Sex, scandal and shattered taboos loom large in the opulent British television biography of the romantic “Byron” (8 p.m. today, BBC America). Johnny Lee Miller (“Trainspotting”) portrays the artist as a mercurial young man given to serial womanizing and a taste for the forbidden. The film begins with Byron’s return from Greece and the Balkans and the rapturous reception to his book of poetry, “Childe Harolde’s Pilgrimage.”

Don’t go looking for a recitation of “Childe” or an explanation of the worth of Byron’s poetry. “Byron” treats its hero as the primordial rock star, complete with a stable of female groupies, many from the nicest homes. Lady Caroline Lamb (Camilla Power) throws herself at the poet, and he obliges her and dumps her in short order. Little wonder she called him, “Mad, bad, and dangerous to know.” This biography emphasizes his outsized personality traits that fascinated and repelled his acquaintances and readers for more than two centuries.

Today’s highlights

¢ The Chicago White Sox play host to Game One of the World Series (7 p.m., Fox).

¢ Martina McBride performs on “Grand Ole Opry Live!” (7 p.m., GAC)

¢ The news series “My First Place” (8 p.m., HGTV) showcases the joys of owning a home for the very first time. It also offers helpful tips and cautionary tales for the first-time homebuyer.

¢ Scheduled on “48 Hours Mystery” (9 p.m., CBS): A man who lived on the edge gets bumped off.

¢ Catherine Zeta-Jones is host of “Saturday Night Live” (10:30 p.m., NBC), featuring musical guest Franz Ferdinand.

Sunday’s highlights

¢ Scheduled on “60 Minutes” (6 p.m., CBS): interviews with the American sergeant who spent four decades in North Korea; Michael Jordan; and musical savants.

¢ Toby takes a legal hint on “West Wing” (7 p.m., NBC).

¢ Game Two of the World Series (7 p.m., Fox).

¢ Randy Travis sings on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m., ABC).

¢ Murder in the cathedral on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m., NBC).

¢ Susan’s agent (Wallace Shawn) disappoints her on “Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m., ABC).