The troubled Prince of Pop sits down with cable journalism’s Sultan of Sleaze when Michael Jackson submits to an interview with Geraldo Rivera on “At Large with Geraldo Rivera” (9 p.m. today, Fox News). If prosecutors have their way, Jackson may not be “at large” for much longer.

Rivera seems perfectly suited to act as ringmaster for the circus that is certain to accompany Jackson’s legal proceedings. A larger-than-life news personality, Geraldo was singularly responsible for the birth of tabloid-TV news coverage and the shotgun marriage of journalism and entertainment. His live 1986 syndicated special covering the opening of Al Capone’s vault was a ratings winner, despite the fact that the vault yielded no treasure. His subsequent daily talk show featured Nazis, freaks and fistfights, and made the world safe for Jerry Springer.

Rivera’s recent stint at Fox News has hardly been untroubled. After the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the U.S. military expelled him from the war zone for divulging details of a forthcoming combat operation. The flag-wavers at Fox News stood behind Rivera, but his rash actions — including his claim that he was armed and ready to kill Iraqis — drew criticism from fellow journalists. After his shenanigans in Iraq, Rivera became the subject of a thinly veiled “ripped from the headlines” plot on “Law & Order” about an Iraq war vet who shoots a careless media showboat for putting his fighting men in harm’s way.

During his interview on “At Large,” Michael Jackson discusses his role as a father and plans to record a song to raise money for tsunami victims. He offers a sharp rebuke to rapper Eminem and reflects on his sister Janet and her role in last year’s Super Bowl halftime fiasco.

• Although Michael Jackson’s days as a “Free Bird” may be numbered, Southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd appear ready to perform their ’70s anthem until the end of time. Look for surviving members of the band on “Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Super Bowl Saturday Night Special” (8 p.m. today, CMT). They will perform along with guests Charlie Daniels, 3 Doors Down, Jo Dee Messina and Donnie Van Zant.
• James Garner receives the Life Achievement Award at the “11th Annual Screen Actor’s Guild Awards” (7 p.m. today, TNT). Union-card-holding actors will honor outstanding performances in five film and eight television categories.
• Super Bowl counter-programming goes to the dogs with “The Puppy Bowl” (2 p.m. Sunday, Animal Planet), a three-hour celebration of youthful canine exuberance. Viewers will find out how they can adopt a puppy of their own. The fur flies again at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Today’s highlights

• “The Directors” (10 a.m., Encore) examines the films of Nora Ephron, including “You’ve Got Mail” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” Interviews include Tom Hanks, Steve Martin and Rob Reiner.
• “Black Preachers” (6 p.m., History) examines the role of religious leaders in African-American history.
• Cosmetic surgery can be a killer on “Law & Order” (7 p.m., NBC).
• Poisoned punch fells churchgoers on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m., NBC).
• Gabrielle puts on a fashion show on “Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m., ABC).
• Scheduled on “48 Hours Mystery” (9 p.m., CBS): the murder of Long Island tycoon Ted Ammon.
• Mary Stuart Masterson guest stars on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m., NBC).

Sunday’s highlights

• The news special “Child Prodigies” (6 p.m., CBS) celebrates gifted youth. “60 Minutes” has the night off.
• Murder in the drug industry on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (7 p.m., NBC).
• Randy Travis guest stars on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (8 p.m., ABC).
• A fireman’s ex is accused of killing his new wife on “Law & Order” (8 p.m., NBC).
• A burglar makes his accomplices disappear on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (9 p.m., NBC).
• The hunt for Mrs. Huber on “Desperate Housewives” (9 p.m., ABC).

Saturday series

Tastemakers tangle on “Wickedly Perfect” (7 p.m., CBS) … On back-to-back episodes of “Cops” (Fox), hot cars in a drug zone (7 p.m.), Fido five-0 (7:30 p.m.) … Tom Bergeron hosts “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (7 p.m., ABC) … Horatio is suspicious of a reporter’s testimony on “CSI: Miami” (8 p.m., CBS) … John Walsh hosts “America’s Most Wanted” (8 p.m., Fox).

Sunday series

An officer is raped and murdered on “NCIS” (7 p.m., CBS) … Tom Bergeron hosts “America’s Funniest Home Videos” (7 p.m., ABC) … On back-to-back episodes of “Summerland” (WB), love and the luau (7 p.m.), Ava worries (7:30 p.m.).

A professor lives under a cloud of suspicion on “Cold Case” (8 p.m., CBS) … A salon visit confounds police on “Without a Trace” (9 p.m., CBS).