Program Planner: Nov. 23-29
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. 23:
SUNDAY, NOV. 23
◊2008 American Music Awards (7 p.m. on ABC): Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel returns as host of the 35th annual event. Top nominees are Alicia Keys (5), Coldplay (4), The Eagles (4). Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Garth Brooks (favorite male artist, favorite album), Reba McEntire (favorite female artist), Carrie Underwood (favorite female artist, favorite album), Brooks & Dunn (favorite band, duo or group), Rascal Flatts (favorite band, duo or group, favorite album).
◊“24: Redemption” (7 p.m. on Fox): Here’s a two-hour prequel to the events of Season 7 (scheduled to begin January 11 and 12). Counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is in South Africa dealing with an international crisis as the United States prepares to inaugurate a new president, Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones).
◊“Al Roker Reporting: Armed in America” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): Al Roker (“Today”) teams up with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to find out how this federal agency is working to eliminate gun crimes in the United States.
◊“A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Stephen Colbert (“The Colbert Report”) hosts this holiday special featuring musical guests Toby Keith, Feist, John Legend, Willie Nelson and Elvis Costello, along with former “Daily Show” colleague Jon Stewart.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): Lilly and the team re-open the 1953 case of a pin-up girl when a fan’s crime scene photo provides new evidence in the case. Tania Raymonde (“Lost”) joins the cast as Frankie Rafferty, a smart and feisty lab technician.
◊“Masterpiece Special: The Unseen Alistair Cooke” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): To mark the centenary of Alistair Cooke’s birth in 2008, this documentary traces the brodcaster’s life using his own words, comments from those who knew him and his own home movies dating back to the 1930s.
◊“True Blood” (8 p.m. on HBO): In the first-season finale, Sookie finds a link to the murders in Bon Temps and lands in the killer’s sights. Bill makes a risky move to save her.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): While attending PopCon, Alex reveals to her best friend, Harper, that she and her brothers are wizards-in-training. Lee Meriwether (“Batman”) guest stars as a TV Battle Diva attending the comic book convention.
MONDAY, NOV. 24
◊“The Rape of Europa” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Joan Allen (“The Contender”) narrates this new documentary that chronicles the efforts of scholars, governments and others to locate the millions of pieces of art stolen by Germany’s Third Reich during World War II.
◊“Samantha Who?” (8:32 p.m. on ABC): Sam’s decision to invite boyfriend Owen (James Tupper, “Men in Trees”) for dinner to meet her parents turns into a disaster when Owen’s philosophy about chicken farms rubs chicken farm owner Howard the wrong way.
◊Steven Seagal movie marathon (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on SPIKE): See the action movie actor, who is a 7th-dan black belt in aikido, in four back-to-back films: 2005’s “Today You Die” (8 a.m.), 2007’s “Urban Justice” (10 a.m.), 2003’s “Out for a Kill” (noon) and 2003’s “Belly of the Beast” (2 p.m.).
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Jake disappears with the daughter of Charlie’s neighbor, and Charlie is left to cover his back. Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) guest stars.
TUESDAY, NOV. 25
◊“The Biggest Loser 6” (7 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito (“Dancing With the Stars”) helps the contestants make a healthy version of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
◊“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (7 p.m. on ABC): This classic Peanuts special from 1973 signals the start of the holiday season. It will be followed by another Peanuts cartoon, “This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers.”
◊“Dancing With the Stars” (8 p.m. on ABC)(ABC Photo above features “Dancing With the Stars” contestants Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson): The winner of the seventh season is announced. All the eliminated celebrities return for one last spin across the floor.
◊“Frontline” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The new report “The Hugo Chavez Show” profiles Venezuela’s controversial and outspoken president and the revolution he claims is turning his country into an anti-capitalist beacon for Latin America.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dr. House and Thirteen are taken hostage by a man willing to kill for a diagnosis. Zeljko Ivanek (“Damages”)guest stars.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The team must relay on information from some questionable individuals to stop a criminal bent on stealing government secrets. David Eigenberg (“Sex and the City”) guest stars.
◊“The Real Housewives of Orange County” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Tamra Barney, Vicki Gunvalson, Jeana Keough and Lauri Peterson return for a fourth season that is laced with searing emotion and high drama. Posing an immediate threat is Gretchen Rossi, a new housewife on the block.
◊“The Shield” (9 p.m. on FX): In the series finale, the Barn looks into a woman’s disappearance and the arrival of a major drug shipment.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Ricardo Montalban was born on this day in 1920, and TCM celebrates by airing four of his films, including 1949’s “Neptune’s Daughter” (7 a.m.) and 1952’s “My Man and I” (10:30 a.m.).
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26
◊“The 2008 World Magic Awards” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”) hosts the event that honors today’s best magicians. Scheduled to perform are Lance Burton and The Amazing Jonathan.
◊“Dirty Sexy Money” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): While the Darlings are away for Thanksgiving, Clark the chauffeur offers his version of various Darling family rumors to a persistent reporter. Donna Mills (“Knots Landing”) guest stars.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Allison wants the family to celebrate Thanksgiving at her house, but Gary insists on holding the feast at his place. Jane Curtin (“Kate and Allie”) and Martin Mull (“Roseanne”) guest star as Allison’s parents.
◊“Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the second hour of the miniseries’ finale, Queen Elizabeth II’s children, grandchildren and other relatives talk about their lives and roles in the “family business.”
◊“Private Practice” (8 p.m. on ABC): Addison receives a surprise visit from her brother (Grant Show, “Melrose Place”). His presence not only causes trouble for Addison, but for Naomi and Sam, as well.
◊“Rosie Live” (8 p.m. on NBC): Emmy winner Rosie O’Donnell (“The Rosie O’Donnel Show”) returns to television with a live variety special showcasing a wide array of celebrity guests, musical acts, comedy skits and a giant giveaway for both the in-studio and home audiences.
◊“That Moment! With Jake Steinfeld” (7 p.m. on WGN): Jake Steinfeld, motivational coach, bestselling author, fitness expert and founder of Major League Lacrosse and ExerciseTV, interviews Harrison Ford (“Indiana Jones” movies), Pastor Joel Osteen and The Jonas Brothers.
◊“Top Chef” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The contestants join the Grammy winning rock Band Foo Fighters for a tour stop in Rochester, NY.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Marist in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on Cox.
THURSDAY, NOV. 27
◊“CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” (8 p.m. on CNN): CNN anchor Anderson Cooper hosts the second annual event that spotlights ordinary citizens who accomplished extraordinary deeds. Among the 10 finalists for the Hero of the Year award (which includes a $100,000 cash prize) is Tad Agoglia, founder of First Response Team of America that goes into disaster sites and helps clean up in the immediate aftermath. Agoglia and his team traveled to Picher following the deadly May 10 tornado.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Grissom and his team battle the flu when they are called upon by Deputy District Attorney Madeline Klein (Bonnie Bedelia, “The Division”) to investigate the deaths of several key witnesses for a grand jury case against a Las Vegas gang.
◊“Dirty Jobs” marathon (8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Discovery): Join host and perpetual apprentice Mike Rowe for this 18-hour marathon featuring viewers’ favorite episodes.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8:02 p.m. on ABC): A freak ice storm not only nrings trauma patients to Seattle Grace, it brings a mysterious military doctor as well. Kathy Baker (“Picket Fences”), Mariette Hartley (“One Life to Live”) and Bernadette Peters (“Living Proof”) guest star.
◊“Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” (8 a.m. on NBC): “Today” personalities Meredith Vieira, Matt Lauer and Al Roker co-host the 82nd annual parade in New York City. The trip down Broadway will feature Oklahoma actress Kristin Chenoweth, Miley Cyrus, Trace Adkins, David Archuleta, The Cheetah Girls, James Taylor and Andy Williams, as well as 13 giant character helium balloons, 10 marching bands, 28 floats and more than 1,700 cheerleaders, dancers, singers and performers.
◊“The National Dog Show Presented By Purina” (11 a.m. on NBC): John O’Hurley (“Seinfeld”) returns as host of the purebred canine competition that is expected to feature more than 2,000 of the nation’s leading dogs representing more than 150 breeds.
◊“The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS” (7 a.m. on CBS): “The Early Show” anchors Dave Price and Maggie Rodriguez will cover the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live from New York’s Time Square. Clay Aiken (“American Idol”), Jessica Leccia (“Guiding Light”) and Julie Pinson (“As The World Turns”) will drop by to chat with Price and Rodriguez during the broadcast.
◊“VH1 Storytellers” Kid Rock” (8 p.m. on VH1): Kid Rock performs songs off of his latest double platinum-selling album, Rock ‘N Roll Jesus, in addition to past hits, backed by his Twisted Brown Trucker Band. Kid Rock will also share his inspiration and the stories behind his songs.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Gonzaga in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
FRIDAY, NOV. 28
◊“25 Great Holiday Ideas” (8 p.m. on HGTV): Designers Angelo Surmelis and Erinn Valencich will demonstrate how to recreate 25 decorating and entertaining ideas that were submitted online by viewers.
◊“Abby in Wonderland” (5 a.m. on OETA-13): Follow “Sesame Street” characters Abby and Elmo down the rabbit hole in this re-imagining of Lewis Carrol’s “Alice in Wonderland.” Grover plays the Mad Hatter, the Cookie Monster is the Cheshire Cat and Bert and Ernie are Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.
◊“Deadlist Catch” marathon (8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Discovery): Go on an 18-hour voyage with the captains and crews who do one of the deadliest jobs in the world — crab fishing in the Bering Sea.
◊“Forbes Top 20 Celebrity Cash Couples: Crazy Double Incomes” (7 p.m. on E!): Brad or Angelina? Beyonce or Jay Z? Seal or Heidi? Find out which half of these mega-star duos is making the most money.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA): In the new holiday episode titled “Mr. Monk and the Miracle,” three homeless men seek out Monk’s services. Natalie convinces the private detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder to investigate the death of their friend.
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA): Shawn and Gus help a little girl get a “mall Santa” out of jail in time for Christmas in this new holiday episode. But they soon realize that their clients are con artists who have a big score planned. Phylicia Rashad guest stars as Gus’ mom.
◊“SpongeBob SquarePants” marathon (7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nickelodeon): The day-long marathon concludes with four new episodes: “The Slumber Party/Grooming Gary” (7 p.m.), “Porous Pockets” (7:30 p.m.), “Krusty Krushers/The Card” (8 p.m.) and “Dear Vikings/Ditchin” (8:30 p.m.). Also look for a preview of Nickelodeon’s new series “The Penguins of Madagascar” at approximately 7:45 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOV. 29
◊“The Comedy Festival Presents: Funniest Movies of the Year 2008” (9 p.m. on TBS): Impressionist Frank Caliendo (“Frank TV”) hosts this countdown of the year’s funniest movies. Viewers voted for the Top 10 comedies of 2008 on www.tbs.com.
◊“Ellen’s Even Bigger, Really Big Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): Emmy winner Ellen DeGeneres (“The Ellen DeGeneres Show”) hand-picked the performers appearing in this variety show. As host, Ellen will also perform her own stand-up comedy and take part in several humorous vignettes.
◊“Moonlight & Mistletoe” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Tom Arnold (“Roseanne”) and Candace Cameron Bure (“Full House”) star in this new holiday family film. What begins as a simple effort to pull her dad out of debt ends up rekindling his daughter’s belief in the magic of Christmas.
◊“Sputnik Mania” (9 p.m. on History): On Oct. 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik into space. This new special tells the story of the launch and includes a collection of interviews and recently declassified insights into the high-level decisions that followed the dawn of the space age.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State Univertsity in college football action airing live at either 2:30 or 7 p.m. on ABC.
–Penny TV
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
I love Dr. House and i always watch this TV series after my day job.`*’