A special of Ruthian proportions; the judge has the final word; a Titanic exploration.

Sunday

“Titanic Live” / 5 p.m. Discovery Channel

You’ve seen the movie. Are you up for a full-fledged exploration of the ocean liner (sans James Cameron)? This month’s expedition has attempted to bring a portion of the ship’s hull to the surface of the North Atlantic. On this two-hour telecast airing in more than 100 countries, both live and taped footage will cover all aspects of the ongoing research.

****

“You Be the Judge” / 7 p.m. NBC

Jerry Orbach isn’t a cop but he plays one on “Law & Order.” Now the seasoned thespian serves as host for a one-hour special from the producers of “Unsolved Mysteries.” In it, he presents contradictory arguments for three controversial issues involving guns, sexual harassment and high-speed chases. Six directors attempt to make a compelling argument for one side of each issue by using statistics, re-creations, interviews and news footage to sway the viewer’s opinion. Hence the show’s title.

****

“Babe Ruth” / 8 p.m. HBO

The mythical figure with spindle legs and a mammoth swing comes to life in this captivating documentary observing the 50th anniversary of his death. It’s a grand-slamin’ hour loaded with first-rate footage, evocative photos and swell anecdotes from those who knew and played with him. They describe the Bambino as a paradox who could be crude and kind, a man who transcended sport and a legend with an insatiable appetite for food and women. “If Babe Ruth had not existed, it would have been impossible to invent him,” says one supporter. Few would disagree on that score.

Monday

“Judge Mills Lane” / 11 and 11:30 a.m. KTLA

Let’s get it on! The man who took a bite out of Mike Tyson’s bid for the boxing championship against Evander Holyfield enters the daytime TV arena. In his new syndicated show, the outspoken district court judge and longtime referee lays down the law in court. Each half-hour installment examines a single case involving small claims or contract and family disputes. That puts Mills in the same lane with the established “Judge Judy” and “The People’s Court.” OK, people, have a good, clean fight and may the best jurist win.

****

“Nightmare in Big Sky Country” / 9 p.m. Lifetime

Speaking of judges, “thirtysomething” alum Patricia Wettig happens to portray one in this cable movie based on a true story. Small-town jurist and single mother Marty Bethel (Wettig) rules against a member of the Montana Militia, who proceeds to threaten our hearty heroine and her children. With support from a boyfriend (Matt McCoy), Bethel sets out to prove she has the right to do her job without fear of reprisal.

Tuesday

“Any Day Now” / 9 p.m. Lifetime

The cable channel for women takes a daring step by unveiling three new series on what will be the toughest night of the week this fall. “Day” is a thoughtful, well-acted drama about two childhood friends of the Civil Rights era who are reacquainted as adults in their hometown of Birmingham, Ala. Annie Potts and Lorraine Toussaint are fine as the central characters, one a happily married homemaker (Potts), the other a successful attorney (Toussaint). In the premiere, they meet for the first time since a falling out as teens.

****

“Maggie” / 10 p.m. Lifetime

“Oh Baby” / 10:30 p.m. Lifetime

The other two newcomers on Lifetime’s Tuesday lineup are comedies revolving around (what else?) women. Ann Cusack plays the title role in “Maggie,” a married woman who falls for another man. Maggie’s attraction to a veterinarian (John Slattery) sends her to a therapist, where she discusses her dilemma and previously safe life. “Oh Baby” stars Cynthia Stevenson as a single, thirtyish gal who opts to have a child through artificial insemination. Tracy would have preferred the conventional way of bearing kids, but a commitment-phobic boyfriend (Daniel Hugh Kelly) made that impossible.

Saturday

“Live From the Hollywood Bowl” / 8:30 p.m. KCOP

No tickets to this weekend’s “Great American Concert” at the Bowl? No problem. Sit back and savor the songs of George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein (think of the money you’ll save on admission and parking). Sylvia McNair and Tracey Welborn give voice to such tunes as “A Foggy Day,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” and “Strike Up the Band” on an evening capped off with fireworks.