Tonight's TV Hot List: Saturday, June 19, 2010

World Cup Soccer
2/1c ABC
As the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals (1990) and the second to capture Olympic gold (2000), Cameroon is hoping for more once-a-decade magic in this first World Cup on its home continent. But after a frustrating 1-0 loss to Japan, the Indomitable Lions are under pressure to at least play to a tie against Denmark, the other winless squad in Group E. Look for more urgency from classy forwards Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon (and Inter Milan) and rangy Dane Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal), who combined for one harmless shot in their first matches. — Roger Leister
A Sanjay Gupta, M.D. Special: Dads for My Daughters
8/7c CNN
How would you react if you were diagnosed with cancer? Sanjay Gupta relates the story of Council of Dads author Bruce Feiler, perhaps best known for Walking the Bible, who learned in 2008 that he had a life-threatening cancer. The father of twin 3-year-old girls, his thoughts turned to what they might miss by not having a dad in their lives. As a result, he asked six friends to help shepherd them to adulthood if he didn't make it. (Thankfully, Feiler's now cancer-free.) — Jeff Gemmill
Paradise or Bust
8/7c National Geographic
In 2006, a pair of British twentysomethings came up with an ambitious plan to create an innovative eco-tourist experience on an island paradise. So they leased a nearly deserted island off the coast of Fiji, launched an online community, and invited random strangers from around the world to become part of their "tribe." Cameras documented their progress, and the result is this documentary series. The premiere follows Tribewanted founders Ben Keene and Mark Bowness as they race to get the community up and running before the first visitors arrive. — Karen Andzejewicz
Man vs. Wild
9/8c Discovery
Survivalist Bear Grylls takes a break from his usual routine — being dropped off in remote locations where he is forced to endure grueling weather and hostile terrain and eat things that would make most of us sick during his long trek back to civilization — to show us the Top 25 times he worked his outdoor magic. — Michael Chant
Dad's Home
9/8c Hallmark
David James Elliott stars in this 2010 original movie as a workaholic ad man who's forced into a new role as a stay-at-home dad. After losing his job, Ben Westman (Elliott) takes over the household tasks that he used to delegate to a hired staff. Though reluctant at first, Ben gets the hang of the gig and reconnects with his kids, whom he'd neglected in the past. But this new bond is threatened when an enticing job offer forces Ben to make a tough choice for himself as well as his kids. — Brie Hearn
Michael Jackson's This Is It
9/8c Starz
The King of Pop is dead. Long live the King. Fans of Michael Jackson (1958-2009) may find solace in seeing their iconic idol in this revealing behind-the-scenes documentary. The dazzling performer is captured in rehearsals for "This Is It," his sold-out London tour that would never be as he died, at age 50, prior to its opening. Culled from more than 100 hours of footage, it's the portrait of the artist as a sublime entertainer. Though both celebrated for his prodigious skills and denigrated for his eccentricity and legal woes, there is no doubt that he was one electric talent. A thriller, indeed. — Ray Stackhouse
Unwrapped
10/9c Food Network
No food says summer quite like ice cream, and this episode serves up the inside scoop on the season's coolest treat. Highlights include a look at how Ben & Jerry's comes up with its funky flavors and a visit to a Boulder company that makes savory ice cream with such flavors as cracked pepper, cumin and capers. — Karen Andzejewicz