Neal Justin's TV picks for Aug. 16-Aug. 20: 'Sneaky Pete,' 'Show Me a Hero,' Jason Matheson, 'Documentary Now'

"Saturday Night Live" alums Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen and Bill Hader, three of the busiest guys in Hollywood not named Kevin Hart, show off their cerebral wit in "Documentary Now!" a comedy series so highbrow it was able to recruit Helen Mirren as its host. Each episode parodies a different style of filmmaking, from the guerilla-inspired tactics of the Vice franchise to the somber approach of Ken Burns' history lessons. Meyers is missing from the screen, at least in early episodes, but his partners are everywhere, especially Hader, who is proving to be one of our most chameleon-like actors. Jack Black and John Slattery are among the recognizable faces in on the jokes. 9 p.m. Thursday, IFC

Bryan Cranston isn't quite ready to remove his black hat. The "Breaking Bad" star is the co-creator of "Sneaky Pete," a new series about a con man (Giovanni Ribisi) who avoids Cranston's mobster by posing as the long-lost grandson of a couple struggling to keep their bail bond business afloat. The dramedy is ridiculously high on coincidences and woefully low on scenes featuring Cranston. Now streaming on amazon.com/prime

Small talk is in short supply in "Show Me a Hero," the new series from writer David Simon, who previously set his sights on bureaucracy malfunction in "The Wire" and "Treme." This miniseries, set in mid-'80s Yonkers, N.Y., stars Oscar Isaac as the baby-faced mayor, a man determined not to let the issue of lower-income housing in white neighborhoods get in the way of his political ambitions. The Bruce Springsteen-friendly soundtrack and high-wattage cast, including Jim Belushi and Winona Ryder, provide sex appeal to what's essentially a paper chase. 7 p.m. Sunday, HBO

Jason Matheson, the Energizer Bunny of local media, brings his contagious enthusiasm to morning TV with "The Jason Show," a new weekday talker with a heavy emphasis on pop culture and trending topics. Check out the premiere episode to see if Matheson's media wife, Katie Couric, phones in with her congratulations. 10 a.m. Mon.-Fri., KMSP, Ch. 9

Neal Justin