TURN ON, TUNE IN OR MISS OUT : ‘Asteroid’ headed toward NBC; A&E;’s version of Austen’s ‘Emma’; Streep stars on ABC; Showtime’s ‘Mandela and de Klerk’

Sunday

“Emma” / 5 and 9 p.m. A&E;

Is there anything as hot in television and movies these days as asteroids? Jane Austen novels, maybe. This British production stars Kate Beckinsale (“Cold Comfort Farm”) as the title character, a young 19th century woman who has everything--including enough time on her hands to be the self-appointed matchmaker for all her friends and neighbors. That diligence nearly causes her to miss out on her own Mr. Right--that is, Mr. Knightley (Mark Strong).

****

“Asteroid” / 9 p.m. NBC. Concludes Monday

In this two-part network movie, Michael Biehn (“Terminator”) and Annabella Sciorra (“The Hand That Rocks the Cradle”) find--what else?--the remnants of a disintegrating comet drawing a bead on the third rock from the sun.

****

“Mandela and de Klerk” / 8 p.m. Showtime

Shot on location in South Africa--including the jail cell that housed Nelson Mandela for more than 20 years--this production documents Mandela’s rise from political prisoner to leader of South Africa. Key to this alliance and the restoration of peace to the divided country was President F.W. de Klerk, whose peace negotiations with Mandela led to South Africa’s remarkable transformation. Sidney Poitier and Michael Caine play the title roles.

****

”... first do no harm” / 9 p.m. ABC

It’s noteworthy enough to see Meryl Streep in a TV movie, however serious its subject. Also remarkable is that the producer and director of this drama about a mother’s passionate concern for her epileptic 4-year-old son (played by Seth Adkins) is Jim Abrahams, whose reputation has been built on off-the-wall comedic features like “Airplane!” and “Naked Gun.” Abrahams has a real-life connection to the subject matter, although the actual events that inspired this story are not based on his own child, whose seizures are controlled by the “ketogenic diet” depicted here.

Monday

“The 11th Annual American Comedy Awards” / 9 p.m. ABC

The most visible risible folks in movies, television and stand-up are honored by their funny-business peers in ceremonies taped at the Shrine Auditorium. In addition to saluting the nominees in 14 categories, lifetime achievement awards will be presented. Female nominees: Bea Arthur, Cloris Leachman, Debbie Reynolds, Joan Rivers and Jean Stapleton. Male: Victor Borge, Tim Conway, Walter Matthau, Bob Newhart and Carl Reiner.

Tuesday

“Thomas Jefferson” / 9 p.m. KCET. Concludes Wednesday

Ken Burns (“The Civil War,” “Baseball”) directs this three-hour documentary about the renowned statesman who was also a scientist, mathematician, musician, artist, philosopher and family man. Ossie Davis narrates. Featuring the voices of Sam Waterston (as Jefferson), Philip Bosco, Blythe Danner, Julie Harris, Derek Jacobi, Amy Madigan, Arthur Miller and Michael Potts.

****

“The Perfect Mother” / 9 p.m. CBS

Ione Skye and Justin Louis play a young couple who find that all the lavish gifts--an expensive wedding, a house and more--from his mother (Tyne Daly) come with a heavy price when her generosity turns into a struggle to control their lives. Dee Wallace Stone also stars.

Saturday

“Screen Actors Guild Awards” / 9 p.m. NBC

Nicolas Cage and Susan Sarandon, winners of last year’s outstanding leading actor and actress awards, will be among the presenters for the ceremonies honoring the best (as voted by the guild’s 86,000 eligible members) in five film and eight television categories. Angela Lansbury will be honored as 33rd recipient of the Screen Actors Guild lifetime achievement award.