TV Preview Podcast: ‘Parenthood’
Each week, The Oklahoman TV Editor Penny Soldan hosts an audio podcast discussing an upcoming TV premiere.
This week’s premiere is the new NBC series “Parenthood” premiering at 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 2.
To hear her discussion with Melissa Hayer, assistant news research editor for The Oklahoman, click arrow below.
Pictured above: PARENTHOOD — “Pilot” Episode 101 — Pictured: (l-r) Peter Krause as Adam, Max Burkholder as Max — NBC Photo: Chris Haston
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Top 55 TV Programs for Feb. 28-March 6, 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 Feb. 28:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, FEB. 28, 2010
••”Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): Barb shocks Nicki with news about Joey. Bill looks for clues about J.J. (Zeljko Ivanek, “Damages”) in Kansas.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team decides to kill time at a work acquaintance’s wedding by looking into wther his bride (Rachel Miner, “Californication”) was responsible for killing her former fiance (Noah Bean, “Damages”), who died mere hours after he canceled their nuptials. Sean Maguire (“The Class”) guest stars as the former fiance’s best friend.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Celia comes down with the chicken pox, Gaby must keep her distance. Having never had the chicken pox herself, Gaby stays with Tuc and Bob and is reminded of what it’s like to be single again. Julie Benz (“Dexter”) guest stars.
••”Disease Detectives” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special follows a real-life “Dr. House” and his team of experts inside the Undiagnosed Disease Program at the National Institutes for Health as they attempt to solve real medical mysteries and help desperate patients in just five days.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Country singer Trace Adkins (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) helps the team rebuild the home of a wounded police officer in Lancaster, Texas, who lost most of his mobility and all of his hearing after being shot while leading a Dallas Police Department SWAT team.
••”Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): When Gladys, the new and slightly bumbling Tooth Fairy, has trouble doing her job without waking up the kids, the Movers help show her how to get the job done. Cheri Oteri (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
••”The Marriage Ref” (9:30 p.m. on NBC): Jerry Seinfeld (“Seinfeld”), Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”) and Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) weigh in on a special sneak preview of this new comedy panel series about the unpredictable and hilarious institution commonly known as marriage. Tom Papa (“Come to Papa”) is the “Ref” on the show, which premieres Thursday.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This adaptation of John Buchan’s World War I adventure novel “The 39 Steps” follows the fortunes of Richard Hannay (Rupert Penry-Jones), a mining engineer who gets caught up in a conspiracy after a British spy is found dead in his apartment.
••”The Providence Effect” (11 a.m. on TV One): This documentary film that tells the story of a school on Chicago’s impoverished West Side that has been sending 100 percent of its high school graduates to four-year colleges for 30 years.
••”Undercover Boss” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dave Rife, the owner of White Castle, goes undercover in his own company where he accidentally ruins thousands of hamburger buns after mishandling equipment in one of his bakeries. He also discovers low morale among his employees at a local factory.
••”Weather Proof” (8 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Co-hosts Stephanie Abrams and Newton Wimer test everything from windows and mobile homes to see if they hold up against a powerful hurricane simulator – a jet engine. And see how to escape from a stranded vehicle with only seconds to act as dangerous waters rise in a flash flood.
MONDAY, MARCH 1
••”The Bachelor” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the two-hour Season 14 finale, Jake must choose between Tenley and Vienna. Throughout the episode, Tom Bergeron will announce the new cast of “Dancing With the Stars” that premieres March 22.
••”Bewitched” (4 p.m. on TV Land): The Emmy award-winning series that aired on ABC from 1964-1972 joins the network’s weekday lineup. The series follows Samantha Stevens (Elizabeth Montgomery), a stay-at-home wife with a secret. After marrying her husband, ad-exec Darrin Stevens (Dick York, then played by Dick Sargent), she reveals to him that she is a witch.
••”CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Filmmaker and musician Rob Zombie directs this new episode in which the CSI team discovers that a listening device has been covertly planted at a crime scene. Guest stars include Zombie’s wife Sheri Moon (“Halloween”), Malcolm McDowell (“Heroes”) and William Forsythe (“John Doe”).
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): Professor Hilgendorf and his family has moved in next door to the Kappa Tau house, and their presence is putting a damper on the KTs’ festivities. Sam Page (“Mad Men”) guest stars.
••”House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Wilson puts himself on the case when an old friend (Joshua Malina, “The West Wing”) and former patient experiences paralysis in his right arm. House suspects the man’s cancer has returned, but Wilson works overtime to find an alternative diagnosis.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the gang tries to convince Ted that he is being strung along by Tiffany (Carrie Underwood, “American Idol”), they reflect about relationships where each of them has been in the same situation.
••“Inside the Actors Studio” (6 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton welcomes award-winning director, producer, editor and writer James Cameron to the stage. Cameron’s career trajectory has skyrocketed this small-town Canadian boy to one of the biggest names in Hollywood. He has directed two of the highest-grossing films to date — “Titanic” and “Avatar.”
••”NFL Full Contact” (9 p.m. on truTV): The Pro Bowl honors the NFL’s best players. For the first time, the event is moving to the site of the Super Bowl, with the game being played the Sunday before the NFL championship. But whether this first Pro Bowl of its kind will go off without a hitch remains to be seen.
••”Paralyzed and Pregnant with Twins” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special presents the story of Claudia, a woman who was paralyzed from the armpits down following a car accident that killed her infant son. Claudia hoped that one day she could have more children and, despite doctors’ skepticism, her dream came true.
••”The Real Housewives Top 25: The Early Years” (9 p.m. on Bravo): This special features the 25 favorite moments from the first seasons of New York, Atlanta and New Jersey and the first two seasons of Orange County, as chosen by Andy Cohen (Bravo’s SVP of Original Programming and Development and host of “Watch What Happens”).
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 4 premiere, Jeff takes Russell’s advice and reciprocates a female colleague’s flirting. Adhir Kalyan, who plays Russell’s assistant Timmy, joins the cast as a series regular.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy, Ricgard and James immerse themselves in the world of classic cars to find out if they really are more fun than modern machinery. Also, Jeremy interviews AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson in the studio.
••”Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie runs off to Vegas and returns with a new wife, but she’s not Chelsea. Stacy Keach (“Titus” ) and John Amos (“Men In Trees”) guest star.
TUESDAY, MARCH 2
••”20/20: Before They Were Famous” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): This special Oscars-themed edition features stories of how some nominees got their big breaks. George Clooney’s father, Nick Clooney, takes ABC cameras inside the actor’s childhood home in Kentucky. Sandra Bullock’s childhood friend shares stories and photos of the first-time nominee as a high school cheerleader in Virginia. Actor Beau Bridges, the brother of five-time Oscar nominee Jeff Bridges, talks about his brother’s early years. And Mo’Nique’s husband, Sidney Hicks, talks about the early years with the talented comedienne turned actress.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): After viewers learn who was eliminated after the Olympic challenge cliffhanger (Cheryl George from Ardmore or Darrell Hough from Michigan), host Alison Sweeney tells all the contestants they are switching to blue vs. black teams.
••”Frontline” (midnight on OETA-13): The new documentary “The Suicide Tourist” explores the topic of whether we have the right to end our lives in the last stages of painful terminal illness or if life becomes unbearable for other reasons. It includes access to Dignitas, the Swiss nonprofit group that helps people with terminal illnesses to end their lives.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): While Peter gets acclimated to life at home and works on a comeback strategy with his political team, including Eli Gold (Alan Cumming, “The L Word”), Alicia and Diane wrestle with spousal privilege laws in a murder case that hinges on their ability to get a wife to testify against her husband. Gary Cole (“The West Wing”) guest stars as Kurt McVeigh, a rugged ballistics expert who Diane finds herself attracted to.
••”Madman of the Sea” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new six-part series follows the adventures of Australian fisherman Matt Watson, He is dubbed the “fish whisperer” by his peers for his ability to lure the biggest, fastest, baddest sea creatures that lurk beneath the surface. He feeds off adrenaline and travels the uncharted seas looking for that next great catch, and he’s willing to do anything to find it.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): This new dramedy views contemporary family life as reflected by the large and colorful Braverman clan. In the series premiere, Sarah (Lauren Graham, ‘‘Gilmore Girls”), a single mom, returns to Berkeley, Calif., to be closer to her family, while brother Adam (Peter Krause) learns that his son (Max Burkholder) has Asperger’s syndrome.
••”Players” (9:30 p.m. on SPIKE): This new series follows two brothers with conflicting personalities trying to run a successful sports bar. Matt Walsh plays Bruce Fitzgerald, a free-spirited, fun-loving guy who bets on games and dates the cocktail waitresses. Ian Robert plays Ken, his older, uptight brother who tries to keep the focus on turning a profit while avoiding lawsuits and health code violations.
••”Postpartum Nightmares” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special spotlights women who have had a range of postpartum experiences — from depressions to severe anxiety and event psychosis.Viewers will see how these devastating cpnditions can create turmoil during what is supposed to be one of life’s happiest moments — the addition of a new baby to the family.
••”Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 premiere, Nate and Sammy investigate a freeway shooting and wind up threatening the integrity of a major undercover operation. And Chickie finds herself in the middle of a mini-riot after her new partner shoots at a 13-year-old boy.
••”White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): When the daughter of a man from his past goes missing Neal volunteers to help find her. Little does anyone realize the kidnapper is an old enemy of Neal’s who is leading him right into a trap. Diahann Carroll (“Julia”) guest stars.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Laurie needs a co-signer to buy her first condo and finds her less than stellar, absentee mother (Beverly D’Angelo, “Entourage”) no help at all. Meanwhile, Bobby is mugged by a woman and Travis comes to Barb’s aid after her latest cosmetic surgery procedure.
••”Faces of America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. demonstrates how to pick up the search for ancestors where the historical record leaves off, linking the distinctive family histories of such guests as Elizabeth Alexander, Meryl Streep, Mike Nichols, Yo-Yo Ma and Eva Longoria Parker to the broader history of ‘‘the family of man.”
••”Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary’s plan to help Tom land a spot on the wrestling team backfires, he challenges the coach, a former high school nemesis, to a wrestling rematch in an attempt to settle their score. David Koechner (“Anchorman”) guest stars as Soup, Gary’s high school nemesis.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a woman from a growing lesbian community is found dead, detectives Benson and Stabler must work with a local activist (Kathy Griffin, “My Life on the D-List”) to uncover the truth behind the woman’s death.
••”The Locator” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Enid native Troy Dunn returns for a fourth season of granting wishes to people wanting to reconnect with loved ones. In the one-hour season premiere, a daughter searches for the father who disappeared from her life and a young woman searches for the sister she didn’t know existed.
••”Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Following the donut shop shooting, Veronica takes off unexpectedly, leaving everyone to worry about her whereabouts. Back at Mercy, the victims of a bus bombing inundate the emergency room. Alison Sweeney (“The Biggest Loser”) guest stars.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Gloria is less than pleased with Jay’s reaction to the arrival of Javier (Benjamin Bratt, “Miss Congeniality”), Manny’s infamously unreliable dad. 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.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Christine and Barb find their business unexpectedly profitable, Christine must decide whether to spend her share of the newfound money on herself or follow Barb’s lead and give it to charity. Ed Begley Jr. (“Gary Unmarried”) and Ashley Williams (“Side Order of Life”) guest star.
••”The Oprah Winfrey Oscar Special” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Oprah Winfrey brings together some of Hollywood’s biggest stars to interview each other. The revealing and intimate interviews include Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball”) and Penelope Cruz (“Vicky Cristina Barcelona”); “Avatar” director James Cameron and three stars from the film; Ben Affleck (“Good Will Hunting”) and Jeremy Renner (“The Hurt Locker”); and “Fatal Attraction” stars Glenn Close and Michael Douglas.
••”Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): After Lassiter takes a page out of Shawn’s book and claims a shark attack victim was actually murdered, the guys must then scramble to find the fish and prove him right. Jeri Ryan (“Leverage”) guest stars.
••”Radical Parenting” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special explores what some might consider to be extreme forms of parenting — from potty training a newborn baby to breast-feeding beyond the age of two. Find out how they came to these parenting decisions and hear from experts about the pros and cons of their choices.
••”Web Soup” (7 p.m. on G4): The series returns for a second season that captures the “best of the worst” moments on the web and brings viewers a no-holds-barred look at the week’s Internet mayhem. In each episode, comedian and host Chris Hardwick presents a selection of crashes, bloopers, accidents and more, along with his wry commentary, signature sketches and side-splitting reenactments.
THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2010
••”Burn Notice” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Michael’s worst fears come to life when a world-class terrorist is unleased on Miami, threatening to detonate a bomb if Michael doesn’t give him what he wants. With the FBI hot on his trail, Michael will need every advantage and every friend on his side to defeat this madman in the Season 3 finale.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a band member of Rascal Flatts is electrocuted by his own guitar during a concert, the CSI team investigates if it was a case of foul play. Actor Will Patton (“24″) guest stars as CIA Associate Director Craig Halliday.
••”Instant Recall” (7:30 p.m. on GSN): This new game show first tests players’ patience, then tests their memory as unsuspecting participants are caught on hidden camera in unbelievable situations—and are then quizzed on the experience for cash and prizes. Wink Martindale (“Tic-Tac-Dough”) and Angela Daun (“Entourage”) host the competition and award the prizes.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Tina Fey (“30 Rock”) and Eva Longoria-Parker (“Desperate Housewives”) are on the celebrity panel for the premiere episode of the series that features couples facing off to settle their marital tiffs. The rotating panel of “experts” will offer their own wit, wisdom and unique opinions.
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): In this special hour-long episode, Pam’s contractions begin but she and Jim are determined to wait it out as long as possible so they can have more time at the hospital. Meanwhile the rest of the office tries to distract Pam from the pain with food and entertainment. Linda Purl (“Bones”) guest stars.
••”Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Things get too close for comfort when Addison, Pete and Sam must come together on a complicated case involving a dad-to-be who comes down with tuberculosis and threatens the future of his new family. Meanwhile, with Violet still gone on her Costa Rican escape, Sheldon takes over helping one of her patients, Natasha (Clea Duvall, “Carnivale”), to get over her crippling fear of flying.
••”The Real Housewives of Orange County” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 5 ends with a bombshell, as the tension between Tamra Barney and her husband, Simon, reaches the breaking point at the final party of the summer. Meanwhile, Vicki Gunvalson and her husband, Donn, revel in the newfound strength of their marriage and Lynne Curtin tries to reign in her teenage daughters wild behavior at the party.
••”The Real Housewives of New York City” (10 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 3 premiere, the ladies are spending their remaining summer days together in the Hamptons, but friendships and alliances have shifted significantly. Ramona, Jill, LuAnn and Alex enjoy a sun-filled day on a yacht that Ramona has commissioned for the day – until nasty comments and tears break loose. Jill shares that she is angry with Bethenny and that the two haven’t spoken in months.
••”Tom Brokaw Reports: Boomer$!” (8 p.m. on CNBC): In this two-hour documentary, Tom Brokaw chronicles the impact 78 million baby boomers have had on American society over the past six decades and explores the challenges they face as they begin to approach the age of retirement.
••”Too Many Babies?” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): One year ago, the Jones family thought just one more baby would make life complete. Instead, they got the surprise of their lives — quintuplets. This special focuses on how they’re learning the ropes all over again in a life that includes their four-year-old daughter and five newborn babies.
FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2010
••The 8th Annual Visual Effects Society Awards (9 p.m. on ReelzChannel): Director James Cameron (“Avatar”) will be honored with the VES Lifetime Achievement Award at thyis year’s event that celebrates a monumental year in movie visual effects.
••The 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards (10 p.m. on IFC): Eddie Izzard (“The Riches”) serves as Master of Ceremonies for the event that recognizes the achievements of independent filmmakers.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Seal, Imelda May and Sugarland.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): After Allison is mugged, she decides to take charge by enrolling in self-defense classes. Also, Devalos investigates a teenager’s rape and an undercover cop’s possible murder. Laura Prepon (“That ’70s Show”) and Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad”) guest star.
••”NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star Rob Morrow (Don) directed this episode in which the team investigates the deaths of two men who were part of a group of friends that had been suxually abused as children by one of their teachers. Moira kelly (“One Tree Hill”) and Alan Ruck (“Spin City”) guest star.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this new series, celebrities embark on personal journeys of self-discovery as each searches for the roots to his family tree, uncovering stories of love, betrayal, intrigue, heroism and tragedy. The premiere episode spotlights the search of Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City”).
SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2010
••”America’s Most Wanted” (8 p.m. on Fox): After nearly 22 years of tracking down the nation’s most notorious criminals, the series will celebrate its milestone 1000th episode with a special broadcast. Hosted by John Walsh, the series has helped capture 1100 criminals, including 17 on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, and reunited 43 missing children with their families, which is Walsh’s proudest achievement.
••”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.” Authors Stephen J. Cannell and Michael Connelly guest star as themselves.
••”CNN Presents: Scream Bloody Murder” (7 p.m. on CNN): CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour reports from the killing fields of the world where genocide has raged. She takes viewers back in time to witness again the places now synonymous with horror: Auschwitz, Cambodia, Darfur, Iraq, Rwanda and Bosnia. In recognition that her journalism in 1992 to 1995 brought much-needed attention to the human rights crisis in Bosnia during the war there, Amanpour was named an Honorary Citizen by the City of Sarajevo for her coverage.
••”Destination Design” (12:30 p.m. on HGTV): In this new series, designer Taniya Nayak helps homeowners who love to travel but seem to miss the boat on good design. In each episode, she sends homeowners on all-expense-paid luxury vacations to discover colors, textures, images and moments that will inspire them. Upon their return, Taniya will formulate a design plan based on the homeowners’ photos, experiences and inspirational souvenirs.
••“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): Activities to enjoy during spring break include a walk on the wild side at the zoo, indoor swimming in Kingfisher and a spin around an Oklahoma City raceway.
••”Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals” (7 p.m. on HBO): This special traces the history of the competition between Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers and Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics. Their rivalry began 30 years ago when they led their midwest universities to the 1979 NCAA Championship game, through a decade of dominance, when the two won three NBA MVP awards apiece and a combined eight NBA titles.
••”Pirate for the Sea” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This is a biographical film of Captain Paul Watson, the youngest founding member of Greenpeace Canada. He organized early campaigns protesting the killing of seals, whales and dolphins.
••”The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Financial advisor Suze Orman celebrates eight years on CNBC and heads into Season 9 with a new mission to help America become healthier and wealthier.
••”Uncorked” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When business as usual takes a vacation, Johnny (Julie Benz, “Dexter”) must find something, or someone, else to occupy her time. JoBeth Williams (“In the Land of Women”), Elliott Gould (“Ocean’s Eleven”) and Scott Elrod (“Men in Trees”) also star in this romantic comedy about finding a passion that isn’t a paycheck.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Sean Astin
Feb. 25, 2010 — Sean Patrick
Duke, who played Lynn McGill on “24″ (2006 on Fox), turns 39 today.
He played Mister Smith on “Jeremiah” (2003-04).
His first acting role was as Brian Reynolds in the 1981 TV movie “Please Don’t Hit Me, Mom.” He was 10.
Best wishes to Sean and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Sean Astin is shown at the 10th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, in a file photo from Feb. 22, 2004 in Los Angeles, Ca.
(AP Photo/Jennifer Graylock, File)
Top 50 Talk Show Guests on TV (Feb. 25-March 3, 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 (or more) of the best guests appearing on talk shows airing Thursday through Wednesday (Feb. 25-March 3, 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
••Kirstie Alley (“Kirstie Alley’s Big Life”), Feb. 25 on “Oprah Winfrey”
••Anthony Anderson (“Law & Order”), March 1 on “Today”
••Danny Bonaduce (“The Partridge Family”), March 2 on “Today”
••Sandra Bullock (“The Blind Side”), Feb. 25 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland”), Feb. 25 on “The Early Show”
••David Cassidy (“The Partridge Family”), March 2 on “Today”
••Lauren Conrad (“The Hills”), Feb. 25 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Courtney Cox (“Cougar Town’), March 3 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Emilie de Ravin (“Lost”), March 2 on “The View” and “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Johnny Depp (“Alice in Wonderland”), Feb. 25 on “The Early Show”
••Leonardo DiCaprio (“Shutter Island”), Feb. 26 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Kara DioGuardi (“American Idol”), Feb. 26 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Nathan Fillion (“Castle”), March 1 on “The View”
••Harrison Ford (“Morning Glory”), Feb. 26 on “Late Show With David Letterman”
••Brian Forster (“The Partridge Family”), March 2 on “Today”
••Vivica A. Fox (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), March 2 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Jamie Foxx (“Valentine’s Day”), March 1 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Judah Friedlander (“30 Rock”), March 1 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”
••Ginnifer Goodwin (“Big Love”), Feb. 25 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Lauren Graham (“Parenthood”), March 1 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”; March 2 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Maggie Gyllenhaal (“Crazy Heart”), Feb. 26 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Chelsea Handler (“Chelsea Lately”), March 3 on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”
••Anne Hathaway (“Alice in Wonderland”), March 2 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Ethan Hawke (“Moby Dick”), March 3 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Simon Helberg (“The Big Bang Theory”), March 1 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Florence Henderson (“The Brady Bunch”), March 3 on “Today”
••Felicity Huffman (“Desperate Housewives”), Feb. 25 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing With the Stars”), March 1 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Randy Jackson (“American Idol”), Feb. 26 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••Shirley Jones (“The Partridge Family”), March 2 on “Today”
••Kim Kardashian (“Keeping Up With the Kardashians”), Feb. 26 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••Jamie Kennedy (“Ghost Whisperer”), Feb. 25 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Heidi Klum (“Project Runway”), March 3 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Christopher Knight (“The Brady Bunch”), March 3 on “Today”
••Lisa Kudrow (“Who do You Think You Are”), March 3 on “The View”
••Mike Lookinland (“The Brady Bunch”), March 3 on “Today”
••Katharine McPhee (“American Idol”), March 3 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Cesar Millan (“Dog Whisperer”), Feb. 25 on “Today”
••Chris O’Donnell (“NCIS: Los Angeles”), March 1 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
••Susan Olsen (“The Brady Bunch”), March 3 on “Today”
••Robert Pattinson (“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”), March 1 on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”; March 2 on “The View”
••Regis Philbin (“Live With Regis and Kelly”), Feb. 26 on “The View”
••Eve Plumb (“The Brady Bunch”), March 3 on “Today”
••Gordon Ramsay (“Kitchen Nightmares”), Feb. 25 on “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
••Ray Romano (“Men of a Certain Age”), Feb. 27 on “The Wanda Sykes Show”
••Amy Ryan (“The Office”), March 3 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Seann William Scott (“Cop Out”), Feb. 25 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Michael Sheen (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), March 3 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Blake Shelton (“Clash of the Choirs”), March 2 on “Today”
••David Spade (“Rules of Engagement”), March 1 on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
••Patti Stanger (“The Millionaire Matchmaker”), Feb. 26 on “The Tyra Show”
••Michael Steger (“90210″), Feb. 25 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Quentin Tarantino (“Inglourious Basterds”), Feb. 26 on “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”
••Alex Trebek (“Jeopardy!”), Feb. 26 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••James Van Der Beek (“Mercy”), Feb. 25 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Sofia Vergara (“Modern Family”), Feb. 25 on “Lopez Tonight”
••Barry Williams (“The Brady Bunch”), March 3 on “Today”
••Bruce Willis (“Cop Out”), Feb. 25 on “Live With Regis and Kelly”
Pictured above: Emilie de Ravin poses on the press line at the “6th Annual Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party” in Los Angeles on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)
Top 20 Talk Show Topics on TV (Feb. 25-March 3, 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 (Feb. 25-March 3, 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
••Olympic trivia, Feb. 25 on “Today”
••Money and marriage, Feb. 25 on “Good Morning America”
••Winterizing pets, Feb. 25 on “Good Morning America”
••Infertility, Feb. 25 on “The View”
••Sex after 50, Feb. 25 on “Rachael Ray”
••Hysterectomies, Feb. 25 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••Guests who suffer from rare medical conditions, Feb. 25 on “The Tyra Show”
••Oscar dress challenge, Feb. 26 on “Good Morning America”
••Working out during a pregnancy, Feb. 26 on “The Early Show”
••New electronics, Feb. 26 on “The View”
••The Human Lab tests three face-firming products, Feb. 26 on “Rachael Ray”
••The most extreme ways to get fit, look younger, Feb. 26 on “The Doctors”
••Olympic houses, Feb. 27 on “Today”
••Souvenirs from Vancouver, Feb. 27 on “Today”
••Career fairs, March 1 on “Today”
••How to look a decade younger using drugstore products, March 1 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••Results of an online teen-crisis survey, March 1 on “The Tyra Show”
••Alternative-medicine secrets, March 2 on “The Dr. Oz Show”
••Dog fashions, March 2 on “The Wendy Williams Show”
••Brides, grooms and mothers go to extremes to get exactly what they want on their big day, March 3 on “The Tyra Show”
Happy Birthday, Helen Shaver
Feb. 24, 2010 — Helen Shaver, who played Rachel Corrgian on “Poltergeist: The Legacy” (1996-99), turns 59 today.
She played Kelby Robinson on “WIOU” (1991) and Libby Chapin on “United States” (1980).
Her first acting role was as Bonnie in a 1972 episode of “Dr. Simon Locke.” She was 21.
Best wishes to Helen and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Countdown to ‘Saving Grace’ (Season 4 starts March 29 on TNT)
The fourth and final season of “Saving Grace” starts next month.
The show set in Oklahoma City and centered around police detective Grace Hanadarko (played by Oscar winner Holly Hunter) will open the season with back-to-back episodes from 8 to 10 p.m. Monday, March 29, on TNT. The week after that, “Saving Grace” will air in the 9 p.m. Monday hour.
Six of Season 4′s nine episodes were actually filmed for the third season. But when word broke last summer that Fox Television Studios was cancelling the series, the episodes were saved for the final season’s run.
The studio did, at least, order three additional episodes so the show’s writers could tie up any loose ends. Oklahoma City native Nancy Miller, who created the show, will also have a say in how it concludes.
–Penny TV
Pictured above: Holly Hunter is a scene from the Season 2 episode “I Believe in Angels.”
Photo Credit: Erik Heinila
Pictured below: “Saving Grace” Season 3 cast photo featuring Bailey Chase, Laura San Giacomo, Lorraine Toussaint, Yaani King, Leon Rippy, Holly Hunter, Gregory Cruz, Kenny Johnson
Happy Birthday, Neal McDonough
Feb. 23, 2010 — Neal McDonough, who plays Dave Williams on “Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. Sundays on ABC), turns 41 today.
He played Dr. Stephen Connor on “Medical Investigation” (2004-05 on NBC).
His first acting role was as Dockworker #2 in the 1990 movie “Darkman.” He was 24.
Best wishes to Thomas and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Neal McDonough arrives for the premiere of the movie “Flags of our Fathers,” Monday, Oct 9, 2006, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
Oklahoma cowboys take over first place on ‘The Amazing Race’
The cowboys from Oklahoma looked right at home on Leg 2 of “The Amazing Race.”
Jet and Cord McCoy were in Chile, but the challenges included dressing a Llama (they made it look easier than saddling a horse) and milking a cow (that wasn’t the first time Cord has done that chore).
As a result, the McCoy brothers from Tupelo took over first place in the race. And they were rewarded with sail boats for their top finish.
“Don’t let the cowboy hats fool you,” Cord said at the end of Sunday’s (Feb. 21) episode.
Next up are stops in Argentina (Leg 3) and Germany (Leg 4).
Upcoming episodes, which are taken from quotes made by the racers, are titled “Run Like Scalded Dogs” and “We Are No Longer in the Bible Belt.”
Sounds like something Jet or Cord McCoy might’ve said, doesn’t it? To find out, tune in to CBS at 7 p.m. Sundays.
–Penny TV
Pictured above: “Nana is kickin’ your butt (Chile)”–Cowboy brothers Cord (left) and Jet must perform “Active Route Marker” in Valparaiso, Chile in which they must find a ladder and 2 cans of paint, then search for a picturesque house matching their particular color to paint, in order to receive their next clue, on THE AMAZING RACE epsidoed that aired Feb. 14. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS.
Stars from ‘All My Children,’ ‘One Life to Live’ and ‘General Hospital’ unite for Broadway concert March 21
Fans of “All My Children,” “One Life to Live” and “General Hospital” might want to plan a trip to New York City next month.
Stars from those daytime dramas will take the stage March 21 for “The 6th Annual ABC Daytime & SoapNet Salute Broadway Cares.” The one-night-only event at Broadway’s historic Town Hall will feature a night of singing, dancing and entertainment.
Tickets for the event range from $50 to $500.
Cameron Mathison (Ryan, “All My Children”) will host the gala concert in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.”
Scheduled to appear are:
“All My Children” stars Rebecca Budig (Greenlee), Melissa Claire Egan (Annie), Bobbie Eakes (Krystal), Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake), Adam Mayfield (Scott), Cornelius Smith Jr. (Frankie) and Susan Lucci (Erica).
“One Life to Live” stars Scott Evans (Fish), Kassie DePaiva (Blair), Mark Lawson (Brody), Nicholas Rodriguez (Nick), Tika Sumpter (Layla), Jason Tam (Markko), Brittany Underwood (Langston) and Bree Williamson (Jessica).
“General Hospital” stars Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Brandon Barash (Johnny), Anthony Geary (Luke), Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) and Nathan Parsons (Ethan).
That’s not all, though. This year’s event will feature a special musical performance by Sherri Shepherd of “The View.”
For tickets, go to www.broadwaycares.org or call 212.840.0770. Talent participation is subject to change, and new names may be added in the coming weeks.
–Penny TV
