Top 55 TV Programs for Dec. 13-19, 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 Dec. 13:
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
SUNDAY, DEC. 13, 2009
◊“Brothers” (6 p.m. on Fox): With the help of cousin Kenny’s (Snoop Dogg, “Old School”) legal aid, Coach’s brother Maurice is released from jail and arrives at the Trainors’ home to spend time with the family. And Jimmy Johnson (former OSU and Dallas Cowboys football coach) stops by the restaurant to talk football.
◊“Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special” (9 p.m. on ABC): Oprah Winfrey will usher in the holidays at the White House, visiting President Obama and the First Lady as they prepare for their family’s first Christmas there. The special will include a one-on-one conversation with the president and will showcase behind-the-scenes preparations as the White House gets ready for the holiday season.
◊“The Christmas Hope” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): This new holiday movie stars Madeleine Stowe (”The Last of the Mohicans”) and James Remar (”Dexter”) as a couple in a troubled marriage. When Patricia, a social worker, brings home a foster child who has no place to go on Christmas, they set aside their differences to give the young girl a special holiday.
◊“Christmas With the Annie Moses Band” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): The Annie Moses band, an all-sibling group that plays an eclectic blend of classical, jazz and pop music, will perform a mix of holiday classics.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team tries to determine who murdered a minor league ice hockey player on the memorable night that the U.S. hockey team beat the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics. Jude Ciccolella (”24″) and Brian Scannell (”Brotherhood”) guest star in the episode, which features the music of Grammy winner Bob Seger.
◊“Dexter” (8 p.m. on Showtime): In the Season 4 finale, the final challenge between Dexter and Arthur comes. Debra finds out a long hidden truth. Rita admits that her marriage is troubled. Batista’s and LaGuerta’s relationship must face consequences.
◊“A Golden Christmas” (8 p.m. on ION): This new holiday film stars Andrea Roth (”Rescue Me”) as a recently widowed woman who decides she needs to start over and moves back home with her son. She hopes to buy the old house as a Christmas surprise, however, her plan goes awry when she discovers that her parents have already sold it.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Six-time Grammy winner Mary J. Blige traveled with the team to Erie, Pa., to help build a new home for Clara Ward, who has cast the adversity of her health and surroundings aside to run a nonprofit youth development and family center from her home.
◊“I Dreamed a Dream: The Susan Boyle Story” (8 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Piers Morgan (“America’s Got Talent”) will host this special that chronicles Susan Boyle’s journey from the small Scottish village of Blackburn to superstardom following her audition on “Britain’s Got Talent.” Her story will be told alongside performances and exclusive interviews with Susan, friends and celebrity fans.
◊“The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty” (8 p.m. on A&E): This new real-life series chronicles the personal and professional lives of Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon as they prepare for a Jackson Five reunion, while also coming to terms with Michael’s tragic loss.
◊“Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In this new sequel to the 2006 movie “Santa Baby,” Jenny McCarthy returns as Mary Class, Santa’s business-minded daughter. She is forced to step in to help save Christmas when Santa (Paul Sorvino) decides he is tired of the responsibilities of the job.
◊“Life After Film School” (6:30 p.m. on Fox Movie Channel): Film students interview Jon Landau, producer of the upcoming film “Avatar.” He discusses his ongoing partnership with James Cameron and delivering James’ unique vision to the screen using newly developed 3-D technology that realistically bring the characters to life.
◊“Talhotblond” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This film tells the true story of a tumultuous online romance turned chilling real-life murder. During a chance encounter in an online-gaming chatroom, Thomas Montgomery, a lonely husband and father of two, meets a 17-year-old girl named Jessi and convinces her that he is a young marine named Tommy. But his love for Jessi turns to jealous obsession as she flaunts another lover—a co-worker of his — and the love triangle saga ends with a twist that Montgomery never saw coming.
MONDAY, DEC. 14
◊“The 2009 WWE Slammy Awards” (7 p.m. on USA Network): Dennis Miller (“Saturday Night Live”) will host the 15th annual event that is World Wrestling Entertainment’s version of the Oscars. Award categories include WWE superstar of the year, WWE match of the year, and WWE diva of the year.
◊“Anatomy of a Pandemic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Ray Suarez (”PBS NewsHour”) reports from the front lines of the efforts to combat the H1N1 swine flu pandemic, including the vaccination program. The special also surveys the current health crisis in the context of earlier pandemics, such as the 1918 influenza outbreak that caused between 50 and 100 million deaths worldwide.
◊“Bank of Hollywood” (9 p.m. on E!): This new series hosted by comedian Bryan Callen unites a panel of celebrities to dish out money to people with the most compelling needs for cash. The panelists include best-selling author and entrepreneur Candy Spelling, international poker phenomenon Vanessa Rousso, Wilhelmina Models President Sean Patterson and Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton who determine which hopefuls are truly deserving of their riches.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): A visit from Leonard’s mother (Christine Baranski, “The Good Wife”) delights Sheldon and horrifies Leonard.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): The discrediting of a crime lab frequently used by the LAPD brings several old cases up for review, including one Provenza closed seven years ago with his former partner, Det. Andrews (Beau Bridges, “Stargate: Continuum”) Andrews comes out of retirement to help with the case, but he isn’t exactly prepared to testify in the new trial, throwing a wrench into a case that is already interrupting Brenda and Fritz’s vacation plans.
◊“Every F—ing Day of My Life” (9 p.m. on HBO): This documentaty records the final days of freedom for one woman as she prepares to be incarcerated for the murder of her abusive husband. In the early-morning hours of May 1, 2005, Wendy Maldonado, a mother of four in Grant Pass, Ore., called 911 in hysterics. “I just killed my husband,” she confessed, adding, “I just want my kids to be safe.” When the operator asked how long her husband had abused her, Maldonado replied, “Every f—ing day of my life.”
◊“Healthy Minds: Bipolar Disorder” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Broadcast journalist Jane Pauley speaks candidly about living with bipolar disorder while she was co-host of the national TV morning show “Today.” She discusses the diagnosis, symptoms and treatment of her manic depression.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): House and the team encounter a teenager who collapsed during her high school Christmas program. They soon find the troubled teen dealt with more than her share of bullying at school, and as her condition continues to deteriorate, the team must delve deeper to get to the bottom of her mysterious illness. Lori Petty (“The Cleaner”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): The gang struggles to quit smoking while Robin clashes with her new jaded co-worker. Harvey Fierstein (”Hairspray”) guest stars as Lily’s smoking voice.
◊“Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home for Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this one-hour special, the Academy Award-winning singer and actress (”Dreamgirls”) heads back to her hometown of Chicago to share childhood memories of the music, people and places that set the stage for her success. Joining Hudson in her first holiday music special is Grammy winner Michael Buble.
◊“Lie to Me” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): During a political protest in Washington, D.C., a disgruntled farmer parks his explosives-packed tractor near the Treasury Department building, forcing Lightman and his team to make some crucial life-or-death decisions.
◊“Picturing the President: George Washington” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Today is the anniversary of Washington’s death (1799), and this documentary tells the story of the most famous American portrait – Gilbert Stuart’s painting of George Washington. The portrait captures the spirit of this victorious general, stalwart leader and pioneering president of the United States.
◊“The Sing-Off” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this new competitive reality series hosted by Nick Lachey (“Clash of the Choirs”), a cappella groups from across the United States vie for a recording contract with Sony. Each week, one group will be eliminated, and the series culminates Dec. 21 in a live finale where the winners will be decided by viewers.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie coaches Jake on the art of infidelity while his girlfriend is away for Christmas. Carl Reiner (“Life With Bonnie”) guest stars as Marty Pepper, a legendary TV Producer, whom Evelyn invites to Charlie’s for Christmas dinner.
◊“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): This week-long marathon offers viewers the opportunity to relive the saga from the start. It begins with the first two episodes, and two more will follow each night through Friday.
◊“What Would Jesus Buy?” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary looks at the commercialization of Christmas as it follows the adventures of Reverend Billy Talen and the congregation of the Church of Stop Shopping. Their itinerary includes college campuses, shopping malls, suburban streets and Disneyland.
◊“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” (2 p.m. on Nick Jr.): Widget and Wubbzy are hanging out with their friend, Ty Ty the Tool Guy (Ty Pennington, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”), when a nearby family lose their home due to the sneezes of a pet elephant. Ty Ty proposes that everybody band together to build the family a new house.
TUESDAY, DEC. 15, 2009
◊“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC): This hour will include the digitally-remastered 1965 special, as well as a series of Christmas-themed animated stories entitled “Charlie Brown Christmas Tales” in which each of the beloved PEANUTS characters – Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and Sally – star in his or her own charming animated vignette.
◊“The Forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): The case of a John Doe (Jarrod Bunch, former New York Giants football player), left beaten on the street and ravaged by past injuries, leads The Forgotten Network into the world of professional football.
◊“Funniest Commercials of the Year” (9 p.m. on TBS): Kevin Nealon (”Weeds”) and Fred Willard (”Best in Show”) count down the cleverest commercials from around the world. The special features up to 50 spots, 10 of which are voted on by the public in advance to determine the funniest commercial of the year.
◊“Gordon Ramsay: Cookalong Live” (8 p.m. on Fox): Chef Gordon Ramsay (“Hell’s Kitchen”) will be giving America a one-on-one cooking lesson, providing viewers with a real-time demonstration and step-by-step instructions on how to cook a three-course meal in just 60 minutes. For a shopping list of ingredients to prepare the angel hair pasta with shrimp appetizer, Steak Diane with sauteed potatoes and peas main course and Quick Tiramisu dessert, go to http://blog.newsok.com/television.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the enlisted son of retired Colonel-turned-preacher is found dead, the team believes he may be the victim of a hate crime. Meanwhile, Gibbs’ father (Ralph Waite, “The Waltons”) comes for a holiday visit. Joe Regalbuto (”Murphy Brown”) and Corey Reynolds (”The Closer”) also guest star.
◊“Paranormal State” (9 p.m. on A&E): Season 4 continues to chronicle the case files of the Paranormal Research Society (PRS), a renowned group that began with Penn State University College Students. The team uses a cache of resources, including Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) recordings, client interviews, video documentation, cutting-edge technologies and old-fashioned research.
◊“Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal” (8 p.m. on A&E): Season 2 spotlights even more children who live with psychic abilities. Helping them uncover the truths and managing their abilities are psychic/mediums Chip Coffey, Chris Fleming and Kim Russo — who themselves grew up with these senses — and licensed therapist Edy Nathan.
◊“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” (2 p.m. on Nick Jr.): Wubbzy and Daizy need to round out their footy-football card collections with the very rare Touchdown Tiki (Tiki Barber, “NFL Monday Night Football”) card. So when Earl gets it, they both try to become Earl’s best friend hoping he will give one of them his coveted card.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16, 2009
◊“Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell and Edward Hermann” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell joins the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for an hour of favorite seasonal songs. The special also features actor Ed Hermann (”Gilmore Girls”) reading “The Christmas Story.”
◊“CNBC Investigates: Illegal Gambling” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This special takes an inside look at the multi-billion dollar business of illegal gambling. Millions are cashing in. Some get rich, while others pay the ultimate price.
◊“CSY: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A reformed drug addict with everything to live for is found dead in an alley. The CSI’s discover he was the victim of a premeditated plot. Kim Kardashian (”Keeping Up With the Kardashians”) guest stars as a fiance of a recovered addict musician and musician Pat Monahan (”Train”) guest stars as the recovered addict. Vanessa Minnillo (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) and Lala Vazquez (“Charm School With Ricki Lake”) also guest star.
◊“Eastwick” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Max asks a reluctant Joanna to help him crack a famous unsolved Eastwick murder, but their snooping leads them to a perilous situation with Eleanor (Cybill Shepherd, “The L Word”).
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary and Allison worry that Tom is hanging out with the wrong crowd at school, they take it upon themselves to probe into Tom’s personal life. Real-life husband and wife and professional athletes, Laird Hamilton (professional surfer) and Gabrielle Reece (professional volleyball player), guest star as themselves.
◊“Maxim’s Hottest Moments of 2009″ (9 p.m. on E!): Maxim Magazine counts down the most unforgettable moments — from scandalous proposals to outrageous outbursts.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine reluctantly attends her neighbor’s holiday block party where she discovers a juicy secret. Molly Shannon (”Saturday Night Live”) guest stars as Christine’s neighbor, Jeannie, and Michaela Watkins (”Saturday Night Live”) returns as Matthew’s girlfriend, Lucy.
◊“So You Think You Can Dance” (7 p.m. on Fox): Host Cat Deeley will reveal who has been chosen as America’s favorite dancer on the two-hour season finale.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas — Watch What Happens Reunion” (8 p.m. on Bravo): Host Padma Lakshmi, hed judge Tom Colicchio and judges Gail Simmons and Toby Young join Season 6’s chef’testants to answer questions from viewers and dish on the good, bad and overcooked.
THURSDAY, DEC. 17, 2009
◊“Biography: Dave Thomas” (9 p.m. on CNBC): The installment “Dave Thomas: Made to Order” tells the inspirational story of the creator of Wendy’s, one of the most famous food chains in the United States.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): The half-eaten body of a doctor is found in the tiger cage at the zoo following a hospital charity event, and Booth and Brennan determine the death was no accident. They question the suspects, including Brandon Casey (Chad Lowe, “24”), who must be hypnotize in order to jog his memory about what he saw the night of the gala.
◊“Christmas in Connecticut” (7 p.m. on TCM): Barbara Stanwyck stars in this 1945 romatic comedy as a lifestyle journalist who is lauded by her readers as the most efficient homemaker in the countryside but who lives in a city apartment. But when her boss suggests she host a soldier on leave for the holidays, she needs to come up with a home, child and cooking skills fast.
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mark, Demetri, Gough and MI6 agent Fiona Banks (Alex Kingston, “ER”) investigate a Blue Hand club and its possible connection to some recent suicides.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Everyone’s struggling after losing one of their own and turning to any distraction they can find. Meredith and Derek seem to be consummating their marriage anywhere and everywhere, while Cristina and Owen have been instructed to abstain from sex by Dr. Wyatt. Jessica Capshaw (”The Practice”) guest stars.
◊“The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): While Jane and the team examine the crime scene where a baseball scout is found murdered, Jane is clocked in the head by a ball and flashes back to his childhood with his overbearing father (Nick Chinlund, “Desperate Measures”).
◊“Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas” (7 p.m. on NBC): This holiday special will include guest appearances by Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, brand-new sketches with the infamous troublemaker “Gilly” (played by Kristen Wiig), and favorite holiday-themed sketches from SNL’s 35-year history.
◊“The Truth About Online Anorexia” (7 p.m. on BBC America): British TV and radio personality Fearne Cotton examines the ongoing trend for super-slim women and immerses herself in the worrying world of “pro-ana” websites that encourage anorexia and starvation as a life choice.
◊“The Will: Family Secrets Revealed” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The pilot episode of this potential series examines the compelling stories of family dynamics as the final wishes of their deceased loved ones are revealed.
FRIDAY, DEC. 18, 2009
◊“ABC World News” (5:30 p.m. on ABC): Anchor Charles Gibson, who announced his retirement several months ago, will officially depart from the nightly newscast today. Replacement Diane Sawyer, who will anchor the Dec. 21 and 22 broadcasts, will permanently take over the anchor spot in January.
◊“Dollhouse” (7 p.m. on Fox): As his contract with the Dollhouse expires, Victor is released back into the world, where his military past threatens his future with Sierra. Meanwhile, Echo is deemed too dangerous and is sent into her worst nightmare.
◊“Four Weddings” (9 p.m. on TLC): Get a sneak peek at this new series in which four brides agree to be guests at each other’s weddings and then judge which one was the best. The 10-episode series premieres Jan. 30.
◊“Frosty the Snowman” (7 p.m. on CBS): Adapted from a popular Christmas song, this 1969 animated musical features the voice of Jackie Vernon as the happy-go-lucky snowman who comes alive when a youngster places a magic hat on his head.
◊“Frosty Returns” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): This animated 1992 special stars John Goodman as the voice of Frosty the Snowman, who arrives in the town of Beansborough following the first snowstorm. But his visit may have to be cut short when a new invention, a snow-removal spray called Summer Wheeze, is introduced.
◊“Law & Order” (7 p.m. on NBC): Detectives Cyrus Lupo and Kevin Bernard investigate the murder of an environmentalist’s wife. Ned Beatty (“Homicide: Life on the Street”) and Sherry Stringfield (“ER”) guest star.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a super computer is the prime suspect in the death of cutting-edge scientist, the team must use new means to crack the case. Nancy Travis (”The Bill Engvall Show”) guest stars.
◊“Oxygen’s 25iest: Hollywood’s Most Outrageous Holiday Gifts” (10 p.m. on Oxygen): This special takes a close look inside the holiday gifting habits of celebrities, including Johnny Depp, Lauren Conrad and Lady Gaga. From a romantic over the top Christmas engagement in an igloo to stuffed animals and fake eyelashes, the gifts range from extravagant to just plain bizarre.
SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2009
◊“Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In the one of the last three episodes starring David Tennant in the title role, all will be revealed as the Doctor and his companion Adelaide (Lindsay Duncan, “Rome”) face terror on the Red Planet in one of the scariest adventures yet. The remaining episodes starring Tennant will air over the holiday season as a two-part special.
◊“Elf” (7 p.m. on CBS): This 2003 comedy stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human who was adopted by elves as an infant and grows up thinking he’s just a large version of his adoptive father (Bob Newhart). When Buddy finds out the truth about his parentage, he is crushed and goes out into the real world to find his dad (James Caan). Unfortunately, Dad has his own family and isn’t interested in rehashing the past.
◊“Sandra Lee Celebrates: Winter Wonderland Party” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Vy Higginsen, the leader of an organization that provides musical training to underprivileged youth, works with Sandra lee to throw an over-the-top holiday party for her neighborhood. With a classic holiday menu that will feed a large crowd – along with festive, budget-friendly décor ideas – viewers will see Sandra transform Vy’s traditional New York dwelling into the ultimate winter wonderland party.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): James Franco makes his second appearance as host of show, and the British rock trio Muse is the musical guest.
◊“Thomas Kinkade’s Christmas Cottage” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Peter O’Toole and Marcia Gay Harden star in this 2008 movie that looks at the inspiration nehind Thomas Kinkade’s painting The Christmas Cottage and how the artist was motivated to begin his career after discovering his mother was in danger of losing their family home.
◊“The Three Gifts” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Dean Cain (”Out of Time”) stars in the spirited story as Jack Green, a toymaker who, along with his wife (Jean Louisa Kelly, “Yes Dear”), temporarily takes in three unruly orphans during the holiday season. The troublemakers soon turn their act around when they think that the Greens are considering adopting one of them, and do their best to get off the Naughty List.
◊“WWE Tribute to the Troops” (8 p.m. on NBC): WWE Superstars and Divas will head to Iraq this holiday season to put a smile on the faces of the troops serving in the U.S. military and to give thanks for their commitment to our country. This trip marks the seventh consecutive year that WWE will make its annual pilgrimage to the front lines.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Emmanuelle Chriqui
Dec. 10, 2009 — Emmanuelle
Sophie Anne Chriqui, who plays Sloan on “Entourage” (renewed for sixth season).
She appeared as Emmanuelle on three episodes of “Unscripted” (2005).
Her first acting role was as Bumper in a 1995 episode of “Kung Fu: The Legend Continues.” She was 18.
Best wishes to Emmanuelle and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Emmanuelle Chriqui arrives at the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Courage in Journalism Awards, Thursday Oct. 16, 2008, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)
‘Handy Manny’ helps spread word about flu prevention
“Handy Manny” and is talking tools have an important message for their preschool friends — Wash Your Hands.
They will be spreading those words during a special “Handy Manny” segment airing at 8:25 a.m. Friday (Dec. 11, 2009) on the Disney Channel. And they hope their words will help prevent the spread of germs, especially during flu season.
For those who miss the “Handy Manny” segment on Friday, it can also be viewed online at www.PlayhouseDisney.com.
Even if you do catch it on Friday, go online anyway. Because the site will link to the Center for Disease Control’s flu prevention micro-site that features printable tips for parents on how to prevent and treat the flu.
–Penny TV
Top 50 Talk Show Guests on TV (Dec. 10-16, 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 30 of the best guests appearing on talk shows airing Thursday through Wednesday (Dec. 10-16, 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
••Scott Bakula (”Men of a Certain Age”), Dec. 10 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Lake Bell (”It’s Complicated”), Dec. 14 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”; Dec. 16 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Zach Braff (”Scrubs”), Dec. 11 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”; Dec. 15 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Jeff Bridges (”The Men Who Stare at Goats”), Dec. 15 on “Today”
••James Cameron (”Avatar”), Dec. 14 on “Today”
••Mariah Carey (”Pecious”), Dec. 10 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”; Dec. 16 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Margaret Cho (”Drop Dead Diva”), Dec. 10 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Billy Ray Cyrus (”Christmas in Canaan”)(pictured in Hallmark Channel Photo), Dec. 10 on “Live With Regis and Kelly” and “Today”; Dec. 11 on “Rachael Ray”
••Matt Damon (”Invictus”), Dec. 10 on “The Jay Leno Show”; Dec. 11 on “The Early Show”
••Judi Dench (”Nine”), Dec. 16 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Robert Downey Jr. (”Sherlock Holmes”), Dec. 16 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••David Duchovny (”Californication”), Dec. 11 on “Last Call With Carson Daly”
••Hilary Duff (”Gossip Girl”), Dec. 10 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Fergie (“Nine”), Dec. 15 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Colin Firth (”St Trinian’s 2: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold”), Dec. 14 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Charles Gibson (”ABC World News”), Dec. 14 on “The View”
••Selena Gomez (”Wizards of Waverly Place”), Dec. 11 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Hugh Grant (”Did You Hear About the Morgans?”), Dec. 14 on “Late Show With David Letterman”; Dec. 16 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Bear Grylls (”Man vs. Wild”), Dec. 11 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Mark Harmon (”NCIS”), Dec. 14 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Steve Harvey (”The Steve Harvey Show”), Dec. 10 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Paris Hilton (”Paris Hilton’s My New BFF”), Dec. 16 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Jennifer Hudson (”American Idol”), Dec. 11 on “Good Morning America”
••Kate Hudson (”Nine”), Dec. 10 on “Late Show With David Letterman”; Dec. 11 on “Today” and “Live With Regis and Kelly”; Dec. 14 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon Jackson (”The Jack5ons: A Family Dynasty”), Dec. 10 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Nicole Kidman (”Nine”), Dec. 14 on “Today”
••Adam Lambert (”American Idol”), Dec. 10 on “The View”; Dec. 14 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Nigel Lythgoe (”So You Think You Can Dance”), Dec. 15 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Howie Mandel (”Deal or No Deal”), Dec. 10 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”; Dec. 11 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Paula Marshall (”Gary Unmarried”), Dec. 10 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Reba McEntire (”Reba”), Dec. 14 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Julianne Moore (”Chloe”), Dec. 10 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Sarah Jessica Parker (”Did You Hear About the Morgans?”), Dec. 15 on “Late Show With David Letterman”; Dec. 16 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Jim Parsons (”The Big Bang Theory”), Dec. 11 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Ty Pennington (”Extreme Makever: Home Edition”), Dec. 16 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Regis Philbin (”Live With Regis and Kelly”), Dec. 14 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Chef Gordon Ramsay (”Hell’s Kitchen”), Dec. 11 on “The Jay Leno Show”
••Giovanni Ribisi (”Avatar”), Dec. 14 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Ray Romano (”Men of a Certain Age”), Dec. 11 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”; Dec. 14 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”; Dec. 16 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Anika Noni Rose (”The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency”), Dec. 10 on “The View”
••Zoe Saldana (”Avatar”), Dec. 14 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Adam Scott (”Party Down”), Dec. 10 on “Last Call With Carson Daly”
••Steven Seagal (”Steven Seagal Lawman”), Dec. 10 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Kyra Sedgwick (”The Closer”), Dec. 11 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Mary Steenburgen (”Did You Hear About the Morgans?”), Dec. 11 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”; Dec. 14 on “Today”
••Michael Strahan (“Brothers”), Dec. 16 on “The Tyra Show”
••Wanda Sykes (”The Wanda Sykes Show”), Dec. 16 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Charlize Theron (”Fury Road”), Dec. 14 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Stanley Tucci (”The Lovely Bones”), Dec. 15 on “Today”
••Robin Tunney (”The Mentalist”), Dec. 10 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Kerry Washington (”Mother and Child”), Dec. 11 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Sigourney Weaver (“Avatar”), Dec. 15 on “The View”
Top 20 Talk Show Topics on TV (Dec. 10-16, 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 (Dec. 10-16, 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
••Holiday crafts, Dec. 10 on “Today”
••Vitamins and children, Dec. 10 on “Good Morning America”
••Buying diamonds, Dec. 10 on “The Early Show”
••Preparing French foods for the holidays, Dec. 10 on “The Early Show”
••Ulcers and stress, Dec. 10 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••Stocking stuffers for chocolate lovers, Dec. 10 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Easing foot pain, Dec. 10 on “The Doctors”
••Migraine triggers and prevention, Dec. 10 on “The Doctors”
••Treating swimmer’s ear and other ear ailments, Dec. 10 on “The Doctors”
••Bloating, Dec. 10 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••10 most-dangerous foods to eat while driving, Dec. 10 on “The Tyra Show”
••Former nerds show off their hot new looks, Dec. 10 on “Maury”
••How to share God’s love with others, Dec. 10 on “Always Good News”
••90-second health boosts, Dec. 11 on “Today”
••Christmas tree shopping, Dec. 11 on “Today”
••Shopping online, Dec. 11 on “The Early Show”
••How body aches and pains and emotions are related to changes in the weather, Dec. 11 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••How to be fashionable on a budget, Dec. 11 on “The Tyra Show”
••Making latkes, Dec. 11 on “The Early Show”
••Online gifts, Dec. 14 on “Today”
••Golden Globe nominations, Dec. 15 on “Today”
Happy Birthday, Jesse Metcalfe
Dec. 9, 2009 — Jesse Eden Metcalfe, who plays John Rowland on “Desperate Housewives” (2004-09 on ABC), turns 31 today.
He played Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald on “Passions” (1999-2004).
His first acting role was as Uniform in the 2003 TV movie “44 Minutes: The North Hollywood Shoot-Out.” He was 25.
Best wishes to Jesse and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Jesse Metcalfe arrives at the XBOX 360 Halo 3 video game preview party in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Oklahoman is a big loser — and winner — on “The Biggest Loser”
Danny Cahill from
Broken Arrow lost big on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” — a total of 239 pounds in six-and-a-half months, taking him from 430 pounds down to 191.
He also won big on “The Biggest Loser” — the $250,000 cash prize that comes along with the Season 8 title.
Cahill gave his first interview as the biggest loser winner on “The Jay Leno Show” just minutes after Tuesday’s live finale ended. Here’s some of what he told correspondent Ross Matthews:
Q: What was the hardest part?
A: The hardest part at the ranch was being away from my family. I have an 8-year-old daughter (Mary Claire), 10-year-old son (David) and my wife (Darci), whom I love dearly. They are the reason I did what I did. Without their support, no way. (Note: Darci has dropped 60 pounds herself. Way to go, Darci!)
Q: What is one piece of exercise you never want to see again?
A: Kettle bell. I hate the kettle bell.
Q: If you could have just one desert for rest of life what would it be?
(Choices: pound cake, cheese cake, chocolate cake, Angelina Jolie)
A: Cheese cake, but just a little bit.
Q: Who is happiest that you’re the “Biggest Loser?”
A: My wife. My kids have never seen me like this, so they had no idea this was underneath there. And my mom and dad had interventions. They said, “Danny, we’re worried you’re going to die.” They are all relieved.
Q: First thing going to buy with the $250,000?
A: Carpet. We have had the most horrible carpet for eight years.
Q: Do you consider yourself a winner or a loser?
A: I consider myself a winner. This is incredible. This is first time you actually lose to win. I lost and I won.
The Oklahoman will get a chance to interview Danny on Wednesday after his appearance on “Live With Regis and Kelly.”
–Penny TV
Pictured above: THE BIGGEST LOSER — Episode 813 “Finale” — Pictured: Danny — NBC Photo: Trae Patton
Songs from “Glee” fall finale released on Itunes today/“Glee: The Music, Volume 2” in stores today
"Glee" Volume 2 album cover - Columbia Records/Fox Photo
Columbia Records and Twentieth Century Fox Television today released select songs on iTunes featured in this week’s fall finale of “Glee,” including cast versions of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls,” Barbra Streisand’s “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” and Kelly Clarkson’s “My Life Would Suck Without You.”
In this week’s all-new fall finale episode, airing Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. on Fox, Sectionals is finally here for the Glee Club, but when Quinn’s (Dianna Agron) secret unravels, the club may not be able to recover in time to compete. Meanwhile, Sue’s (Jane Lynch) scheming hits an all-time high, and with Emma (Jayma Mays) and Ken’s (guest star Patrick Gallagher) marriage looming, Will (Matthew Morrison) makes a decision that could change his life forever.
“Glee” returns with a score of all-new episodes on a new night beginning Tuesday, April 13 at 8 p.m.
“Glee: The Music, Volume 2” is available for purchase today. The full track listing is as follows:
“Proud Mary”
“Endless Love”
“I’ll Stand By You”
“Don’t Stand So Close To Me / Young Girl”
“Crush”
“(You’re) Having My Baby”
“Lean On Me”
“Don’t Make Me Over”
“Imagine”
“True Colors”
“Jump”
“Smile” (cover of Lily Allen)
“Smile” (cover of Charlie Chaplin)
“And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”
“Don’t Rain On My Parade”
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
“My Life Would Suck Without You”
“Glee,” the genre-defying new musical comedy series, follows an optimistic teacher who – against all odds and a malicious cheerleading coach – attempts to save McKinley High’s Glee Club from obscurity while helping a group of aspiring underdogs realize their true star potential.
Starring in “Glee” are Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Jessalyn Gilsig, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Amber Riley, Mark Salling and Jenna Ushkowitz.
Bidding begins on “Battlestar Galactica” memorabilia
“Battlestar Galactica” has
ended. Let the bidding begin (again).
NBC Universal held two “Battlestar Galactica” auctions earlier this year. But lots of props and set pieces from the show still remain and are up for auction on eBay.
The first of three eBay auctions begins today (Dec. 8, 2009) and ends Dec. 15. The other two are scheduled for Jan. 17-24 and Feb. 26-March 5.
And these auctions will be the final chance fans and collectors will have to own a piece of the show, which completed its four season run March 20 on the SCI FI Channel.
Among the items up for bid:
••A “Number Six” red dress
••Admiral Adama’s dog tag and his “stunt duty blue” uniform
••Dog tags for Colonel Saul Tigh, Chief Galen Tyrol and Karl “Helo” Agathon
••A Joe’s Bar sign
••A Centurion toy mask and gun.
“The tremendous interest and fan support for this show have made it a great model for prop and costume auctions,” said Kurt Ford, Senior Vice President, Production Services, NBC Universal. “We’ve had a great time offering all these unique items to fans and collectors over the past year and it’s hard to believe that it’s almost over.”
–Penny TV
TV Preview Podcast: ‘A Golden 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 ION Television movie “A Golden Christmas” premiering at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13.
To hear her discussion with Melissa Hayer, assistant news research editor for The Oklahoman, click the arrow below.
Pictured above: Andrea Roth as Jessica, Nicholas Brendon as Michael in “A Golden Christmas” (ION Photo)
