Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 22-28, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 22:
NOTE: Times are CT. For ET, add one hour.
SUNDAY, NOV. 22, 2009
?“2009 American Music Awards” (7 p.m. on ABC): The 37th annual event will honor artists in the categories of Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin and Contemporary Inspirational. And for the third year in a row, winners will be determined by online voting. Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire for favorite female country artist and Rascal Flatts for favorite country band and album.
?“Bill Engvall: Aged and Confused” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): In this standup comedy special filmed at the Vic Theater in Chicago, the Blue Collar comedian moves away from discussing family life and what it’s like raising kids to discussing all the little everyday things that drive him nuts.
?“The Cleveland Show” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): Cleveland celebrates his first Thanksgiving with his new family. However, the holiday gets complicated when Roberta and Federline decide to celebrate on their own. Musical artists Daryl Hall and John Oates guest star as themselves.
?“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 7 finale, a returned favor costs Larry quality time with Cheryl.
?“Did the Mob Kill JFK?” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Featuring an exclusive interview with a secret FBI informant, this special tracks the nexus of organized crime, the Justice Department, the CIA and attempts to overthrow Cuban leader Fidel Castro culminating in that fateful day in Dallas.
?“Future Earth: 100 Heartbeats” (7 p.m. on MSNBC): Wildlife expert Jeff Corwin hosts this two-hour special on the plight of endangered species and the environmental heroes around the world who are working to save them. At the current rate of extinction, scientists estimate that only half of the world’s animal species will remain by the end of the 21st century.
?“The Haunted” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series focuses on people whose animals act as mediaries to the afterworld. Often the subjects of the most intense paranormal hauntings, animals are commonly believed to be more sensitive to spirits than people. But when spirits afflict pets, the animals aren’t the only victims. Owners also fall prey to paranormal activity and will often stop at nothing to rid their homes and pets of paranormal spirits.
?“JFK: The Ruby Connection” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special sets out to answer this by recreating and restaging the Nov. 24, 1963, shooting of Oswald at the actual Dallas police station garage where Jack Ruby shot him. The same vintage cameras and lights will be used to illustrate minute-by-minute who was standing where and why.
?“Meet the Natives USA” (10 p.m. on Travel Channel): This new series focuses on five tribesmen from the South Pacific island of Tanna who have come to the United States to see how Americans live and to deliver a message of peace from their supreme chief to the leaders of America.
?“The Next Iron Chef” (8 p.m. on Food Network): The remaining two chefs walk into the hallowed halls of Kitchen Stadium to complete their final test with the Chairman looking on and host Alton Brown commentating from the side.
?“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): Fed up with Bart’s constant pranks, Principal Skinner tells him there is a former Springfield Elementary student (Jonah Hill, “Funny People”) who is hailed as the best prankster ever.
?“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In the new episode “Fight or Flight,” University of Oklahoma graduate Reed Timmer isn’t satisfied after he launches a remote control plane to drop data-probes into a tornado, so he punches right into an erratic storm, only to find himself with no time to get out of the way of the powerful vortices that surround him.
?“Vampires From the Abyss” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Journey to depths of more than 13,000 feet as Science Channel searches the oceans off San Francisco for one of the most unusual organisms on the planet — the Vampire Squid.
MONDAY, NOV. 23, 2009
?“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): After he’s humiliated on National Public Radio, Sheldon vows to destroy Kripke, while Wolowitz tries not to destroy his new relationship with Bernadette. “Battlestar Galactica” star Katee Sackhoff appears as herself, offering Wolowitz some relationship advice.
?“Bus 174″ (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This special documents the terrifying tale of what happened in Rio de Janeiro on June 12, 2000, when bus 174 was taken hostage by an armed man threatening to shoot all the passengers. The event played out live on over Brazilian TV networks. It became a shocking example of the incompetence by local law enforcement agencies to properly handle the situation, which appeared to be coming to a safe and peaceful conclusion until the misguided acts of a policeman changed everything.
?“Elbert Hubbard: An American Original” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Liev Schreiber (“The Manchurian Candidate”) narrates this documentary about the life of Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915), the flamboyant founder of the Roycroft artisan community in East Aurora, N.Y. The voice of Hubbard, an influential author, publisher, lecturer and entrepreneur, is provided by Adam Arkin (“Baby Bob”).
?“Find My Family” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): With the help of a dedicated team of researchers, hosts Tim Green and Lisa Joyner guide people searching for lost loved ones through emotional journeys that will change their lives forever.
?“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): On the eve of Thanksgiving, the team treats a brilliant physicist (Esteban Powell, “The Cleaner), who traded his career for a job as a courier because he found intelligence to be a burden that led to depression and addiction. A myriad of strange symptoms nearly stumps the doctors, who also wrestle with strained personal relationships.
?“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Barney freaks out when Marshall bequeaths a “slap bet” slap to Ted and Robin. Meanwhile, Lily’s estranged father (Chris Elliott, “Everybody Loves Raymond”) shows up for Thanksgiving.
?“Jon and Kate Plus 8″ (8 p.m. on TLC): On the Season 5 finale, Kate and the kids milk cows at a dairy farm and Jon and the kids learn about firefighting. Then, Jon and Kate speak about recent life events, the series and ups and downs of the last few years.
?“Lie to Me” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Loker investigates the origin of a deadly stampede at an electronics store on the day after Thanksgiving.
?“Live With Regis and Kelly” (9 a.m. on CBS): Hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa are in Las Vegas for a week of telecasts originating from the city’s new resort, Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. In addition to a top-notch lineup of guests, the show will turn the spotlight on Las Vegas’ vibrant nightlife, elaborate stage productions and all of the sights and sounds of this unique oasis in the desert.
?“The Martha Stewart Show” (2 p.m. on KSBI-52): Chef Emeril Lagasse joins Martha Stewart in the kitchen to prepare a Thanksgiving feast. And in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Martha will dedicate one segment per show to answer last-minute Thanksgiving questions via Twitter.
?“Rita Rocks” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): When Rita’s PTA nemesis, Jennifer (Melissa Peterman, “Reba”), shows up at Bed & Bath Max blubbering about being broke and her husband running off with their maid, Rita helps her get a job at the store.
?“Surviving the Holidays With Lewis Black” (7 p.m. on History): Armed with history and humor, Lewis Black (”The Daily Show With Jon Stewart”) explores the meaning of Kwanzaa, the history of Hanukkah, the real St. Nicholas and “interviews” ill-fated turkeys on a farm. Also appearing are Joy Behar, Bob Saget, David Alan Grier, Craig Ferguson and other comics.
TUESDAY, NOV. 24, 2009
?“Apollo Wives” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This special looks at the wives of Apollo astronauts and what was required of them by their husbands, by NASA and by the media.
?“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The five remaining contestants get a surprise visit from financial guru Suze Orman, who gives them tips on how toi be financially fit when they get home. Later, Hall of Fame football player Rod Woodson helps kick off an NFL challenge involving the weight they’ve each lost all season.
?“Dancing With the Stars” (8:01 p.m. on ABC): The three remaining couples compete for the Season 9 championship. Singer Mya and her partner, Dmitry Chaplin, were early favorites to win.
?“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia deals with tricky office politics when she’s asked to represent the firm’s senior partner after he’s arrested. Meanwhile, Peter’s evidentiary hearing hits the skids, leading Alicia to suspect that he may, in fact, actually be guilty of corruption. Chelsea Handler (”Chelsea Lately”) guest stars as herself when she interviews Peter Florrick’s mistress on her show.
?“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): A look at our complex relationship with manufactured objects, the people who design them and the creative process behind their work.
?“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A dead Marine’s day job at a government think tank leads Gibbs and the team into the life of a 12-year-old prodigy who may be the killer’s next target. Lisa Sheridan (”Invasion”) guest stars as Facilities Coordinator Krista Dalton. Francis Capra (”Veronica Mars”) guests as Gang Member Eddie Castillo. Ray Mabus, the 75th United States Secretary of the Navy, will make a cameo appearance.
?“NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): Forensic scientist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette, “NCIS”) joins the Los Angeles NCIS team when a murder case resembles the pattern for a serial killer she has been tracking.
?“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment follows heading dream researchers to witnes the experiments they use to investigate the world of sleep.
?“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): The 152nd edition profiles an organization for paralyzed football players, follows one man’s triumphant return to Ironman competition and revisits the NFL’s efforts to curb alcohol-induced fan misconduct.
?“So You Think You Can Dance” (7 p.m. on Fox): The top 12 dancers twist, turn and tango for the chance to get a ticket on the “Hot Tamale Train.” This is the last week that the judges decide who goes home, and then it will be solely up to America.
?“V” (7 p.m. on ABC): On the November cliffhanger, Erica looks to uncover a biological threat from the visitors, Anna befriends a special guest inside the mothership and Chad does an investigative report on the V healing centers. The series will return with new episodes in March.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25, 2009
?“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment focuses on the music of folk singer Woody Guthrie, whose songs have been recorded by artists ranging from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to the Irish rock band U2.
?“Ben 10: Alien Swarm” (6 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new live-action movie based on the popular animated franchise follows Ben (Ryan Kelley, “Prayers for Bobby”) as he breaks ranks from the Plumbers — a secret organization that battles alien forces — to help a mysterious young woman from his past uncover an alien threat to our world.
?“The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?” (7 p.m. on NBC): This special will feature more that 40 contestants from seasons one through seven, showing how they look now and sharing what they’ve been doing with their lives since being on the show. Former players, some of whom will be surprised by visits from trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels, will also share major milestones, from getting married to having children.
?“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): On the show’’s 100th episode, the Behavioral Analysis Unit races to help Hotchner find The Reaper (C. Thomas Howell, “The Outsiders”) and save his family before it’s too late. D.B. Sweeney (”Jericho”) also returns as US Marshall Kassmeyer.
?“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the culmination of a multi-episode mystery, Mac and his team uncover the dark lair of a murderous madman, the Compass Killer (Skeet Ulrich, “Jericho”). But as they race to save his fourth victim, the sunrise presents one final surprise that no one ever expected.
?“Eastwick” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Thrilled when Darryl arranges an art show for her work at his mansion — and invites New York art maven Greta Noa (Rosanna Arquette) — Roxie forgets that his motives might be less than pure. Joanna turns to her power to get her life back on track, but swiftly discovers that every action, magical or otherwise, has its consequences.
?“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary lets Louise attend the popular girls party, he tries to keep it a secret from Allison. Meanwhile, Sasha contemplates having more than a working relationship with Gary. Victoria’s Secret Model Marisa Miller guest stars as Brittney, a fashion store clerk.
?“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Mr. Schuester and his glee club check out their hair-raising competition, but there’s even scarier stuff going on elsewhere, as Kurt gives Rachel a makeover. Eve guest stars as the rival glee club’s instructor.
“The Jazz Baroness” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This special documents the enduring relationship between British-born heiress Pannonica Rothschild (“Nica” for short) and pianist-composer Thelonious Monk. It was directed by Nica’s great-niece Hannah Rothschild and features the voice of Helen Mirren (”The Queen”), who reads Nica’s words.
?“Man Shops Globe” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Keith Johnson, buyer-at-large for the innovative specialty retailer Anthropologie, continues his search for unusual good while on vacation in Argentina. In the Palermo area, he combs through the offerings at a flea market, checks in with his favorite fabric merchant, who sells hand-loomed pieces from remote parts of the country and takes in two stores specializing in 20th Century pieces.
?“Man v. Food” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): Host Adam Richman visits Little Rock, Ark., to taste the mammoth Quadruple Hubcap Burger and compete in the Shut Up Juice Spicy Pulled Pork Challenge.
?“Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Claire and Mitchell’s mother, Dede (Shelley Long,” Cheers”), drops in for a surprise visit and is determined to make amends with everyone she offended during what has been deemed “the incident” at Jay and Gloria’s wedding.
?“Secrets of the Dead” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The episode “Mumbai Massacre” revisits the events of Nov. 26, 2008, when a wave of orchestrated terrorism was transmitted live around the world via cell phones, the Internet, texting and social networks such as Twitter. That same technology enabled the terrorists to coordinate and plan their attacks.
?TCM Birthday Tribute: Ricardo Montalban was born on this day in 1920, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of his films, including 1952’s “My Man and I” (9:45 a.m.), 1966’s “The Money Trap” (3:15 p.m.) and 1966’s “The Singing Nun” (5 p.m.).
?“A Very Monkey Christmas” (7 a.m. on OETA-13): This holiday special finds Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat preparing for Christmas, when they encounter a dilemma–neither can figure out what to give the other for a present. It features classic Christmas carols, as well as three original songs –”Are You Ready?”, “Something As Special as You”, and “Christmas Monkey.”
THURSDAY, NOV. 26, 2009
?“2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” (8 a.m. on NBC): “Today” show’s Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Al Roker will co-host the 83rd annual event, which has aired on NBC since 1948. More than 8,000 participants, including marching bands, celebrities, clowns, floats and giant helium balloons, will once again convene on the Upper West Side to bring the magic of the season to life. Joining the balloon team this year will be Spider-Man, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Ronald McDonald and Sailor Mickey Mouse.
?“2009 National Dog Show Presented by Purina” (11 a.m. on NBC): Three new American Kennel Club-recognized breeds — the Irish Red and White Setter, Norwegian Buhund and Pyrenean Shepherd — will be among more than 150 breeds competing for best in breed, group winner and best in show honors at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. America’s top-ranked show dog, a Scottish Terrier named Sadie, is also entered in the event, which is co-hosted by John O’Hurley (”Seinfeld”) and David Frei (expert analyst).
?“Beyonce: I Am … Yours” (8 p.m. on ABC): An intimate performance of Beyonce’s appearance at the Encore at Wynn in Las Vegas last summer in which she tells the story of her career through music and dance. It includes never-before-seen footage of her off stage life and rare childhood video.
?“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this 1973 animated special, the pressure is on for Charlie Brown after Peppermint Patty decides she and the gang will have Thanksgiving dinner at ‘‘Chuck’s” house. The holiday classic is followed by “This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers,” in which Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew experience firsthand the lifestyle of the early settlers and celebrate the first Thanksgiving.
?“CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” (8 p.m. on CNN): Anderson Cooper (”Anderson Cooper 360″) hosts the third annual event that spotlights everyday citizens changing the world. Culled from more than 9,000 submissions and selected by a Blue Ribbon panel that included Whoopi Goldberg,Elton John, Kirk Cameron and Ted Turner, the Top Ten Heroes will each be awarded $25,000. Also, Carrie Underwood will perform at the gala.
?“Cool Tools Hardware Show 2009″ (7 p.m. on DIY): “Cool Tools” host Chris Grundy visits the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas to check out more than 850,000 square feet of the latest in tools.
?“Kaleidoscope” (3 p.m. on Fox): This holiday variety special features Olympic skating champions and Grammy Award-winning music artists. Scott Hamilton, who will kake his first television performance since being diagnosed with a brain tumor five years ago, will skate to the music of fellow cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John. Also performing will be Dorothy Hamill, Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan and Olympic figure skating hopefuls Johnny Weir and Rachael Flatt.
?“NBC’s People of the Year” (8 p.m. on NBC): Matt Lauer (“Today”) looks back at the year’s most memorable celebrities, politicians and pop stars and invites the public to vote on-line for the person of the year.
?“Paul McCartney: Good Evening New York City” (9 p.m. on ABC): This special was taped last summer when Paul McCartney performed at Shea Stadium in Queens, NY. Also featured is footage of the Beatles concert at Shea Stadium 44 years ago, as well as an interview with McCartney talking about those early days and what it was like to return and sing many of those Beatles songs today.
?“Punkin Chunkin 2009″ (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This special highlights the Delaware-based World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association (WCPCA) competition, in 110 competitors from 20 states try to launch a pumpkin one mile. “The Road to Punkin Chunkin” at 7 p.m. captures the high pressure blowups, breakdowns and sparks throughout the journey for chunkin glory.
?“The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS” (8 a.m. on CBS): Maggie Rodriguez and Dave Price from “The Early Show” will anchor the event, which will feature the 83rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiivng Day Parade live from New York City, as well as a performance by country music artist Reba McEntire from Oklahoma. Additional performances during the parade include the Broadway casts of “West Side Story” and “Ragtime” and the off-Broadway cast of “Dreamgirls.” And Jamie Kennedy (”Ghost Whisperer”) will offer an additional viewpoint of the parade as the “Man on the Street” as he reports and interacts with the crowd.
?“There’s a Rhino In My House” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Safari park owners Judy and John Travers have devoted their lives to protecting black rhinos in eastern Zimbabwe. When a tragic turn of events leaves a baby rhino, warthog and hyena orphaned, Judy takes on the task of rasing all three in her home.
FRIDAY, NOV. 27, 2009
?“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Best from the Road” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Host Guy Fieri takes a look back at some of his most memorable visits to joints across the country. The special highlights local favorites, good food and crazy characters.
?“Great Performances” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Superstar Sting welcomes the holidays with an atmospheric musical celebration of wintertime.The special, taped near his hometown of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in northern England, features new songs, as well as Sting’s interpretation of classical favorites.
?“I’m in the Band” (5:45 p.m. on Disney XD): This is a special preview of a new music-filled comedy series that follows teenager Tripp Campbell (Logan Miller, “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”) as he joins his favorite “vintage” rock band, Iron Weasel, and sets out to help them make an epic comeback. The series is scheduled to premiere in January.
?“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison slips into a coma during a murder investigation and her spirit inhabits the body of a man named Todd Emory (Jeffrey Tambor, “Arrested Development”), who may be a suspect in the case.
?“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk returns to the place where he first heard about Trudy’s murder and kicks off an investigation of great significance. Casper Van Dien (“Starship Troopers”) guest stars.
?“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team has only four hours to stop a group of hijackers who take a bus full of Hollywood tourists hostage. Fisher Stevens (”Early Edition”) guest stars.
?“Say Yes to the Dress: Nightmares and Dreams” (8 p.m. on TLC): This special installment highlights some of the most entertaining, emotional and plain wacky moments from the previous three seasons, including loud bridal parties, opinionated moms, picky brides and extremely unusual requests.
?“Shameless” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Season 5 of the award-winning British comedy series follows the lives of the Gallagher clan and their extended network of lovers, friends and foes at a public housing project in Manchester, England.
?“Skyrunners” (4 p.m. on Disney XD): This new sci-fi adventure movie follows teenage brothers Tyler (Joey Pollari) and Nick Burns (Kelly Blatz, “Aaron Stone”) who commandeer a small UFO that crashes near their town. They soon learn the spacecraft is “alive” and there’s an alien plot to take over Earth.
?“VH1 Storytellers: Foo Fighters” (10 p.m. on VH1): This special features a collection of the Foo Fighters’ greatest hits as well as a performance of their new single “Wheels.” Viewers will also get to hear the band members share their stories and inspiration behind each song.
SATURDAY, NOV. 28, 2009
?“Big Time Rush” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This is a special preview of a new comedy series that chronicles the journey of four best friends who are given the opportunity of a lifetime when they get a chance to be part of the Los Angeles pop music scene. The series is scheduled to premiere in early 2010.
?“Holly and Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure” (9 a.m. on ABC Family): This one-hour animated movie features Meaghan Martin (“10 Things I Hate About You”) and Jonathan Morgan Heit (“Bedtime Stories”) as the voices of Easton and Weston, two high-strung elves who monitor the North Pole Weather Center. It features the new song “When You Dream” by Tena Clark, music producer, songwriter and CEO/chief creative officer of DMI Music & Media Solutions.
?“Magic of Audrey” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special captures the allure and charisma of actress Audrey Hepburn and includes film clips and rare footage of screen tests and interviews.
?“The National Tree” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Evan Williams (”Degrassi: The Next Generation”) stars as a 17-year-old video blogger who submits the winning entry in a contest to find a new national Christmas tree. The Sitka Spruce was planted when he was born by his father (Andrew McCarthy, “St. Elmo’s Fire”), and the two of them drive it to Washington, D.C. for a ceremony with the President.
?“Sandra Lee Celebrates: Holiday Homecoming” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Sandra Lee helps create a holiday homecoming part for Christina Sobiloff, a Peace Corps Volunteer stationed in Burkina Faso, Africa, who returns home to Creskill, N.J., for the holidays.
?“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Host Suze Orman talks to “The Biggest Loser” trainer Jilian Michaels about the health-wealth connection.The episode also features never-before-seen clips of Suze’s one-on-one meetings with “The Biggest Loser” contestants.
–Penny TV
You’re a great Biggest Loser, Danny in Brown
Danny Cahill from Broken Arrow is one of the most likeable contenders on “The Biggest Loser” this season.
He is always there with words of support for Liz, his former brown-shirt teammate. He doesn’t talk bad about anybody on the ranch. He doesn’t even talk back to trainers Jilian and Bob.
And he is making the most of his stay on the show, recording double-digit weight loss figures for six weeks in a row.
You’re a Good Sport, Danny in Brown.
–Penny TV
Week-by-Week for Danny Cahill
••Week 1 — dropped 24 pounds (went from 430 to 406)
••Week 2 – dropped 12 pounds (went from 406 to 394)
••Week 3 – dropped 4 pounds (went from 394 to 390)
••Week 4 – dropped 8 pounds (went from 390 to 382)
••Week 5 – dropped 10 pounds (went from 382 to 372)
••Week 6 – dropped 15 pounds (went from 372 to 357)
••Week 7 – dropped 12 pounds (went from 357 to 345)
••Week 8 – dropped 12 pounds (went from 345 to 333)
••Week 9 – dropped 17 pounds (went from 333 to 316)
••Week 10 – dropped 12 pounds (went from 316 to 304)
Sprout’s Thanks-For-Giving Week gives TV time to viewers
Want to tell everyone what you are thankful for
this season?
That is the opportunity that the PBS Kids Sprout network is giving viewers. And although the network caters to preschoolers, there isn’t an age limit to submit a message that could appear on TV on Thanksgiving Day.
Everyone must submit their age, name and hometown, however.
Simply visit www.SproutOnline.com to send Thanksgiving Day thoughts that will be featured on a continuous on-air crawl on Thursday, Nov. 26.
But that’s not all. Viewers are also invited to go online to send in notes, videos and artwork about people in their lives for whom they are thankful. And those great submissions will be featured on-air during the “Sprout’s Thanks-For-Giving Week” celebration beginning Monday, Nov. 23.
Plus, Sprout online also has printable Thanksgiving Day projects for preschoolers to do.
Sprout (channel 149 on Cox Digital Cable and 295 on Direct TV) is indeed a 24-hour preschool destination available on television, on demand and online for children ages 2-5 and their parents and caregivers.
— Penny TV
Top 50 Talk Show Guests on TV (Nov. 19-25, 2009)
Wednesday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the guests (and all the topics) coming up on TV talk shows.
Here are 50 (or more) of the best guests appearing on talk shows airing Thursday through Wednesday (Nov. 19-25, 2009). For a practically complete list, go to www.newsok.com/entertainment/tv and click on Talk Shows (located under Resources).
But just like everything else on TV, talk show lineups are subject to change.
BEST GUESTS
••Morena Baccarin (”V”), Nov. 20 on “Last Call With Carson Daly”
••Simon Baker (“The Mentalist”), Nov. 19 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Maria Bello (”ER”), Nov. 24 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Susan Boyle (”Britain’s Got Talent”), Nov. 23 on “Today”
••Sandra Bullock (”The Blind Side”), Nov. 19 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”; Nov. 24 on “Lopez Tonight”; Nov. 25 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Peter Capaldi (”Torchwood”), Nov. 24 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Margaret Cho (comic), Nov. 23 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••John Cleese (”The Pink Panther 2″, Nov. 23 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Tabatha Coffey (“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover”), Nov. 23 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Stephen Colbert (”The Colbert Report”), Nov. 19 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••David Cook (”American Idol”), Nov. 23 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Anderson Cooper (”Anderson Cooper 360″), Nov. 19 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Penélope Cruz (“Nine”), Nov. 20 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”; Nov. 23 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Claire Danes (”Stardust”), Nov. 23 on “The View”; Nov. 24 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Ted Danson (”Damages”), Nov. 19 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Zac Efron (”17 Again”), Nov. 23 on “The View”; Nov. 24 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Rob Estes (“90210”), Nov. 20 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Peter Facinelli (”Damages”), Nov. 25 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Dakota Fanning (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Nov. 19 on “The Jay Leno Show”
••Carrie Fisher (”E-Girl”), Nov. 24 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Thomas Gibson (“Criminal Minds”), Nov. 25 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Joseph Gordon-Levitt (”G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”), Nov. 20 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Seth Green (”Old Dogs”), Nov. 25 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”), Nov. 19 on “Oprah Winfrey”
••Mark Harmon (“NCIS”), Nov. 23 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Neil Patrick Harris (”How I Met Your Mother)”), Nov. 20 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Jon Bon Jovi (singer), Nov. 24 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”; Nov. 25 on “Today”
••Nicole Kidman (”Nine”), Nov. 19 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Jimmy Kimmel (”Jimmy Kimmel Live”), Nov. 24 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Jane Krakowski (”30 Rock”), Nov. 19 on “The Jay Leno Show”
••Larry the Cable Guy (”Larry the Cable Guy’s Hula-Palooza Christmas Luau”), Nov. 20 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Taylor Lautner (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”)(pictured above), Nov. 19 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”; Nov. 20 on “Today”, “Live With Regis and Kelly” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live”; Nov. 23 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Derek Luke (”Trauma”), Nov. 24 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Nigel Lythgoe (“So You Think You Can Dance”), Nov. 20 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Norm MacDonald (”Hollywood & Wine”), Nov. 25 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Jack McBrayer (”30 Rock”), Nov. 24 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Eva Mendes (”Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans”), Nov. 20 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”; Nov. 23 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Elizabeth Mitchell (“V”), Nov. 19 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Viggo Mortensen (”The Road”), Nov. 20 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Emily Osment (”Hannah Montana”), Nov. 20 on “The View”
••Robert Pattinson (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Nov. 19 on “Today” and “Live With Regis and Kelly”; Nov. 20 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Regis Philbin (”Live With Regis and Kelly”), Nov. 24 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Judge Jeanine Pirro (”Judge Jeanine Pirro”), Nov. 24 on “The Tyra Show”
••Natalie Portman (”Love and Other Impossible Pursuits”), Nov. 25 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Paula Poundstone (comic), Nov. 20 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Craig Robinson (”The Office”), Nov. 23 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Keri Russell (”Leaves of Grass”), Nov. 19 on “Today”
••Matthew Rhys (“Brothers & Sisters”), Nov. 24 on “The View”
••Katey Sagal (”Sons of Anarchy”), Nov. 19 on “The View” and “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Jaclyn Smith (”Ordinary Miracles”), Nov. 19 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••John Stamos (”ER”), Nov. 19 on “The View”
••Kristen Stewart (”The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Nov. 20 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Charlize Theron (”The Road”), Nov. 24 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Carrie Underwood (”American Idol”), Nov. 19 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Village People (musical group), Nov. 20 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Robin Williams (”Old Dogs”), Nov. 23 on “Late Show With David Letterman”; Nov. 24 on “The View”
••Robin Wright (”A Christmas Carol”), Nov. 25 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
Top 20 Talk Show Topics on TV (Nov. 19-25, 2009)
Wednesday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the topics (and all the guests) coming up on TV talk shows.
Here are TV Editor Penny Soldan’s Top 20 picks for shows airing Thursday through Wednesday (Nov. 19-25, 2009). For a practically complete list, go to www.newsok.com/entertainment/tv and click on Talk Shows (located under Resources).
But just like everything else on TV, talk show lineups are subject to change.
TOP TOPICS
••Traveling with kids, Nov. 19 on “Today”
••Boosting immunity, Nov. 19 on “Good Morning America”
••Searching for perfect eyelashes, Nov. 19 on “The Early Show”
••Turbo-charging one’s health through dietary choices, Nov. 19 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Back hair, Nov. 19 on “The Doctors”
••Phenomenon of becoming tongue-tied, Nov. 19 on “The Doctors”
••Searching for the perfect smile, Nov. 20 on “The Early Show”
••Holiday toys, Nov. 20 on “The View”
••No. 1 thing women do to scare away men, Nov. 20 on “Rachael Ray”
••Preventing and recognizing a bed bug infestation, Nov. 20 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••Stomach growling, Nov. 20 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••Simple yet sophisticated hairstyles, Nov. 20 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Overcoming a rude attitude, Nov. 20 on “Dr. Phil”
••Health warning signs, Nov. 20 on “The Doctors”
••Spicing up one’s sex life, Nov. 20 on “The Doctors”
••Portion control, Nov. 23 on “Today”
••Interacting with in-laws, Nov. 23 on “Today”
••Nipping holiday overspending in the bud, Nov. 24 on “Today”
••Designer fashions on a budget, Nov. 24 on “Today”
••Cocktails for Thanksgiving, Nov. 25 on “Today”
Oklahoma alert: Carrie Underwood on TV in November and December
If you haven’t seen Carrie
Underwood on TV lately, you haven’t been watching much TV.
The singer from Checotah, Oklahoma, has been performing on talk shows all month long. She also co-hosted the CMA Awards last week on ABC.
And she has quite a few more TV appearances scheduled in the coming weeks. Here’s a rundown:
Nov. 18 – “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (9 a.m. on KOCO-5)
Nov. 19 – “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (12:06 a.m. on ABC)
Nov. 22 – “2009 American Music Awards” nominee and performer (7 p.m. on ABC)
Nov. 26 – “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” performer (8 p.m. on CNN)
Dec. 1 – “Invitation Only: Carrie Underwood” (8 p.m. on CMT)
Dec. 7 – “Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special” (7 p.m. on Fox)
For even more coverage on Carrie, check out Brandy McDonnell’s entertaining and informative posts at http://blog.newsok.com/bamsblog/
–Penny TV
Pictured above: “Invitation Only: Carrie Underwood” Photo credit: Rick Diamond/WireImage
Bonnie Hunt is sending someone on a “FAN-TASTIC Voyage”
Want to take a cruise with “The Bonnie Hunt Show”? That may be difficult to arrange.
But “The Bonnie Hunt Show” is making it easy for viewers to win a cruise.
Simply tune in to the show (it airs at 1 p.m. weekdays on KFOR-4 in Oklahoma City) and watch for the “Word of the Day.” Then go to www.bonniehunt.com and enter the word for a chance to win.
All correct entries are entered into a drawing for daily prizes, as well as the grand prize — a seven-night cruise onboard Royal Caribbean’s new Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship, and air travel from Southwest Airlines.
“Bonnie’s FAN-TASTIC Voyage” Sweepstakes runs through Friday, Nov. 20. So enter every day (and for better odds of winning, keep the sweepstakes a secret).
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Leslie Bibb
Nov. 17, 2009 — Leslie Louise
Bibb, who played Detective Tallulah ‘Lu’ Simmons on “Crossing Jordan” (2002-07 ), turns 35 today.
She played Brooke McQueen on “Popular” (1999-2001).
Her first acting role was as Nikki ina 1996 episode of “Pacific Blue.” She was 22.
Best wishes to Leslie and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Leslie Bibb arrives at the In Style magazine and The Council of Fashion Designers of America launch of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer World Wide, Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007.(AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)
“Our Little Genius” game show seeks child prodigies
Have a little genius in your family? If so, let the producers of the new game show “Our Little Genius” know about him or her.
The show, which is being produced by Mark Burnett (”Survivor”) and has been picked up by Fox, gives child prodigies between the ages of 6 and 12 a chance to put their knowledge to the test and win money for their families.
To play, little geniuses must answer increasingly difficult questions as they work their way up to win their family hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, there is one catch: the little genius’ parents can stop the game at any time and choose to walk away with the winnings for their family.
If parents decide to pull their child from the hot seat before a particular question, the little genius still has the chance to prove his or her brilliance and answer the question to determine if the parents made the right decision.
To learn how your little genius and family can be considered as possible contestants on “Our Little Genius,” send your inquiries to ourlittlegenius@yahoo.com.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, David Leisure
Nov. 16, 2009 — David Russell
Leisure, who plays Roger Wilkes on “The Young and the Restless” (2009), turns 59 today.
He played Charlie Deitz on “Empty Nest” (1988-95).
His first acting role was as First Krishna in the 1980 movie “Airplane!” He was 30.
Best wishes to David and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
