Top 55 TV Programs for Aug. 16-22, 2009
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 Aug. 16:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, AUG. 16
◊“2 Months, $2 Million” (8 p.m. on G4): This new series follows four young online poker pros, who move to Las Vegas for the summer with the goal of collectively earning $2 million in two months. While Brian, Emil, Jay and Dani seem to eat, sleep and drink poker, they also take time out to explore the Vegas scene.
◊“Cracking the Ocean Code” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): Join genome pioneer J. Craig Venter on a globe-circling ocean voyage, seeking new life forms and genetic secrets that could help solve the planet’s most urgent energy and climate challenges.
◊“Defying Gravity” (9 p.m. on ABC): The crew of the Antares face their first major crisis when the ship inexplicably begins to shut down all of its operating systems, causing the sudden failure of power, heat and gravity controls and plunging everyone aboard into chaos during the desperate search for a solution.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Eric considers the management-company offer while trying to patch things up with Ashley following a Freudian slip.
◊“Hudson Plane Crash — What Really Happened” (8 p.m. on TLC): New footage and exclusive interviews wuth crew, survivors and rescuers tell the story of Flight 1549 that lost both engines over New York City and landed without a single death.
◊“Kourtney and Kloe Take Miami” (9 p.m. on E!): This new series follows sisters Kourtney and Kloe Kardashian as they leave Los Angeles and move to South Beach to launch a second DASH boutique.
◊“Mad Men” (9 p.m. on AMC): Change is in the air at Sterling Cooper, the ad agency at the center of this drama series beginning its third season. At the end of last season, the agency had new owners from across the pond, and Don (Jon Hamm) had just found out he and Betty (January Jones) had a baby on the way. A marathon of Season 2’s 13 episodes begins at 6 a.m., leading up to the Season 3 premiere that will be presented with limited commercial breaks.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the Inspector Lewis mystery “Old School Ties,” Lewis and Hathaway (Kevin Whately, Laurence Fox) are assigned to protect a former computer criminal (Owen Teale), now a successful author, when he comes to speak at Oxford. It’s a dull job until a student turns up strangled and the author is shot.
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 a.m. on SoapNet): Go back to school with the network’s five-hour marathon of the show’s school-themed episodes.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Arthur kills a unicorn, a curse descends on Camelot, threatening the destruction of the mythical city.
◊“My Antonio” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new series follows “General Hospital” star Antonio Sabato Jr. on his search for true love. Thirteen women will be competing for his affection, and Sabato’s ex-wife even shows up and asks him to take her back.
◊“The Pink Panther” (7 p.m. on BBC America): The network is devoting the next three Sundays to celebrating Peter Sellers’ work as Inspector Clouseau, beginning with the 1964 comedy written and directed by Tulsa native Blake Edwards.
◊“Reality Hell” (9:45 p.m. on E!): The subjects of this hidden-camera hybrid show think they are contestants on a real reality show. They gear up for their 15 minutes of fame, only to have it turn into a time of infamy.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): The sharks consider biting into a gourmet food business, and the bidding for a life-saving idea reached $1 million.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Elvis Presley is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing on the 32nd anniversaey of his death are 1957’s “Jailhouse Rock” (noon), 1967’s “Clambake” (5:15 p.m.) and 1958s’s “King Creole” (9 p.m.).
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from John Carpenter of Hamden, Conn. He was the show’s first $1 million winner who used “Phone a Friend” on his last question to call his dad that he knew the answer and was about to win.
MONDAY, AUG. 17
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): A murder case involving extreme plastic surgery leads Horatio to Ron Saris, who is alive and seeking revenge on Julia. Elizabeth Berkley (”The L Word”) and Brooke Burns (”Miss Guided”) guest star.
◊“Cake Boss” (9 p.m. on TLC): In the Season 1 finale, a family-owned business asks Buddy and Carlo’s team to honor their patriarch by creating a special cake featuring their company’s product — fireworks.
◊“Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi” (8 p.m. on HBO): Ajmal Naqshbandi was a young Afghan hired as a translator by foreign journalists covering events in his homeland. In 2007, he was hired by an Italian journalist to secure an interview with a top Taliban commander, but it turned out to be his final job, ending in a highly publicized kidnapping and murder.
◊“Flipping Out” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Obsessive-compulsive house-flipper Jeff Lewis returns for a third season of his docu-series. The economy has taken its toll on his business, and Jeff hires some fresh new faces in hopes of turning things around.
◊“Glenn Martin, DDS” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new stop-motion animated comedy follows the offbeat adventures of dentist Glenn Martin and his family, who trade in the suburbs for a life on the road in an RV, which doubles as Glenn’s dentist office. The voice cast includes Kevin Nealon (”Weeds”), Catherine O’Hara (”For Your Consideration”) and Judy Greer (”Arrested Development”).
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): The competition intensifies among the remaining three families as they cross into California and fight to secure a spot in the final two.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include a dagger that may have belonged to dictator Benito Mussolini, letters from a man who may have been part of the post-slavery exodus to Liberia and a device that could have had something to do with nuclear attack preparedness.
◊“Hoarders” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new series delves into the lives of people who fill their homes with stuff and can’t throw anything out. The premiere introduces Jennifer and Ron, whose house is so cluttered they’re afraid their children will be taken away.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Barney and Abby realize that they have one thing in common — their mutual hatred of Ted — the “couple” decides to go to the bar to flaunt their new relationship in Ted’s face. Britney Spears (“Crossroads”) guest stars.
◊“Lloyd Boston’s Style at Any Age” (8 p.m. on FLN): Lloyd Boston (”Closet Cases” host) helps three women — a single girl in her 20s, a stay-at-home mother in her 30s and a career woman in her 40s — find their unique style self. Boston will address elements of fashion, as well as the tools each woman will need to help them go after their goals and achieve the lifestyle that they want.
◊“Objects and Memory” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Frank Langella (“Kitchen Confidential”) narrates this special that examines the response to items recovered or offered after 9/11 and other national tragedies.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Tulsa-born actress Jennifer Jones is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1964’s “Ruby Gentry” (9 a.m.), 1952’s “Carrie” (8:30 p.m.) and 1955’s “Good Morning, Miss Dove” (12:30 a.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This British series enters its seventh season of taking extraordinary and ordinary cars to the limit and beyond to find out if they’re as good as their manufacturers claim. Celebrity guests, industry experts, racing drivers and car nuts join hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Jason May and Richard Hammond to give new cars a thorough examination.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from Brian Fodera of Los Angeles. He was the show’s second contestant to get the first question wrong.
TUESDAY, AUG. 18
◊“Masters of Reception” (9 p.m. on TLC): In the series premiere, reception masters Robert and Jerry Frungillo have their work cut out for them with two big wedding extravaganzas in one weekend.
◊“Miami Social” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 1 finale, George’s mom is coming to town for a visit and he is nervous about her meeing Lina, who infurieates George by not showing up for dinner with his mother and friends.
◊“Nova scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Neil deGrasse Tyson looks into personal genetic profiling. He also visits an algae farm in Texas where researchers are working on ways to harvest fuel from the organisms. Another segment goes beneath the Arctic Ocean in search of clues to whether one of Jupiter’s moons could sustain life.
◊“Shaq Vs.” (8 p.m. on ABC): In this new competition series, NBA standout Shaquille O’Neal will take his athletic prowess beyond the basketball court and strive to become a champion in a new sporting event each week. In the premiere episode, Shaq takes on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in a football challenge. In upcoming episodes, Shaq will challenge Olympian Michael Phelps in swimming, Wimbledon champion Serena Williams in tennis, fighter Oscar de la Hoya in boxing, St. Louis Cardinals player Albert Pujols in baseball and Olympic gold medalists Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor in beach volleyball.
◊“Secret Lives of Women” (9 p.m. on WEtv): This series continues its fearless portrait of women facing out-of-the-ordinary situations. Season 5 opens with “Mothers of Murderers,” in which women whose children have killed try to come to terms with the pain, regret and forgiveness it takes to carry on with their lives. Other topics this season include extreme diets, cults, nast divorces and mail order brides.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: John Wayne is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1960’s “The Alamo” (11 a.m.), 1965’s “The Sons of Katie Elder” (7 p.m.) and 1969’s “True Grit” (9:15 p.m.).
◊“Time Team America” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The archaeologists have three days to map, dig and uncover what remains of Fort James, S.D. In 1865, a unit of cavalry soldiers were sent there to defend pioneer settlers against Sioux Indians.
◊“The Universe” (8 p.m. on History): With ground-breaking new discoveries and even more stunning high-definition computer animations, it’s a wondrous yet deadly adventure through space and time in Season 4. Topics this season include the lethal surprises of our ringed planets, quasars that burn with the intensity of a trillion suns and a countdown of the biggest blasts to ever rock the cosmos.
◊“Warehouse 13″ (8 p.m. on Syfy): Pete and Myka rejoin their Secret Service detail in Washington to intercept a samurai sword that’s about to be given as a gift to the president. CCH Pounder (”The Shield”) guest stars.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from Doug Van Gundy of Elkins, W.V. He won $250,000 in 1999, which at the time was the largest amount of money won in a single network game show appearance.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 19
◊“Black Gold” (9 p.m. on truTV): In Season 1, competing oil crews put everything they could into erecting their rigs and successfully drilling crude before the other crews could get to it. This season will focus on the roughnecks of Rig 28, who have a seemingly impossible job. Assembled by oilman Autry Stephens, they have only 50 days to try to save the lease on a very valuable piece of land before it expires.
◊“Bobb’e Says” (7 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In this new series, Bobb’e J. Thompson (”30 Rock”) hits the streets, malls and beaches to dispense invaluable advice to the masses by telling them what not to do. He uses his charm, wit and personality, along with video clips of other people’s mistakes, to illustrate his hysterical words of wisdom.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the kidnapping of a young boy in Las Vegas, Dr. Reid begins to have dreams that may help reveal some buried memories from his childhood. Jane Lynch (”Two and a Half Men”) guest stars as Dr. Reid’s mother, Diana Reid.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a man falls 52 stories to his death and his body goes missing after it hits the ground, the CSIs must treat this strange development as a missing persons case. Thad Luckinbill (”The Young and the Restless”) and Craig T. Nelson (”Coach”) guest stars.
◊“Dude, What Would Happen” (7:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network): Armed with an insatiable thirst for answers and an unlimited access to anything and everything, hosts CJ, Ali and Jackson conduct extreme experiments that lead to some very outrageous results in this new series. The trio of friends have no labs and no limits to what they’ll think of next.
◊“Fastest Growing Companies of 2009″ (8 p.m. on CNBC): Each September, Fortune Magazine publishes its fastest growing companies and six stocks to buy now list. CNBC Managing Editor Tyler Mathisen and Fortune Magazine Managing Editor Andy Serwer co-host this special that profiles five companies that made it onto the list, including the company that owns the No. 1 spot. The companies are ranked on revenue, earnings growth, and their stock returns over the past three years.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The series chronicling the exploits of Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, plumbers by day and amateur paranormal investigators by night, resumes its fifth season. In this episode, they’re on the trail of an “Inhuman Entity.”
◊“Gordon Ramsay’s F Word” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Actress Jessica Hynes (“Doctor Who”) challenges chef Gordon Ramsay with her macaroni and cheese. And in the restaurant, the diners enjoy a three-course meal cooked by actor Christopher Biggins (“Revelations”) and family.
◊“In a Dream” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This documentary follows artist Isaiah Zagar and his muse and gallerist wife Julia who are fixtures in the South Philadelphia art scene. It was directed by their youngest son, Jeremiah, and offers a portrait of love and betrayal and the strength of family bonds.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Red Skelton is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1950’s “Watch the Birdie” (2:45 p.m.), 1941’s “Whistling in the Dark” (7 p.m.) and 1944’s “Bathing Beauty” (11:45 p.m.).
◊“Time Team Special Edition” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special two-hour presentation from the United Kingdom’s archaeolgy series “Time Team” takes viewers on an expedition to Jamestown, Va. The trip yields some fascinating finds that offer insight into the settlers and their fates.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (8 p.m. on Bravo): Season 6 features two brothers among the 17 chef-testants. Cookbook author, actress and host Padma Lakshmi returns to preside over the judge’s table alongside judges Tom Colicchio, chef/owner of Craft Restaurants; Gail Simmons, Food & Wine magazine; and Toby Young, food critic. Also appearing in the premiere episode is chef Wolfgang Puck.
◊“Top Chef Masters” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the first-season finale, three accomplished chefs stand to face their final challenge — the creation of a four-course meal, with each course inspired by a memoray from their past.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from Dan Doody of Seattle. He was nicknamed “Doo dy” by Regis and won $1,000.
THURSDAY, AUG. 20
◊“Blog Cabin” (8 p.m. on DIY): Licensed contractor and home improvement expert Amy Matthews will host Season 3 of the interactive building series. Kevin “O’Connor (”This Old House”) will help create the mountainside vacation home, along with numerous DIY experts including Jason Cameron (”Man Caves”), Jimmy DiResta (”Against the Grain”). Once completed, the cabin will be given away to a lucky sweepstakes winner.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Hodges and Wendy run into each other at a science fiction convention for one of their favorite classic television shows, they end up investigating the murder of one of their beloved actors. Kate Vernon (”Battlestar Galactica”) guest stars as Dr. Penelope Russell.
◊“Models of the Runway” (10 p.m. on Lifetime): This new companion series to “Project Runway” will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the reality competition – from the models’ perspective. Viewers can experience the drama, anxiety, joys, tears and frustrations as the models themselves face elimination each week and compete for a cash prize and photo spread in Marie Claire magazine.
◊“Most Popular” (9 p.m. on WEtv): This game show in which one woman braves a hailstorm of judgement and goes home with up to $10,000 just for being herself, ends its first-season run.
◊“Project Runway” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Heidi Klum returns as host for Season 6. Also returning are mentor Tim Gunn (Liz Claiborne Chief Creative Officer) and judges Michael Kors (fashion designer) and Nina Garcia (Fashion Director of Marie Claire Magazine), who will guide 16 new contestants as they show off their design skills to see who makes the cut for New York’s Fashion Week.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Miriam Hopkins is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1949’s “The Heiress” (5 p.m.), 1932’s “Trouble in Paradise” (8:45 p.m.) and 1935’s “Barbary Coast” (midnight).
◊“Wicked Attraction” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new installment focuses on Alicia Woodward and John Esposito, a young couple that traveled across the country and committed robberies in Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas and Alabama.
FRIDAY, AUG. 21
◊“Deadly Women” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): Back for a third season, this series investigates the motives of female murderers and takes viewers on a journey into the world of women who kill for thrills.
◊“Eureka” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Eureka-fied baby gifts for Allison’s shower push the envelope of eco-friendly design and prove deadly when rival scientists are found drowned. Billy Campbell (“The 4400”) guest stars.
◊“Hard Rock Calling Festival” (8 p.m. on VH1 Classic): Hosts of “That Metal Show” take viewers back stage to the festival held June 12-14 in London. Headliners at the concert in Hyde Park include Bruce Springsteen and the E! Street Band, Neil Young, Dave Matthews Band and Ben Harper.
◊“Invitation Only: Reba McEntire” (8 p.m. on CMT): Country music star Reba McEntire, who was born in McAlester, performs before a small audience in Nashville, Tenn. She also takes questions from fans and delivers revealing and candid answers.
◊“Jockeys” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): As Season 2 starts, the jockeys are inching closer to their dream of riding in the Kentucky Derby. Crey Nakatani, who suffered an injury and was out for two months, is ready to fight his way back to the top.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk assumes the identity of a dead hit man in an effort to foil an assassination plot. Guest stars include Reed Diamond (“Dollhouse”), Tim Bagley (“Will & Grace”) and Eric Balfour (“Six Feet Under”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the FBI is called in to investigate a series of home invasions, the team uses Charlie and his math skills to help profile the suspects, but when his calculations go awry during a raid, Don suffers a life-threatening injury. Michael Gaston (”Fringe”) guest stars.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Gene Hackman is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1961’s “Mad Dog Coll” (5 a.m.), 1964’s “Lilith” (5 p.m.) and 1988’s “Mississippi Burning” (11 p.m.).
SATURDAY, AUG. 22
◊“Acceptance” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Joan Cusack (”Working Girl”) and Mae Whitman (”Arrested Development”) star in the new comedy about the pressures of today’s col;ege admissions process. It is based on the critically acclaimed book “Acceptance: A Novel” by Susan Coll.
◊“Ask Aida” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): In the season premiere, host Alsa Mollenkamp perfects three different types of burgers — a bacon cheeseburger topped with chilo mayo, a canjun veggie burger and cheesey sliders — to satisfy all cravings.
◊“Can You Teach My Alligator Manners?” (5:25 a.m. on Disney): Season 2 of this short-form animated series has Mikey helping his pet alligator, Al, learn about using proper manners in a number of new situations, including at family meals, at the supermarket and on an airplane trip.
◊“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installment focuses on Oklahoma connections in cartoons and comic strips, including the fact that Donald Duck is from Watonga, an Enid man created Dick Tracy and Yogi Bear camps in Eufaula.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Sterling Hayden is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1955’s “Battle Taxi” (5 a.m.), 1949’s “Manhandled” (9 p.m.) and 1952’s “The Golden Hawk” (12:30 a.m.).
◊“Without a Trace” (7 p.m. on CBS): Series star Eric Close (Martin Fitzgerald) directed this episode in which Jack grudgingly agrees to search for Hannah’s boyfriend who disappears after he runs away from Chicago to be with her in New York. Adam Kaufman (boyfriend of series star Poppy Montgomery) reprises his role as Brian Donovan, the father of Samantha’s son, Finn.
–Penny TV
Top 25 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Aug. 9-15, 2009
Christine Lahti
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 25 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Aug. 9.
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
••Tom Brady (New England Patriots quarterback) on “Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Jim J. Bullock (“Too Close for Comfort”) on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Bobby Cannavale (”Third Watch”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Charisma Carpenter (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 7:59 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Sarah Chalke (”Scrubs”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Kenny Chesney (country music artist) on “Good Morning America,” 7 a.m. Friday on ABC.
••Morgan Fairchild (“Falcon Crest”) on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” 12:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Edie Falco (“Nurse Jackie”) on “30 Rock,” 7 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Will Forte (”Saturday Night Live”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Greg Germann (”Ally McBeal”) on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 7:59 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Whoopi Goldberg (”The View”) on “The Cleaner,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on A&E.
••Christine Lahti (“Chicago Hope”) on “The Cleaner,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on A&E.
••Matt Lanter (“Commander in Chief”) on “90210,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CW.
••Carl Lumbly (”Alias”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••William Mapother (”Lost”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••James Marsters (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Kevin McKidd (”Rome”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Katherine McPhee (”American Idol”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Ming-Na (“ER”) on “Kai-Lan’s Great Trip to China,” 9 a.m. Friday on Nickelodeon.
••Penn and Teller (“Fear Factor”) on “Great American Road Trip,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Flo Rida (rapper) on “Today,” 7 a.m. Friday on NBC.
••Melissa Rivers (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Kurtwood Smith (”That ’70s Show”) on “Medium,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Jeffrey Tambor (“Twenty Good Years”) on “Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”) on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Mark Wahlberg (“Rock Star”) on “Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
Ray Wise (”Reaper”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
Daphne Zuniga (“American Dreams”) on “One Tree Hill,” 7 p.m. Monday on CW.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Pictured above: Christine Lahti poses as she arrives for opening night at the Hollywood Bowl, Friday, June 19, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
TV Premieres and Finales airing Aug. 9-15
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 Aug. 9-15.
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
••“Ten Dollar Dinners,” 11:30 a.m. Sunday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“Raging Planet,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew,” 8 p.m. Sunday on MTV (fourth-season premiere).
••“Shark Tank,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC (series premiere).
••“There Goes the Neighborhood,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC (first of 11 new episodes airing over two weeks).
••“Popular Science’s Future Of,” 8 p.m. Monday on Science Channel (series premiere).
••“Daddy’s Girls,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (second-season premiere).
••“Man vs. Wild,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Discovery (fourth-season premiere).
••“Truth Be Told,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TLC (series premiere).
••“Criss Angel Mindfreak,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on A&E (fifth-season premiere).
••“Dinner: Impossible,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Food Network (seventh-season premiere).
••“Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Cincinnati Bengals,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on HBO (fifth-season premiere).
••“Into the Pride,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Special Ops Mission,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Military channel (series premiere).
••“Househusbands of Hollywood,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Fox Reality Channel (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” 8 p.m. Sunday on USA (eighth-season finale).
••“In Plain Sight,” 9 p.m. Sunday on USA (second-season finale).
••“Jesse James Is a Dead Man,” 9 p.m. Sunday on SPIKE (first-season finale).
••“Z Rock,” 10 p.m. Sunday on IFC (second-season finale).
••“Obsessed,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (first-season finale).
••“NYC Prep,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (first-season finale).
••“Better Off Ted,” 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“Ghost Hunters International,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Syfy (summer finale).
••“The Mom Show,” 9 a.m. Friday on WE (season finale).
••“Mental,” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox (first-season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Aug. 2-8, 2009
Mariah Carey
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 Aug. 2.
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
••Jackson Browne (singer/songwriter) on “Big Ideas for a Small Planet,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance.
••Mariah Carey (Grammy winner) on “America’s Got Talent,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Tom Cavanagh (“Ed”) on “Scrubs,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Melinda Clarke (“The O.C.”) on “Hell’s Kitchen,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
••Gary Collins (“Born Free”) on “Dirty Sexy Money,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
••Bruce Davison (“Knight Rider”) on “The Closer,” 8 p.m. Monday on TNT.
••Stephen Dunham (“The Mummy”) on “The Bill Engvall Show,” 8 p.m. Saturday on TBS.
••Steve Eckholdt (”The West Wing”) on “Cold Case,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Cary Elwes (“The X Files”) on “Psych,” 9 p.m. Friday on USA.
••Eve (Grammy winner) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Carrie Fisher (“Star Wars”) on “30 Rock,” 7 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Joe Flanigan (“Stargate: Atlantis”) on “Warehouse 13,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy.
••Rebecca Gayheart (“Dead Like Me”) on “The Cleaner,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on A&E.
••Jason Gedrick (”Desperate Housewives”) on “Cold Case,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Katheryn Joosten (”Joan of Arcadia”) on “Scrubs,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Drew Lachey (“Dancing With the Stars”) on “Hell’s Kitchen,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
••Sarah Lancaster (“Chuck”) on “Hawthorne,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on TNT.
••Martin Landau (”Ed Wood”) on “Without a Trace,” 9:01 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Michael Learned (”The Waltons”) on “Scrubs,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Constantine Maroulis (”American Idol”) on “Z Rock,” 10 p.m. Sunday on IFC.
••Christa Miller (”The Drew Carey Show”) on “Scrubs,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Jason Mraz (singer/songwriter) on “Today,” 7 a.m. Friday on NBC.
••James Naughton (“The Devil Wears Prada”) on “Warehouse 13,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy.
••Frankie Negron (Latin music star) on “One Life to Live,” 1 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••John O’Hurley (“Dancing With the Stars”) on “Hell’s Kitchen,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
••Elizabeth Perkins (“Weeds”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA.
••Luke Perry (”Beverly Hills, 90210″) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Judy Reyes (“Scrubs”) on “Hawthorne,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on TNT.
••Joan Rivers (”Celebrity Apprentice”) on “Z Rock,” 10 p.m. Sunday on IFC.
••John Schneider (”Smallville”) on “Dirty Sexy Money,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
••Jamie-Lynn Sigler (“The Sopranos”) on “Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (“7th Heaven”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Rena Sofer (“Blind Justice”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA.
••Nicole Sullivan (“Rita Rocks”) on “Scrubs,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Henry Winkler (”Happy Days”) on “Handy Manny,” 7:30 a.m. Saturday on Disney.
••Cynthia Watros (“Lost”) on “The Closer,” 8 p.m. Monday on TNT.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for Aug. 2-8, 2009
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 Aug. 2:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, AUG. 2
◊“Blood in the Water” (8 p.m. on Discovery): The network’s 22nd annual Shark Week opens with this two-hour re-enactment of the true events that inspired ‘‘Jaws” — a 1916 series of shark attacks along the New Jersey shore, which turned the waters near the beach into a killing ground and triggered a nationwide panic.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a recently missing teenager while also investigating the five-month-old murder of the boy’s father, both of whom were in a witness protection program as the father prepared to testify against a mob boss. Steve Eckholdt (”The West Wing”) and Jason Gedrick (”Desperate Housewives”) guest star.
◊“Defying Gravity” (8 p.m. on ABC): This new space thriller is set in the very near future and follows eight astronauts from
five countries who undertake a mysterious six-year space mission covering eight billion miles. The series stars Ron Livingston (“Office Space”) as Antares flight engineer Maddux Donner, Laura Harris (“24”) as ship geologist Zoe Barnes, Malik Yoba (“New York Undercover”) as Antares commander Ted Shaw, Christina Cox (“Blood Ties”) as biologist Jen Crane, Florentine Lahme (“Impact”) as pilot Nadia Schilling, Paula Garces (“The Shield”) as on-board documentary producer Paula Morales, Eyal Podell (“24”) as psychiatrist and medical officer Evram Mintz and Dylan Taylor (“House Party”) as theoretical physicist Steve Wassenfelder.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): With production on his next film delayed, Vince searches for ways to amuse himself, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler (“The Sopranos”) takes Turtle shopping for back-to-school clothes.
◊“The Ford HBCU Business Classic” (10:30 p.m. on TV One): Darryl Bell (”A Different World”) hosts this reality-style special that brings together some of the nation’s most talented young business minds from prestigious historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to compete for scholarship money while they hone their entrepreneurial skills in a business plan competition.
◊“Legally Blondes” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Reese Witherspoon (”Legally Blonde”) serves as producer for the third installment of the movie franchise, and she passes the blonde-baton to British twin sisters Becky and Milly Rosso (”The Suite Life of Zack & Cody”). They play Elle’s cousins Izzy and Annie Woods, who move to Californina to attend a posh prep school and end up becoming the target of the school’s wealthy “queen.”
◊“Megan Wants a Millionaire” (8 p.m. on VH1): Megan Hauserman, who had her heart broken by Bret Michaels in “Rock of Love 2 and lost out on the $1 million check on “I Love Money,” is back to find both love and money. Seventeen eligible multi-millionaires will vie for her heart in this new reality series.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): A mysterious black knight arrives in Camelot to reveal deep, dark secrets from the past that King Uther would rather keep buried.
◊“Mountain Gorilla” (6:15 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This is the first of 21 IMAX films that the cable network has scheduled for Sundays in August. Today’s line-up also features “T-Rex: Back to Cretaceous” (7 p.m.), “China: The Panda Adventure” (8 p.m.) and “Mission to Mir” (9 p.m.).
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): In the Season 5 finale, Alton Brown (“Good Eats”) spends one-on-one time with the final two contenders to learn more about their culinary points of view before directing their pilots. And all the finalists return and join a live audience to find out who will be the next Food Network star.
◊“Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew Top 10 Performances of All Time” (8 p.m. on MTV): Randy Jackson (”American Idol”) will count down the best crew performances from seasons past in this hourlong clip show. Season 4 of the show premieres Aug. 9.
◊“The Storm” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the finale to this two-part TV movie, scientist Kirk Hafner (James Van Der Beek) seeks to save the world from the potential devastation to be caused by billionaire Robert Terrell’s (Treat Williams) obsession with controlling the weather. As weather conditions continue to worsen, Hafner turns to Detective Devon Williams (Marisol Nichols) to help him maneuver his way through Terrell’s deadly game.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: James Mason is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1946’s “The Wicked Lady” (7 a.m.) and 1946’s “They Were Sisters” (9 a.m.).
◊“Tony Bennett: An American Classic” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Grammy winner Tony Bennett performs duets of his greatest hits with other Grammy winners, including Barbra Streisand (“Smile”), Elton John (“Rags to Riches”) and Stevie Wonder (“For Once in My Life”). Woven throughout the special are narratives by special giests, including Billy Crystal, John Travolta and Robert DeNiro.
◊“Ty’s Great British Adventure” (7 p.m. on ABC): “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” host Ty Pennington crosses the Atlantic to help the seaside town of Portreath in southwest England bring life back to the town’s park. The once-thriving park suffered neglect and eventually became a rusty, muddy mess, and infighting and indecision amongst the town leaders and community members led to a stalled effort to get anything done.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a man who goes missing after a late night dive and try to zero in on who could be responsible for his disappearance. Oscar winner Martin Landau (”Ed Wood”) reprises his role as Frank Malone, Jack’s father.
◊“Z Rock” (10 p.m. on IFC): While the band is having difficulty being signed to a label, John Popper (Blues Traveler lead singer) helps ZO2 with the next best things – lunch, and an audition for Paulie for the lead on Broadway’s “Rock of Ages.” Constantine Maroulis (”American Idol”) and Joan Rivers (”Celebrity Apprentice”) also guest star.
MONDAY, AUG. 3
◊“Boy Interrupted” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary from director Dana Perry and her husband, Hart, tells the story of how their teenage son, Evan Scott Perry, ended his lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder in 2005 by jumping from his New York bedroom window.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): A man (Bruce Davison, “Knight Rider”) who confessed to murder while Brenda was away on her honeymoon gets details of the crime wrong during his allocution, causing Brenda to reopen the case. Cynthia Watros (“Lost”) also guest stars.
◊“The Dan Patrick Show” (8 a.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): Syndicated sports talk radio host Dan Patrick’s new weekday series is more than just a simulcast of the radio hours. It will include behind-the-scenes antics and video segments as Patrick interacts with his production staff to create a unique blend of situational comedy and sports commentary.
◊“Day of the Shark 2″ (9 p.m. on Discovery): See what happens when a great white breaks through a 300-pound aluminum shark cage and traps the divers inside. Another shark tackles a former Navy Seal in shallow waters off the coast of St. Petersburg, Florida. And a bull shark invades a spear-fishing trip in the Bahamas.
◊“Deadly Waters” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Survivorman’s Les Stroud is back for more nail biting – shark chomping action, and this time, he’s taking on the deadliest waters around the world. His quest is simple – which water is the deadliest? Starting from historical data from the Florida Museum Of Natural History’s famed “Shark Attack Files”, Les will begin his journey to test the waters in the world’s sharkiest “hotspots”
◊“Forensics: You Decide” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series shows how the prosecution and defense can reach two very different conclusions on what truly happened and allows viewers to decide for themselves whom they believe. The premiere episode focuses on the 2008 case of Lawton resident Greg Maurek, who stood trial for the murder of his brother, Peter.
◊“Get Down Tonight — The Disco Explosion” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Hosted by KC and the Sunshine Band, Karen Lynn-Gorney (“Saturday Night Fever”) and Denny Terrio (“Dance Fever”), this special includes performances by artists featured on the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack.
◊“Gimme Sugar: Miami” (9 p.m. on Logo): In the Season 2 finale, Charlene tries to convince her bosses Linda and Michelle to allow Charlene manage the “Truck Stop” launch event in Miami again after previous altercations with local Miami club promoters. As her entire future with the company rests on its success, Charlene relies on her newly found friends in Miami to offer the support she needs to make her career aspirations a reality.
◊“Indoors Out” (9:30 p.m. on DIY): Cousins Dean Marsico and Derek Stearns are back for a third season of this show dedicated to expanding homes with outdoor rooms — from fully outfitted kitchens to spa showers.
◊“Invitation Only: Brad Paisley” (8 p.m. on CMT): Country music artist Brad Paisley performs his greatest hits as well as new music from his album, American Saturday Night, in this new special. He also takes part in a laid-back question and answer session and talks about his interests outside of the entertainment industry, his family and how his marriage stays strong.
◊“Real Chance of Love 2: Back in the Saddle” (8 p.m. on VH1): Bachelor brothers “Real” and “Chance” are back and still eager to find the fillies of their dreams. These former “I Love New York” contestants are single again and ready to restart the dual search for Ms. Right with a new set of challenges that promise to be both outlandish and true tests for the new contenders.
◊“Rock Solid” (9 p.m. on DIY): Cousins Derek Stearns and Dean Marsico return to host Season 5 of this show dedicated to helping viewers increase their home’s value by starting in the yard. They are stonemasons, and they demonstrate how to create sturdy stone-top tables, outdoor shows, fire pits and more.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Everyone returns from their summer vacations, and george makes a big revelation to Anne. Prior to this new episode, viewers can catch up on the show with a six-hour marathon beginning at 1 p.m.
◊“Sugarland: Live on the Inside” (7 p.m. on ABC): The Grammy-winning country music duo made up of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Brooks takes fans behind the scenes of one of its concerts in this special that airs the day before the duo’s new CD and DVD hits music stores. Filmed with 20 cameras at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., the show features previously unseen footage of Sugarland performing hits such as ‘‘Settlin’ ” and ‘‘All I Want to Do.”
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Marion Davies is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1935’s “Page Miss Glory” (5:15 p.m.) and 1933’s “Going Hollywood” (11:30 p.m.).
◊“Ultimate Cake Off” (9 p.m. on TLC): Here’s a sneak peek at the new competition series that pits three cake artists against each other as they creaye edible masterpieces in hopes of winning $10,000 and and having their cakes featured at marquee events. The series premieres Aug. 31.
TUESDAY, AUG. 4
◊“Addicted to Beauty” (10 p.m. on Oxygen): This new reality workplace dramedy follows the outrageous staff at Changes Plastic Surgery and Spa, located in Southern California. Dianne York-Goldman, socialite and marketing expert, has brought her over-the-top employees from her previous spa to help with this new venture with well-known plastic surgeon Dr. Gilbert Lee.
◊“Big Ideas for a Small Planet” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Each week, this documentary series brings a different green theme into focus through the work of forward-thinking innovators. The Season 3 premiere looks at the music industry’s ideas of a green record label, sustainable stages and green guitars. Featured innovators include singer Jackson Browne, Emmett Malloy of Brushfire Records and Neal Turley of Sustainable Waves.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): Rebecca Gayheart (“Dead Like Me”) guest stars as a speed addicted nurse whose shares her addiction and a relationship with her surgeon. The hospital administrator reaches out to William to help the duo kick their problem before they embark on major heart surgery on a child.
◊“The Colony” (9 p.m. on Discovery): Volunteers manage to secure the basic necessities in order to survivea global catastrophe, but turning their focus to one creature comfort they really miss — a hot shower — proves to be costly as it leaves them open to a massive attack.
◊“Dolly: Live in London O2 Arena” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Grammy-winning country singer Dolly Parton performs many of her classic hits to a sell-out crowd in London. She also sings selections from her recent release “Backwoods Barbie.”
◊“Hawthorne” (8 p.m. on TNT): Christina treats a female patient who may have been abused by her boyfriend, but things might be different than they seem at first. Sarah Lancaster (“Chuck”) and Judy Reyes (“Scrubs”) guest star.
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): Stopping by for dinner service are Drew Lachey (“Dancing With the Stars”), “John O’Hurley (“Dancing With the Stars”), Tom Green (“Grind”), Melinda Clarke (“The O.C.”) and Kristy Swanson (“Early Edition”).
◊“The Little Couple” (9 p.m. on TLC): In the Season 1 finale, Jen and Bill are anxious to start a family. But they have major concerns about Jen’s safety during pregnancy, so they’ve made an appointment with a doctor who is an expert on little people pregnancies.
◊“One Life to Live” (1 p.m. on ABC): Latin music star Frankie Negron will perform a unique version of his song “Holding on to Love” in both English and Spanish during a private rooftop performance for Todd (Trevor St. John) and Tea (Florencia Lozano).
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): The bizarre murder of a drug company whistle blower becomes a potential national news story for Butch’s reporter girlfriend, Kendra Burke. Grace’s brother Leo is convinced his next door neighbor is keeping a dead body in his house. And Johnny pressures Grace to arrange a chance for him to finally meet Earl.
◊“Scrubs” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): J.D.’s fantasy comes to life as he bids Sacred Heart Hospital a final farewell. Guest starring in “My Finale” are Christa Miller (”The Drew Carey Show”), Nicole Sullivan (“Rita Rocks”), Tom Cavanagh (“Ed”), Michael Learned (”The Waltons”) and Katheryn Joosten (”Joan of Arcadia”).
◊“Sharkbite Summer” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This new special revisits the attack sites and builds an exact picture of the bloody summer of 2001 using news archive, interviews with victims, witnesses, surgeons, family members and shark experts.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: James Coburn is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1967’s “The President’s Analyst” (7 p.m.) and 1975’s “Hard Times” (9 p.m.).
◊“Warehouse 13” (8 p.m. on Syfy): When a sculpture is stolen thanks to an American Indian artifact that allowed the thief to walk through the steel walls of a vault, Pete and Myka are sent to New York City to investigate. Joe Flanigan (“Stargate: Atlantis”) and James Naughton (“The Devil Wears Prada”) guest star.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 5
◊“America’s Got Talent” (8 p.m. on NBC): Grammy winner Mariah Carey will perform her new single “Obsessed” on the first results show. “Obsessed,” written and produced by Carey, The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, is the first single pick from her album “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.”
◊“Country Bluegrass Homecoming” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Country, bluegrass and classic gospel singers gather together in this musical celebration hosted by Bill Gaither. The special includes appearances by Vince Gill, George Jones and Marty Stuart.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Prentiss and Reid go undercover to investigate possible child abuse at an underground cult, they get trapped inside the compound when a federal raid goes bad. Luke Perry (”Beverly Hills, 90210″) guest stars as cult leader Benjamin Cyrus.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a former medical examiner is found murdered, a white powder found at the scene provides the CSIs with a major lead in tracking the killer when it is discovered that the powder is heroin made from human bodies. Pop Singer and Actress Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz (”Fall Out Boy”) guest star as “Bonnie and Clyde Wannabes.”
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): Ty and Dean go after a major Korean gang into everything from drugs to counterfeiting. Their target is known as President Lee, an old-school mob boss who doesn’t take lip from anyone. But their biggest problem might be more internal, as Ty and Dean butt heads over every aspect of the case, with Ty being too cautious and Dean throwing caution to the wind.
◊“Giuliana & Bill” (8 p.m. on Style Network): This new reality series looks inside the marriage of E! news anchor Giuliana Rancic and best-selling author Bill Rancic as they juggle high-profile careers and married life while traveling between homes in Los Angeles and Chicago.
◊“Great White Appetite” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Observe first hand the experiments that uncover the Great Whites unique eating habits. Cameras will travel the globe, stopping at three major Great White feeding grounds – Seal Island, South Africa; Adelaide, Australia and Guadalupe Island, Mexico to administer visual experiments in an effort to better understand the shark’s appetite.
◊“House Crashers” (9 p.m. on DIY): In this new series, host and contractor Josh Temple stalks the aisles of home improvement stores in search of daring weekend warriors willing to let him remodel a room in their home. With the help of his expert crew, Temple takes on top-to-bottom transformations, and trusting homeowners cash in the ultimate home improvement lottery.
◊“How’d You Get So Rich?” (9 p.m. on TV Land): In this new series, Joan Rivers (”Celebrity Apprentice” winner) explores the lifestyles of the rich and lucky. She takes viewers on a journey to meet the millionaires who
struck gold as she tours the most lavish and extravagant homes and introduces them to folks who made a lot of money in really interesting ways.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): While trying to recover embezzled cash from a Madoff-like funds manager, the team finds themselves acting as unlikely fairy godparents to the mark’s lovable loser stepson.
◊“Make My Day” (9:30 p.m. on TV Land): This new comedic hidden-camera series provides a window into one day in the life of an unsuspecting participant. Tune in as cameras capture the action as they experience weird coincidences, extraordinary situations and surprise celebrity appearances for one whole day.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Harold Lloyd is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1928’s “Speedy” (7 p.m.) and 1933’s “Feet First” (10:30 p.m.).
◊“War Dogs of the Pacific” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): This program tells the story of the U.S. Marine war dog platoons of World War II, following the marines and their dogs through training and into combat.
THURSDAY, AUG. 6
◊“Bollywood Hero” (9 p.m. on IFC): Chris Kattan (”Saturday Night Live”) stars in this Bollywood musical-style miniseries, in which he fleas Hollywood and travels to India to star in the Bollywood film “Peculiar Dancing Boy.” The three-part, six-hour miniseries airing today through Saturday also stars Maya Rudolph (”Away We Go”), Julian Sands (”A Room with a View”), Neha Dhupia (former Miss India) and Pooja Kumar (former Miss India U.S.A).
◊“Burn Notice” (8 p.m. on USA): In the Season 3 finale, a recently widowed woman hires Michael and Fiona to get her away from a group of violent con men. Michael turns to Madeline for help, but he may ask her to go too far.
◊“Celtic Woman: The Greatest Journey” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special is the essential collection of Celtic Woman’s most beloved and memorable songs. It showcases vocalists Lisa, Chloë, Órla, Méav, Hayley, Alex, Lynn and fiddler Máiréad, and all of the songs are intertwined using stunning scenic and landscape images of Ireland.
◊“Daniel O’Donnell: Hope and Praise” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special, taped in November before 2,500 fans in Branson, Mo., features Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell performing multi-denominational hymns, up-tempo gospel and pop songs. He is backed by a 24-member young adult choir, a 12-member children’s choir, an orchestra and his band.
◊“Hawaii: Message in the Waves” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): This documentary features the wildlife of Hawaii’s famous surf zone and the surfers and scrientists who are fighting to protect it. Turtles, dolphins, monk seals and albatrosses all have to cope with the growing number of people using the island beaches, but now animals face a new threat from washed-up plastic.
◊“Police Women of Broward County” (8 p.m. on TLC): This new reality series follows the four tough-talking police women of Broward County in Florida as they battle crime. In the premiere episode, Andrea tackles a drug dealer twice her size, Ana outsmarts a stripper hiding drugs, Julie goes undercover as a prostitute and Shelunda investigates a bloody fight.
◊“Shark After Dark” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Sharks are most aggressive and most active in the dark, but the fact is, we know very little else about the nocturnal nature of these creatures. Now, armed with the latest in infrared thermography cameras and night vision technology, a team of divers travels around the world, and descends into the sharks dangerous after-dark hunting grounds.
◊“Skins” (8 p.m. on BBC America): This award-winning British series returns for a second season and continues to push boundaries and tell shocking and sometimes heartbreaking stories about the trials of adolescence. The Class of 2009 is headed up by the beautiful and mysterious Effy (Kaya Scodelario), returning as the new queen bee. Effy is as enigmatic and elusive as ever. She’s joined by best friend, Pandora (Lisa Backwell), sweet and kooky, she keeps the gang together.
◊“So You Think You Can Dance” (7 p.m. on Fox): Find out who will be crowned America’s favorite dancer live from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Judy Garland is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1950’s “Summer Stock” (5 p.m.) and 1945’s “The Clock” (9 p.m.).
FRIDAY, AUG. 7
◊“Chefs vs. City” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Acclaimed chefs Chris Cosentino and Aaron Sanchez test their food knowledge and competitive spirits in this new series. Each week, they will travel to a different city, where they will be pitted against two local foodies in a winner-takes-all race in five different challenges that could include eating spicy dishes and crab fishing in a gator-infested river.
◊“The Goode Family” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Gerald thinks Trish and Mo (guest stars Julia Sweeney, Laraine Newman) want him as the sperm donor for their next child in the Season 1 finale. Meanwhile, when Ubuntu starts sprouting his first facial hair, Charlie decides it’s time to take his grandson under his wing and teach him how to be a man, much to Gerald and Helen’s dismay.
◊“Great Performances” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment highlights Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday celebration from Madison Square Garden. Joining the folk singer for the concert event taped in May are Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, Kris Kristofferson and many others.
◊“Jeffery and Cole Casserole” (10 p.m. on Logo): In the Season 1 finale, Jeffery and Cole attempt to use their friend “Becky” to get to Boca Raton, Fla. — all for the love of vampires and musical theater.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA): When an attempt is made on the life of a former child star who recently publiushed her tell-all biography, Monk is thrilled to act as her bodyguard — until he learns how different she is from her TV alter ego. Guest starring in the Season 8 premiere are Rena Sofer (“Blind Justice”) and Elizabeth Perkins (“Weeds”).
◊“Mr. Friday” (8 p.m. on FLN): This new docu-series follows former model and jet-setter Derek Friday, who has never done a day’s work in his life. He is forced by his wealthy, philanthropic mother to switch places with a hardworking recipient and perform various tasks from cleaning and feeding reptiles to working in the circus in exchange for his weekly trust-fund check.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): A stolen pair of “kicks” leads the team into the world of sneaker collecting after a foreign Ambassador finds his prized pair missing.
Grammy winner Eve guest stars.
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA): In the Season 4 premiere, Shawn and Gus outwit a notorious international art thief, Despereux (Cary Elwes, “The X Files”). When they travel to the ski slopes of Vancouver, they discover that he’s not an art thief but an insurance scam artist.
◊“Surviving Suburbia” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, Steve motivates Anne to break away from her manipulative mother after her parents abuse the new cell phones they gave them. And Dr. Jim counsels Henry after he reprimands Rhonda for glamorizing teen pregnancy in front of Courtney.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Glenn Ford is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1949’s “Mr. Soft Touch” (2 p.m.) and 1946’s “Gilda” (7 p.m.).
SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2009
◊“The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): Bill invests a hefty chunk of money in his brother Dan’s (Stephen Dunham, “The Mummy”) latest sure-thing business proposition, something he’s done too many times before. Determined to put a stop to it, Susan pushes Bill to talk to his brother about being a responsible adult.
◊“Dirty Sexy Money” (9 p.m. on ABC): After being stabbed by Nola, the badly wounded Simon is secretly taken to the Imperial to recuperate. While there, Nick forces Simon to reveal how he is controlling Nola and why he had her prosecute Letitia for Dutch’s murder. Entanglements arise with Nick and the pregnant Karen’s budding romance when it’s revealed that his ex-wife, Lisa, is writing a tell-all book about the Darlings. Gary Collins (“Born Free”) and John Schneider (”Smallville”) guest stars.
◊“George Lopez: Tall, Dark & Chicano” (9 p.m. on HBO): Comedian George Lopez delivers an all-new stand-up show before a live audience at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Some of the hot topics he’s expected to cover are Latino perspectives on change in America, kids today, parenting and “rednecks” who date Latino women.
◊“Handy Manny” (7:30 a.m. on Disney): When Manny is the 100th customer at Mr. Diller’s (guest star Henry Winkler, “Happy Days”) Variety Store, he wins his choice of any item in the store and shares his prize with the tools.
◊“iCarly: iFight Shelby Marx” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this special hourlong movie, features Victoria Justice (”Spectacular”) as Shelby Marx, a female championship fighter who challenges Carly (Miranda Cosgrove) to meet her in the ring.
◊“Lars and the Real Girl” (8 p.m. on Showtime): Ryan Gosling stars as Lars, a loner who surprises everyone with his introduction of a girlfriend — actually a lifelike doll that others decide to treat like a living being. Patricia Clarkson plays his psychologist.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Bette Davis is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1937’s “Marked Woman” (11:30 a.m.) and 1946’s “Deception” (9 p.m.).
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing July 26-Aug. 1, 2009
"The Bachelorette" Jillian Harris (ABC Photo)
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 July 26.
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
••“Way Too Early With Willie Geist,” 4:30 a.m. Monday on MSNBC (series premiere).
••“Making His Band,” 9 p.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Rising Icons,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on BET (series premiere).
••“More to Love,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (series premiere).
••“Deconstruction,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on DIY (second-season premiere).
••“Holidate,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (series premiere).
••“The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (second-season premiere).
••“Face the Ace,” 8 p.m. Saturday on NBC (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“The Bachelorette,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC (fifth-season finale).
••“The Superstars,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“The Lazy Environmentalist,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance (series finale).
••“Tattoo Highway,” 10 p.m. Wednesday on A&E (first-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“Torchwood: Children of Earth,” noon to 7 p.m. Sunday on BBC America.
••“Burn Notice,” 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday on USA.
••Rocky Bal-Blowout movie marathon, 12:30 p.m. Saturday to 12:30 a.m. on SPIKE.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for July 26-Aug. 1, 2009
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 July 26:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JULY 26
◊“Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This special finds thre Doctor (David Tennant) trapped on a desert alien planet with a red double-decker bus but no Tardis. He soon discovers the mysterious planet holds secrets hidden in the sand and is forced to team up with thief Lady Christina (Michelle Ryan, “Bionic Woman”) to get back to Earth.
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Jane’s past catches up with her when a case from the prior year is up for retrial. She has difficulty containing her emotions and is thrown in contempt of the court. Rosie O’Donnell (”The View”) and Chuck Woolery (“Love Connection”) guest star.
◊“Easy Money” (6 p.m. on CW): This canceled drama about a family of loan sharks and the mother (Laurie Metcalf, “Roseanne”) who heads up the company, returns to burn off its four unaired episodes.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The Kadzis family’s hurricane-damaged home in Tallahassee, Fla., was rebuilt and modified in seven days to meet their special needs. Three days after the family received their new home, living father and husband George succumbed to brain cancer.
◊“Food Network Challenge” (7 p.m. on Food Network): “Sesame Street” turns 40 this year, and to honor the characters that have taught generations to play nice, four pastry chefs will create “Sesame Street”-inspired cakes.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment titled “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?” the last words of a dying man lead the sole witness to team with a beautiful socialite to find out if foul play was involved. Miss Marple joins them as they land in a hotbed of homicide and intrigue.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): Merlins is forced to choose between a young druid’s life and his sworn destiny to protect Arthur. What Merlin doesn’t know is that his decision will come back to haunt him.
◊“The Michael Jackson Story” (7 p.m. on TV One): This new documentary kicks off the networks’ “Forever Michael Week” that was originally scheduled to celebrate Michael Jackson’s highly anticipated London concerts. In addition to the documentary, which charts the superstar’s career from his days as a shy young child in Indiana through his last days as a closeted icon, the week will include “The Jackson: An American Dream” miniseries (8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday) and the “Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration” concert (8 p.m. Friday).
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The installment titled “Silence of the Bees” explores the international emergency researchy that is underway to uncover the cause of the massive die-offs of honeybees, which could be a potential ecological disaster.
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): The remaining three finalists lunch with Emeril Lagasse (”Emeril”) and learn that they must create a three-course menu for a group of culinary elite inspired by a screening of Columbia Pictures’ movie “Julie & Julia,” which opens Aug. 7 in theaters.
◊“One Hot Summer” (6 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Attorney Margarita Santos (Vanessa Marcil, “Without a Trace”) has a good life in Miami. But it’s turned upside down when her ex-lover (Casper Van Dien, “Watch Over Me”) comes to town and is willing to do anything to get her back. The film is part of the networks’ best seller summer and is based on the novel by Carolina Garcia-Aguilera.
◊“The Storm” (8 p.m. on NBC): In this new two-part movie, a young scientist (James Van Der Beek, “Dawson’s Creek”) enlists the aid of a reporter (Teri Polo, “Meet the Parents”) to help him expose a billionaire’s (Treat Williams, “Everwood”) ill-advised attempt to control the weather, which has unleashed catastrophic storms around the globe. The conclusion airs Aug. 2.
◊“Stories from the Vaults: Nature’s Vault” (7 p.m. Sunday on Smithsonian Channel): Host Tom Cavanagh (”Trust Me”) goes behind the scenes to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama to track sloths.
◊“Thunderheads” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This special takes viewers on a thrilling ride with scientists battling to better understand the role of thunderstorms in the climate change puzzle.
MONDAY, JULY 27
◊“The Bachelorette” (7 p.m. on ABC): Jillian Harris, who had her romantic dreams crushed when Jason Mesnick passed her over in the last season of “The Bachelor,” is the one making her choice for her ideal romantic mate as the reality series closes out its fifth season. The “After the Final Rose” special will air at 9 p.m. Tuesday.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio and the team go head-to-head with a defense attorney (Sean Combs, “A Raisin In the Sun”) who may be involved in a murder cover-up.
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): When the five remaining families hit the mid point of Route 66, a messy pie-eating contest ensues. It’s then on to the open road through the expansive Southwest, with stops in Albuquerque for a hot air baloon ride and Arizona to see the Meteor Crater.
◊“Hair: Let the Sunshine In” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary examines the origins, impact and enduring power of the rock musical that opened off-Broadway in 1967.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investivated include a fragment that may have been a piece of Amelia Earhart’s plane, a Colorado home whose supports may have been constructed from a railroad boxcar and a letter from President Millard Fillmore commuting the death sentence of an American Indian.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): .When Barney loses his “mojo,” he attends the Victoria’s Secret Fall Fashion Show after-party to get himself back on track. But his smooth operating skills are put to the test when he meets supermodel Heidi Klum (”Project Runway”). Wayne Brady (”The Wayne Brady Show”) also guest stars.
◊“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (9 p.m. on Bravo): When Proposition 8 is passed in California, Kathy realizes that even though bshe has always been a gay rights activist, there is still work to be done. She stops by the home of Melissa Etheridge where the singer likens her to Sally Field in “Norman Rae” and christens Kathy “Norma Gay.”
◊“Making His Band” (9 p.m. on MTV): Viewers have seen Sean “Diddy” Combs create a hip-hop group, a female pop group and a male R & B group. Now he is creating a group to perform on what he is calling his last album. Those who make it through the early auditions will spend several weeks proving their worth and ultimately Diddy will choose the best of the best to be in his band.
◊“Rising Icons” (9:30 p.m. on BET): This new series highlights eight of the world’s most influential newfound artists. Each episode will take viewers on an up close and personal journey behind the scenes with the artists, giving viewers a glimpse into their road to stardom and revealing what it takes to be successful in music and entertainment today. Artists featured include Chrisette Michele, Hal Linton, Keri Hilson, Kid Cudi, Melanie Fiona, Ryan Leslie, The-Dream, and Wale.
◊“The Yes Men Fix the World” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary follows pranksters Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, aka The Yes Men, as they infiltrate the world of big business and pull off outrageous pranks in an effort to highlight the human toll of greed and profiteering.
◊“Way Too Early With Willie Geist” (4:30 a.m. on MSNBC): In this new morning talk show, Willie Geist (”Morning Joe”) will offer viewers everything they need to know to start the morning – from news and politics to sports and pop culture. he will continue to co-host “Morning Joe” that follows at 5 a.m.
TUESDAY, JULY 28
◊“America’s Got Talent” (8 p.m. on NBC): Contestants who made it through the first round of auditions descent upon Las Vegas. Judges David Hasselhoff, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne will deliberate, debate and determine which of the acts will make it into the elite Top 40.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): Two identical twin sisters, seemingly polar opposites, discover that their paths to recovery may be intertwined.
◊“Deconstruction” (9:30 p.m. on DIY): Licensed contractor Matt Blashaw hosts this show that explores the science behind home improvement., such as how pressurized wood gets treated and if home insulation is really fire retardant.
◊“The Lazy Environmentalist” (8 p.m. on Sundance): The final episode of this series, which shows individuals that a green lifestyle can be achieved with little sacrifice, offers ecologically-sound options to a bartender in Brooklyn and the boss of Vox Entertainment in Los Angeles.
◊“More to Love” (8 p.m. on Fox): Supermodel Emme hosts this new series, in which 20 full-figured women compete for the attention of Luke Conley, 26, a college football player-turned-subcontractor and real estate investor who is seeking romance.
◊“NOVA scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Neil deGrasse Tyson looks at the oldest known organic molecules on Earth and neuronal processes that lead to producing sound.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): British filmmaker Kim Longinotto’s documentary “Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go” explores Oxford’s Mulberry Bush School for emotionally disturbed children. It’s an unusual school in which a patient and gentle staff counters extreme, sometimes violent behavior with consolation and mild restraint in a world where troubled kids trying to survive are given a glimmer of hope.
◊“The Superstars” (7 p.m. on ABC): After weeks of different challenges, the “Superstars” champion is crowned. The final events include kayak pursuit, tug-o-war and a triathlon
◊“Unforgettably Evil” (9 p.m. on Starz): Film critic Richard Roeper hosts this documentary that explores film’s many faces of evil. It includes interviews with Eric Roberts (“Heroes”), Kristanna Loken (“BloodRayne”), Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds”) and the late David Carradine (“Kung Fu Killer”).
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Joe E. Brown was born on this day in 1892, and TCM celebrates the occassion by airing 10 of his films, including 1932’s “Fireman, Save My Child” (8:45 a.m.), 1935’s “Alibi Ike” (3 p.m.) and 1936’s “Sons O’ Guns” (5:30 p.m.).
◊“Warehouse 13″ (8 p.m. on Syfy): Artie is kidnapped by a young woman who believes he is responsible for the death of her brother 12 years earlier. Artie learns there is more to the brother’s fate than he knew, and he might still have a chance to make things right. CCH Pounder (”The Shield”) guest stars.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
◊“Favorite Child Stars: Where Are They Now?” (9 p.m. on E!): Who traded in their movie screen time for army boot camp? What child dtar is now a hit record-maker? Tune in to this special that will reveal the secret lives of former child celebrities.
◊“Holidate” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): This new reality series focuses on two different women each week who are both successful and dynamic bit unlucky in love. These women will switch cities and embark on a series of three dates hand-selected by the other woman.
◊“The Nine” (9 p.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): Viewers will finally have the opportunity to watch the previously unaired final four episodes of this 2007 drama that was pulled from the ABC lineup after nine episodes. The drama delves into the lives of nine people who forge a common bond when they live through a 52-hour hostage standoff during a bank robbery.
◊“The Philanthropist” (9 p.m. on NBC): Teddy and Philip’s college friend asks for their help to negotiate with both the Indian and Pakistani governments in an attempt to rebuild the region’s water system and reopen the line of control that divides the ancient land of Kashmir in two.
◊“Tattoo Highway” (10 p.m. on A&E): In the Season 1 finale, the bus travels to Phoenix to meet newlyweds who want matching bride and groom sugar skulls tattooed on their calves. Tommy gets agitated because the couple doesn’t like his sugar skull and makes him draw the design multiple times.
◊“Time Team America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The team heads to the picturesque canyons of Utah to determine what went wrong for the Fremont Indians, who vanished 1,000 years ago.
◊“Top Chef Masters” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Top top six chefs, including Oklahoma-born Rick Bayless, advance to the finals and must now face-off for the ultimate title. Each is asked to produce their signature dish, only to find they must re-create their competitor’s unique dish.
◊“Ultimate Fighting: Fistful of Dollars” (9 p.m. on CNBC): Correspondent Scott Wapner travels to Germany for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first-ever event in mainland Europe. He also profiles a stable of skilled fighters who have helped the league grow from a dying franchise to a global sensation in less than a decade.
THURSDAY, JULY 30
◊“30 Rock” (7 p.m. on NBC): Jack turns to Kenneth for help when an aggressive West Coast NBC executive (Will Arnett, “Arrested Development”) declares that he is after Donaghy’s job. Al Roker (”Wake Up With Al”) also guest stars.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston and Riley are taken hostage during the aftermath of a shootout in an usually calm Las Vegas community. Denzel Whitaker (”The Great Debaters”) guest stars.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (7 p.m. on ABC): Derek’s mother, Carolyn (Tyne Daly, “Cagney & Lacey”), makes a surprise visit to Seattle and meets Meredith for the first time, as Mark tries to conceal his relationship with Lexie from her as well. Jessica Capshaw (”The Practice”) and Eric Stoltz (”Mask”) also guest star.
◊“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss is the newest housewife on the show, which returns for its second season. The series offers an up-close and personal look at five women from Atlanta’s social elite as they juggle their burgeoning careers and busy home lives with the whirl of city.
◊“Royal Pains” (9 p.m. on USA): Hank unexpectedly takes on a successful children’s book illustrator who has a serious heart condition, causing tension between him and Jill.
FRIDAY, JULY 31
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dean Cain (“Clubhouse”) heads back to the classroom to win big for chartiy. He will be able to “peek” and “copy” from the show’s fifth-grade students in order to determine the correct answer and graduate toward the top prize of $1 million.
◊“Eureka” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Tempers and tensions run high as Eureka hosts long-term rival Area 51 in their bi-annual Eureka-fied bowling tournament. Ever Caradine (“Commander in Chief”) guest stars.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): A feud between rival Chinese gangs leads to the kidnapping of an undercover agent and the re-appearance of the enigmatic Samuel Kraft. Kelly Hu (”Martial Law”) guest stars.
◊“Training Day” (7 p.m. on AMC): Denzel Washington earned an Oscar for best actor for this 2001 police drama. He breaks type memorably as a veteran of the Los Angeles narcotics beat who deals dirty in getting the goods on really bad guys. Ethan Hawke plays his new partner, a rookie who can’t believe much of what he witnesses as they make their rounds.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): Justin’s new vampire girlfriend, Juliet, gets the Russos to change their lifestyle by adding healthy foods and exercise. However, Alex is concerned about Juliet’s true intentions for Justin when she discovers that vampires like the taste of healthy blood.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
◊“Assault in the Ring” (9 p.m. on HBO): This documentatry revisits the ill-fated 1983 junior middleweight fight between Billy Collins Jr. and Luis Resto and its subsequent effect on both boxers. It was discovered that the padding had been illegally removed from Resto’s gloves by his trainer before the fight. Resto was subsequently incarcerated and banned from the sport, while the brutally beaten Collins went into a tragic downward spiral.
◊“Dirty Sexy Money” (9 p.m. on ABC): Patrick meets again with Congressman Whatley (John Schneider, “Smallville”) who hit on him, but this time it is the congressman’s wife, Dana (Krista Allen, “The Starter Wife”), who is making moves on Patrick.
◊“Face the Ace” (8 p.m. on NBC): Actor Steve Schirripa (”The Sopranos”) hosts this new seven-episode game show, in which amateurs take on world-class poker players in hope of winning $1 million. The amateur selects one of four doors, behind each of which is a seasoned poker pro such as Phil Ivey, Erick Lindgren or Chris Ferguson. If the player beats the pro, he can take his winnings and leave or face another pro for a chance at higher winnings.
◊“Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith” (8 p.m. on Hallmark): A newly divorced woman (Cybill Sheperd, “The L Word”) returns to finish her degree, but she soon figures out the college scene has changed in the last 30 years. While her roommate may be only as old as her kids, they aren’t as different as they think, as both of them fall in love with the same professor (Jeffrey Nordling, “Dirt”).
◊Rocky Bal-Blowout movie marathon (12:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on SPIKE): The first five “Rocky” movies will air back-to-back, beginning with 1976’s “Rocky.” It will be followed by 1979’s “Rocky II” at 3 p.m., 1982’s “Rocky III” at 5:30 p.m., 1985’s “Rocky IV” at 8 p.m. and 1990’s “Rocky V” at 10 p.m.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Henry Fonda is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1940’s “The Grapes of Wrath” (7 p.m.) and 1935’s “The Farmer Takes a Wife” (9:15 p.m.).
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Corey Feldman
July 16, 2009 — Corey Scott Feldman,
who played himself in “The Two Coreys” (2007-08 on A&E), turns 38 today.
He played Vic in the 1995 series “Dweebs.”
His first acting role was as Boy Orphan #2 in a 1978 episode of “Alice.” He was 7.
Best wishes to Corey and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Corey Feldman waves to media and fans as he prepares to depart the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Tuesday, July 7, 2009 in Beverly Hills. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Happy Birthday, Travis Fimmel
July 15, 2009 — Travis Fimmel, who
played Ellis Dove on “The Beast” (2009 on A&E), turns 30 today.
He made his acting debut as John Clayton (aka Tarzan) in the short-lived 2003 series “Tarzan.”
Best wishes to Travis (and Melissa Hayer, The Oklahoman’s Assistant News Research Editor) and to everybody who shares this special day with them.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Travis Fimmel as Tarzan Photo Credit: The WB / David Gray
Happy Birthday, Jimmy Smits
July 9, 2009 — Jimmy L. Smits, who
played Det. Bobby Simone on “NYPD Blue” (1994-2004), turns 54 today.
He played Congressman Matthew Santos on “The West Wing” (2004-06).
His first television appearance was as Eddie Rivera in a 1984 episode of “Miami Vice.” He was 29.
Best wishes to Jimmy and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Jimmy Smits walks the runway during the fashion show at the 2006 Macy’s Passport Gala in Santa Monica, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006. (AP Photo/Chris Polk)
