Top 55 TV Programs for March 21-27, 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 21:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2010
••”BBC Earth” (2 p.m. on BBC America): Sir David Attenborough (“The Blue Planet”) narrates five back-to-back documentaries from “The Life of Mammals” series that introduce viewers to the most diverse group of animals on Earth and tells their epic tale of survival.
••”Breaking Bad” (9 p.m. on AMC): Series star Bryan Cranston (Walt White) directs the Season 3 premiere episode titled “No Mas.” This season will explore the heightened battle and repercussions of Walt’s ruthless swirl of drugs, murder, mayhem and family.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Vera goes missing, and his team members hope that a new twist to a 2006 arson case, which Vera was secretly obsessing about, might supply some quick leads to his whereabouts. Glenn Morshower (“24″) plays a fire marshal who partnered with Vera on the arson/homicide case in 2006, and Patrick Gallagher (“Glee”) portrays a bartender at a bar where Vera’s recently become a regular. Several songs by rock group Pink Floyd will be featured throughout the episode.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Angie’s ex-boyfriend, Patrick (John Barrowman, “Torchwood”), emerges after her trip to New York. Meanwhile it’s game on between Gaby and Susan, as they go to shameless lengths to top each other’s kids. Julie Benz (“Dexter”) also guest stars.
••”Dora the Explorer” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the 10th anniversary special “”Swiper the Explorer,” Swiper attempts to swipe Dora and Boots’ ball and ends up helping them with a lost baby fox. The adventure is a big success and Swiper learns to say “thank you.”
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Christian Slater (“The Forgotten”) joins the “Extreme” team in Hattiesburg, Miss., to help build a new home for an Army National Guard hero and his family. Celine Dion and the Jonas Brothers also make special guest appearances.
••”Gene Simmons Family Jewels” (8 p.m. on A&E): Season 5 begins with a terrifying moment for rock star Gene Simmons and his non-traditional family. Shannon has a health scare that makes the family rally and Gene is caught between two worlds – being there for the mother of his two children and being on tour with KISS.
••”Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Get a sneak peak at this new series in which chef Jamie Oliver starts a new cooking initiate that he hopes will change the way Americans eat. The series moves into its regular time period at 8 p.m. Friday, March 26.
••”Kirstie Alley’s Big Life” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new reality series chronicles the life of Golden Globe and two-time Emmy winner Kirstie Alley from her journey with her weight loss program to her life as a single mother trying to raise two normal teenagers in the Hollywood spotlight.
••”Life” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Oprah Winfrey narrates this 11-part wildlife series. The first episode titled “Challenges of Life” spotlights the ways in which animals have adapted to secure the food they need to survive.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): Part 2 in this 10-part series finds Basilone (Jon Seda) and the 7th Marines arriving on Guadalcanal to reinforce Leckie (James Badge Dale) and the rest of the 1st Marine Division as they continue to defend the crucial airstrip.
••”Thin Ice” (6 p.m. on ABC): This competition for the world’s top professional figure skaters concludes. Hosts Elisabeth Hasselbeck (“The View”) and Kurt Browning (Canadian skating champion) announce the winners of the event decided by viewer votes (50 percent) and a panel of judges.
••“Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): When Joy’s mother (Lainie Kazan, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) pays her daughter a visit, she drives Joy up the wall with her constant criticism, and Eddie makes a valiant attempt to ease the tension.
MONDAY MARCH 22, 2010
••”Be Good Johnny Weir” (9:30 p.m. on Sundance Channel): The final installment of this eight-part documentary series culminates with the U.S. Men’s National Figure Skating Championships in January, as Johnny Weir attempts to secure what may be his last chance at a place on the Olympic team.
••”The Big Sleep” (7 p.m. on TCM): This 1946 film stars Humphrey Bogart as Raymond Chandler’s classic detective Philip Marlowe, who becomes involved with a socialite, played by Lauren Bacall. Former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar discusses the film with TCM host Robert Osborne during breaks. He also shares his thoughts on 1941′s “The Maltese Falcon” (9 p.m.), 1976′s “The Shootist” (11 p.m.) and 1939′s “Stagecoach” (1 a.m.).
••”Castle” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): In this two-part episode that concludes March 29, Dana Delany (“Desperate Housewives”) guest stars as Federal Agent Jordan Shaw, an insightful and accomplished Federal Investigator who teams with Richard Castle and Detective Beckett to hunt down an elusive serial killer.
••”Dancing With the Stars” (7 p.m. on ABC): A new cast of celebrities and their professional dance partners hit the floor for with two hours of dancing. Season 10 contenders are Buzz Aldrin, Pamela Anderson, Erin Andrews, Shannen Doherty, Kate Gosselin, Evan Lysacek, Niecy Nash, Chad Ochocinco, Jake Pavelka, Nicole Scherzinger and Aiden Turner.
••”CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio’s son, Kyle, returns from combat and promptly turns to his father for help in solving a murder.
••”Hardwood” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows the journey of Hubert Davis, the son of former Harlem Globetrotter Mel Davis, as he sets out to answer questions about his life. He uses personal interviews, archival footage and home movies to delve into his father’s past in the hope of finding a new direction for his own.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted ruins Lily’s birthday dinner celebration by bringing a date, Lily goes to great lengths to keep her out of the traditional photo she takes every year of the gang. Laura Prepon (“That ’70s Show”) returns as Karen, Ted’s ex-girlfriend and Anne Dudek (“Big Love”) guest stars as Natalie, one of Ted’s dates.
••”Let’s Make a Deal” (2 p.m. on CBS): Monty Hall makes television history with a sixth decade of appearances on the game show. He will appear with host Wayne Brady every day this week and play one game on his own with audience members of his choosing. Hall originally teamed with writer-producer Stefan Hatos in 1963 to create “Let’s Make a Deal,” which ran until August 1986. In 1990, he returned to do the game show for another cycle.
••”Nurse Jackie” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Edie Falco returns for a second season as a New York nurse who struggles to balance her demanding job with a family and long-hidden secrets that could cost her both.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Jeff and Audrey get into an argument when she discovers he does not believe her claim that she saw her grandmother’s ghost.
••”Three Sheets” (9 p.m. on FLN): Host Zane Lamprey travels around the world in search of the world’s best drinks and bar scenes, and then he tests out the local hangover cures the next morning. Wacky hangover remedies featured in this week-long marathon include sucker-fish boiled in wine (today), acupressure foot massage (Tuesday), “Star Trek” wedding vow renewal (Wednesday), 300-foot canyon swing (Thursday) and deep-fried pizza (Friday).
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy, Richard and James attempt to save the planet by building their own electric car out ogf TVR chassis and milk float batteries. Michael Sheen (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”) is featured in the star in a reasonably price car segment.
••”Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie has a return engagement with Chelsea’s best friend, while Alan has an unexpected effect on a new female patient. Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”) returns as Chelsea’s best friend and Francis Fisher (“Titanic”) guest stars as Alan’s chiropractic patient.
••”United States of Tara” (9:30 p.m. on Showtime): Toni Collette returns for a second season as a suburban wife and mother who struggles to handle the pressures of everyday suburban life while dealing with multiple personalities.
••”Unsung” (8 p.m. on TV One): Back with four new episosodes is this biographical series that celebrates the lives and careers of artists who, despite great talent, have been under-appreciated. Today’s installment focuses on Rose Royce, one of the top-selling groups of the 1970s. Upcoming episodes feature Sylvester (March 29), Stacy Lattisaw (April 12) and the Bar-Kays (April 19).
TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2010
••“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Debbie confides in Kai (Greg Vaughan, “General Hospital”), her yoga instructor, about the arrival of Dixon’s birthmother. Meanwhile, Gia (Rumer Willis, “Sorority Row”) encourages Adrianna to audition for a new band.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The contestants return to their hometowns to visit family and friends. But with those happy reunions come the challenge of continuing to eat right and exercise despite all the distractions and temptations away from the ranch.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a judge overturns a straightforward plea deal arranged by Alicia, she and Kalinda delve into the jurist’s record in an effort to understand his motivation.
••”How Much is Your Dead Body Worth?” (9 p.m. on CNBC): The medical industry’s demand for human tissue has created a lucrative black market, and some people will do anything to get their hands on your dead body. This special looks at the value of each part and uncovers the story of Michael Mastromarino, a dentist turned body snatcher, who makes millions from stolen corpses, including the body of a legendary broadcaster.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A murder investigation prompts Gibbs and the team to play family counselor to his former mentor, Mike Franks, in the hopes of preventing a bloody international conflict. Robert Patrick (“The Unit”) guest stars.
••”NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): Forensic scientist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette, “NCIS”) joins the Los Angeles NCIS team when a murder case resembles the pattern for a serial killer she has been tracking.
••”V: The Arrival” (9:06 p.m. on ABC): Catch up on the visitors and their plan for the himan race in this special clip show from the first four episodes. The series returns March 30.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 24, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Sheryl Crow guest stars as Sara, a confident wine representative who sets her sights on Grayson. Meanwhile, when Ellie tells Jules she can’t change past a certain age, Jules is determined to prove her wrong by giving up wine for a month.
••”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit follows a trail of murders that seems to align with the tour schedule of a rock star. Gavin Rossdale (“Little Black Book”) plays a Goth performer who has become lost in the frightening alter-ego that he portrays on stage — an alter-ego the BAU team suspects may be a brutal serial killer.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): After a body falls from the 59th Street Bridge, the CSI team finds a compass near the body pointing east and realizes it’s the third victim of the “Compass Killer.” Skeet Ulrich (“Jericho”) returns as the “Compass Killer.” Nelly (“The Longest Yard”) returns as an informant who helps Detective Flack.
••”Fly Girls” (8 p.m. on CW): This new series follows five Virgin America flight attendants as they jet from one glamorous location to the next, including Las Vegas, South Beach and New York City, while pursuing good times, great parties, adventure and love.
••”Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The “Dance in America” production titled “NY Export: Opus Jazz” is a new adaptation of Jerome Robbins’ 1958 ballet in sneakers that was filmed on location all over the five boroughs of New York. The 16 characters are updated for modern times, but the story still embodies the same theme of being young in the Big Apple.
••“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chance is knocked out when he meets the beautiful daughter of a former heavyweight champ in Vienna and must jump in the ring to protect a prize fighter on the run from a ruthless businessman. Grace Park (“Battlestar Galactica”) guest stars.
••”Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Veronia begins the difficult process of confronting her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with her therapist (Mary Stuart Masterson, “Kate Brasher”). But she finds herself at odds with Dr. Sands over a patient’s treatment.
••”The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie fears her job at the car dealership may be on the line when hardcore motivational consultant Abby (Amy Sedaris, “Strangers with Candy”) is hired to whip the sales staff into shape. Meanwhile, with Frankie putting in extra hours at work, Mike has to deal with issues at home.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies (Chazz Palminteri, “The Usual Suspects”)might be secretly gay.
••”Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Betty is thrilled to get her braces off, courtesy of her chatty new orthodontist, Dr. Frankel (Kathy Najimy, “Sister Act”). But before this can happen, she gets knocked unconscious at a photo shoot of the “Million Dollar Bra” at the Guggenheim, spinning her into a dream sequence. Donna Murphy (“Trust Me”) also guest stars.
THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010
••“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Hodgins, Sweets and Jeffersonian intern Colin Fischer (Joel David Moore, “Avatar”) take turns camping out for tickets to a movie premiere in “The Gamer in the Grease.”
••”FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Aaron delves deeper into why the black-ops Jericho unit is after his daughter and Mark continues to question Lloyd about a phone conversation that took place during their flashforwards. Tim “Timbaland Mosley (“Boogie”) guest stars.
••”The Real Housewives of New York City” (9 p.m. on Bravo): At a show during New York Fashion Week, LuAnn makes a snide remark to Bethenny, who launches into a verbal attack. Later, Bethenny hosts an event for a designer, and both Alex and Kelly show up to support her.
••”The Tiger Next Door” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special spotlights a man in Indiana who has been keeping, breeding and selling Bengal tigetrs from his backyard for more than 15 years. He claims to know exactly what they are thinking by the look in their eyes.
••“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): Matt and Caroline are surprised by the sudden reappearance of Matt’s mother Kelly (Melinda Clarke, “The O.C.”).
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010
••”Chandon Pictures” (8 p.m. on Sundance Channel): This Australian comedy series follows a deluded documentary filmmaker, whose portfolio doesnt extend much beyond weddings and children’s birthday parties. But with the help of his loyal cameraman and producer, he manages to twist each client’s brief to match his creative dreams of making “films that matter.”
••”Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars” (7 p.m. on Disney): Based on the popular books by Louise Fitzhugh, this movie is a contemporary twist on the iconic character as Harriet “The Spy” Welsch (Jennifer Stone, “Wizards of Waverly Place”) vies to become the official blogger of her high school class.
••”Imagination Movers” (8:30 a.m. on Disney): The Movers help famed blues musician T-Bone Crosby when, after years of writing songs, he seems to be out of ideas. Grammy Award-winning blues artist and actor Chris Thomas King (“Ray”) guest stars.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Counting Crows, Melody GArdot and Hockey.
••”Top Yam: The Louisiana Yambilee Queen Pageant” (9 p.m.on TLC): Take a behind-the-scenes look at this five-day festival in Opelousas, La. Every year, the town gathers to celebrate their main crop, the yam, by holding yam cook-offs, a Yam-i-mal contest, a carnival and the pageant featuring girls competing for $500 and the opportunity to be the community’s spokesperson.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Matthew Broderick (“The Producers”) discovers that his grandmother, Mary Martindale, was a descendant from a Civil War hero, Robert Martindale, who fought at Gettysburg and joined the historic march through Georgia.
SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2010
••”Believe in Oklahoma: Gone Country” (6:30 p.m. on KOCO-5): This special features music and interviews with several of the state’s top country music stars, including Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Black Shelton, Shauna Russell and Miranda Lambert.
••”Nickelodeon’s 23rd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Kevin James (“The King of Queens”) hosts the event live from UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. The slime will flow for the no-holds-barred kudo/mess-fest on the night kids rule and get to honor their favorites from the worlds of film, music, sports and television. First time Kids’ Choice nominees President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will compete in the new cutest couple category.
••”Paranormal Court” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special follows Robert Hansen, a renowned psychic medium who steps in to help families get the answers they need because the death of a loved one has left them with questions and a lack of closure. It Hansen’s psychic abilities in solving disputes when two parties come together and agree to be bound by the ruling enlisted from the other side.
••“Victorious” (8:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new comedy series follows Tori Vega (Victoria Justice, “Spectacular!”) as she unexpectedly finds herself navigating life at an elite performing arts high school. It features an ensemble cast of teens who act, sing, dance and perform to original music. The series will move into its regular 7 p.m. Sunday timeslot on April 11.
–Penny TV
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