Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 3-9, 2010
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 Jan. 3:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JAN. 3, 2010
◊“Durham County” (8 p.m. on ION): While the villain of the first season turned out to be the former high school classmate and neighbor of Homicide Detective Mike Sweeney, the evil threat in Season 2 comes from a brilliant but deeply troubled forensic psychiatrist Pen Verrity (Michelle Forbes, “True Blood”).
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): “Good Morning America” weather anchor Sam Champion joins the design team to help repair the 100-year-old home of the Morris family in St. Paul, Minn. Kermit, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppet gang also volunteer to rebuild the home that also serves as a daycare in the community.
◊“Frank the Entertainer … in a Basement Affair” (7 p.m. on VH1): Frank Moresco, aka the “Entertainer” from “I Love New York 2” and “I Love Money,” is back and looking for love. Fifteen women traveled to New York for Frank, only to find out that they won’t be living in the elaborate mansion they expected – they will be living in Frank’s parents’ house. Each week at elimination, Frank will give the ladies keys to his basement, and those locked out will have to pack up.
◊“Giuliana & Bill” (8 p.m. on Style Network): Season 2 takes viewers inside the adventures of celebrity power couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic as they focus on the future, including trying for a baby and settling down in one city.
◊“Platinum Weddings” (8 p.m. on WEtv): The economic downturn hasn’t hurt the budgets of these “want-it-all” brides and grooms, as Season 4 features more one-of-a-kind weddings that come with price tags no less than six figures. The premiere episode showcases a Black-Eyed-Peas guitarist who treats his guests to a leisurely swim with sharks.
◊“Secrets of Aspen” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new docu-soap style series will explore the lives of six single women who live in America’s most renowned resort town – Aspen, Color. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, Aspen has become one of the country’s most expensive zip codes to live in. However, not everyone living in this small town can afford to live the lavish lifestyle.
◊“Smucker’s Stars on Ice 2010″ (3 p.m. on NBC): Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi will host this special that gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the tour, how it all began, the star skaters, emotional memories and a collection of standout performances. Among those featured are skating greats Scott Hamilton, Rosalynn Sumners, Brian Orser, Kurt Browning, Paul Wylie, Evan Lysacek and Sasha Cohen.
◊“Super Chef Battle: An Iron Chef America Event” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network personalities Mario Batali, Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse travel to the White House to take part in a culinary competition. Greeted by First Lady Michelle Obama, the chefs are joined by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and receive their challenge: create a meal for America using The White House Kitchen Garden’s produce as their secret ingredients.
◊“Worst Cooks in America” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Twelve of the most hopeless cooks in the country are put through a culinary boot camp led by chefs Anne Burrell (“Secrets of a Restaurant Chef”) and Beau MacMillan (executive chef at elements in Phoenix). At stake for the last two standing is the chance to cook for a panel of esteemed culinary critics and win the grand prize of $25,000.
MONDAY, JAN. 4
◊“All My Children” (noon on ABC): Mark Consuelos (“Killer Hair”) and Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) return to the daytime drama for the show’s 40th anniversary episodes, which air today and Tuesday. This will be the first time either actor has appeared on the show since they left in 2002. The milestone special episodes will air on January 4 and 5, 2010.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The 14th-season premiere features a record-setting appraisal of four Chinese carved jade objects estimated to be worth as much as $1,070,000 – -the highest value appraisal ever featured on the series. The collection was discovered at the “Roadshow: event last june in Raleigh, N.C.
◊“The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love” (7 p.m. on ABC): Airline pilot Jake Pavelka, who was rejected by Bachelorette Jillian Harris, gets a chance to hand out the roses himself in the 14th edition of the romantic reality series. Kimberly, a Norman native and former NBA dancer for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is among the 25 women competing for his attention.
◊“Blood, Sweat & Takeaways” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new four-part series, a group of young fast food junkies spend a month finding out the truth behind how their favorite foods are produced.
◊“Conveyor Belt of Love” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In this fast-paced special, 30 men go by on conveyor belt and are given 60 seconds to impress one of five women. If a woman is interested in someone, that man will step aside and wait as the rest of the men go by. But if another man comes by on the belt who seems better than that woman’s first choice, she can swap out the man waiting off of the belt as many times as she wants until the last man has passed by. Each woman is left with her final choice as she embarks on a date in the hope of finding a true connection.
◊“Forensics: You Decide” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The Season 1 finale presents both sides of the case involving Jeffrey Lamb of Florida. He is a suspect in the murder of his wife and attack of his own dogs.
◊“Make It or Break It” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): The series, which returns to complete its first season with 10 new episodes, is set in the world of competitive gymnastics. And while the girls celebrate their win at the National Gymnastics competition, Payson struggles with the ramifications of her back injury, becoming increasingly detached from her family and friends.
◊“This Emotional Life” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This three-part series, airing nightly through Wednesday, explores ways to improve social relationships and become more resilient while coping with depression and anxiety. The opening episode, ‘‘Family, Friends & Lovers,” explores the importance of relationships to a person’s emotional well-being. Tuesday’s episode is “Facing Our Fears,” followed by “Rethinking Happiness” on Wednesday.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This drama, which returns to complete its second season with 12 new episodes, focuses on the relationships between families and friends and how they deal with teenage issues, including an unexpected pregnancy. In the premiere episode, Amy and Anne decide to take their babies and escape their problems by going on vacation — and things back at home start to fall apart in their absence.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie must decide between his fiancée, Chelsea, and his old flame, Mia, on a rebroadcast of the seventh season premiere. Rock Superstar Eddie Van Halen makes a cameo appearance as himself.
◊“Welcome to Macintosh” (8:30 p.m. on CNBC): This CNBC special is the Apple story told by people who build, use, love, hate, and obsess over the company’s revolutionary products. When Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched Apple Computers in 1977, they had no idea the impact their company would have on the world. Now, more than thirty years later, filmmakers Robert Baca and Josh Rizzo take an in dept look how Apple has created a cult fan base and how Steve Jobs has become a modern day hero.
TUESDAY, JAN. 5, 2010
◊“As the World Turns” (1 p.m. on CBS): Model Paulina Porizkova (a judge on Season 4 of “America’s Next Top Model”) makes her daytime debut as Clarissa, a character who has a history with Simon Frasier (Paul Leyden), who recently returned to the show.
◊“The Biggest Loser: Couples” (7 p.m. on NBC): Cheryl and Daris George from Ardmore are among the 11 family teams of two on Season 9 of the weight-loss competition series. Alison Sweeney hosts the series and contestants work out under the supervision of trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels.
◊“ID Investigates: The Secret Life of Tiger Woods” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special takes a comprehensive look at the Tiger Woods scandal — the details curently unfolding and the legal ramifications.
◊“Last Restaurant Standing” (8 p.m. on BBC America): World-renowned chef and restaurateur Raymond Blanc returns for a third season with nine couples vying for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open a restaurant with him. The couples are working and living together 24 hours-a-day under enormous pressure, and only one will succeed.
◊“Maneaters” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series tells the stories of people who have survived terrifying encounters with animals. The premiere episode is titled “Sharks.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): When a Navy pilot is found dead under strange circumstances in a secluded area, the team finds themselves battling a no-nonsense attorney with a hidden agenda. Rena Sofer (“General Hospital”) guest stars as attorney Margaret Allison Hart. Marcus Giamatti (“Judging Amy”) guest stars as aerospace engineer Victor Tillman.
◊“Nova: Killer Subs in Pearl Harbor” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment presents evidence that a torpedo fired from a Japanese midget submarine may have struck the USS Oklahoma during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Parks Stephenson was the lead investigator on the underwater expedition, and he says there are accounts that indicate one torpedo fired at the USS Arizona was a dud, but he believes another torpedo hit the USS Oklahoma.
◊“Wild Recon” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new 10-part series follows Donald Shultz, a venom expert, as he travels the world collecting bio specimens from the world’s deadliest animals. He’s the guy who approaches the animal, like a cobra, to extract the venom, or the 400-pound wild African lion to get a blood sample — all in pursuit of bio-specimens for research and potential new scientific discoveries.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6, 2010
◊“The 36th Annual People’s Choice Awards” (8 p.m. on CBS): Queen Latifah (“Chicago”) hosts the event live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Fans cast more than 16 million votes to determine the nominees and winners in the fields of music, movies and television. Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Carrie Underwood (favorite female artist and favorite country artist), Brad Pitt (favorite movie actor) and Rascal Flatts (favorite country artist).
◊“Big Chef Takes on Little Chef” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new four-part series, Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal has six months to help put an old-fashioned chain of roadside cafes back on the map.
◊“Building Your Future: Educational Opportunities in Oklahoma” (7 p.m. on KWTV-9): Oklahoma City TV personaliity Jennifer Eve hosts this special that is designed to engage high school students and their parents into thinking ahead about college. John Feaver, president of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma will appear along with two USAO alums, a faculty member and a current student.
◊“Conviction Kitchen” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new series, chef Marc Thuet and his wife have three weeks to help 24 ex-cons with no culinary experience open a high-end restaurant from scratch.
◊“Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Despite fearing the meanest and most unrelenting dermatologist in town, Dr. Amy Evans (Lisa Kudrow, “Friends”), Jules and Ellie are willing to endure the harsh ridicule and wrath for an appointment with the best in the business. But when Jules learns Dr. Evans is seeing Bobby, she’s determined to stand up to her and protect him.
◊“Ghost Hunters International” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Season 3 will have the team traveling to a different international country each week in pursuit of the truth behind bizarre supernatural claims. In the premiere episode titled “Hitler’s Ghost,” the investigators venture to Miramar, Argentina, and set their sights on the Gran Hotel Viena, once the secret residence of many Nazi war criminals including rumored guest, Adolf Hitler.
◊“The Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Alan Alda (“Scientific American Frontiers”) hosts this three-part series that examines paintings and carvings that date back 30,000 years in an attempt to determine when mankind developed the ‘‘human spark” that produced art, innovative technology and symbolic communication.
◊“I Get That A Lot” (7 p.m. on CBS, 2:37 a.m. on KWTV-9): This new special features celebrities tricking everyday citizens in a case of supposed “mistaken identity.” Among the celebrities confusing customers who can’t decide if it’s the actual celebrity or a look-alike, are Julie Chen (“Big Brother”) working at a yogurt shop, Paris Hilton (“The Simple Life”) as a gas station employee, Snoop Dogg (hip-hop artist) as a parking lot attendant, Rachael Ray (“The Rachael Ray Show”) working at a dry cleaner, Gene Simmons (rocker of the band Kiss) as a psychic guru and Tony Hawk (skateboarder) working in a surf shop.
◊“Launch My Line” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Pop star Lady Gaga, known for her fashion-forward outfits, surprises the designers and provides inspiration. In this week’s challenge, the teams create an avant-garde outfit, but they must make sure they are pushing the boundaries of fashion without crossing the line of good taste.
◊“Man Vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Host Bear Grylls hits the global road for extreme adventures and invaluable lessons in survival. His locations this season include China, Panama, Montana, Guatemala and Poland. No feat is too large, nor task too daunting as Bear climbs a 200-foot waterfall, gets bitten by aggressive weaver ants, encounters a deadly Green Pit viper snake and lands on an active volcano.
◊“Marriage From Hell: The Breakup of AOL Time Warner” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special takes viewers inside the story of what has been called the worst deal ever made. In includes candid comments from one of the chief architects of the deal, former Time Warner CEO Gerald Levin, who underwent a stunning reversal of fortune.
◊“The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie fears that a confrontation with trashy neighbor Rita Glossner (Brooke Shields, “Lipstick Jungle”) is at hand when Sue has a run-in with her sons. Meanwhile, Axl tries to bribe Brick when he’s asked to teach his little brother how to kick a ball for a gym requirement, but it’s Brick who turns the tables on Axl and ends up bribing him for another favor.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Gloria is less than pleased with Jay’s reaction to the arrival of Manny’s infamously unreliable dad, Javier (Benjamin Bratt, “The Cleaner”). Meanwhile, Phil is suffering from kidney stones and his dramatics leave Claire no other choice but to call for the hot firemen to rush him to the hospital.
◊“Nip/Tuck” (9 p.m. on FX): As the seventh (and final) season begins, the doctors are honored by their alma mater, the University of Miami, prompting Sean to recall their college years and past pains. Meanwhile, a man whose genetic disorder has led to self-mutilation wants it undone.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Elvis Costello” (9 p.m. on Sundance): In this special edition, Elvis Costello slides from the host chair to guest chair for a revealing conversation with actress/music journalist Mary Louise Parker (“Weeds”). While it’s impossible to cover all of Costello’s 30 year plus musical journey in an hour, he performs a wide selection of his material.
◊“Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Betty wants to spend some time apart from Matt, so she finds him something else to keep him occupied. Meanwhile, Hilda has a tough decision to make regarding her baby, and Mark’s fling looks to be heading towards something more serious.
THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2010
◊“Bear Whisperer” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): Every summer, tourits and black bears converge on the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, Calif. “Bear Whisperer” Steve Searles is fearless in his efforts to jeep the peace between man and beast.
◊“Best of the World Music Awards” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This special looks back at over a decade of the most memorable World Music Award moments, including performances by Michael Jackson, Byonce, Britney Spears and Mariah Carey.
◊“Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on VH1): Season 3 will follow the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment at a center in the Los Angeles area. The show will follow Mackenzie Phillips (“One Day at a Time”), Heidi Fleiss (“Alien 51″), Tom Sizemore (“Crash”), Dennis Rodman (“Celebrity Apprentice”), Mindy McCready (country singer), Lisa D’Amato (“America’s Next Top Model”), Mike Starr (Alice in Chains) and Joey Kovar (“Real World Hollywood”).
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston and Riley are taken hostage during the aftermath of a shootout in a typically calm Las Vegas community. Denzel Whitaker (“The Great Debaters”) guest stars.
◊“Duel in the Sun” (7 p.m. on TCM): Actress Jennifer Jones, who was born in Tulsa, earned an Oscar nomination for this 1946 Western about an American Indian woman caught between two brothers. It is the first of a four-film tribute to Jones, who died Dec. 17 at age 90. The other films are “1954′s ◊“Beat the Devil” (9:30 p.m.), 1949′s “Madame Bovary” (11:15 p.m.) and 1954′s “Indiscretion of an American Wife” (1:15 a.m.).
◊“The Newlywed Game” (8 p.m. on GSN): Game show host Bob Eubanks, who first began hosting “The Newlywed Game” more than 40 years ago, returns as guest host of the new version. This special episode features current host Carnie Wilson and her family as the celebrity contestants. Competing against Wilson and her husband, Rob Bonfiglio, are Wilson’s sister Wendy Wilson and her husband Dan Knutson, and Wilson’s mother, former singer Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford, and her husband, Daniel Rutherford.
◊“Planet of the Apps: A Handheld Revolution” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special looks at the recent “app” explosion and how they have changed the way we live. It introduces viewers to some of the creators who are designing applications and striking it rich and explains just how the big business of apps really works.
FRIDAY, JAN. 8, 2010
◊“Bartender Wars” (9:30 p.m. on FLN): Three bartenders pair drinks with flavored popcorn, try to send psychic messages to their patrons and play a game of catch—with olives. Guest judge Dan Aykroyd (“Ghostbusters”) asks them to impress him with their bartending skills and create a drink they’d be proud to put on their headstones.
◊“Big Band Blues” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This program presents performances from the Motor City Blues & Boogie Woogie Festival. It also features commentary from the artists about the relationship between blues, boogie woogie, jazz and swing music.
◊“Big, Bigger, Biggest” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): This series follows the evolutionary engineering leaps that enable iconic structures to grow in size. The Season 2 premiere focuses on the largest submarine ever constructed by the U.S. Navy.
◊“Elvis on Tour” (7 p.m. on TCM): In honor of the 75th celebration of Elvis Presley, TCM host Robert Osborne is joined by Priscilla Presley and Jerry Schilling to introduce the 1972 concert documentary. They also comment on the 2001 re-edited version of the 1970 film “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” (9 p.m.) and the 1957 film “Jailhouse Rock” (11 p.m.).
◊“John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): John Oliver (“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”) hosts this new series that features some of Oliver’s favorite comedians. In the premiere episode, Oliver ditches the suit to discuss his surprising affection for America, the upside-down Australians and the effects of voting under the influence. The episode also features sets from Maria Bamford, Nick Kroll, Greg Fitzsimmons and Eugene Mirman.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team try their luck at investigating the theft of scratch-off lottery tickets, but the stakes are raised when one of the culprits killed at a botched robbery turns out to be a former lottery winner. Guest stars include Michael O’Neill (“Transformers”) as California Lottery security supervisor Boyd Keene; Nicole Sullivan (“Rita Rocks”) as eccentric lottery agent Nancy Hackett; and Allison Smith (“Kate & Allie”) as Sara Lewis, a financial advisor working with lottery winners.
◊“Operation Wild” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows the officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In the premiere episode, the officers are busy patrolling the annual Lobster Mini-Season as thousands of people put their lobster-catching skills to the test over a 48-hour period.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): This series, back for Season 2, gives budding entrepreneurs a chance to make their business dreams come true and make them successful and possibly wealthy people. But first, the entrepreneurs must convince a panel of five ruthless, multi-millionaire tycoons – known as Sharks — to part with their own hard-earned cash to give them the funding they need to jumpstart their breakthrough business concepts, products, properties and services. The five Sharks are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, “infomercial” industry pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O’Leary.
SATURDAY, JAN. 9, 2010
◊“Renovation Realities Best Freakin’ Moments” (8 p.m. on DIY): This special looks as some of the most compelling moments from the home renovation show — from big mistakes and injuries to major fights and meltdowns.
◊“The View Special Edition — All My Children: Moving Pine Valley” (5 p.m. on SoapNet): This encore presentation pays tribute to the daytime drama that is relocating to Los Angeles. The one-hour celebration features the show’s creator, Agnes Nixon, and cast members Susan Lucci, Debbi Morgan, Rebecca Budig, Cameron Mathison, Michael E. Knight and Vincent Irizarry.
◊“The Wishing Well” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a city-bred journalist (Jordan Ladd, “Death Proof”) heads to small-town Illinois for a story, her one-day visit turns into a much longer stay with the toss of a coin. Sally Kellerman (“Open House”), Jason London (“All Roads Lead Home”), Tempestt Bledsoe (“The Cosby Show”) and Charles Shaughnessy (“The Nanny”) costar in the time-twisting story about finding answers in the most unexpected of places.
◊“World’s Greenest Homes” (5 p.m. on Planet Green): The Season 2 premiere spotlights a dome home in upstate New York. It has a spaceship-like exterior that rotates to make the most of the sun’s rays.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, James Remar
Dec. 31, 2009 — William
James Remar, who plays Harry Morgan on “Dexter” (2006-09 on Showtime), turns 56 today.
He played Vincent Colville on “North Shore” (2004-05).
His first TV appearance was as Police Officer in a 1978 episode of “The Incredible Hulk.” He was 31.
Best wishes to James and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: James Remar as Harry Morgan (Season 4, episode 12-finale) – Photo: Randy Tepper/Showtime
ABC announces “Lost” The Final Season sweepstakes
Elizabeth Mitchell and Josh Holloway on "Lost." - ABC Photo
PRESS RELEASE PROVIDED BY ABC:
“Lost” fans have an opportunity to win an exclusive sneak peek at never-before-seen footage of the season premiere of the sixth and final season of the critically acclaimed hit series. Contestants may enter the sweepstakes here .
Upon registration, each contestant must answer six questions about the show, and are then automatically entered to win one of 815 “messages in a bottle.” The 815 winners will receive a “Lost” bottle containing a USB port that resembles character Desmond Hume’s fail-safe key. The key contains a video with a sneak peek at this season’s premiere – which will be the first time anyone will have seen this footage – along with scenes of last season’s finale. All prizes will be delivered on Friday, January 29.
The premiere of the sixth and final season of “Lost,” a special all-night event, airs on Tuesday, February 2. A recap special will kick off the night from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by the much anticipated two-hour premiere from 8-10 p.m.
The series will then air in its regular time period – Tuesday nights from 8 to 9 p.m. – beginning the following week, on February 9.
“Lost” stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Nestor Carbonell as Richard Alpert, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Ben, Jeff Fahey as Frank Lapidus, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Ken Leung as Miles, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Terry O’Quinn as Locke and Zuleikha Robinson as Ilana.
“Lost” was created by Jeffrey Lieber and J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof. Abrams, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, Jack Bender, Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz, Jean Higgins and Carlton Cuse serve as executive producers. “Lost,” which is filmed entirely on location in Hawaii and premiered on September 22, 2004, is from ABC Studios.
“The Ricky Gervais Show” animated comedy series debuts Feb. 19 on HBO
Ricky Gervais - AP Photo
PRESS RELEASE PROVIDED BY HBO:
“The Ricky Gervais Show,” a 13-episode animated comedy series based on the record-breaking podcast, debuts Friday, FEB. 19 at 8 p.m., exclusively on HBO.
Voiced by Ricky Gervais, his longtime collaborator Stephen Merchant and colleague and friend Karl Pilkington, whose offbeat musings inspire many of the storylines, the show’s debut will be followed by the second-season debut of “The Life and Times of Tim.”
“The Ricky Gervais Show” animates podcasts that first appeared on The Guardian website, and subsequently earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most downloads.
Topics covered include: the merits of 20th century inventions; Karl’s suggestion for population control; philosophy through the ages; Karl’s round head; and thoughts on charity.
Regular features include a “Monkey News” segment and excerpts from Karl’s journal, read by Stephen.
This is the second collaboration between HBO and Media Rights Capital, following “The Life and Times of Tim,” which debuted on the network in 2008, and returns for its second season in February.
Ricky Gervais’ previous HBO credits include the series “Extras,” which brought him an Emmy® for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series; the show was written and directed by Gervais and Merchant, who were also creators of the Golden Globe-winning BBC comedy series “The Office.” Gervais also starred in the Emmy®-nominated 2008 HBO presentation “Ricky Gervais: Out of England – The Stand-Up Special.”
Enjoy a ‘Rocky’ New Year with Encore movie marathon
Tommy Morrison
Boxing Day is celebrated the day after Christmas in Canada. But Encore will begin its boxing day on New Year’s Eve.
It starts at 11 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 31) with the Oscar-winning movie “Rocky.” The 1976 film written by and starring Sylvester Stallone tells the rags to riches story of boxer Rocky Balboa, who gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship.
And Encore’s boxing day continues Saturday (Jan. 1) with “Rocky II” at 1 a.m., “Rocky III” at 3 a.m., “Rocky IV” at 4:40 a.m. and “Rocky V” at 6:15 a.m.
For those who can’t stay up that late or get up that early, Encore will present a “Rocky” movie marathon encore. In fact, each of the five films will air three times during this special programming event.
Helping promote the “Rocky” marathon is American boxing promoter Don King, who will introduce each film.
“Rocky V,” by the way, features boxer Tommy Morrison from Jay, Oklahoma. He plays Tommy “Machine” Gunn in the 1990 film. The former WBO boxing champion said that seeing “Rocky” is what really inspired him to go pro with his boxing.
Also starring in the “Rocky” movies are Talia Shire as “Yo” Adrian, Burt Young as Adrian’s brother Paulie, Burgess Meredith as Rocky’s trainer Mickey and Carl Weathers as the champion, Apollo Creed.
–Penny TV
Boxing day on Encore
“Rocky” (Thursday at 11 p.m., Friday at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.)
“Rocky II” (Friday at 1 a.m., 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.)
“Rocky III” (Friday at 3 a.m., noon and 9 p.m.)
“Rocky IV” (Friday at 4:40 a.m., 1:40 p.m. and 10:40 p.m.)
“Rocky V” (Friday at 6:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., Saturday at 12:15 a.m.)
Top 50 Talk Show Guests on TV (Dec. 31-Jan. 6, 2010)
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 of the best guests appearing on talk shows airing Thursday through Wednesday (Dec. 31-Jan 6, 2010). 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
••Tim Allen (“Crazy on the Outside”), Jan. 6 on “Live With Regis and Kelly” and “Today”
••Jon Bon Jovi (“Ally McBeal”), Dec. 31 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Matthew Broderick (“Finding Amanda”), Jan. 6 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Jim Carrey (“I Love You Phillip Morris”), Dec. 31 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Diahann Carroll (“White Collar”), Jan. 5 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Michael Cera (“Youth in Revolt”), Jan. 4 on “Late Show With David Letterman”; Jan. 5 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Kim Coles (“Wig”), Jan. 6 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Penélope Cruz (“Nine”), Dec. 31 on “Today”
••Fran Drescher (“The Nanny”), Dec. 31 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Jenna Elfman (“Accidentally on Purpose”), Jan. 4 on “Late Show With David Letterman”; Jan. 5 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Laurence Fishburne (“CSI”), Jan. 6 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Morgan Freeman (“Invictus”), Dec. 31 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Victor Garber (“Eli Stone”), Jan. 6 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Jennifer Garner (“The Invention of Lying”), Jan. 1 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Ana Gasteyer (“The Women”), Jan. 5 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Danny Glover (“2012″), Jan. 1 on “Last Call With Carson Daly”
••Ashley Greene (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Jan. 1 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Jake Gyllenhaal (“Brothers”), Jan. 1 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Maggie Gyllenhaal (“Crazy Heart”), Jan. 5 on “The View”
••Mark Harmon (“NCIS”), Jan. 5 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Ethan Hawke (“Daybreakers”), Jan. 4 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”; Jan. 6 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Anna Kendrick (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Jan. 1 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Phil Keoghan (“The Amazing Race”), Jan. 2 on “The Wanda Sykes Show”
••Téa Leoni (“Manure”), Jan. 6 on “The View”
••Zachary Levi (“Chuck”), Jan. 5 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Hamish Linklater (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”), Dec. 31 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Blake Lively (“Gossip Girl”), Dec. 31 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Mario Lopez (“Extra”), Dec. 31 on “The Tyra Show”
••Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”), Dec. 31 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Derek Luke (“Trauma”), Jan. 5 on “Last Call With Carson Daly”
••Christopher Meloni (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), Jan. 4 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Helen Mirren (“The Last Station”), Jan. 5 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Daryl “Chill” Mitchell (“Brothers”), Jan. 2 on “The Wanda Sykes Show”
••Mo’Nique (“Precious”), Jan. 1 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Rosie O’Donnell (“The View”), Jan. 1 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Masi Oka (“Heroes”), Jan. 5 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Kelly Osbourne (“Dancing With the Stars”), Dec. 31 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Robert Pattinson (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Dec. 31 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Jake Pavelka (“The Bachelor”), Jan. 4 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Queen Latifah (“The Secret Life of Bees”), Jan. 5 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”; Jan. 6 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Mary Lynn Rajskub (“24″), Jan. 2 on “The Wanda Sykes Show”
••Ray Romano (“Men of a Certain Age”), Jan. 1 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Katey Sagal (“The Sons of Anarchy”), Dec. 31 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Gabourey Sidibe (“Precious”), Jan. 1 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”; Jan. 6 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Christian Slater (“The Forgotten”), Jan. 4 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Jean Smart (“Samantha Who?”), Jan. 6 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Ian Somerhalder (“The Vampire Diaries”), Jan. 1 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”; Jan. 4 on “The Tyra Show”
••Olivia Wilde (“House”), Dec. 31 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
••Fred Willard (“Youth in Revolt”), Jan. 4 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Reese Witherspoon (“Four Christmases”), Jan. 1 on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien”
Pictured above: “It Happened One Christmas” — Billie (Jenna Elfman) hosts Christmas for her parents and tries to hide the fact that Zack lives with her on “ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE.” (Photo: Michael Yarish/CBS)
Top 20 Talk Show Topics on TV (Dec. 31-Jan. 6, 2010)
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. 31-Jan. 6, 2010). 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
••Simple and elegant drinks for New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 on “Today,”
••Financial resolutions, Dec. 31 on “The Early Show”
••Holiday beauty tips, Dec. 31 on “The Early Show”
••Children’s magic tricks, Dec. 31 on “The Bonnie Hunt Show”
••Social networking tips, Jan. 1 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Diet resolutions, Jan. 4 on “Today”
••Diet mistakes, Jan. 4 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Kitchen items that contribute to weight gain, Jan. 4 on “Rachael Ray”
••Diet plan to reboot one’s body, Jan. 4 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••Detox drinks, Jan. 4 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Medical breakthroughs, Jan. 5 on “Today”
••College interviews, Jan. 5 on “Today”
••Eating better, Jan. 5 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Birth control breakthroughs, Jan. 5 on “Rachael Ray”
••Fighting stress, Jan. 5 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Diagnosis dilemmas, Jan. 5 on “The Martha Stewart Show”
••Cutting grocery bills in half, Jan. 6 on “Today”
••Resolutions about relationships, Jan. 6 on “Today”
••Styling tips, Jan. 6 on “The View”
••Healthy restaurant eating, Jan. 6 on “The Tyra Show”
Happy Birthday, Kristin Kreuk
Dec. 30, 2009 — Kristin Laura
Kreuk, who plays Lana Lang on “Smallville” (2001-09 on The CW), turns 27 today.
She played Laurel Yeung on “Edgemont” (2001-05).
Her first role was as Gina in a 2001 episode of “The Weekenders.” She was 19.
Best wishes to Kristin and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Kristin Kreuk, “Smallville” star, is interviewed as she arrives for the announcement of the CW Network premiere fall schedule in New York, Thursday May 18, 2006. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
New year, new audition opportunities for ‘America’s Got Talent’
Looking for something
exciting to try in 2010? Why not hone your special skills and try out for “America’s Got Talent”?
It could be worth $1 million. Or could lead to something better. Susan Boyle didn’t win Britain’s version of the show, yet her CD was a big hit this Christmas.
And Susan’s dream all started with an audition.
The first audition of the new year for “America’s Got Talent” is scheduled for Jan. 23 and 24 in Los Angeles. The second audition for 2010 is much closer to Oklahoma — Jan. 30 and 31 at the Dallas Convention Center (650 S. Griffin Street).
Three more audition dates have also been set: Feb. 13 and 14 in Orlando, Fla.; Feb. 20-21 in Atlanta; and Feb. 28 and March 1 in Portland, Ore. And more audition sites will be announced soon, as the search for Season 5 will be more extensive than ever before.
And since producers don’t want to leave anyone out, those who cannot attend an open casting call can still audition. Just go to www.americasgottalentauditions.com to download forms and send a 3-minute videotape of your act to “America’s Got Talent” Season 5, 3727 W. Magnolia Blvd., #808, Burbank, CA 91505.
Producers are looking for talent of all kinds — musicians, dance crews, magicians, contortionists, comedians, singers, jugglers, animal acts and everything in between — to perform on-stage and compete for America’s votes. The competition is open to all ages.
So give it a try. Hopefully someone will be wanting your CD (or tickets to your performance) next Christmas.
–Penny TV
TV Preview Podcast: ‘I Get That A Lot’
Each week, The Oklahoman TV Editor Penny Soldan hosts an audio podcast discussing an upcoming TV premiere.
This week’s premiere is the new CBS special “I Get That A Lot” premiering at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6 (due to local programming, it airs at 2:37 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, on KWTV-9 in Oklahoma City).
To hear her discussion with Melissa Hayer, assistant news research editor for The Oklahoman, click the arrow below.
Pictured above: Paris Hilton poses as a gas station attendant on “I GET THAT A LOT” where popular stars pull pranks on everyday people. (Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS)
Pictured below: Hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg poses as a parking attendant on “I GET THAT A LOT.” (Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
