‘Mystery!,’ ‘SNL,’ ‘Charmed’ and ‘ER’ Launch New Seasons

This weekend, PBS’ “Mystery!” series celebrates its 20th anniversary; NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” kicks off its 25th season; and NBC’s “ER” scrubs up for a sixth season.

Jerry Van Dyke guests on his brother Dick’s series, “Diagnosis Murder,” tonight at 8 on CBS.

The WB’s bewitching “Charmed” enters its second season, tonight at 9.

PBS’ “Mystery!’ celebrates its 20th year with the psychological thriller “Second Sight,” tonight at 9 on KCET-TV and KVCR-TV. Clive Owen stars.

Sandra Bullock guests as Peter’s former girlfriend on Fox’s “Action,” tonight at 9:30.

Carmine Giovinazzo, Jake Busey and Dale Godboldo star in UPN’s new comedy “Shasta McNasty,” tonight at 9:30. The comedy focuses on the escapades of three hip-hopsters. Verne Troyer of “Austin Powers” guests.

The No. 1 series, “ER,” enters its sixth season with new cast members and guest stars including Rebecca DeMornay and Michael Michele, tonight at 10 on NBC.

A Martinez joins ABC’s “General Hospital” as the former beau of Bobbie Spencer, Friday at 2 p.m.

The Emmy Award-winning documentary series “Twisted Tales” returns with new episodes, Friday at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Animal Planet.

John Hiatt is the new host of PBS’ music series “Sessions at West 54th,” early Saturday at 12:30 a.m. on KCET. Ruben Blades is the guest.

The new season of PBS’ “Masterpiece Theatre” kicks off with “A Rather English Marriage,” starring Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay as unexpected cohorts, Sunday at 9 p.m. on KCET and KVCR.

Children

CBS unveils its three new Saturday morning series: “Blasters Universe” at 7:30, “Rescue Heroes” at 8 and “New Tales From the Cryptkeeper” at 9.

Specials

Placido Domingo and Anthony Munoz are among those participating in “The Hispanic Heritage Awards,” Saturday at 7 p.m. on NBC. The gala was taped last month in Washington.

The A&E; documentary “The Secret Life of Geisha,” Sunday at 7 and 11 p.m., shows the private side of the women of the teahouses of Kyoto and Tokyo.

Movies

Will Friedle, Rhea Perlman and Matthew Lawrence star in the ABC “Wonderful World of Disney” comedy “H-E Double Hockey Sticks!,” Sunday at 7 p.m.

TNT presents a live-action adaptation of George Orwell’s allegorical classic “Animal Farm,” Sunday at 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and midnight. The animals were created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. Pete Postlehwaite is among the human stars.

Mia Farrow and Martin Sheen headline the CBS drama “Forget Me Never,” Sunday at 9 p.m. Inspired by a true story, Farrow plays a woman who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.