What's on TV

Shows worth noting for MARCH 13 - 19

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

SATURDAY 3/13 NCAA Basketball Tournament (CBS, 12 noon-9 p.m.): Stomachs flutter, dreams live or die, and reputations are cast as madness marches on. It's down to 32 teams today, and after Sunday night, Sweet 16.

SUNDAY 3/14 The Darklings (Fox Family Channel, 8-10 p.m.): A mildly entertaining mystery about a housebound teen who thinks he witnesses a murder. Naturally, when the police investigate, they find nothing amiss. But young Chris (Ryan de Boer) and his friends know better. Stars Suzanne Somers and Timothy Busfield.

Inside the Actors Studio: Steven Spielberg (Bravo, 8-10 p.m.): The greatest and most imaginative filmmaker of our time sits down with host James Lipton for a candid discussion about his childhood, his phobias, and how sneaking his way onto a Universal Studios lot as a teenager helped launch his career. Spielberg makes filmmaking sound easy as he reveals his techniques, from "Jaws" and "E.T." to this year's Academy-Award nominated "Saving Private Ryan." (TV-PG)

Cleopatra's Palace: In Search of a Legend (The Discovery Channel, 9-10 p.m.): French explorer Franck Goddio and his team dive into the harbor of Alexandria, Egypt, and shine new light on the remains of Cleopatra's sunken palace. (TV-G).

Replacing Dad (CBS, 9-11 p.m.): Mary McDonnell ("Dances With Wolves") stars as Linda Marsh, a loving wife and devoted mom of three who catches her husband, George (William Russ), cheating on her. The story is predictable and sad, but it's entertaining because McDonnell is so likable, and it carries a positive message: If life throws you for a loop, just keep going. (TV-PG, D)

PICK OF THE WEEK MONDAY 3/15 Biography (A&E, 8-9 p.m.): Host Harry Smith interviews this year's Oscar nominees beginning with Nick Nolte tonight. Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Gwyneth Paltrow round out the rest of the week. (TV-G)

WEDNESDAY 3/17 Dear America: A Picture of Freedom (HBO, 7:30-8 p.m.): Original, preteen view of history based on the popular Scholastic book series. A 12-year-old slave girl, Clotee (adorable Shadia Simmons), helps friends on a plantation take the "underground railroad" to freedom. A lot of information is packed into this short, sweet piece, including a strong pro-education message. Fine family fare. Repeats March 19, 27, 30, and April 4. (TV-Y7)

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Class of '99: (VH1, 9-11:30 p.m.): Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, and seven others enter rock's pantheon. (TV-PG)

FRIDAY 3/19 Inside the Academy Awards (TNT, 10-11 p.m.): It's mail sorting before we hear the words "and the envelope please." Will it be "Saving Private Ryan" or "Shakespeare in Love?"