Television Blog » television

Watch Comedy Central and win a Wii (or cash)

television — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:52 +0000

   It’s Thanxgiveaway Wiikend on Comedy Central.
   Not only can viewers chow down on laugh-out-loud programming such as “Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special” (7 p.m. Thursday) and “Ralphie May: Austin-Tatious” (8 p.m. Friday), but everyone watching will also have a chance to win a Wii or cash or Comedy Central DVDs.
   A total of 48 prize packages will be awarded during this “Thanxgiveaway Wiikend” on Comedy Central. Of course, the best prize package contains a Wii console with the New Super Mario Bros. Or maybe the $5,000 cash is the best prize package. But the $500 or $1,000 or Comedy Central CD and DVD packs are pretty great prizes, too.
   In any case, viewers need to tune in to Comedy Central between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. (central time) Thursdays (Thanksgiving Day) through Sunday (Nov. 29). During those hours, the network will broadcast a different code approximately every hour that will give viewers a chance to win the prize packages.
   Then go to www.comedycentral.com/thanx to enter the codes to become eligible for each hour’s prize.
   So spend Thanksgiving weekend with Comedy Central. The network will try to make it worth your while.
–Penny TV

Happy Birthday, Miley Ray Cyrus

television — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:00:41 +0000

   Nov. 23, 2009 — Destiny Hope
Cyrus, who plays Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana on “Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. weekdays on Disney Channel), turns 17 today.
   She will play Veronica “Ronnie” Miller in the upcoming film “The Last Song.”
   Her first acting role was as Kylie in the Pax series “Doc” (2003 episode titled “Men in Tights”). She was 11.
   Best wishes to Miley and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV

Pictured at right: Miley Cyrus arrives at the “Concert for Hope” benefiting City of Hope in Los Angeles, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)

Fox characters reveal Thanksgiving thoughts

television — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:00:22 +0000

Want to know what the
characters on Fox shows are thankful for this holiday season?
Here are their thoughts — or rather, the words of the writers who give these characters something to say.
–Penny TV

What Fox characters are most thankful for (released by Fox Network)
THE SIMPSONS (7 p.m. Sundays)
••Homer Simpson: “I am truly thankful there are now THREE football games on Thanksgiving, so I can spend even less time talking to my in-laws.”

THE CLEVELAND SHOW (7:30 p.m. Sundays)
••Cleveland Brown: “Hey, y’all! This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for deep-fried turkey. And if your house catches fire – hey, deep-fried house. Gobble, gobble.”

FAMILY GUY (8 p.m. Sundays)
••Stewie Griffin: “I’m thankful for building blocks, Rupert and the gentle way Lois grasps my ankles when she hoists up my bottom to clean my poops.”

HOUSE (7 p.m. Mondays)
••Dr. Gregory House: “I am thankful I didn’t park on the next floor up at the carnival.”
••Dr. Robert Chase: “I am thankful for… well, actually, not very much right now.”

LIE TO ME (8 p.m. Mondays)
••Dr. Cal Lightman: “I refuse to acknowledge a holiday that’s based on the lie that the Pilgrims and Native Americans all sat down together with smiles on their faces to eat turkey, play footsie and sing ‘Kumbaya.’ The truth is that the actual meal was made with venison, and the Plymouth settlers eventually took the Wampanoag tribe’s land before both groups brutalized each other in the King Philip’s War of 1675.”
••Dr. Gillian Foster: “I am thankful that I’m single again and that Lightman got some much-needed vacation time in Mexico. I also feel really bad for all the turkeys. Does anyone need a date for Thursday night?”
••Ria Torres: “I am thankful that I’m no longer working at the airport, where I was used to spending Thanksgiving weekend telling people to remove their smelly shoes and strip-searching potential terrorists.”
••Eli Loker: “I wish that Thanksgiving was celebrated like harvest festival of Nigeria’s Igbo tribe, which involves wrestling matches, beauty pageants and theater about yams.”
FBI Agent Ben Reynolds: “I refuse to comment as to the nature of what I am or am not thankful for in order to protect myself from any retribution that might result from my testimony in a pending legal matter.”

GLEE (8 p.m. Wednesdays)
••Finn Hudson: “I am thankful that the Pilgrims didn’t celebrate the first Thanksgiving by eating Great White Shark because I bet they’re much harder to kill than turkeys and my mom’s oven isn’t very big.”
••Rachel Berry: “I am thankful that no matter what happens to me in life, I’ll always have a job waiting for me at Disneyland.”
••Sue Sylvester: “I’m thankful for bamboo’s durability and resistance to splintering, making my ‘discipline cane’ the perfect teaching tool.”

BONES (7 p.m. Thursdays)
••Dr. Temperance Brennan: “I am thankful for the Thanksgiving tradition of splitting the Furcula. The Furcula being the wishbone, of course.”
FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth: “I am thankful that my life has progressed from killing people for a living to catching people who kill people.”
••Dr. Jack Hodgins: “I am thankful for being the King of the Lab.”
Angela Montenegro: “I am thankful that my office is far enough away from the forensic platform that I don’t have to smell corpses all day.”
••Dr. Cam Saroyan: “I am thankful that the smartest people in the world are often the easiest to manipulate.”
••Dr. Lance Sweets: “I am thankful for neurosis and sexual tension between partners.”

FRINGE (8 p.m. Thursdays)
••Agent Olivia Dunham: “I am thankful that scotch exists.”
••Peter Bishop: “I am thankful that Walter stopped counting out loud while he urinates.”
••Dr. Walter Bishop: “I am thankful that I still have wonderful LSD flashbacks.”

Pictured above: BONES: Emily Deschanel as Dr. Temperance Brennan and David Boreanaz as FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth. Photo: Brian Bowen Smith/FOX

Happy Birthday, Jamie Lee Curtis

television — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:00:08 +0000

   Nov. 22, 2009 — Jamie Lee Curtis,
who played Hannah Miller on “Anything But Love” (1989-92), turns 51 today.
   She played Lt. Barbara Duran on “Operation Petticoat” (1977-78).
   Her first acting role was as Girl in Dressing Room in a 1977 episode of “Quincy M.E.” She was 19.
   Best wishes to Jamie Lee and everybody who shares this special day with her (including The Oklahoman’s Assistant Features Editor Renee Lawrence).

–Penny TV

Pictured above: Jamie Lee Curtis arrives at the Children Affected by Aids Foundation’s 16th Annual Dream Halloween in the Barker Hangar Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Alaric Lambert)

TV Preview Podcast: ‘A Dog Named Christmas’

television — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:00:31 +0000

Each week, The Oklahoman TV Editor Penny Soldan hosts an audio podcast discussing an upcoming TV premiere.
This week’s premiere is the new Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “A Dog Named Christmas” premiering at 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29.
To hear her discussion with Melissa Hayer, assistant news research editor for The Oklahoman, click the arrow below.

Happy Birthday, Cherry Jones

television — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:00:20 +0000

   Nov. 21, 2009 — Cherry Jones,
who plays President Allison Taylor on “24” (Season 8 premieres Jan. 17 on Fox), turns 53 today.
   She played Sister Marie on “Clubhouse” (2004).
   Her first acting role was as Secretary in the 1980 TV movie “O’Malley.” She was 24.
   Best wishes to Cherry and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV

Pictured above: Cherry Jones poses Friday April 21, 2006 at the Booth Theatre in New York. Jones stars in the Broadway revival of Brian Friel’s “Faith Healer.” (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Tune in to “Oprah” today (Nov. 20); she will address her decision to leave show

television — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:03:38 +0000

From Programming Insider:

The big news late Thursday was Oprah Winfrey’s decision to conclude her syndicated talk show in 2011 after 25 seasons on the air to concentrate on her upcoming cable network OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, a joint venture with Discovery Communications.

The Queen of talk, who will officially step down on Sept. 9, 2011, will address her decision to leave on today’s show (airing at 4 p.m. Nov. 20 on KOCO-5 in Oklahoma City).

This does not mean, of course, that Oprah is officially done as a talk show host. A spokesperson at Harpo, Oprah’s production company, declined to comment on what exactly Oprah’s participation would be at OWN.

Said a spokesman for CBS Television Distribution: “We have the greatest respect for Oprah and wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors. We know that anything she turns her hand to will be a great success. We look forward to working with her for the next several years, and hopefully afterwards as well.”

Pictured above: Oprah Winfrey smiles as she arrives to the red carpet for the gala screening of “Precious” during the Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young)

Cook with Chef Gordon Ramsay at home or on TV

television — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:45:37 +0000

   Want to prepare a three-course meal with Chef Gordon Ramsay? Everyone can do so from the comfort of their own kitchen — and without getting yelled at — when Fox airs “Gordon Ramsay: Cookalong Live” at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15.
   But Fox is giving a few people passionate about cooking the chance to join Chef Ramsay live on the special. He may or may not scream and yell at his helpers like he does the contestants on “Hell’s Kitchen.” Take your chances by applying for the opportunity at www.fox.com/casting.htm.
   Hurry, though. Deadline for submissions is today (Nov. 20).
   Here is what Chef Ramsay is going to prepare in an hour’s time on live TV: Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, Chili Peppers and Tomatoes as an appetizer, Steak Diane with Sautéed Potatoes and Peas as the main course and Quick Tiramisu for dessert. The three-course meal will serve four.
   And here’s the shopping list for those who wish to cook along Chef Ramsay at home:

PRODUCE
••1 red chili pepper
••5 large garlic cloves, peeled
••1 large tomato (heirloom or beefsteak)
••1 lemon
••Small handful of fresh basil leaves
••3 scallions
••4 ounces crimini mushrooms, cleaned (can also use button mushrooms instead)
••3 shallots, peeled
••Small handful of flat-leaf parsley
••3 small sprigs of rosemary
••1 pound small waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold, cut in half)
••2 cups peas, defrosted if using frozen

MEAT/FISH
••1/2 pound medium-size raw, peeled shrimps
••4 small sirloin steaks (approx. 7 ounces each)

DAIRY
••1 3/4 cups heavy cream
••1 cup mascarpone
••2 1/2 tablespoons salted butter

PASTA/BREAD
••7 ounces angel hair pasta
••4 Italian Ladyfingers, or Savoiardi

BAKING
••1/4 cup powdered sugar
••1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
••Piece of chocolate (to grate as garnish)

LIQUOR/COFFEE
••4 tablespoons Marsala, or sweet dessert wine such as Vin Santo
••1/4 cup brandy or cognac
••1/4 cup white wine
••1 cup cold strong coffee

CONDIMENTS
••Salt and freshly ground black pepper
••Olive oil
••Extra virgin olive oil
••1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, to taste
••1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

MOST IMPORTANT PART
••Friends and family to enjoy the meal, which will be ready at 9 p.m.

–Penny TV

Top 20 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Nov. 22-28, 2009

television — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:31 +0000

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 20 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Nov. 22.
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.

GUEST STARS

••Rosanna Arquette (“The L Word”) on “Eastwick,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Francis Capra (”Veronica Mars”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Chris Elliott (”Everybody Loves Raymond”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Eve (“Eve”) on “Glee,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
••Daryl Hall and John Oates (musical artists) on “The Cleveland Show,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••Chelsea Handler (”Chelsea Lately”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Jonah Hill (“Funny People”) on “The Simpsons,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••C. Thomas Howell (”The Outsiders”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Shelley Long (”Cheers”) on “Modern Family,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Ray Mabus (U.S. Secretary of the Navy) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Jilian Michaels (”The Biggest Loser”) on “The Suze Orman Show,” 8 p.m. Saturday on CNBC.
••Marisa Miller (Victoria’s Secret model) on “Gary Unmarried,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Suze Orman (”The Suze Orman Show”) on “The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Pauley Perrette (”NCIS”) on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Melissa Peterman (”Reba”) on “Rita Rocks,” 9 p.m. Monday on Lifetime.
••Esteban Powell (“The Cleaner) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Katee Sackhoff (”Battlestar Galactica”) on “The Big Bang Theory,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Lisa Sheridan (”Invasion”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Fisher Stevens (”Early Edition”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••D.B. Sweeney (”Jericho”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Jeffrey Tambor (”Arrested Development”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Skeet Ulrich (”Jericho”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Casper Van Dien (“Starship Troopers”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Rod Woodson (pro football player) on “The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.

NOTE: Times are CT. For ET, add one hour.

Pictured above:

GLEE: Eve guest-stars as the head of a rival glee club on in the “Hairography” episode airing Nov. 25 on FOX. Photo: Michael Yarish/FOX

TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Nov. 22-28, 2009

television — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:38 +0000

   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 Nov. 22.
   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.

BEGINNINGS
••“The Haunted,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Meet the Natives USA,” 10 p.m. Sunday on Travel Channel (series premiere).
••“Find My Family,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on ABC (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (seventh-season finale).
••“The Next Iron Chef,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (first-season finale).
••“Jon and Kate Plus 8,” 8 p.m. Monday on TLC (fifth-season finale).
••“Dancing With the Stars,” 8:01 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (ninth-season finale).
••“Man Shops Globe,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Sundance (series finale).
••“Shameless,” 7 p.m. Friday on Sundance (fifth-season premiere).

MARATHONS
••“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday on USA Network.
••“How Clean Is Your House?” 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday on BBC America.
••“Dogs 101/Cats 101,” 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday on Animal Planet.
••“Cake Boss,” 5 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on TLC.
••“Mythbusters,” 8 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on Discovery.
••“Untamed & Uncut,” 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet.
••“White Collar,” 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••“I’m Alive,” noon to 9 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet.
••“Deadliest Catch,” 8 a.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday on Discovery.
••“Dirty Jobs,” 10 a.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Nov. 29 on Discovery.

NOTE: Times are CT. For ET, add one hour.

Pictured above: DONNY OSMOND, KYM JOHNSON on “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC Photo)