on Tom Brokaw's bestselling book, this engaging report profiles the generation that came of age during World War II. Military heroes, family members of those who served in the war, and community leaders lend voices.

Buffett & Gates on Success (PBS, 10-11 p.m., check local listings): How did America's two wealthiest businessmen get where they are today? In lively and candid discussion, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Berkshire Hathaway chairman and CEO Warren Buffett field questions from students at the University of Washington.