The special report “What the Pope Knew” (7 p.m. today and 7 p.m. Sunday, CNN) takes a scrupulously evenhanded look at Pope Benedict XVI and his handling of the church’s sexual abuse scandal while pope and in his previous roles as the Archbishop of Munich and as the powerful Cardinal Ratzinger.

“Knew” offers a mixed verdict, combining powerful and painful testimony from victims with a painstakingly legalistic defense of a man who, as pope, has done much to confront the trauma. At the same time, Benedict’s actions as archbishop and cardinal reflected an institutional instinct to protect priests and ignore their victims.

“Knew” also reminds us that while serving as Cardinal Ratzinger, Benedict vigorously purged priests “guilty” of doctrinal liberalism. It was a church hierarchy, one expert contends, far more concerned with controlling thought than policing action.

It’s interesting to note how this CNN report continues the media’s remarkable, even obsequious, deference to the image of Benedict’s predecessor, Pope John Paul II. It shows rather clearly that Benedict acted rather swiftly on the matter once he was in charge. It declines to ask why John Paul II did not do the same. A special report on what that pope knew might be more informative, pertinent and explosive.

• In their continuing effort to move beyond Jon and Kate Gosselin, TLC introduces “Sister Wives” (9 p.m., Sunday, TLC), a voyeuristic take on polygamous marriage and childrearing.

We meet Kody Brown, a shaggy Utah dude and follower of a breakaway Mormon sect. He’s got three wives (Meri, Janelle and Christine), and he’s working on a fourth. Like the folks on “Big Love,” they live in a rambling McMansion with separate quarters as well as rooms for big family gatherings. As the title implies, the wives put a cheerful emphasis on togetherness with just enough comments about jealousy to make it vaguely interesting.

And as on “Big Love,” Kody appears to support his huge family in style. They drive SUVs and he has some kind of expensive imported car. It almost seems like conspicuous consumption allows them to hide in plain sight.

While the series puts a positive spin on a controversial and entirely illegal lifestyle and focuses on the wives’ cooperative homemaking, Kody lords over the situation like a glib and creepy sultan.

• “The Amazing Race” (7 p.m., CBS) returns for a 17th season and proves that a journey of 32,000 miles begins with one frantic scramble.

• “The Simpsons” (7 p.m., Fox) kicks off its 22nd season with Lisa at arts camp, where she learns a few tips on Bohemian attitudes from guitar-strumming counselors (Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, “Flight of the Conchords”).

“Conchords” has flown from HBO’s schedule, but “Bored to Death” (9 p.m., HBO) and “Eastbound and Down” (9:30 p.m., HBO) return.

• “Dexter” (8 p.m., Showtime) enters its fifth season with an extended shot of his murdered wife in a bathtub filled with blood. Help yourself.

Today’s highlights

Amy Poehler hosts the 36th season premiere of “Saturday Night Live” (10:30 p.m., NBC), featuring musical guest Katy Perry.

Sunday’s season premieres

• Scheduled on the 43rd season premiere of “60 Minutes” (6:30 p.m., CBS): the dangerous border of Pakistan and Afghanistan; Ground Zero controversy and a profile of Drew Brees.

• Vanessa Williams joins the cast of “Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m., ABC).

Sunday’s highlights

• “Masterpiece Mystery” (8 p.m., PBS, check local listings) presents “Inspector Lewis: Falling Darkness”.

• Nucky has more faith in the women’s vote than his mentor (Dabney Coleman) on “Boardwalk Empire” (8 p.m., HBO).

• An uninvited visitor rattles Betty on “Mad Men” (9 p.m., AMC).