Art Linkletter had it half right. Kids do say “the darndest things” – unless, of course, they are reading from bad scripts written by adults. The TV movie “The Naked Brothers Band” (7 p.m. today, Nickelodeon) is the pilot for a weekly series of the same name that will air its first episode next Saturday night.

Presented as a spoof documentary, “Brothers” chronicles the rise of a hit band consisting of young boys ages 6 through 9. Think of Hanson, when they were very, very young. The onscreen chatter consists of boys being boys and boys trying to behave like 20-something rock stars. If there is anything more excruciating than precocious child actors, it is precocious child actors behaving like “players.”

“Brothers” was produced by Polly Draper (“thirtysomething”) and includes celebrity cameos by Uma Thurman, Julianne Moore, Arsenio Hall, Cyndi Lauper and the cast of “thirtysomething.”

¢ Even viewers who have long recoiled at the predictable prettiness and formula romance of Hallmark Hall of Fame productions should give “The Valley of Light” (8 p.m. Sunday, CBS) a chance.

For a movie called “The Valley of Light,” this film eschews the Hallmark tradition of bathing every scene in golden sunshine. The color palate is muted, but the film is gorgeous to look at nonetheless.

Chris Klein plays Noah, a returning soldier from World War II bearing the scars of battle on his flesh and in his mind. Working as a fisherman, he stumbles upon a North Carolina valley and insinuates himself into the lives of the townsfolk, including a mute boy (Zach Mills) and the widow (Gretchen Mol) of a veteran who took his own life after returning from the war.

If you’re looking for fast-paced action, this isn’t the “Valley” for you. But the scenery, the slow-building romance and the gentle camaraderie of a town that could serve as a prequel to “The Andy Griffith Show” serve as an entertaining and rewarding backdrop for the story of two deeply wounded people finding each other and discovering the will to go forward together.

“Light” has its share of Hallmark cliches, including small-town innocence, billion-dollar pastoral views, talk of ghosts and even “angels,” and a fishing contest to boot. But somehow this love story still works well enough to charm a cranky cynic like me.

¢ “King of the Hill” (7:30 p.m. Sunday, Fox) returns for its 11th season. This animated comedy’s longevity is a cause for celebration. At a time when prime-time cartoons are increasingly dominated and influenced by the “Family Guy” school of nonsense satire, “King” presents character-driven comedy with heart and wit. On tonight’s episode, Peggy finds a new female confidant who is more than meets the eye.

¢ Oscar fans and handicappers can’t miss the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (7 p.m. Sunday, TNT). Julie Andrews will receive a lifetime achievement award.

Tonight’s highlights

¢ Scheduled on “Dateline” (7 p.m., NBC): a letter of apology reopens a rape case after 21 years.

Sunday’s highlights

¢ Scheduled on “60 Minutes” (6 p.m., CBS): a British savant; an interview with an American defector in North Korea.