TV Preview Podcast: ‘A Dog Named Christmas’
Each week, The Oklahoman TV Editor Penny Soldan hosts an audio podcast discussing an upcoming TV premiere.
This week’s premiere is the new Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “A Dog Named Christmas” premiering at 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29.
To hear her discussion with Melissa Hayer, assistant news research editor for The Oklahoman, click the arrow below.
Happy Birthday, Cherry Jones
Nov. 21, 2009 — Cherry Jones,
who plays President Allison Taylor on “24” (Season 8 premieres Jan. 17 on Fox), turns 53 today.
She played Sister Marie on “Clubhouse” (2004).
Her first acting role was as Secretary in the 1980 TV movie “O’Malley.” She was 24.
Best wishes to Cherry and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured above: Cherry Jones poses Friday April 21, 2006 at the Booth Theatre in New York. Jones stars in the Broadway revival of Brian Friel’s “Faith Healer.” (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
SYTYCD: Channing and Kevin eliminated
Channing and Kevin got the boot this week, and the judges were unanimous in their decision. But many viewers on Twitter have complained the Channing should NOT have been picked to leave over Latin dancer Karen. Listen to the podcast!
ABC announces premiere of sixth and final season of “Lost”
The cast of "Lost" - ABC Photo
ABC has announced the premiere of the sixth and final season of “Lost,” with a special all-night event on Tuesday, February 2. A recap special will kick off the night from 7:00-8:00 p.m., followed by the much anticipated two-hour premiere from 8:00-10:00 p.m.
The series will then air in its regular time period – Tuesday nights from 8:00-9:00 p.m., beginning the following week, on February 9.
“Lost” stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Nestor Carbonell as Richard Alpert, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Ben, Jeff Fahey as Frank Lapidus, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Ken Leung as Miles, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Terry O’Quinn as Locke and Zuleikha Robinson as Ilana.
“Lost” was created by Jeffrey Lieber and J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof. Abrams, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, Jack Bender, Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz, Jean Higgins and Carlton Cuse serve as executive producers. “Lost,” which is filmed entirely on location in Hawaii and premiered on September 22, 2004, is from ABC Studios.
“Dexter”: Who’s Coming to Dinner?
John Lithgow, far left, and Michael C. Hall, far right, in a scene from the "Dexter" Thanksgiving episode - Showtime Photo
“If erring is human, then remorse must be too. Wait, does that make me human?” declared Dexter (Michael C. Hall) at the close of last Sunday’s episode.
After Dexter’s confession to Arthur/Trinity (John Lithgow) about his most recent killing, Arthur felt compelled to reveal his darkest family secrets.
Now the closer Dexter gets to Trinity, the more he realizes that all serial killers are not created equal.
With Thanksgiving approaching, Dexter once again is forced into balancing his family obligations with his ever deadly deepening relationships with Trinity and his bizarrely dysfunctional family.
Turkey Day will never be the same after Dexter and the Trinity Killer share a memorable holiday feast.
♦♦♦ Weekly viewership including DVR and On Demand has pushed “Dexter” over the 4 million mark, so tune in to see what everyone’s watching, if you haven’t caught an episode yet.
To check out a clip from the next episode of “Dexter,” click below.
Tune in to “Oprah” today (Nov. 20); she will address her decision to leave show
From Programming Insider:
The big news late Thursday was Oprah Winfrey’s decision to conclude her syndicated talk show in 2011 after 25 seasons on the air to concentrate on her upcoming cable network OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, a joint venture with Discovery Communications.
The Queen of talk, who will officially step down on Sept. 9, 2011, will address her decision to leave on today’s show (airing at 4 p.m. Nov. 20 on KOCO-5 in Oklahoma City).
This does not mean, of course, that Oprah is officially done as a talk show host. A spokesperson at Harpo, Oprah’s production company, declined to comment on what exactly Oprah’s participation would be at OWN.
Said a spokesman for CBS Television Distribution: “We have the greatest respect for Oprah and wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors. We know that anything she turns her hand to will be a great success. We look forward to working with her for the next several years, and hopefully afterwards as well.”
Pictured above: Oprah Winfrey smiles as she arrives to the red carpet for the gala screening of “Precious” during the Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young)
Cook with Chef Gordon Ramsay at home or on TV
Want to prepare a three-course meal with Chef Gordon Ramsay? Everyone can do so from the comfort of their own kitchen — and without getting yelled at — when Fox airs “Gordon Ramsay: Cookalong Live” at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15.
But Fox is giving a few people passionate about cooking the chance to join Chef Ramsay live on the special. He may or may not scream and yell at his helpers like he does the contestants on “Hell’s Kitchen.” Take your chances by applying for the opportunity at www.fox.com/casting.htm.
Hurry, though. Deadline for submissions is today (Nov. 20).
Here is what Chef Ramsay is going to prepare in an hour’s time on live TV: Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, Chili Peppers and Tomatoes as an appetizer, Steak Diane with Sautéed Potatoes and Peas as the main course and Quick Tiramisu for dessert. The three-course meal will serve four.
And here’s the shopping list for those who wish to cook along Chef Ramsay at home:
PRODUCE
••1 red chili pepper
••5 large garlic cloves, peeled
••1 large tomato (heirloom or beefsteak)
••1 lemon
••Small handful of fresh basil leaves
••3 scallions
••4 ounces crimini mushrooms, cleaned (can also use button mushrooms instead)
••3 shallots, peeled
••Small handful of flat-leaf parsley
••3 small sprigs of rosemary
••1 pound small waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold, cut in half)
••2 cups peas, defrosted if using frozen
MEAT/FISH
••1/2 pound medium-size raw, peeled shrimps
••4 small sirloin steaks (approx. 7 ounces each)
DAIRY
••1 3/4 cups heavy cream
••1 cup mascarpone
••2 1/2 tablespoons salted butter
PASTA/BREAD
••7 ounces angel hair pasta
••4 Italian Ladyfingers, or Savoiardi
BAKING
••1/4 cup powdered sugar
••1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
••Piece of chocolate (to grate as garnish)
LIQUOR/COFFEE
••4 tablespoons Marsala, or sweet dessert wine such as Vin Santo
••1/4 cup brandy or cognac
••1/4 cup white wine
••1 cup cold strong coffee
CONDIMENTS
••Salt and freshly ground black pepper
••Olive oil
••Extra virgin olive oil
••1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, to taste
••1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
MOST IMPORTANT PART
••Friends and family to enjoy the meal, which will be ready at 9 p.m.
–Penny TV
Sink your teeth into “Vampire Diaries” marathon Dec. 14-18 on The CW
Paul Wesley, left, and Ian Somerhalder in "The Vampire Diaries" - The CW Photo
The CW Network has announced plans for a special “The Vampire Diaries” Marathon starting on Monday, December 14.
This week-long event offers fans the opportunity to relive “The Vampire Diaries” saga from the very beginning and allows the uninitiated the chance to get into one of TV’s breakout hits.
Airing two episodes each night from Monday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec. 18 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. beginning with the season premiere episode, The CW will rebroadcast every episode of its smash hit “The Vampire Diaries” in consecutive order across its entire primetime schedule that week.
After just 10 episodes, “The Vampire Diaries” has become The CW’s most-watched and highest-rated series among adults 18-34 this season.
Based on the best-selling series of books by L. J. Smith, The Vampire Diaries is the story of two vampire brothers obsessed with the same beautiful girl, and battling to control the fate of an entire town.
Beautiful high school student Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev, “DeGrassi: The Next Generation”) has no way of knowing that the handsome and mysterious new boy in school, Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley, “Mad Men”), is a centuries-old vampire.
While Stefan struggles to live peacefully among humans, his older brother Damon (Ian Somerhalder, “Lost”) is the embodiment of vampire violence and brutality.
Now these two vampire brothers ─ one good, one evil ─ are at war for Elena’s soul and for the souls of her friends, family and all the residents of the small town of Mystic Falls.
Top 20 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Nov. 22-28, 2009
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a
list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
And here are 20 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Nov. 22.
If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
GUEST STARS
••Rosanna Arquette (“The L Word”) on “Eastwick,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Francis Capra (”Veronica Mars”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Chris Elliott (”Everybody Loves Raymond”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Eve (“Eve”) on “Glee,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
••Daryl Hall and John Oates (musical artists) on “The Cleveland Show,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••Chelsea Handler (”Chelsea Lately”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Jonah Hill (“Funny People”) on “The Simpsons,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••C. Thomas Howell (”The Outsiders”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Shelley Long (”Cheers”) on “Modern Family,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Ray Mabus (U.S. Secretary of the Navy) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Jilian Michaels (”The Biggest Loser”) on “The Suze Orman Show,” 8 p.m. Saturday on CNBC.
••Marisa Miller (Victoria’s Secret model) on “Gary Unmarried,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Suze Orman (”The Suze Orman Show”) on “The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Pauley Perrette (”NCIS”) on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Melissa Peterman (”Reba”) on “Rita Rocks,” 9 p.m. Monday on Lifetime.
••Esteban Powell (“The Cleaner) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Katee Sackhoff (”Battlestar Galactica”) on “The Big Bang Theory,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Lisa Sheridan (”Invasion”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Fisher Stevens (”Early Edition”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••D.B. Sweeney (”Jericho”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Jeffrey Tambor (”Arrested Development”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Skeet Ulrich (”Jericho”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Casper Van Dien (“Starship Troopers”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Rod Woodson (pro football player) on “The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
NOTE: Times are CT. For ET, add one hour.
Pictured above:
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Nov. 22-28, 2009
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Nov. 22.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“The Haunted,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Meet the Natives USA,” 10 p.m. Sunday on Travel Channel (series premiere).
••“Find My Family,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on ABC (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (seventh-season finale).
••“The Next Iron Chef,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (first-season finale).
••“Jon and Kate Plus 8,” 8 p.m. Monday on TLC (fifth-season finale).
••“Dancing With the Stars,” 8:01 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (ninth-season finale).
••“Man Shops Globe,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Sundance (series finale).
••“Shameless,” 7 p.m. Friday on Sundance (fifth-season premiere).
MARATHONS
••“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday on USA Network.
••“How Clean Is Your House?” 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday on BBC America.
••“Dogs 101/Cats 101,” 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday on Animal Planet.
••“Cake Boss,” 5 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on TLC.
••“Mythbusters,” 8 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on Discovery.
••“Untamed & Uncut,” 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet.
••“White Collar,” 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••“I’m Alive,” noon to 9 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet.
••“Deadliest Catch,” 8 a.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday on Discovery.
••“Dirty Jobs,” 10 a.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Nov. 29 on Discovery.
NOTE: Times are CT. For ET, add one hour.
Pictured above: DONNY OSMOND, KYM JOHNSON on “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC Photo)
