HBO starts “True Blood” third season promotional poster campaign
HBO's "True Blood" poster
(From an HBO News Release)
HBO started an online poster campaign March 25 for the promotion of the third season of its series “True Blood.”
There will be 12 posters debuting weekly for 12 consecutive weeks.
Designed for fans of the show and to entice new viewers to tune in, the posters feature imagery and taglines that reference favorite moments, popular themes and insider storylines from the series.
The posters will appear on HBO branded sites such as HBO.com at (http://www.hbo.com/true-blood/inside/posters/download/poster-cup-of-joe) and the “True Blood” Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TrueBlood), as well as key online partners including entertainment, television and news sites as well as “True Blood” fan sites.
The third season premiere of “True Blood” is June 13.
Happy Birthday, Pauley Perrette
March 27, 2010 — Pauley
Perrette, who plays Abby Sciuto on “NCIS” (7 p.m. Tuesdays on CBS), turns 41 today.
She played Gwen on “Murder One” (1996-97).
Her first acting role was as Shannon in the 1994 ABC Afterschool Special titled “Magical Make-Over.” She was 25.
Best wishes to Pauley and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Pauley Perrette attends “The Heart Truth’s” Red Dress Collection 2010 fashion show on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing March 28-April 3, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of March 28.
If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
GUEST STARS
••Tom Bergeron (“Dancing With the Stars”) on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” noon on KOCB-34.
••Craig Bierko (“Boston Legal”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Clint Black (county singer) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Richard Branson (“The Rebel Billionaire”) on “Fly Girls,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CW.
••Margaret Cho (“Drop Dead Diva”) on “Ghost Whisperer,” 7 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Sheryl Crow (Grammy winner) on “Cougar Town,” 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Dana Delany (“Desperate Housewives”) on “Castle,” 9:02 p.m. Monday on ABC.
••Clea Duvall (“Carnivale”) on “Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox.
••Aunjanue Ellis (“True Blood”) on “The Mentalist,” 9 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Carla Gallo (“Men of a Certain Age”) on “Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox.
••Desmond Harrington (“Dexter”) on “Gossip Girl,” 8 p.m. Monday on CW.
••Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”) on “Two and a Half Men,” 8 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Willa Holland (“The O.C.”) on “Gossip Girl,” 8 p.m. Monday on CW.
••Penny Johnson Jerald (“24″) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS
••Kathy Kinney (“The Drew Carey Show”) on “The Price Is Right,” 10 a.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Christine Lahti (“Jack & Bobby”)on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Cloris Leachman (“The Facts of Life”) on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” 8 p.m. Monday on Logo.
••Gordon MacDonald (“Law & Order”) on “Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. Monday on TNT.
••Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”) on “Greek,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Wentworth Miller (“Prison Break”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Martin Mull (“Roseanne”) on “Til Death,” 6:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••Moon Bloodgood (“Terminator Salvation”) on “Human Target,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
••Martha Plimpton (“Parenthood”) on “How to Make It in America,” 9:05 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Linda Purl (“Bones”) on “The Office,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Caterina Scorsone (“1-800-Missing”) on “Private Practice,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Debbie Reynolds (“The Singing Nun”) on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” 8 p.m. Monday on Logo.
••Jason Ritter (“Joan of Arcadia”) on “Parenthood,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Alan Ruck (“Spin City”) on “Rules of Engagement,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••John Schneider (“Smallville”) on “90210,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CW.
••Susanna Thompson (“Once and Again”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Skeet Ulrich (“Jericho”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Greg Vaughan (“General Hospital”) on “90210,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CW.
••Titus Welliver (“Deadwood”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
Pictured above: “RuPaul’s DragRace” guests Cloris Leachman and Debbie Reynolds. Photo Credit: RollingBlackouts
TV Premieres and Finales airing March 28-April 3, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of March 28.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••”New Pollution,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (fourth-season premiere).
••”Bubba’s World,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (series premiere).
••”10 Things I Hate About You,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (second season resumes).
••”Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. Monday on TNT (fourth-season premiere).
••”Future Food,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Planet Green (series premiere).
••”Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on USA Network (ninth-season premiere).
••”Little Chocolatiers,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TLC (series premiere).
••”V,” 9:02 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (first season resumes).
••”In Plain Sight,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on USA Network (third-season premiere).
••“Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox (fifth season resumes).
••“Fringe,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox (second season resumes).
••”Fugitive Chronicles,” 9 p.m. Thursday on A&E (series premiere).
••”The Pyramid Code,” 7:30 p.m. Friday on Documentary Channel (series premiere).
••”Stargate Universe,” 8 p.m. Friday on Syfy (first season resumes).
••”Merlin,” 9 p.m. Friday on Syfy (second-season premiere).
••”Miami Medical,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS (series premiere).
••”Doodlebops Rockin’ Road Show,” 9 a.m. on CBS (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••”Greek,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (third-season finale).
Pictured above: FRINGE: Walter (John Noble) flashes back to 1985 in the FRINGE episode “Peter” airing Thursday, April 1 on FOX. CR: Liane Hentscher/FOX
Happy Birthday, Michael Imperioli
March 26, 2010 — James
Michael Imperioli, who played Christopher Moltisanti on “The Sopranos” (1999-2007 on HBO), turns 44 today.
He played Detective Ray Carling on “Life on Mars” (2008-09 on ABC).
His first acting role was as Acid Head in the 1988 movie “Alexal.” He was 22.
Best wishes to Michael and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Michael Imperioli shows off his personalized T-shirt at the Sundance Institute celebration fundraiser at Roseland Ballroom on Monday, Oct. 27, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
‘The Real World’ casting directors coming to Oklahoma City April 3
Want a real chance to be part of ‘The Real World’?
Casting directors for the MTV show will be in Oklahoma City next month to interview potential candidates.
Applicants between the ages of 18 and 24 are asked to bring a recent picture of themselves to the open casting call, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 3, at Bricktown Brewery (1 North Oklahoma Ave).
Those selected for the show’s 25th season will spend five months living together in a new fantasy house. Past seasons of the show featured cast members from diverse backgrounds who shared their daily experiences openly with millions of viewers.
Although the show welcomes anyone with a great personality and a willingness to share their life with the world, there are a few qualities that may give applicants an advantage for the Season 25 casting call.
Casting directors are specifically looking for young people who:
••Are physically challenged
••Struggling with weight issues
••Have been affected by a natural disaster
••Were home-schooled
••Follow a non-mainstream religion
••Were elite athletes
••Recently graduated and were affected by the economic downturn
••Are involved with goth or punk subcultures
••Are members of pro-abstinence organizations
••Are widowed
••Want to bring the spotlight of “The Real World” to a cause, condition or social issue they care deeply about or are personally affected by.
For those who can’t make it to the open call, applications are being accepted via email. Go to www.bunim-murray.com for complete details on how to apply.
–Penny TV
TV Preview Podcast: ‘Amish Grace’
Each week, The Oklahoman TV Editor Penny Soldan hosts an audio podcast discussing an upcoming TV premiere.
This week’s premiere is the new movie “Amish Grace” premiering at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 28, on Lifetime Movie Network.
To hear her discussion with Melissa Hayer, assistant news research editor for The Oklahoman, click the arrow below.
Pictured above: L to R: Karley Scott Collins (“Katie Graber”), Kimberly Williams-Paisley (“Ida Graber”) and Jessica Dickey (“Melinda”) star in the Lifetime Movie Network Original Movie Amish Grace. The film premieres Sunday, March 28, on Lifetime Movie Network.
Photo Credit: Jack
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Top 55 TV Programs for March 28-April 3, 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 28:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010
••“Amish Grace” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Kimberly Williams-Paisley (“According to Jim”) stars in this movie based on a true story about the aftermath that followed the 2006 schoolhouse shooting in the Amish community of Nickel Mines, Penn. The film examines a mother’s personal journey as she copes with the loss of her daughter and struggles with her community’s belief of the transcending power of forgiveness.
••”Bubba’s World” (9 p.m. on Fuel TV): This new docu-series provides exclusive access into the daily life of motocross racer James “Bubba” Stewart, who completed a perfect outdoor national motocross season in 2008 and won the Supercross Championship in 2009. The premiere will be simulcast on Fox Sports Net, Speed Channel and Fox Reality Channel.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): When ballistics tie a recent murder case of Rush’s to a serial killer who was seemingly inactive for 27 years, a tough FBI agent with ties to Stillman shows up to enlist the team’s aid in finding the killer who has eluded her for 30 years. Susanna Thompson (“Once and Again”) guest stars.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Clint Black (country singer) joins the design team in Daviess County, KY, to tell Steve and Melissa Mattingly that their single-wide trailer will be replaced by a newly constructed home built in just seven days.
••”How to Make It in America” (9:05 p.m. on HBO): While Ben is getting tight with Julie, Rachel is put off by Darren’s sudden offer to let her and Edie (Martha Plimpton, “Parenthood”) design a hotel. To pay off an overdue debt to Rene, Cam and Ben agree to hand out Rasta Monsta samples at Union Square, but cut the job short to retrieve their tees from the silk screener.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Sharpe’s Challenge,” British soldier-heo Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean, “The Lord of the Rings”) comes out of retirement to quash a rebellion in British India and rescue his old friend. Padma Lakshmi (“Top Chef”) guest stars as Madhuvanthi, a schemer who is out to seduce Sharpe.
••”Merlin” (9 a.m. on Syfy): This series, which aired last summer on NBC, is set in the mythical city of Camelot where magic has been banned by the ruthless tyrant Uther Pendragon. All 13 episodes from Season 1 will air back-to-back in this 13-hours marathon, and Season 2 will premiere at 9 p.m. Friday on Syfy.
••”New Pollution” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): Professional surfer Matt Beacham returns for a fourth season of introducing viewers to the next generation of action sports athletes no older than 16 who are proving their skills in the hills, waves, water and streets across the world.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): After their four-month ordean on Guadalcanal, Leckie and Basilone and thousands of their comrades land in Melbourne, where they are greeted by adoring crowds and hailed as the saviors of Australia.
••“Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): When Duffy dumps Whitey (Martin Mull, “Roseanne”), he moves in with Eddie and Joy as a way of coping, but he quickly overstays his welcome and Joy wants him out.
MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2010
••”10 Things I Hate About You” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In the mid-season premiere episode, Kat and Patrick are caught skipping school and both get suspended. Meanwhile, Bianca has her own problems after a secret make-out session with Joey is caught on video.
••”Castle” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In “Boom,” the second part of the story begun in “Tick, Tick, Tick …,” the serial killer remains at large and is taunting Castle, Beckett and Jordan Shaw (Dana Delany, “Desperate Housewives”) to catch him.
••“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Chuck finds himself once again at odds with his uncle, Jack Bass (Desmond Harrington, “Dexter”). Rufus attempts to get Jenny (Taylor Momsen) back on track by volunteering to have her help with Eleanor’s fashion show, but the opportunity takes a big turn for the worse when Jenny learns that Agnes (Willa Holland, “The O.C.”) will be one of the models.
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): In the Season 3 finale, the students of Cyprus-Rhodes University are on Spring Break in Myrtle Beach, which means the year is winding down and the seniors have big decisions looming over their heads. Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”) guest stars.
••“Iraq In Fragments” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This 2007 Academy Award nominee for best documentary feature chronicles the challenging journeys of individuals living within the war-torn country of Iraq.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): To make Audrey happy, Jeff begrudgingly agrees to see a couple’s therapist (Alan Ruck, “Spin City”). Meanwhile, Russell develops a crush on Timmy’s fiance.
••”Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Season 4 opens in the immediate aftermath of Grace and Neely’s survived fall from the top of a building. Grace, now known as “Angel Cop” by Oklahoma City residents, decides to have it out with God once and for all. But a mysterious stranger (Gordon MacDonald, “”Law & Order”) might have something to say about that. Series creator Nancy Miller, an Oklahoma City native, says the final nine episodes of the show will be “a wild and exciting ride. I want (viewers) to come away thinking this was a series that constantly surprised them and gave them Holly Hunter in a character that broke new ground for women on television.”
••”Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (noon on KOCB-34): “Dancing With the Stars” host Tom Bergeron suts in as the featured expert this week, in which contestants will face questions about the “Dancing With the Stars” series in addition to general trivia. Assisting host Meredith Vieira in delivering questions will be “Dancing with the Stars” professional dancers Cheryl Burke, Mark Ballas, Lacey Schwimmer, Chelsie Hightower, Derek Hough and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, as well as judges Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010
••“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Liam catches his stepfather (John Schneider, “Smallville”) with another woman and confronts him with his fist. Debbie and her instructor, Kai (Greg Vaughan, “General Hospital”) share tea and conversation after yoga, but Kai oversteps his boundaries.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The final nine contestants are delighted to learn from host Alison Sweeney that the game is now going to singles and they’ll all compete as individuals for the rest of the competition.
••”Future Food” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows chefs Homaro Cantu and Ben Roche as they try to change the world one concoction at a time. In the premiere episode, they make creative seafood dishes using everything but fish.
••”Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): On Jan. 12, Haiti was leveled by one of the most devastating earthquakes in recorded history. Correspondent Martin Smith and his team arrived in Port-au-Prince within days, and this report bears witness to the disaster and the ill-coordinated relief efforts in the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Drawing on interviews with key officials and humanitarian experts from Port-au-Prince to New York, “The Quake” asks, can the world do better? And how?
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia learns more information about her husband’s fall from grace when she represents the wife of State Attorney Glenn Childs in their divorce. Titus Welliver (“Deadwood”) and Craig Bierko (“Boston Legal”) guest star.
••”Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Whatever It Takes” documents the struggles and triumphs of the first year of an innovative public high school in New York City’s South Bronx.
••”Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Season 9 introduces Saffron Burrows (“Boston Legal”) as Detective Serena Stevens, a highly educated, worldly single parent with a broad range of life experiences to draw upon in solving even the toughest of cases. Teamed with Detective Zach Nichols (Jeff Goldblum), they create a partnership of challenging intellect and street-smart savvy. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio steps into the role of Captain Zoe Callas after an action-packed two-part series premiere.
••”Little Chocolatiers” (9p.m. on TLC): This new series explores the professional and personal lives Steve and Katie Hatch, a little people who are married and run a busy chocolate shop in Salt Lake City. In the first two episodes airing back-to-back, the Hatches are challenged to build a life-sized chocolate desk and a giant chocolate boom box.
••“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): Ella discovers someone is embezzling from WPK and framing her for it. Reuniting on this episode are original cast members Heather Locklear, Thomas Calabro, Josie Bissett and Daphne Zuniga.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): With the team’s help, Vance faces his demons while uncovering a complex relationship with a killer that puts his whole family in danger. Penny Johnson Jerald (“24″) guest stars as State Department Official Joanne Torrence.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Max re-joins the baseball team, Drew helps Adam connect with his son. Meanwhile, Sarah strikes up a friendship with Amber’s English teacher, Mr. Cyr (Jason Ritter, “Joan of Arcadia”).
••”The Real Face of Jesus?” (7 p.m. on History Channel): In this two-hour special, a team of graphic experts seeks to to create a living, moving 3D image of the man many believe to be Jesus Christ. The starting point of this journey is an ancient 14-foot linen cloth known as the Shroud of Turin, believed by millions to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ. Imprinted on the fabric is a faint, ghostly image of a crucified man.
••”V” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In the mid-season premiere episode, Erica finds her life in danger when she’s attacked at home. Also, a dangerous new member is recruited for the Resistance, as the Visitors shore up their defenses.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Grayson introduces girlfriend Sara (Grammy winner Sheryl Crow) to Jules and company. Jules and Sara hit it off, but when Grayson is overly attentive to his new girl, Jules warns him to back off before Sara pulls away.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the culmination of a multi-episode mystery, Mac and his team uncover the dark lair of a murderous madman, the Compass Killer (Skeet Ulrich, “Jericho”). But as they race to save his fourth victim, the sunrise presents one final surprise that no one ever expected.
••“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chance travels to a remote Alaskan island to find a missing doctor and expose an industrial giant’s involvement in the death of a mining foreman. Moon Bloodgood (“Terminator Salvation”) guest stars.
••”In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): In the Season 3 premiere, U.S. Marshals Mary and Marshall, who work in the secretive branch of the witness protection program, search for the person who nearly killed Mary in the Season 2 cliffhanger.
••”It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): Charlie, Sally, Lucy and Marcie get ready for the big day by making several unsuccessful attempts to prepare eggs for coloring — by frying, waffle-ironing, toasting, roasting and finally making soup out of them — while Linus insists no preparation is necessary. Luckily, the Easter Beagle steps in to take care of everything.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Officer Nate Kendall (Wentworth Miller, “Prison Break”) aids a woman in trouble and becomes roped into solving a rape case. While Detectives Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson believe that Kendall is not right for the case due to his unstable personality, Executive Assistant District Attorney Sonya Paxton (Christine Lahti, “Jack & Bobby”) brings evidence of a common thread among three other rape cases.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine begins seeing a therapist who shares office space with Matthew, although it’s unclear to both whether to pursue therapy or romance. Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”) guest stars as Dr. Max Kershaw, the therapist/love interest.
••”Prison Wives” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This installment follows Juli Cummings, a glass artist from Seattle who is engaged to Richard Sipe, a man serving 71 years at Davis Correctional Center in Holdenville for manufacturing methamphetamine and other violations. Juli is fighting to get him out of prison and prepares to fly to Oklahoma to visit him.
••“The Street Stops Here” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary offers a portrait of high school basketball coach Bob Hurley Sr. and his lifelong commitment to improve the lives of students at an inner city Catholic school in Jersey City, NJ.
••”Tavis Smiley Reports” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special report delves into Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” that he delivered April 4, 1967, at Riverside Church in New York City. He made the speech exactly one year before the date of his assassination.
••”Wa$ted!” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): Host Annabelle Gurwitch is back for a third season of helping homeowners audit waste, energy, water and transportation cunsumption. Her tips help with the eco haven and save participants cash in the process.
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
••”Adam’s Rib” (7 p.m. on TCM): This 1949 film stars Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy as lawyers working on opposite sides of an attempted-murder case. Guest programmer Raquel Welch (“Thye Three Musketeers”) discusses the film with TCM host Robert Osborne during breaks. She also shares her thoughts on 1939′s “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (9 p.m.), 1961′s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (11:15 p.m.) and 1944′s “To Have and Have Not” (1:15 a.m.).
••”Beasts of the Bible” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This documentary delves into the origins of mysterious Biblical animals and examines the scientific facts behind their existence. The experts debunk myths and uncover Biblical beasts, showing what they might have looked like and who their modern day descendents may be.
••”Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the spring premiere, a subway train is thrown off the track by 60,000 gallons of flood water and a partially skeletonized body emerges out of the overflow. Clea Duvall (“Carnivale”) and Carla Gallo (“Men of a Certain Age”) guest star.
••”Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This documentary tells the inside story of one of history’s greatest business scandals, in which top executives of America’s seventh largest company walked away with over $1 billion while investors and employees lost everything.
••“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the spring premiere, Walter flashes back to 1985 while explaining Peter’s otherworldly origins to Olivia.
••”Fugitive Chronicles” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new docu-drama series brings to life compelling fugitive captures through archival footage, fugitive narrative recreated from real testimony and taped interviews with law enforcement officials. The premiere episode spotlights prison escapee Ralph “Bucky” Philips, a career criminal who spent most of his life in and out of prison.
••”Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of the locally-produced series spotlights The Culinary Institute at Platt College, where chefs who’ve worked all over the world are teaching the next generation what it takes to be the best in their field. The students are prepping for a regional competition that will put them head to head against other culinary schools from 15 states. Last year, they took bronze.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Patrick Jane, Lisbon and the CBI team brace themselves to finally meet their new boss, Special Agent Madeleine Hightower (Aunjanue Ellis, “True Blood.”
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): 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. Linda Purl (“Bones”) guest stars.
••”The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Host Drew Carey celebrates April Fools’ Day with special guest Kathy Kinney (“The Drew Carey Show”) As her character, Mimi, she will take over the show as executive producer and makes some unexpected changes, including adding four unusual looking male models and replacing announcer Rich Fields with a man in a monkey suit.
••”Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): When famed neurosurgeon Dr. Ginsberg and her team pay a visit to St. Ambrose to save the life of Kayla, Addison is shocked to see Amelia Shepherd – Derek’s younger sister on the team. Caterina Scorsone (“1-800-Missing”) guest stars.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this installment, journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones uncovers new information about the fall of music industry legend Phil Spector, who worked with some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. Actress Lana Clarkson turned up dead at his home, and the music producer was charged with murder.
FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010
••”Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): When comic book artist Damon Weaver begins drawing his own run-ins with ghosts before they happen, it is up to Melinda and Avery (Margaret Cho, “Drop Dead Diva”) to discover the secrets behind his art.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Yusuf, The Fray and White Lies.
••”Merlin” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In the Season 2 premiere, new servant Cedric (Mackenzie Crook, “The Office”) threatens Merlin’s position as Arthur’s right-hand-man, turning the Prince against his loyal friend.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): This new hospital drama follows a team of surgeons who thrive on the adrenaline rush of working at one of the premiere trauma facilities in the country while drawing upon their wit and irreverence to survive on the edge. As part of the Alpha Team, these professionals exclusively treat patients with life-threatening injuries.
••”A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism” (5 p.m. on HBO): Kate Winslet (“The Reader”) narrates this documentary debuting on International Autism Awareness Day. It charts the journey of a mother searching to unlock her autistic son’s mind. Traveling from Iceland to the United States and Europe, she learns how the brains of autistic children differ from “normal” children and discovers new techniques that could offer a promising future for children with autism, including her son.
••”The Pyramid Code” (7:30 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This 5-part series seeks to unlock the mysteries behind the ancient Egyptians, their technology and sacred cosmology by exploring the Egyptian pyramid fields and ancient temples.
••”Stargate Universe” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the mid-season premiere episode, The Destiny crew discovers a piece of Ancient technology that transports Colonel Everett Young to an unknown alien vessel.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Brooke Shields (“Lipstick Jungle”) traves her father’s family history to one of European aristicracy and royal connections. She also uncovers a tragic secret on her mother’s side of the family that changes the way she feels about her grandmother.
••”Wife Swap” (7 p.m. on ABC): Season 6 opens with a strict family in Alabama swapping moms with a New Jersey family that pampers their children and a collection of 14 plastic dolls they call reborn babies.
SATURDAY APRIL 3, 2010
••”30 for 30″ (3 p.m. on ABC): This installment of the ESPN film series is “Guru of Go” and coincides with the start of the NCAA Men’s Final Four. It documents the non-stop run-and-gun offensive system of Loyola Marymount’s men’s basketball team and the tragic death of star Hank Gathers.
••”Doodlebops Rockin’ Road Show” (9 a.m. on CBS): This new animated and music-filled comedy follows Deedee, Rooney and Moe Doodle on zany adventures through the Doodlenet as they help their young fans solve pre-school-relatable problems. Each episode features two original songs and encourages an understanding and appreciation of music, physical activity and health and promotes open-mindedness.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Sarah Jessica Parker
March 25, 2010 — Sarah
Jessica Parker, who played Carrie Bradshaw on “Sex and the City” (1998-2004 on HBO), turns 45 today.
She played Jo Ann Harris on “Equal Justice” (1990-91), Kay Ericson Gardner on “A Year in the Life” (1987-88) and Patty Greene on “Square Pegs” (1982-83).
Her first acting role was in the 1974 TV movie “The Little Match Girl.” She was 9.
Best wishes to Sarah Jessica and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Sarah Jessica Parker, from the upcoming film “Sex and City 2,” poses for photographers at the Warner Bros. Pictures photo call during ShoWest 2010 in Las Vegas on Thursday, March 18, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Oklahoman enjoys Week 10 on ‘The Biggest Loser’ — despite what the scale said
Daris George had a great week on “The Biggest Loser” — not on the scale, but during his seven days back home in Oklahoma.
All 10 of the remaining contenders on the show spent the week at home, and cameras captured Daris working out at a local gym, taking a date to a karaoke bar and riding an exercise bike 26.2 miles inside the Ardmore Middle School gym.
“I loved every minute of being home,” he said after the Week 10 weigh-in where he dropped four pounds. “I was a more confident person, and I was loving life.”
Daris didn’t even let his four-pound weight loss for the week get him down, even though that was the fewest pounds lost by anyone during Week 10.
He did not receive a vote in the elimination room, however, and is still in contention for the $250,000 grand prize and title of “The Biggest Loser.”
–Penny TV
Week-by-Week for Daris George
••Week 1 — dropped 29 pounds (went from 346 to 317)
••Week 2 — dropped 7 pounds (went from 317 to 310)
••Week 3 — dropped 9 pounds (went from 310 to 301)
••Week 4 — dropped 6 pounds (went from 301 to 295)
••Week 5 — dropped 12 pounds (went from 295 to 283)
••Week 6 — dropped 9 pounds (went from 283 to 274)
••Week 7 — dropped 7 pounds (went from 274 to 267)
••Week 8 — dropped 9 pounds (went from 267 to 258)
••Week 9 — dropped 10 pounds (went from 258 to 248)
••Week 10 — dropped 4 pounds (went from 248 to 244)
Week-by-Week for Cheryl George
••Week 1 — dropped 14 pounds (went from 227 to 213)
••Week 2 — dropped 3 pounds (went from 213 to 210)
••Week 3 — dropped 7 pounds (went from 210 to 203)
••Week 4 — dropped 6 pounds (went from 203 to 197)
••Week 5 — dropped 3 pounds (went from 197 to 194)
••Week 6 — dropped 3 pounds (went from 194 to 191)
••Week 7 — dropped 4 pounds (went from 191 to 187)
••Week 8 — dropped 5 pounds (went from 187 to 182)
••Three months after being sent home — dropped 18 pounds (went from 182 to 164)
Pictured above: THE BIGGEST LOSER — Episode 909 — Pictured: Daris — Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC
