Explore the ‘Titanic’ before it hits; another ‘Hallmark’ product; HBO’s new Harvey man

Sunday

“National Geographic Explorer” / 4 p.m. TBS

As James Cameron’s “Titanic” sets sail on the big screen this week, TBS books its own passage with a documentary about the ill-fated ship. Boyd Matson hosts a two-hour theme show consisting of three films recalling the voyage, its 1912 sinking and the 1985 expedition that located the luxury liner’s resting place in the North Atlantic.

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“Ellen Foster” / 9 p.m. CBS

Jena Malone, a fine young actress who has yet to give a false performance in films such as “Bastard Out of Carolina” and “Hope,” plays the title role in this “Hallmark Hall of Fame” drama about an optimistic 10-year-old determined to find happiness in a good home. That won’t be easy, however, what with an alcoholic father (Ted Levine), a mother (Glynnis O’Connor) who dies too soon and a domineering grandmother (played by Julie Harris, who’s appeared in more “Hallmark” projects than any other actor).

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“Tricks” / 9 p.m. Showtime

Mimi Rogers brings her usual grit and intelligence to this tawdry yet watchable tale about a former Vegas showgirl-turned-hooker. Money is tight for Rogers’ wistful Jackie Simpson and her diabetic son (David Kaye), who live with a boozy housemate (Tyne Daly) in Reno. After being smacked around by a high-powered client, a vengeful Jackie takes matters into her own hands. Ray Walston adds an amusing turn as a crusty gangster named Big Sam.

Tuesday

“Mad About You” / 8 p.m. NBC

They’re mad, we tell you, mad! The producers of this hit sitcom have fashioned a real-time episode filmed with one camera--and in one take--but no commercial breaks. The plot: Paul (Paul Reiser) and Jamie (Helen Hunt) opt to let baby Mabel cry herself to sleep one night. But while staying up late, the increasingly cranky Buchmans grapple with other parenting issues that prompt them to question their compatibility.

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“Innovation” / 10 p.m. KCET

Focusing on the sort of provocative medical stories that could turn up some night on “Chicago Hope,” this three-part PBS series opens with a report on children with a severe, genetically transmitted disease. The remedy: a technique in which eggs are taken from the mother’s body and fertilized. Two other segments deal with “boy in the bubble” syndrome and the first child to have three biological parents, one of whom is a donor.

Thursday

“Holiday at Pops” / 6 and 10 p.m. A&E;

Keith Lockhart lifts his baton to lead the Boston Pops in this yuletide perennial. The special guest is Rosemary Clooney, who sings “Let It Snow,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” which she first vocalized in the 1954 musical with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. “Soul Man’s” Anthony Clark reads the timeless poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas.”

Friday

“Christmas in Washington” / 10 p.m. NBC

In this other long-running TV tradition, well-known performers join President Clinton, the First Lady and various D.C. dignitaries to celebrate the season in song. Glenn Close hosts the the 16th annual gala with Hanson, Deana Carter, BeBe Winans and baritone Thomas Hampson. Director Dwight Hemion, an old hand at festive variety shows, oversees this hour featuring the United States Naval Academy Glee Club and the U.S. Army Band Herald Trumpets.

Saturday

“Steve Harvey: One Man” / 10 p.m. HBO

By now, the average viewer should know about the laid-back charm of this amiable comic with two sitcoms under his belt. Whether he’s playing a single father on ABC (“Me and the Boys”) or teaching teens for the WB, Harvey consistently approaches his work with sly timing and good humor. With any luck, there’s more of the same on this “HBO Comedy Hour” in which Harvey sounds off on Tiger Woods, ebonics, getting fired, religion and relationships.