TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Nov. 29-Dec. 5, 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 29, as well as marathons of some popular shows.
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
••“Intervention,” 8 p.m. Monday on A&E (eighth-season premiere).
••“Hoarders,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (second-season premiere).
••“I’m Pregnant And …,” 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery Health (series premiere).
••“Britain’s Missing Top Model,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on BBC America (series premiere).
••“Scrubs,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (ninth-season premiere).
••“Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on BBC America (fifth-season premiere).
••“Dog the Bounty Hunter,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on A&E (sixth-season premiere).
••“Sports Jobs With Junior Seau,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Versus (series premiere).
••“Steven Seagal Lawman,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on A&E (series premiere).
••“Launch My Line,” 10 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“In the House,” 4:30 p.m. Thursday on Encore (series premiere).
••“BBQ Pitmasters,” 9 p.m. Thursday on TLC (series premiere).
••“Jersey Shore,” 9 p.m. Thursday on MTV (series premiere).
••“1000 Ways to Die,” 11:30 p.m. Saturday on SPIKE (second-season premiere).
••“Manswers,” 11 p.m. Saturday on SPIKE (third-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Storm Chasers,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (third-season finale).
••“Eyes,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on DirecTV (series finale).
••“Sherri,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Lifetime (first-season finale).
••“Bank of Mom and Dad,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (first-season finale).
••“Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network (series finale).
••“Pit Bulls and Paroles,” 9 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (first-season finale).
••“White Collar,” 9 p.m. Friday on USA Network (fall finale).
••“Robin Hood,” 8 p.m. Saturday on BBC America (third-season finale).
••“The Ultimate Fighter 10,” 8 p.m. Saturday on SPIKE (10th-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“How It’s Made,” 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday on Science Channel.
••“Good Times,” 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday on TV Land.
••“Monk,” 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday on USA Network.
••“I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant,” 11 a.m. Sunday to 3 a.m. Monday on Discovery Health.
••“Bizzare Foods,” 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday on Travel Channel.
••“World’s Wildest Vacation Videos,” 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday on truTV.
••“Storm Chasers,” noon Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday on Discovery.
••“America’s Best Dance Crew,” 1 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday on MTV2.
••“The Andy Griffith Show,” 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday on TV Land.
••“Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday on Bravo.
••“Supernanny,” 5 to 11 p.m. Sunday on Style Network.
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
Happy Birthday, Alison Pill
Nov. 27, 2009 — Alison Courtney Pill, who played April on “In Treatment” (2009 on HBO), turns 24 today.
She played Grace Webster on “The Book of Daniel” (2006).
Her first acting role was as Lucy in a 1997 episode of “The New Ghostwriter Mysteries.” She was 12.
Best wishes to Alison and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 29-Dec. 5, 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. 29:
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
SUNDAY, NOV. 29, 2009
◊“The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert” (7 p.m. on HBO): This four-hour event spotlights a host of musicians with performances culled from live concerts in late October. Among the artists featured are Eric Clapton, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Friends Aretha Franklin, Metallica, Simon & Garfunkel, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, U2 and Stevie Wonder.
◊“650 Lb. Virgin: The Weight Is Over” (9 p.m. on TLC): After losing 400 pounds without resorting to gastric bypass surgery, David Smith has become an inspiration for others. Now, along with his trainer and best friend Chris, he’s on a mission to help reshape the nation.
◊“2009 Soul Train Awards Show” (8 p.m. on BET): Taraji P. Henson (“The Division”) and Terrence Howard (“Street Time”) co-host the event that features performances by Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Boyz II Men, Chrisette Michele, Erykah Badu, Brian McKnight and Mario.
◊“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (6 p.m. on ABC): Former “America’s Funniest Home Videos” host Bob Saget returns as a guest co-host with Tom Bergeron in an episode that salutes the show’s funniest moments in its two decades on the air. In its 20 seasons to date, the show has given away over $10 million in prize money and evaluated more than half a million videotapes from home viewers.
◊“A Dog Named Christmas” (8 p.m. on CBS): A mentally challenged young man (Noel Fisher, “The Riches”) with a penchant for caring for animals in need sets out to convince his family and community to participate in the local shelter’s inaugural “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.”
◊“The Dog Who Saved Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Mario Lopez (“Nip/Tuck”) provides the voice of Zeus, the misguided guard dog who saves the Bannister family’s Christmas when he thwarts a burglary attempt by two inept thieves.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and the team travel to Lyme, NH, to tell Jay and Elena Marshall that their moldy and rotting home will be rebuilt in seven days.
◊“Frost/Nixon: The Original Watergate Interviews” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This program features David Frost’s entire 1977 Watergate interview with President Nixon. The original broadcast was watched by 45 million Americans and drew the biggest worldwide audience for a news interview.
◊“Half-Ton Teen: Confronting Addiction” (7 p.m. on TLC): Billy Roberts, once the world’s heaviest teenager, is gaining weight again. In the third installment of “Half Ton Teen,” doctors make a desperate attempt to save Billy from self-destruction.
◊“Legend of the Seeker” (5 p.m. on KOCB-34): Kahlan and Richard set out to rescue a mysterious girl named Annabelle (Aimee Teegarden, “Friday Night Lights”), the only other living Confessor, and try to prevent her from accidentally unleashing the powers she possesses.
◊“Pavarotti: Salute Petra” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This tribute concert taped October 2008 at the historial site of Petra in Jordan marks the first anniversary of the death of Luciano Pavarotti. The line-up features opera singers and musicians who performed with the Italian tenor, including Placido Domingo, Angela Gheorghiu and Andrea Bocelli.
MONDAY, NOV. 30, 2009
◊“Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): Castle is wrestling with how to repair his relationship with Beckett, while struggling to finish his soon-to-be-published bestseller, Heat Wave. But circumstances force the pair back together to investigate the mysterious murder of a man found dead, tangled in the limbs of a tree. Authors Stephen J. Cannell and Michael Connelly guest star as themselves.
◊“Emeril Green California” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): This special takes viewers to one of the country’s most progressive and dedicated organic and sustainable farming areas – Sonoma and Napa Valleys.
◊“Hoarders” (9 p.m. on A&E): The second-season premiere introduces viewers to Augustine, whose son Jason was removed from her home by Child Protective Services 14 years ago, because of her hoarding. It follows Jason as he tries one last time to rescue his mother from the filth he escaped from years ago.
◊“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC): This 1966 animated holiday story takes viewers inside a snowflake to Whoville, the magical land of the Whos. But high above this holiday-loving town resides the Grinch, a hateful creature with a heart three sizes too small, who despises Christmas and plots to steal it from the Whos. The voice cast includes Boris Karloff as The Grinch/Narrator and June Foray as Cindy Lou Who.
◊“Jim Thorpe: The World’s Greatest Athlete” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special chronicles Jim Thorpe’s life — from his boyhood in Oklahoma and his gold-medal wins at the 1912 Summer Olympics to his advocacy of American Indian rights and self-sufficiency. It recounts these events and others through interviews with Thorpe’s surviving children, dramatic recreations and archival photos and film.
◊“The Lady From Shanghai” (7 p.m. on TCM): This 1948 thriller stars Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth and features the famed hall-of-mirrors climax. It is the first of four films guest programmer Anthony Hopkins (“The Silence of the Lambs”) selected to air. The others are 1948′S “The Treasure of Sierra Madre” (8:45), 1940′s “The Grapes of Wrath” (11 p.m.) and 1954′s “Rear Window” (1:15 a.m.).
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Ted tries to prove he’s not pathetic for getting left at the altar, and Barney tries to impress Robin by fighting with patrons who are sitting in their favorite booth. Will Sasson (“MadTV”) guest stars.
◊“Intervention” (8 p.m. on A&E): The eighth-season premiere features Linda, who after graduating from college found success working as an extra in HollywoodBut her dreams died when she came down with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and started taking the painkiller Fentanyl.
◊“Shrek the Halls” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This 2007 animated holiday special Shrek’s plans for a cozy family celebration end up spiraling into one truly unforgettable Christmas. The voice cast includes Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas.
◊“Smokey Robinson Tribute on Ice” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Singer Smokey Robinson will perform while a stellar cast of Olympic, World and National figure skaters — including Brian Boitano, Todd Eldredge and Jennifer Robinson — cut through the ice.
TUESDAY, DEC. 1, 2009
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The final four contestants go home to reunite with family and friends and learn that when they return to the ranch, they will face their toughest challenge yet — running a full marathon. Cheering them along the way with me Season 7 winner Helen Phillips and finalists Tara Costa and Mike Morelli.
◊“Britain’s Missing Top Model” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In this new reality series, eight aspiring models — each with a disability — compete for a photo shoot with one of the United Kingdom’s best known fashion photographers, a four page spread in Marie Claire and an introduction to the head of a top modelling agency.
◊“Christmas Outside the Box” (6 p.m. on TLC): This special will unwrao the rituals of the holiday and reveal a day layeed with mystery, science and honored tradition.
◊“Eyes” (9 p.m. on DirecTV): In the series finale, Wyatt Markum, a bond trader, is murdered under the watch of Jimmy Doyle, a bodyguard and old friend of Harlan’s. The investigation is complicated by detective Ryan Giggs, who believes that Jimmy killed Wyatt. Meanwhile, Jeff’s mother, Dee Dee (Patti D’Arbanville, “New York Undercover”), has been scammed and asks her son for help in catching the con artist.
◊“The Forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): The Forgotten Network investigates the death of a John Doe found murdered and stuffed in the trunk of a car four months ago. The investigation takes a turn when a DNA test identifies the Doe as an ex-con who died four years ago. James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”) guest stars.
◊“I’m Pregnant And …” (8:30 p.m. on Discovery Health): This new series follows the stories of women facing serious issues — emotional, physical, mental or circumstantial — as they navigate their nine-month journey through pregnancy. Topics explored throughout the six-part series include “I’m Pregnant and I’m Addicted,” “I’m Pregnant and I Have an Eating Disorder” and “I’m Pregnant and Over 55.”
◊“Invitation Only: Carrie Underwood” (8 p.m. on CMT): Checotah native Carrie Underwood takes the stage to perform her chart-toppers as well as music from her new album “Play On.” She also takes questions from fans and gives revealing and candid answers.
◊“Love In a Time of HIV” (8 p.m. on Showtime): Premiering on the 21st annual World AIDS Day, this documentary takes a walk in the shows of several people around the world living with HIV.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The death of a NCIS agent leads Gibbs and Tony into the desert to locate a woman who holds the answer to the mystery. Lance Henriksen (“Millennium”) guest stars.
◊“Prep & Landing” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This new holiday special reveals the never-before-told tale of a high-tech organization of elves that ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared for the yearly visit from The Big Guy, their code name for Santa Claus. The voice cast includes Dave Foley (“NewsRadio”) as Wayne, Sarah Chalke (“Scrubs”) as Magee and Derek Richardson (“Men In Trees”) as Lanny.
◊“Sci-Fi Science: Physics of the Impossible” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): This new series based on Dr. Michio Kaku’s best-selling book combines his knowledge of theoretical physics with his ability to turn high-level science into blueprints for light sabers, starships, time travel and more. In each episode, Dr. Kaku will illustrate how each fantastic invention would work and could be built.
◊“Scrubs” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 9 premiere, J.D., Turk, Drs. Cox and Kelso and Intern Denise return to Sacred Heart to teach med school, while new med students Lucy, Drew, Cole and Maya are put through the ringer on their first day of school.
◊“Sherri” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): In the Season 1 finale, Sherri finds herself at a crossroads between re-kindling her relationship with Kevin and starting a new future with Randy.
◊“Transgendered and Pregnant” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special tells the story of a transgendered couple expecting a baby. In spite of ongoing hormone treatments, the male-to-female transgender wife managed to impregnate the female-to-male tramsgender husband, and cameras follow the couple throughout the pregnancy leading up to the birth of their first child.
◊“The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” (9 p.m. on CBS): The annual holiday-themed runway show returns to New York City and will feature supermodels Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes and Marisa Miller. The event will also feature model profiles, behind-the-scenes footage, red-carpet interviews and performances by three-time Grammy Award winners the Black Eyed Peas.
◊“Where the Water Meets the Sky” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Narrated by Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”), this documentary tells the story of a group of Northern Zambian women who learn how to use the art of filmmaking as a way to speak out about their lives and the plight of the staggering number of young women orphaned by AIDS in their country.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2, 2009
◊“Bank of Mom and Dad” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): Sarah, a 23-year-old self-proclaimed “urban sophisticate” from New Jersey, spends all of her money on clothes and food while her parents foot the bill for her real expenses on the season finale.
◊“Christmas in Rockefeller Center” (7 p.m. on NBC): Jane Krakowski (“30 Rock”) and Zachary Levi (“Chuck”) co-host the 77th annual holiday celebration that has aired on NBC for 12 years. The tree lighting event will also feature performances by Michael Bublé, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, The Roots, Shakira, and The Radio City Rockettes.
◊“Criminal Minds” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team travels to Fort Lauderdale during spring break to find a serial killer with multiple personalities who is targeting co-eds on vacation. Roma Maffia (“Nip/Tuck”) and Jackson Rathbone (“Twilight”) on “Criminal Minds,” 9 p.m. on CBS.
◊“Dog the Bounty Hunter” (8 p.m. on A&E): Season 6 opens with the show’s 150th episode, and Duane “Dog” Chapman’s target seems to have a taste for drugs and a record of reckless driving.
◊“Eastwick” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): While enduring a visit from her mother, Edie (Joanna Kerns, “Growing Pains”), Roxie discovers a newfound power. After Jamie’s failed attempt to poison Darryl lands Greta Noa (Rosanna Arquette, “The L Word”) in the hospital about to die, Darryl urges Kat to embrace her healing abilities so she can save his friend. Meanwhile, Jamie is forced to team up with Bun and Eleanor (Cybill Shepherd, “The L Word”) to finish the job on Darryl.
◊“The Grammy Nominations Concert Live! Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night” (8 p.m. on CBS, 2:37 a.m. Friday on KWTV-9 in OKC): LL Cool J (“NCIS: Los Angeles”) host host this special broadcast live from Club NOKIA in Los Angeles. It will reveal Grammy nominations in several categories and the world premiere performance of Nick Jonas & the Administration, as well as appearances by Black Eyed Peas, Sugarland and Maxwell.
◊“Launch My Line” (10 p.m. on Bravo): Designers Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED2 host this new series that follows 10 professionals who are paired with 10 established fashion designers who will help them execute their dream clothing line.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): Officer Nate Kendall (Wentworth Miller, “Prison Break”) is called in to help Detectives Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler solve a series of rape cases.
◊“Little Parents, First Baby” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): Dwarf couple Becky and Craig Hennon welcomed their first child earlier this year. Cameras revisit the family to see how they are faring and find out if they have learned whether their baby boy will also be a dwarf.
◊“Rebuilding America” (7 p.m. on CNBC): Are the manufacturing jobs in the U.S. gone forever? Does an economy that doesn’t produce anything have any real value? CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo and some leaders in manufacturing answer those questions and chart our path forward.
◊“Pixar Short Films” (6 p.m. on ABC Family): This two-hour presentation features 20 animated Pixar short films, including Academy Award winners “Tin Toy” (1988), “Geri’s Game” (1991) and “For the Birds” (2001) and Oscar nominees “Luxo Jr.” (1986), “Mike’s New Car” (2002), “Boundin” (2003), “One Man Band” (2005), “Lifted” (2006) and “Presto” (2008).
◊“Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Chef Gordon Ramsay returns for a fifth seaosn of taking on struggles restaurant ventures and passing on tips to owners on how best to cope with the credit crunch.
◊“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (7 p.m. on CBS, 2:37 a.m. Thursday on KWTV-9 in OKC): The longest-running holiday special in television history celebrates its 45th anniversary with this digitally-remastered version. The classic “Animagic” special features a musical score from Johnny Marks and the voice of Burl Ives.
◊“Sports Jobs With Junior Seau” (9 p.m. on Versus): The former New England Patriot linebacker trades in his helmet and pads and tries out the sometimes thankless byt extremely important jobs across the entire sports world. In the premiere episode, Seau will be working as part of the construction crew helping to build the new stadium for the New York Giants/Jets.
◊“Steven Seagal Lawman” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new real-life series chronicles martial arts expert and film star Steven Seagal’s work in law enforcement. For almost 20 years, he has been working as a fully-commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. Each episode will allow fans to ride shotgun with Seagal as he and an elite team of deputies respond to crimes-in-progress.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The final chef’testants gear up for the high-stakes finale on Dec. 9, as the final four travel to Napa and get narrowed down to three. And the three finalists get a surprise wake-up and fight for the title.
◊“Tulsa A to Z” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Tulsa video historian Jack Frank takes viewers on a tour of unique and historical places across the city — from the Admiral Twins, the city’s last remaining drive-in, to the Indy 500 race cars built by Tulsan Jack Zink.
◊“Whatever, Martha!” (8 p.m. on FLN): To prove that she is in on the show’s joke, Martha Stewart joins co-hosts Alexis Stewart and Jennifer Koppelman Hutt on the couch to reminisce about some of her favorite TV segments, including Martha making a spice rubbed turkey with TV anchor Bryant Gumbel and showing off her new laundry room. The hosts also talk to Martha about what her life was like growing up.
THURSDAY, DEC. 3, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): Tracy takes on the ultimate Hollywood challenge in order to prove is commitment to his wife (Sheri Shepherd, “Sherri”).
◊“BBQ Pitmasters” (9 p.m. on TLC): Each episode of this new series travels to a different competition and shows viewers what it takes to win big in barbecue. An estimated 10 million people visit competitions each year to get up-close and personal with the leading chefs of America’s barbecue circuit. Among the competitions documented are the Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-Off in Illinois, Diamond State BBQ Championship in Delaware and The Big Pig Jig in Georgia.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): A hypnotist who uses her powers of persuasion to rob banks becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Jorja Fox reprises her role as Sara Sidle.
◊“Dwarf Adoption Story” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This hour-long special follows the daily lives of David and Tina King, a dwarf couple who hope to adopt their second child — a 2-year-old dwarf from Albania.
◊“Echo: Queen of the Elephants” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special spotlights the 1,200 elephants that live nestled at the foot of Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and the researchers who study and hope to protect them. The Kenyan savannah is experiencing one of its worst droughts and, as a result, these elephants that cherish familial ties and experience emotions similar to those of humans must watch as their family members fall victim to thirst, starvation and poaching. It is estimated that hundreds of elephants have died as a result.
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Against Wedeck’s orders, Mark and Demetri travel to Hong Kong in search of the woman claiming to know details of Demetri’s fate; Lloyd tries to come clean about his and Simon’s involvement in the global blackout; and Zoey discovers the true meaning of her flashforward.
◊“In the House” (4:30 p.m. on Encore): Hollywood insiders Peter Bart and Peter Guber co-host this new entertainment news and interview show. It will deal with breaking news and industry trends in pop culture and will provide a platform for major stars, key filmmakers and other creative and business leaders who wish to comment on their industry.
◊“Inside the Mind of Google” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Maria Bartiromo (“Closing Bell”) reports on how two graduate students took a one-time research project and in barely a decade and turned it into a global technological powerhouse. With nearly two billion searches being done on its website every day, Google has access to an unprecedented amount of information about its users.
◊“Jersey Shore” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new series follows eight young adults as they move into a summer share to indulge in everything Seaside Heights, NJ, has to offer. It uncovers sometimes surprising, often hilarious and usually over-the-top personalities as they juggle work, love, nightlife, friendship and the drama that ensues. In the end, viewers see that there is more to these tan and buff individuals than hair gel.
◊“The Truth About Binge Drinking” (7 p.m. on BBC America): British pop star Michelle Heaton takes an investigative look into the world of binge drinking, which affects everyone from college to underage kids and from desperate housewives to young professionals.
FRIDAY, DEC. 4, 2009
◊“2009 mtvU Woodie Awards” (9 p.m. on MTV): For the sixth year in a row, college students from all over the country have nominated their favorite artists to vie for mtvU Woodie awards. Nominees Death Cab For Cutie and Matt & Kim will perform along with The Dead Weather, featuring Jack White (White Stripes, The Raconteurs), Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age), Jack Lawrence (The Greenhornes, The Raconteurs) and Alison Mosshart (The Kills).
◊“Expecting 15 Babies” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): Three families experience the dangerous business of giving birth to and raising multiples, including the first Hispanic sextuplets in the United States, an expecting mother of quadruplets and a family with 22-month-old quintuplets.
◊“One Life to Live” (1 p.m. on ABC): The All-American Rejects (rock band from Stillwater) will appear at Ultraviolet, and Rex surprises his son Shane with the honor of announcing the band. The multi-platinum group is currently making the rounds on an international tour for their latest musical offering, “When the World Comes Down,” and will perform “Mona Lisa” and “I Wanna” from the album.
◊“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (6:30 p.m. on ABC Family): In this film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s bestseller, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers of his own. Three more films in the “Harry Potter” series will air on the network this weekend: “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (3 p.m. Saturday), “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (7 p.m. Saturday) and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (6:30 p.m. Dec. 6).
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): When samples of a deadly viral disease go missing, Allison’s visions could help prevent a massive bio-terror attack. Also, Scanlon is ready to propose to Lynn, but Bridgette’s dreams could foreshadow problems on the horizon. Matt Letscher (“Entourage”) guest stars as bio-pathologist Dr. Erik Westphal, who has been working with the virus.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): In the series finale, Monk hunts down his wife Trudy’s killer.
◊“A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa” (7 p.m. on NBC): On Christmas Eve, Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo and the rest of the gang attempt to deliver three letters to Santa Claus. Guest starring in this special filled with song, mayhem and heaps of holiday spirit are Whoopi Goldberg, Jane Krakowski, Nathan Lane, Jesse L. Martin, Steve Schirripa, Tony Sirico, Uma Thurman and New York’s Mayor Bloomberg.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the team foils a robbery of an armored car full of Federal Reserve money and recover bills that trace back to the infamous D.B. Cooper heist, they call on Agent Roger Bloom, who worked on the Cooper case, for help with the investigation. Henry Winkler (“Happy Days”) returns as former FBI Agent Roger Bloom.
◊“Pit Bulls and Paroles” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Running the Villalobos Rescue Center is a financial strain, and it is getting harder for Tia Maria Torres to make ends meet.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): While docked in Sweden, Zack and Cody learn from Mayor Ragnar (Ed Begley Jr., “Gary Unmarried”) that their ancestors were scoundrels, rather than heroes like they thought. Meanwhile, Marcus and Moseby get stuck in a furniture store trying to find a screw for Moseby’s nightstand.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Things should be dreamy at the Bahamas resort, where even Shakira (portraying herself) is staying, but Betty has a nightmarish photo shoot after Willie learns her nemesis, Penelope Graybridge (Christie Brinkley, “Vacation”), snagged a coveted job.
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): In the fall finale, the FBI investigates a jewelry heist, and all clues point to Neal. Now Peter must figure out if Neal is telling the truth or pulling a con.
SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 2009
◊“12 Men of Christmas” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Tony and Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth (“Pushing Daisies”) stars in this romantic comedy, adapted from a novel by Phillipa Ashley. She plays a New York public relations executive who loses her job and her fiance at her office holiday party. To escape everything, she takes a job in Montana and channels her energy to help raise funds for the local search-and-rescue team by producing a steamy calendar of its hunky men.
◊“1000 Ways to Die” (11:30 p.m. on SPIKE): The series, begins Season 2 with back-to-back episodes, showcases some of the most outrageously true stories about those who died in the most unorthodox styles. It moves to at 9 p.m. Wednesdays on Dec. 9.
◊“A Boyfriend for Christmas” (4 p.m. on Lifetime): Kelli Williams (“Lie to Me”) stars in this holiday comedy as Holly, who professes that she doesn’t believe in Santa Claus since she can’t meet the man of her dreams.
◊“Debbie Macomber’s Mrs. Miracle” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Single dad Seth Webster (James Van Der Beek) is in desperate need of a nanny. At his lowest point, Mrs. Merkle (Doris Roberts) appears and proves herself to be more-than-adept at handling his twin 6-year-old boys.
◊“Guy Fieri’s Top of the Class” (6:30 p.m. on Food Network): This behind-the-scenes special reveals what happens when aspiring teenage chefs gather in San Digo for the National proStar Invitational. Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) hosts the event as students race to complete a three-course meal before the hour runs out.
◊“Guy’s Disney Holiday” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Guy Fieri explores Disneyland during the holidays and shares the fun, excitement and charm that the park offers through its holiday-themes meals and treats.
◊“iQuite iCarly” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this original movie based on the Nickelodeon series, a rift between iCarly BFFs’ Carly Shay (Miranda Cosgrove) and Sam Puckett (Jennette McCurdy) puts their friendship to the test and takes its toll on their popular web show.
◊“Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special features Rockette performances that showcase the dancers’ signature precision dance style. Traditional fan favorites such as the “Living Nativity” scene and “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” have been in the show since its inception in 1933.
◊“Robin Hood” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Robin and Gisborne have been forced together to save their half brother and take down the evil Prince John. Tune in to the Season 3 finale find out if their alliance lasts or if Prince John takes down Robin Hood once and for all.
◊“Sandra Lee Celebrates: Magical Merry Christmas” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Following their 13-year-old daughter Kelsea through her recent recovery from cancer, the Henderson family now spends their holiday time brightening the lives of those still in need. Sandra will teach the Hendersons how to create the perfect food, decorations and tree trimmings for their own family, as well as arm them with useful tips on how to use their favorite holiday items to craft a moving ‘pay it forward’ tribute to the hospital where Kelsea spent so much time.
◊“Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam” (10 p.m. on Showtime): D.L. Hughley hosts this event that features stand-up from comedians Earthquake, Lavell Crawford, Melanie Comarcho and Arnez J. It was filmed live at the 13th annual American Black Film Festival in Miami.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Tammy Lynn Michaels
Nov. 26, 2009 — Tammy Lynn
Doring, who played Tess on “Committed” (2005), turns 35 today.
She guest starred as Lacey Harawar in three 2004 episodes of “The L Word.”
Her first acting role was as Nicole Julian on “Popular” (1999-2001). She was 25 when the series started.
Best wishes to Tammy Lynn and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Singer songwriter Melissa Etheridge, left and her partner actress Tammy Lynn Michaels, right, arrive at the 24th Annual American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Pop Music Awards, Wednesday, April 18, 2007 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)
Top 50 Talk Show Guests on TV (Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 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. 26-Dec. 2, 2009). For a practically complete list, go to www.newsok.com/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
••Shohreh Aghdashloo (“FlashForward”), Dec. 2 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Jessica Alba (“The Killer Inside Me”), Dec. 1 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Fred Armisen (“Saturday Night Live”), Nov. 27 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Lance Armstrong (“Comeback 2.0”), Dec. 2 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Drew Barrymore (“Whip It”), Nov. 26 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Kelly Blatz (“Skyrunners”), Nov. 27 on “Good Morning America”
••Susan Boyle (“Britain’s Got Talent”), Nov. 27 on “The Early Show”
••Lance Burton (magician), Nov. 30 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Adam Carolla (“Drawn Together”), Nov. 30 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Kristin Cavallari (“Van Wilder: Freshman Year”), Nov. 26 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Kristin Chenoweth (“Twelve Men of Christmas”), Dec. 2 on “The View”
••Miranda Cosgrove (“iCarly”), Nov. 30 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Kaley Cuoco (“The Big Bang Theory”), Dec. 2 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Paula Deen (“Paula’s Party”), Nov. 27 on “Oprah Winfrey”
••Danny DeVito (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), Nov. 26 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Matt Dillon (“Armored”), Nov. 30 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”; Dec. 2 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Donald Faison (“Scrubs”), Nov. 26 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins & Dives”), Dec. 1 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Megan Fox (“Jennifer’s Body”), Nov. 26 on “The Jay Leno Show”
••Morgan Freeman (“Invictus”), Dec. 2 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Lady Gaga (singer), Nov. 27 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Seth Green (“Old Dogs”), Nov. 27 on “The View”
••Ashley Greene (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Dec. 2 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Kathy Griffin (“My Life on the D-List”), Dec. 2 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Tom Hanks (“Angels & Demons”), Nov. 30 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Alyson Hannigan (“How I Met Your Mother”), Nov. 30 on “Today”
••Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”), Nov. 27 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Dec. 1 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Glenn Howerton (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), Dec. 1 on “Last Call With Carson Daly”
••Samuel L. Jackson (“Unthinkable”), Dec. 2 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Jimmie Johnson (NASCAR driver), Dec. 2 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Magic Johnson (NBA star), Dec. 1 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Rashida Jones (“Parks and Recreation”), Nov. 26 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Chris Kattan (“The Middle”), Dec. 2 on “Last Call With Carson Daly”
••Toby Keith (country singer), Nov. 26 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Adam Lambert (“American Idol”), Dec. 1 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Taylor Lautner (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Nov. 26 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Juliette Lewis (“Whip It”), Nov. 27 on “Last Call With Carson Daly”
••Sophia Loren (“Nine”), Nov. 27 on “Today”
••Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”), Dec. 1 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Kellan Lutz (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Dec. 1 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”; Dec. 2 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Rachel Maddow (“The Rachel Maddow Show”), Nov. 27 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Kathleen Madigan (“Last Comic Standing”), Nov. 28 on “The Wanda Sykes Show”
••Tobey Maguire (“Brothers”), Dec. 1 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Howie Mandel (“Deal or No Deal”), Dec. 1 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Barry Manilow (singer), Dec. 1 on “Today”
••Jenny McCarthy (“Santa Baby 2″), Dec. 2 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Joel McHale (“Community”), Dec. 1 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Michelle Monaghan (“Somewhere”), Nov. 26 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Carey Mulligan (“Public Enemies”), Nov. 27 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Bill Murray (“Fantastic Mr. Fox”), Nov. 27 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Keke Palmer (“True Jackson, VP”), Nov. 27 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Amanda Peet (“2012″), Dec. 2 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Nikki Reed (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Dec. 2 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Paul Reubens (“Pee-wee’s Playhouse: The Movie”), Nov. 26 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Katey Sagal (“Sons of Anarchy”), Nov. 30 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Steven Seagal (“Steven Seagal Lawman”), Dec. 1 on “The View”; Dec. 2 on “Today”
••Paul Shaffer (“Late Show With David Letterman”), Dec. 2 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••William Shatner (“Shatner’s Raw Nerve”), Nov. 30 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Michael Sheen (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Nov. 30 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Sherri Shepherd (“Sherri”), Nov. 27 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Columbus Short (“Armored”), Dec. 1 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe (“Precious”), Nov. 27 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Rod Stewart (singer), Dec. 1 on “The View”
••Joss Stone (singer), Nov. 30 on “Last Call With Carson Daly”
••Wanda Sykes (“The Wanda Sykes Show”), Dec. 1 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Marlo Thomas (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), Nov. 27 on “The View”
••Carrie Underwood (“American Idol”), Nov. 27 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”; Dec. 1 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Vince Vaughn (“Couples Retreat”), Nov. 30 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Robin Williams (“Old Dogs”), Nov. 26 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Rainn Wilson (“The Office”), Nov. 27 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
Pictured above: CARRIE UNDERWOOD: AN ALL-STAR HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Multi-platinum recording artist and Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood will headline CARRIE UNDERWOOD: AN ALL-STAR HOLIDAY SPECIAL, a two-hour variety special airing Monday, Dec. 7 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Michael Becker/ FOX.
Top 20 Talk Show Topics on TV (Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 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. 26-Dec. 2, 2009). For a practically complete list, go to www.newsok.com/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
••Last-minute turkey ideas, Nov. 26 on “Good Morning America”
••Celebrity mothers’ favorite products, Nov. 26 on “The View”
••Plight of those living without basic health insurance, Nov. 26 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••Doctors answer questions about the first year of parenthood, Nov. 26 on “The Tyra Show”
••How to share God’s love with others, Nov. 26 on “Always Good News”
••Celebrities count their Thanksgiving blessings, Nov. 26 on “Entertainment Tonight”
••Good Housekeeping’s toy awards, Nov. 27 on “Today”
••Donating usable items, Nov. 27 on “Today”
••Hot toys, Nov. 27 on “Today”
••Thanksgiving leftovers, Nov. 27 on “The Early Show”
••The year’s top celebrity scandals, Nov. 27 on “Entertainment Tonight”
••Eight stress-free online shopping tips, Nov. 27 on “Rachael Ray”
••Holiday fashions and gift ideas, Nov. 27 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Tyra answers questions about race, Nov. 30 on “The Tyra Show”
••Flu-proofing your home, Dec. 1 on “Today”
••Table decorations, Dec. 1 on “Today”
••Maury counts down his 10 favorite unromantic moments, Dec. 1 on “Maury”
••Gift wrapping, Dec. 2 on “Today”
••Tips for getting a man to propose, Dec. 2 on “The Tyra Show”
••Surviving an abduction, Dec. 2 on “The Tyra Show”
Happy Birthday, John Larroquette
Nov. 25, 2009 — John
Bernard Larroquette, who played Carl Sack on “Boston Legal” (2007-08), turns 62 today.
He played Asst. D.A. Dan Fielding on “Night Court” (1984-92).
His first acting role was as Army soldier in war games in the 1966 movie “Follow Me, Boys!” He was 19.
Best wishes to John and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Donny Osmond wins Season 9 of “Dancing With the Stars”
Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson performing on "Dancing With the Stars." - ABC Photo
Congratulations to Donny Osmond for winning Season 9′s edition of “Dancing With the Stars.”
He worked hard and had lots of fans behind him.
Kudos also to fellow semifinalists Mya and Kelly Osbourne for being great sports and for giving gracious concession speeches.
Too bad Kelly Osbourne came in third – she was a joy to watch.
A few comments on the finals results show itself:
♦♦♦ All of the Season 9 contestants performed well in their return visits tonight.
♦♦♦ Didn’t need to see former “competitors” Jeff Ross, Cloris Leachman or Adam Carolla again.
♦♦♦ Liked Miss Piggy’s appearances, especially with Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
♦♦♦ Jerry Rice was better than Michael Irvin.
Overall, Season 9′s competition wasn’t quite as strong as it has been in the past, but here’s to hoping it’s a little more of a compelling race next time.
– Melissa Hayer
Oklahoman is better than OK on “The Biggest Loser”
Danny Cahill of Broken Arrow
said he feels like a million bucks.
He is also in the running for real bucks — $250,000 to be exact — on Season 8 of “The Biggest Loser.”
The NBC weight-loss competition series is two weeks away from the live finale on Dec. 8. And Danny has a 1-in-4 chance at the grand prize and title of “The Biggest Loser.”
He is already a record-setter on the show. He posted double-digit weight loss figures for seven weeks in a row.
And he has two advantages going into Week 12: (1) His orginal brown-shirt teammate, Liz, is also one of the remaining four contestants; and (2) Since he had the best weight-loss percentage on Tuesday’s (Nov. 24) show, Chef Curtis Stone will spend some time with Danny and his family in Broken Arrow to teach them how to cook healthy.
Danny also has other things going for him: (1) He put $4,000 in the bank with his performance in Tuesday’s challenge; and (2) He wrote a beautiful song during Week 2 which he shared with his fellow contenders and TV viewers on Tuesday.
“I have gone from hopeless to hopeful and from dream on to dream again,” Danny said. “I’ve got my life back.”
–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)
••Week 11 – dropped 16 pounds (went from 304 to 288)
Pictured above: Danny Cahill wearing Football jersey No. 126 (the amount of weight he lost in 10 weeks) for a challenge on the Nov. 24 episode of “The Biggest Loser.” (NBC Photo)
“Nurse Jackie” returns early to Showtime March 22
Edie Falco as "Nurse Jackie" - Showtime Photo
(FROM A SHOWTIME NEWS RELEASE)
Showtime has announced the air dates for some its highly-anticipated programming for first and second quarter 2010.
Highlighting the new schedule will be a Monday comedy block pairing of the second season of Showtime’s acclaimed “Nurse Jackie” starring Emmy® award-winner Edie Falco leading into the second season of United States of Tara showcasing Toni Collette in her Emmy® award-winning title role.
“Nurse Jackie” will premiere on Monday, March 22 at 9:00 p.m. followed by United States of Tara at 9:30 p.m.
Additionally, the fourth and final season of Showtime’s award-winning period drama “The Tudors” starring Golden Globe® award-winner Jonathan Rhys Meyers will premiere on Sunday, April 11 at 8 p.m.
Also, the television premiere of blockbuster feature film “Twilight” will be on Saturday, January 23.
