Troubled times
The new documentary series "Hollywood Scandals" (8 p.m. Fri., Reelz) reminds us that celebrities were embroiled in controversy long before Miley Cyrus hit the scene. First up: Marilyn Monroe. Upcoming episodes focus on Michael Jackson, Robert Downey Jr. and Whitney Houston.
Wonder wall
"The Improv: 50 Years Behind the Brick Wall" (9 p.m. Fri., Epix) features big names such as Larry David, Bill Maher and Sarah Silverman, talking passionately about their early years at one of the most influential comedy clubs of modern times. Some of the early footage is a little shaky, but the laughs are solid. Adam Sandler manages to narrate without sliding into his baby voice.
Couch gag
Talk-show appearances don't mean what they used to when Johnny Carson was king, but they still carry some weight. Case in point: I wasn't planning on watching "Chris D'Elia: White Male, Black Comic" (11 p.m. Fri., Comedy), but I changed my mind after the standup's killer bit on "Conan." This guy is one to watch.
Happy hunting
Daniel Craig puts down his martini long enough to narrate "One Life" (7 p.m. Sun., National Geographic Wild), an ambitious nature series that offers extraordinary footage from the animal kingdom, including komodo dragons hunting buffalo and the Jesus Christ lizard.
Neal Justin
