Machine Age

WITHOUT PREJUDICE
Sundays at 8 on BBC America

This U.K. reality show asks a panel of ordinary folks to choose which contestant "deserves" prize money. Panelists are encouraged to explain their decision-making process, which usually involves uncomfortable assumptions based on looks, race, and politics. The idea is that this process will reveal the unspoken prejudices of the panel—and it works enough to make the program simultaneously riveting and appalling.

IN THE LIFE
May 27 at 10 on PBS

The 20/20 of the gay/lesbian world focuses on the arts this month, mixing interviews with familiar faces like John Waters and E. Lynn Harris with lesser-known figures like lesbian art historian Harmony Hammond.

SOMETHING THE LORD MADE
May 30 at 9 on HBO

Rapper Mos Def joins the ranks of serious thespians in this potent historical drama. He stars as real-life figure Vivien Thomas, for many years an invisible man in medicine, though he played a large role in pioneering modern heart surgery.

MADE IN HONG KONG
June 5 at 10 on AMC

Three young martial arts wannabes make a pilgrimage to Hong Kong hoping to be the next Jackie Chan, and cameras flatly document their meetings and ambition.