Top 55 TV Programs for March 7-13, 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 March 7:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010
••The 82nd Annual Academy Awards (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin co-host the annual ceremonies honoring achievements in film. In the crowded field of 10 best picture nominees, vying for the top award are ‘‘Avatar,” ‘‘The Blind Side,” ‘‘District 9,” ‘‘An Education,” ‘‘The Hurt Locker,” ‘‘Inglourious Basterds,” ‘‘Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” ‘‘A Serious Man,” ‘‘Up” and ‘‘Up in the Air.”
••”The Barbara Walters Special” (6 p.m. on ABC): Barbara Walters’ final Oscar night special will feature Academy Award Best Actress nominee Sandra Bullock and Academy Award Best Supporting Actress nominee Mo’Nique, along with a comprehensive retrospective of the special that has become an Oscar tradition.
••”Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): With the State Senate election only days away, Bill puts the squeeze on Paley (Perry King, “Melrose Place”) in an attempt to protect his candidacy. But Marilyn (Sissy Spacek, “Carrie”) has an ace up her sleeve that threatens to wreck Bill’s chances.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team delves into the 1970 murder of a musician who tried to keep his involvement with the Philadelphia Soul scene a secret from his strict preacher father for whom he was an organist.Guest stars include Wesley Jonathan (“What I Like About You”), Loretta Devine (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Jamie Hector (“The Wire”) and Steven Williams (“The X-Files”).
••”Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): In part one of a two-part Season 3 cliffhanger, Miley Stewart faces the biggest decision of her life. It concludes March 14.
••”Live at the Academy Awards With Carrie Ann & Chris” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor”) interview nominees on the Red Carpet. The network’s coverage begins at 2 p.m. with “Countdown to the Academy Awards.”
••”Nick News” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Host Linda Ellerbee explores how kids view classroom cheating in the new installment “Cheaters Never Win: True or False?” Many kids say they cheat because they feel pushed to succeed. And while it has become increasingly difficult to detect cheating, schools are finding new ways to prevent it, including the use of plagiarism prevention websites.
••“Oscars Red Carpet 2010” (7 p.m. on ABC): Sherri Shepherd (“The View”) will co-host the 82nd Academy Awards pre-show along with Kathy Ireland (“Once Upon a Christmas”) and Jess Cagle (Entertainment Weekly managing editor).
••“Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Mosaic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In his latest pledge event, travel expert Rick Steves shares his knowledge of European history and culture as he winds his way through southern Greece, Turkey and Croatia. The two-hour special consists of two episodes from the fifth season and one from the upcoming sixth season of “Rick Steves’ Europe.”
••”Running With Wolves” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Biologist, mother and cancer survivor Gudrun Pflueger returns to the mountain terrain of Western Canada to research the world’s most elusive wolves. “Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards” (11:05 p.m. on ABC): This marks the fifth consecutive post-Academy Awards special for late night talk host Jimmy Kimmel. It will be packed with comedy bits and a house band led by Jimmy’s childhood best friend.
••”Superswarm” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This 2-hour special looks at massive animal gatherings to find out what a swam really is and to see how the animals are able to act and think as they do.
••”Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): Series star Joely Fisher (Joy Stark) makes her directorial debut in this episode in which Eddie tries to get a raise so he and Joy can go on vacation. Mayim Bialik (“Blossom”) and Martin Mull (“Roseanne”) guest star.
••”What Would Brian Boitano Make?” (noon on Food Network): Olympic figure skater-turned-cook Brian Boitano returns for a second season with new entertaining ideas. In the premiere episode, he offers all of his friends with children a kid-free dinner by not only cooking, but babysitting as well.
MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010
••“5 Browns: In Concert” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): These Julliard-trained siblings perform inventive interpretations of classical, jazz and other show-stopping standards.
••”24″ (8 p.m. on Fox): The clock races into the middle of the night when the threat of a devastating nuclear attack accelerates as Jack tracks an informed terror suspect who has an explosive strategy. Stephen Root (“Office Space”) guest stars.
••”The Bachelor: Jason and Molly’s Wedding” (7 p.m. on ABC): Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney, the first “Bachelor” couple to walk down the aisle, will share a dramatic new chapter of their love story. The couple, who announced their engagement in October, will let viewers in on all the exciting festivities – from Molly’s dress fitting to their bachelor and bachelorette parties to the wedding ceremony. Past “Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” participants will be on the guest list.
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): Fred Savage (“The Wonder Years”) directed this episode in which everyone at Cyprus Rhodes is preparing for Mardi Gras festivities. All but Casey, that is, as she must prepare for the biggest test of her life – the LSAT.
••”House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dr. House and the team take on the case of an avid blogger (Lauren Prepon, “That ’70s Show”) admitted with sudden bruising and bleeding. From her hospital bed, the patient blogs about her symptoms, doctors and prospective diagnoses to her dedicated band of followers and solicits their advice on a course of treatment.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Robin confesses that she is still angry with Barney for the way he handled their break-up, she enlists the help of Anita (Jennifer Lopez, “Monster-in-Law”), a self-help author who plans to beat Barney at his own game.
••”Law & Order” (9 p.m. on NBC): When the murder of a young woman is traced back to a medical school research project, it becomes clear that more than just lab rats are in danger. Timothy Busfield (“The West Wing”) guest stars.
••”Make It or Break It” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): Everything is put on the line as the girls go up against the Chinese team to prove once and for all that they’re the best. But the Rock girls are anything but ready.
••”NFL Full Contact” (9 p.m. on truTV): This episode goes behind the scenes at Super Bowl XLIV, where the New Orleans Saints take on the Indianapolis Colts. The pressure is on to stage a great show in front of the largest TV audience of the year.
••”Phineas and Ferb” (8 p.m. on Disney XD): A super villain (Ben Stiller, “Tropic Thunder”) arrives in Danville to challenge Phineas and Ferb after the boys are mistaken as a superhero (while wearing an indestructible suit they designed to safely conquer their newly built extreme skate-track) known as The Beak.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 13 finale, Jeremy and James try to create a memorable commercial for Volkswagon. Jay Leno (“The Tonight Show”) is featured in the “star in a reasonably priced car” segment.
••”Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie and Chelsea have a post-breakup one-night stand. Stacy Keach (“Titus”) returns as Chelsea’s dad, John Amos (“The West Wing”) returns as her dad’s boyfriend and Steven Eckholdt (“The L Word”) returns as her new boyfriend.
••”Turf War” (8 p.m. on DIY): Get a sneak peek at this new series in which two neighbors overhaul their yards in just two days using surprise building materials and a lot of help from their friends. The series premieres April 5.
••”Yard Crashers: Top 10″ (9 p.m. on DIY): In this new special, licensed landscape contractor Ahmed Hassan counts down the top 10 ways he transforms a yard — from water features to super-size decks to outdoor spaces for entertaining.
••”Yo Gabba Gabba” (9:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon): In the Season 3 premiere, Weird Al Yankovic (“Halloween II”) plays the circus ringmaster; Sarah Silverman (“The Sarah Silverman Program”) teaches the “Time to Mime” dancey dance and Black Kids sing the original song, “We Love Clowns.” Other musical guests this week include Weezer (Tuesday) and Devo (Thursday).
TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010
••“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Adrianna and Gia (Rumer Willis, “Sorority Row”) bond during an AA meeting and establish a support system for each other.
••”Brian Regan: The Epitome of Hyperbole” (9 p.m. on CMT): In this stand-up special, Brian Regan exposes the truth behind psychics, discusses the stupidest crimes and offers his suggestions on how to imprve the opera.
••”Desperate Landscapes: Top 10″ (9 p.m. on DIY): In this new special, licensed contractor Jason Cameron shares his landscaping tips and tricks, counting down 10 ways to transform your yard from worst to first.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Peter strategizes on how to handle his retrial and the next steps in his public rehabilitation, Alicia and Will defend an attorney arrested for murder. Alan Cumming (“The L Word”) and Ana Gasteyer (“Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
••”Food Wars” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): New host Camille Ford takes viewers on a coast-to-coast adventure to find the country’s ultimate food showdowns. In the series premiere, she visits New York City for the battle of the buffalo wings.
••“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): Amanda puts Ella in charge of a lavish party at her house to celebrate the arrival of her billionaire boyfriend Ben (Billy Campbell, “The 4400”).
••”Ron White: You Can’t Fix Stupid” (8 p.m. on CMT): In this stand-up special, Ron White introduces the character “Squirrel Man” and aims his sights at those little thibgs in life that tick him off, including picking a spouse and the pitfalls of marriage.
••”Scott Hamilton: Return to the Ice” (8 p.m. on BIO): This two-hour special chronicles the gold medal Olympian’s return to skating after beating a life-threatening brain tumor. The 51-year-old is training harder than ever to make a comeback, and the special culminates with his first public performance on the ice in five years.
••“Straight No Chase — Live in New York” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This a cappella group of 10 vocalists mixes their perfect harmony with the perfect amount of humor in this concert special.
••”White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): In the first-season finale, Neal and Alex try to get their hands on a music box while Peter seeks help to get rid of Fowler.
••”Yo Gabba Gabba” (9:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon): Weezer performs the original song “My Friends Are All Insects” and Mark Mothersbaugh is featured in his “Mark’s Magic Pictures” segment.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2010
••”America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW and 6 p.m. Saturday on KOCB): Thirteen new hopefuls are given the chance to prove they can make it in the high-stakes world of supermodeling Season 14 kicks off with a 90-minute premiere. They will receive mentoring by supermodel Tyra Banks, and they are shocked in the premiere episode when special guest Perez Hilton (celebrity blogger) reveals their first challenge is to undergo makeovers.
••”Billy the Exterminator” (9:30 p.m. on A&E): Back for a second season, this series follows Billy Bretherton and his family who make up Vexcon, one of Louisiana’s busiest pest removal companies, as they balance family life with the drama of running a successful business together.
••“Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Taped in May 1987 in Nashville, this concert special includes performances by Chet Atkins, the Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Eriq La Salle (“ER”) directed this episode in which the CSIs must find the clue to a double homicide involving two young journalists who are investigating a story about gold fraud. Mädchen Amick (“Gossip Girl”) and Ian Ziering (“Beverly Hills, 90210″) guest star.
••”First Love, Second Chance” (9 p.m. on TV Land): This new series gives viewers a candid look at former sweethearts – some separated more than 20 years ago – who have a chance to reignite the passion and love they once shared or to see if their break-up was truly meant to be.
••”Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Mitch returns home from overseas, Gary tries to help him figure out what he’ll do for a living. Meanwhile, Curtis and Charleen (Niecy Nash, “G-Force”) hire Allison as their wedding planner. Los Angeles Dodger manager Joe Torre guest stars as himself.
••”High Society” (8:30 p.m. on CW and 7:30 p.m. Saturday on KOCB): This new series follows Tinsley Mortimer, New York’s most talked-about “Park Avenue Princess,” as she and her circle of often-controversial friends circulate through New York’s most prestigious black-tie affairs, outrageous parties and fashion exclusives, with never-before-seen access from behind the velvet rope.
••”Jim Gaffigan: Behind the Pale” (8 p.m. on CMT): In this stand-up special, Jim Gaffigan takes a look at American eating habits, religion, holiday traditions and Hot Pockets.
••”The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie and Mike are excited to discover that Axl has found the perfect girlfriend, Morgan (Alexa Vega, “Spy Kids”), and that he’s in love. But just as they start to get used to his new, sunny outlook on life, Morgan does the unthinkable and breaks up with him, leaving Axl completely heartbroken.
••”Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): After reconnecting on Facebook, Phil invites his old high school girlfriend (Judy Greer, “27 Dresses”) to drop by the house, but this friendly visit quickly turns into trouble.
••”The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Drew Carey will celebrate his 500th episode of hosting television’s longest-running game show. To celebrate this milestone, every contestant who makes it on stage will receive $500. In addition, all games will have a “500″ theme.
••”Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): A killer targets Shawn using scenarios from classic Alfred Hitchcock films. Ally Sheedy (“The Breakfast Club”) guest stars.
••”The Real Housewives of Orange County” (8 p.m. on Bravo): This two-part reunion special, which concludes Wednesday, features new interviews with Housewives Tamra Barney, Alexis Bellino, Lynne Curtin, Vicki Gunvalson and Gretchen Rossi, significant others Jim Bellino, Frank Curtin, Donn Gunvalson and Slade Smiley and a special visit by former Housewife Jeana Keough.
••”Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Wilhemina tries to prove to Don, an old flame from her past (Brian Stokes Mitchell, “One Last Thing”), that she’s just “Wanda from the block.” Meanwhile, Hilda meets Bobby’s parents for the first time. Lainie Kazan (“My Big Fat Greek Life”) and Nestor Serrano (“24″) also guest star.
••”Yo Gabba Gabba” (9:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon): Anthony Bourdain plays the doctor when Toodee gets sick. Of Montreal performs the original song “Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast!” and Biz Markie is featured in the “Biz’s Beat of the Day” segment.
THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a young boy is found murdered, the CSI team uncovers evidence that may link his death to an old case that recently resurfaced. Faith Prince (“Huff”) guest stars as high-powered attorney Lynn Stagner, who clashes with Captain Jim Brass.
••“Ed Sullivan’s Rock and Roll Classic” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special features classic song performances from 1963 to 1968 that aired on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” It includes full-length musi performances by the Beatles, the Doors, the Rollins Stones and more.
••”Grey’s Anatomy” (7 p.m. on ABC): When Owen recruits his fellow Iraqi War vet, Dr. Teddy Altman, as the new cardiothoracic surgeon, Cristina questions Teddy’s abilities in the operating room and the nature of their past relationship. Joel Grey (“Cabaret”) guest stars.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Larry David (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Ricky Gervais (“The Ricky Gervais Show”) and Madonna (“Evita”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael struggles to please the new boss (Kathy Bates, “The Blindside”). Meanwhile. Dwight makes trouble on Jim’s first day back from paternity leave.
••”Sober House With Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on VH1): This series chronicles the transitional period beyond the safety of rehab when the real work begins and patients initiate their move back into society. The Season 2 cast includes Tom Sizemore, Heidi Fleiss, Dennis Rodman, Jennifer Ketcham, Seth “Shifty” Binzer, Kendra Jade Rossi, Mike Starr and Kari Ann Peniche.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this new series journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones conducts her own investigations into some of the most infamous court cases in American history and gets to the truth behind what drives people to violence. The premiere episode focuses on Scott Peterson, who was convicted of killing his wife, Laci, in San Francisco.
••”The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Elton John (“Tommy”) will partake in the “Hot Topics” discussion with co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd. This marks Sir Elton John’s fifth appearance on “The View” and his first time at the signature “Hot Topics” table.
••”Yo Gabba Gabba” (9:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon): Mos Def plays a superhero; Devo performs their song “Watch Us Work It;” Biz Markie is featured in the “Biz’s Beat of the Day” segment and The Aquabats perform a “Numbers” segment.
FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010
••”Car Toons” (7:55 p.m. on Disney): In this animated short, a routine towing assignment lands Mater in Tokyo where he is challenged to a drift-style race against a nefarious gang leader and his posse of ninjas.
••”Famous Crime Scene” (8 p.m. on VH1): This installment takes an in-depth look at the untimely death of Selena (“Don Juan DeMarco”). Using expert interviews and true-to-life reenactments, viewers will tour virtual crime scenes to learn the science behind the investigators’ findings.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Fleet Foxes, Manchester Orchestra and P.J. Harvey & John Parish.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison and Joe’s wedding is revisited, and as they prepare for their big day, she must also cope with the increasing strength of her “gift” and what these glimpses into her possible future could mean for her and her life with Joe. Bruce Gray (“Playmakers”) and Kathy Baker (“Boston Public”) reprise their roles as Joe’s parents.
••”Melissa Peterman: Am I the Only One?” (9 p.m. on CMT): Filmed in Nashville, Melissa Peterman (“The Singing Bee” host) performs her one-woman stand-up comedy show.
••”NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): After Charlie and Amita get married and begin preparations for their London adventure, they put a slight hold on their wedded bliss when they assist the team in helping Don track down the whereabouts of his gun after it goes missing. Lou Diamond Phillips (“SGU: Stargate Universe”) guest stars in the Season 6 finale.
••“Rounder Records 40th Anniversary Concert” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Minnie Driver (“The Riches”) hosts this variety concert that features stars from the Rounder Records roster. Performers include Steve Martin, Alison Krauss & Union Station and Robert Plant.
••”Supernanny” (8 p.m. on ABC): She’s crisscrossed America in her six seasons as the voice of reason for parents worldwide. Now Supernanny Jo Frost revisits some of her most memorable families in celebration of her 100th episode to find out how they’re doing today.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Former Dallas Cowboys football player Emmitt Smith is intrigued by a family rumor that his paternal grandmother, Erma Lee Watson, had white ancestry. As he travels deep into rural Alabama to colonial Virginia and beyond on the trail of Erma’s great grandmother Mariah, Smith uncovers a story more dramatic than he ever could have imagined.
SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2010
••”Blue Collar Comedy: Ten Tears of Funny” (8 p.m. on CMT): Jaime Pressly (“My Name is Earl”) hosts this special in which Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy reunite onstage in front of a live audience to tell it like it was. They will recall their favorite moments from Blue Collar tours and recreate their signature finale where they improvise together onstage.
••”CNN Presents: Her Name Was Steven” (7 p.m. on CNN): Steven Stanton had a family and an influential job as City Manager of Largo, Florida. Then the local newspaper revealed the decision he was considering – living life as a woman. This two-hour film follows Stanton’s two-year transition through self-discovery, pain, joy, and challenges.
••”Dinoshark” (8 p.m. on Syfy): A lush Mexico vacation spot is terrorized by a mysterious prehistoric creature no one believes exists, except a young fishing boat captain (Eric Balfour, “24″). To prevent a bloodbath, the captain must stop “Dinoshark” before it invades an inland waterway full of pleasure boats and swimmers.
••“GoGreener” (11:30 a.m. on OETA-13): This hour-long motivational special provides simple, practical ways to become a more mindful consumer and save money.
••”The Guard” (8 p.m. on ION, KOPX): This new series focuses on the lives of an imperfect, offbeat and sometimes, difficult rescue team. Led by Duty Captain Miro Da Silva (Steve Bacic), these heroic Coast Guard rescue specialists put their lives in danger as they dangle from helicopters and plunge into seas in order to rescue those in peril. Off-duty, rough waters still plague the team as they deal with their own personal issues.
••”The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): A mom asks Suze Orman to give her son a smack down for his spending, but Orman turns the tables and the mother gets more than she bargained for.
••”True Blue: Ten Years of Blue Collar Comedy” (7 p.m. on CMT): This special chronicles the Blue Collar sensation – its origin, personalities, behind-the-scenes players, successes, set-backs, conflicts and triumphs – and reveals why Blue Collar Comedy has become so popular.
••”Who Is Clark Rockefeller?” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”) stars in this fact-based movie that explores the inconceivable life of a con artist who, for years, called himself Clark Rockefeller and claimed to be a member of the powerful Rockefeller family.Sherry Stringfield (‘‘ER”) also stars.
–Penny TV
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