Shorts and various cartoons will precede serial episodes of Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe. The 1940 series stars Buster Crabbe, and isn’t too scary for younger viewers. There were 12 episodes in the original series of two-reelers (about 20 minutes each). What’s the following secret? After the shorts and serial episodes, an undisclosed feature will follow. Total program length is about two hours. (NR) BRIAN MILLER

Sundays, noon. Starts: Aug. 31. Continues through Nov. 23, 2008