The latest television news from NewsOK.com

Is A&E’s “The Glades” just another police show?

Another series based on a crime-solving police officer?

Yes.

An interesting series based on a crime-solving police officer?

Yes.

In “The Glades,” Australian actor Matt Passmore (“McLeod’s Daughters”) plays Jim Longworth, a Chicago homicide detective forced to leave his job after being falsely accused of sleeping with his former captain’s wife.

He ends up in the (fictionial) sleepy  town of Palm Glade, Florida and in what he’s hoping will be an easier lifestyle working for the local bureau of the Florida Department  of Law Enforcement.

Of course, things don’t turn out to be as low-key as he had planned, as he gets pulled away from the golf course to investigate the murder of a woman whose body is found in a swamp right off the bat.

Longworth is as smart as he is charming – murderers aren’t going to stand a chance around Palm Glade now.

Even though Longworth can be cocky and a bit obnoxious, Passmore makes him amusing and fun.

Throw in nurse Callie Cargill (Kiele Sanchez, “Lost”), who he meets after injuring his hand during an investigation, as a feisty romantic interest and Carlos Sanchez (Carlos Gómez, “Shark”) as Longworth’s golf partner, friend and the department’s medical examiner, and you’ve got an enticing new show.

The pilot episode was well-paced and well-written.

I recommend you tune in to “The Glades” and get absorbed in how Longworth unravels a murder mystery.

“The Glades” premieres July 11 at 9 p.m. on A&E.

– Melissa Hayer

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Top 55 TV Programs for May 2-8, 2010

 Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of May 2:
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)

SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2010
••”Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. pm NBC): Both teams are assigned the task of creating three radio commercials for Clockwork Home Services. To impress the executives, the teams must create original commercials for the company’s plumbing, electrician and heating & air conditioning services, and one team may have pushed the envelope too far.
••”Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): In the two-part Season 7 finale, Rush tries to ignore her father’s appeals to give her troublemaker sister (Nicki Aycox, “Dark Blue”) another chance after she suddenly resurfaces. Music by The Rolling Stones will play throughout the second hour.
••”The Emeril Lagasse Show” (7 p.m. on ION): Chef Lagasse and guest Chef Mario Batali (“Mario Eats Italy”) prepare the ultimate Italian feast. They show viewers how to make homemade ravioli, eggplant parmesan and fresh mozzarella.
••“Family Guy” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the milestone 150th episode, Brian and Stewie get locked in a bank vault where they are forced to deal with each other on a whole new level. The one-hour event also includes never-before-seen musical footage.
••“Funk Flex Full Throttle” (1 p.m. on MTV2):This new series  takes viewers along for a high-adrenaline ride as Flex switches lanes from interviewing the hottest names in hip-hop to creating the freshest rides at his car customization shop. Drake will kick off the premiere episode by talking about the whirl-wind experiences he has encountered as the one biggest artists leading in to the release of his freshman album. Other entertainers stopping by the shop to chop it up with Flex this season include Juelz Santana, Fabolous, Mike Epps, Diddy, Swizz Beatz, Nicki Minaj, Young Money, Trey Songz, Jim Jones, Maino, Red Café, Jadakiss and Ludacris.
••”Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): As “Foyle’s War” returns for another season, the war in Europe is over and Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle (Michael Kitchen) hopes his crime-fighting days are, too. But murder knows no respite in the seaside town of Hastings, and the chief must solve a trio of his most challenging cases yet.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): Increasingly frustrated by his role campaigning for war bonds, Basilone convinces the Marines to allow him to train troops headed for combat.  Transferred to Camp Pendleton, he enjoys a whirlwind romance with an initially reluctant female Marine, Lena Riggi.
••”The Real Story: Silence of the Lambs” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This special reveals the inspiration for “Silence of the Lambs” writer Thomas Harris. While researching for his book, Harris spent time in the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit, immersed in the case-files of serial killers. This unit’s researchers are interviewed and reveal some gruesome details about real-life killers Ed Gein, Ted Bundy and others.
••”Seeing vs. Believing” (7 p.m. on TLC): This special features soap star Ricky Paull Goldin (“All My Children”) and his skeptic friend Jeff Gurtman as they journey across America to seek the truth behind great stories of unexplained phenomena.
••“Til Death” (6 p.m. on Fox): When Joy loses her job at Eddie’s school, she accepts a position as Stephen’s (Kevin Nealon, “Weeds”) executive assistant. The new gig leaves her miserable, leading Eddie and Mr. White (Martin Mull, “Roseanne”) to scheme a way to get Joy her old job back. Series star Joely Fisher (Joy) directed the episode.

MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010
••”10 Things I Hate About You” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Kat enlists Cameron’s help to spy on Patrick, who is upset when he finds the duo in disguise watching him outside an office building. Rachel Hunter (“Gravity”) guest stars as herself.
••”American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Roads to Memphis” tells the disparate yet fatefully entwined stories of assassin James Earl Ray and his target, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is told through eyewitness testimony from King’s inner circle and the officials involved in Ray’s capture and prosecution following an intense two-month international manhunt.
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in Hour 3 from Phoenix include a violin made by the Gagliano family in Naples in the early 1800s and a violin bow made in France in the shop of Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume.
••”Anxious” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special chronicles the journey of two people battling severe anxiety disorders as they attempt to control their anxiety to ultimately reclaim their lives.
••”Best Food Ever” (9 p.m. on TLC): John Goodman (“Roseanne”) hosts this new series that takes viewers on a coast-to-coast journey to uncover the best places to satisfy any craving. It locates the USA’s tastiest treasures to discover the brains behind the mouthwatering methods and innovative ingredients used in each amazing meal.
••”Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): A high profile chef is found frozen to death in the kitchen of a hot New York restaurant. Complications ensue when Castle and the restaurant owner, an old high school girlfriend of Beckett’s, share an attraction. Rocco Dispirito (“The Restaurant”) guest stars in the episode as a fan of the dead chef and a fan of Castle’s books.
••”Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck and Sarah are assigned to train under Craig and Laura Turner (Fred Willard, “Anchorman,” and Swoosie Kurtz, “Pushing Daisies”), a married CIA team. Despite their impeccable record, the Turners hate one another.
••”CSI: Miami” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): After a seemingly perfect jewel heist ends in murder, Delko returns to look for the culprit when evidence in the case is stolen from the lab. Christian Campbell (“Casino Jack”), Kathleen Robertson (“Tin Man”), Tim Russ (“iCarly”) and Kevin Weisman (“Alias”) guest star.
••”Enraged” (9 p.m. on Discovery Health):  This special follows the daily lives of two individuals whose intense, uncontrollable anger has wreaked havoc on their lives — and on their loved ones.
••”Fame and Recovery” (8 p.m. on A&E): This special provides a look at addiction, survival, recovery and redemption through the eyes of Hall of Fame football player Lawrence Taylor and former Miss USA Tara Conner.
••”Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Will’s return to the Upper East Side continues to stir up problems for Serena, Lily and his long-standing rival, Rufus. William Baldwin (“Dirty Sexy Money”) guest stars.
••”High Score” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary takes a look at die-hard gamers who refuse to abandon the classic arcade games of yesteryear.  The 80′s live on for these enthusiasts, who compete against each other and history to record the world’s highest scores.
••”House” (7 p.m. on Fox): The team takes on the case of an ailing groom-to-be (Adam Garcia, “Hawthorne”) with secrets from a previous relationship and a fiancee with many questions. And during a boys’ night out, House, Chase and Foreman visit a karaoke bar and perform a Gladys AKnight & the Pips classic.
••“King of Dirt” (8 p.m. on DIY Network): Host Gino Panaro and his brother Ralph travel tp Tennessee’s Dollywood to create a special landscape for the 25th anniversary of the Dolly Parton-themed amusement park.
••”Law & Order” (9 p.m. on NBC): When the body of a young model is found burning in an alley, Detective Cyrus Lupo and Detective Kevin Bernard go in search of her killer. They quickly discover that just before her death, Brenna crashed an upscale political event, hosted by Senator Peterson (Tony Roberts, “The Thorns”) and his wife, Camille (Kathy Baker, “Boston Public”).
••”The Real Housewives of New Jersey” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 2 follows sisters Caroline and Dina Manzo (who happen to be married to brothers), their sister-in-law Jacqueline Laurita, long time family friend Teresa Giudice and Danielle Staub. Whether they are throwing a family function, out for a night on the town, or just gossiping with the girls, the ladies always find a way to be over the top and stay true to their own Jersey style.
••”Romantically Challenged” (8:32 p.m. on ABC): Perry’s struggle to fire his enthusiastic but lousy assistant, Erin (Anna Camp, “True Blood”), lands him in an unwanted relationship with her. And Shawn is reluctant to watch Lisa’s coworker’s cute dog until he realizes what a great chick magnet the little guy is.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Audrey pushes it too far with a surrogate mother (Jaime Pressly, “My Name Is Earl”) who she and Jeff are considering paying to have their baby.  Meanwhile, Russell shamelessly pokes fun at Jennifer and Adam’s wedding Web site.
••”Ultimate Chili Challenge” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special showcases the art of making red chili (did you know that red chili has no beans, pasta or other fillers?) and gives viewers the chance to follow five contestants as they create culinary masterpieces with help from their secret ingredients. Watch as the contestant’s battle the heat- both in and out of the kitchen- to make their perfect chili.
••”The Woman With 15 Personalities” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special spotlights a person living with dissociative identity disorder, a condition in which a person displays several distinct identities, each with its own perception of the environment. It reveals how this often misunderstood illness affects their daily lives, and provides insight into what it is like to manage multiple personalities who all want a voice.

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2010
••”30 on 30″ (7 p.m. on ESPN): The new installment “The 16th Man” features actor Morgan Freeman (“Invictus”), producer Lori McCreary (“Invictus”) and director Cliff Bestall (“Passing the Message”) telling the story about what it meant to South Africa’s healing process when the country played host to the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
••”90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): Teddy invites a nervous Silver to meet her father, Spence (Ryan O’Neal, “Paper Moon”), for the second time, and the meeting doesn’t go quite as planned. Adrianna records a duet with Javier Luna (Latin recording artist Diego Boneta), a famous young pop singer.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The remaining six contestants get $1,000 shopping sprees before heading to the salon to meet celebrity hair stylist Jonathan Antin (“Blow Out”) and begin their makeovers. Then it’s time for amazing reveals and emotional reunions with loved ones. Later the contestants and their guests are treated to a concert from recording artist Ashanti, who shares her inspirational music.
••”Born Schizophrenic” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special examines the world of children with schizophrenia through the eyes of the Schofield family, whose 7-year-old daughter January is one of only two children ever to receive this diagnosis.  In spite of her genius IQ and typically soft-spoken manner, Jani regularly battles vivid hallucinations, delusions and uncontrollable violent rage.
••”Freezing” (8:30 p.m. on Sundance): Elizabeth McGovern (“Ragtime”) and Hugh Bonneville (“Iris”) star in this British miniseries about a London couple that find themselves slipping from the top rungs of their glamorous professions. The miniseries will premiere on three consecutive nights.
••”Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): “College, Inc.” looks at the promise and explosive growth of the for-profit higher education industry. Through interviews with school executives, government officials, admissions counselors, former students and industry observers, it explores the tension between the industry that says it’s helping an underserved student population obtain a quality education and marketable job skills and critics who charge the for-profits with churning out worthless degrees that leave students with a mountain of debt.
••”Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Sue Sylvester is mortified when a video of her rendition of Olivia Newton-John’s classic “Physical” is unearthed. Guest stars include Olivia Newton-John (“Grease”) and Molly Shannon (“Saturday Night Live”).
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): DiNozzo finds himself increasingly captivated by a woman he’s never met while investigating the murder of her brother. Ashley Scott (“Jericho”) guest stars as ZNN reporter Tricia Hutton, the victim’s missing sister.  Rena Sofer (“24,” “General Hospital”) reprises her role as attorney Margaret Allison Hart.
••”Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Over the course of 30 years, plant and animal life has returned to the barren landscape of Mt. St. Helens after the erruption in 1980. But there’s a new threat — the mountain, too, is coming back to life.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010
••“10 Grand In Your Hand” (8:30 p.m. on DIY Network): This series, back for Season 3, shows homeowners how to cut up to $10,000 from their renovation and remodeling projects.
••“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): Special guest judge and “Lord of the Rings” actress Sarah McLeod welcome the remaining models to the Hobbiton in New Zealand, where the girls do a quick five-frame photo shoot.
••”The Big Bang Theory” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Sheldon winds up in traffic court when he gets a ticket because of Penny. Stan Lee (Marvel Comics) guest stars.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Mac is determined to seek justice when a 14-year-old boy is shot in front of his 12-year-old brother. Madchen Amick (“My Own Worst Enemy”) guest stars.
••”Fly Girls” (8 p.m. on CW): In the Season 1 finale, Jon moves to Los Angeles to work things out withy Nikole. During a layover in Miami, Mandy and Louise fall for the same guy, causing a rift between the best friends.
••”How’d You Get So Rich?” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Joan Rivers (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) returns for a second season to take viewers on a journey to meet mega-rich millionaires who worked hard and struck gold.  As she tours the most lavish and extravagant homes, she introduces viewers to folks who made a lot of money in out of the ordinary, fascinating ways and asks all the questions no one else would – in the way only Joan can.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a woman form a growing lesbian community is found dead, Detectives Benson and Stabler must work with a local activist (Kathy Griffin, “My Life on the D List”) to uncover the truth behind the woman’s death.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): When a pregnant woman is raped, Detectives Olivia Benson and Eliot Stabler arrive at the hospital to find that she has fled. Even when someone is arrested for a similar offense, assistand district attorney Jo Marlowe (Sharon Stone, “Bobby”) says she doesn’t have a case in court unless they find the victim and get a statement from her.
••”Live From Lincoln Center” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Alan Alda (“M*A*S*H”) hosts “Perlman, Ax and Ma at The Penthouse.” It features longtime friends violinist Itzhak Perlman, pianist Emanuel Ax and cellist Yo-Yo Ma perform Felix Mendelssohn’s popular Piano Trios together.
••”Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): When a friend from their Iraq days shows up unexpectedly, Veronica and Sands are suddenly faced with a life-altering decision. Meanwhile, a former flame (Jennifer Esposito, “Jules Fattore”) comes back into Briggs life, with dangerous consequences.
••”The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Mother’s Day for Frankie is anything but serene when she finds herself doing more for Mike and the kids and less for herself. But she learns that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when she escapes the family for a few hours to go to her mom’s (Marsha Mason, “The Goodbye Girl”) and ends up acting like a child by making her mom wait on her hand-and-foot.
••”My Strange Addiction” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special refines the blurry line between normal behavior and compulsions, showcasing four individuals battling obsessive behaviors that are on the verge of taking over their lives. It presents the firsthand accounts of the fixations of a woman who eats chalk, a fanatical runner, a compulsive shopper and an excessive tanner.  
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. on CBS): After a good-looking cop, who Old Christine assumes is a stripper, alerts her that there is a prowler in the neighborhood, she convinces Matthew to stay over.  Meanwhile, New Christine goes into labor — on Old Christine’s birthday. Tim Meadows (“the Bill Engvall Show”) returns as New Christine’s and Old Christine’s OB/GYN. 
••”Sweat Equity” (8 p.m. on DIY Network): Licensed contractor Amy Matthews helps homeowners determine which home improvement projects are the smartest. Season 7 will also provide how-to information so that homeowners can do some of the basic work themselves.
••“Worst-Case Scenario” (9 p.m. on Discovery): This new six-part series based on the best-selling series of books features survival expert Bear Grylls (“Man vs. Wild”) portraying potentially life-threatening situations to demonstrate how to survive in a worst-case scenario.

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2010
••”30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): Liz Lemon meets her mother’s (Anita Gillette, “The War at Home”) old flame, while Jack Donaghy’s mother, Colleen (Elaine Stritch, “The Ellen Burstyn Show”), gets tangled in his relationships with Avery Jessup (Elizabeth Banks, “Scrubs”) and Nancy Donovan. Jenna’s mother, Verna (Jan Hooks, “3rd Rock from the Sun”) returns, while Tracy learns a lesson from his “mom” (Novella Nelson, “The Starter Wife”). Also guest starring are Buzz Aldrin (“Dancing With the Stars”), Cheyenne Jackson (“United 93”) and Patti Lupone (“Oz”).
••”Bipolar Mysteries: Families in Crisis” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): In this special, cameras follow a small community of mothers of bipolar kids as they juggle their multitude of medications, mood shifts and far-flung scheduling routines.  Once isolated and completely helpless, these mothers of bipolar children are for the first time finding solace—in each other.
••”The Dudesons in America” (9 p.m. on MTV): Four Finnish extreme stuntmen and pranksters want to take over America as they try to win over local townsfolk and whatever authorities they’ll likely encounter while doing the dumbest things imaginable. Among their pranks are walking on stilts into a bullring with a very angry bull and trying to reach Uranus in their self-built space rocket.
••”FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Demetri and Agent Banks (Alex Kingston, “ER”) attempt to track down a killer as questions arise about the universe course-correcting itself, when people who thought they’d escaped their fates are found dead. James Callis (“Battlestar Galactica”) also guest stars.
••”Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): Peter teams up with Sheriff Mathis (Martha Plimpton, “Parenthood”) on a serial murder investigation with ties to Newton (Sebastian Roche, “General Hospital”). Meanwhile, Walter copes with the possibility of being sent back to St. Claire’s.
••“Heavy Haulers” (9 p.m. on TLC): This new series documents the dangerous and dirty exploits of Jeremy Patterson and his larger-than-life family as they move superstructures across America for a living.
••“The Imploders” (7 p.m. on TLC): This series follows the Idaho-based Kelly family as they struggle to manage family life on the road while running a dangerous demolition business.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Gwyneth Paltrow (“Iron Man 2”), Greg Giraldo (“Last Comic Standing”) and Jerry Seinfeld (“Seinfeld”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••”The Martha Stewart Show” (2 p.m. on KSBI-52): On this special Mother’s Day show, guests Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”) and Chef Marco Canora (Hearth & Terrior) are joined in-studio by their moms to cook and craft in front of an audience filled with mothers and their sons.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Patrick Jane and the CBI team investigate the death of a mathematical genius by a gun-wielding clown. Lucy Davis (“The Office” and wife of series star Owain Yeoman) guest stars.
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael suspects Donna (Amy Pietz, “Aliens in America”) is cheating on him and puts Dwight Schrute on the case. Meanwhile, Andy is frustrated when no one takes his customer’s complaint seriously.
••”Sergio” (7 p.m. on HBO): This documentary tells the story of the dashing diplomat who served in the United Nations for more than 30 years. He was considered by some a cross between James Bond and Bobby Kennedy. In 2003, just after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Sergio reluctantly agreed to serve as the Secretary General’s special representative in Baghdad.
••”Ultimate Parkour Challenge” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): This new series showcases the growing extreme sport of parkour.  In each episode, athletes challenge themselves and each other as they put their parkour skills to the test in different urban environments. In parkour, athletes move as efficiently as possible from point A to point B.  They must jump, roll, climb, leap, sprint, flip and fly, flowing over walls, cars, stairs, railings and 10-foot rooftop gaps between 5 story buildings.
••”The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): Isobel (Mia Kirshner, “The L Word”) returns to town and stuns Alaric with her attitude and her demands that he arrange a meeting with Elena. When mother and daughter finally meet, Isobel refuses to answer most of Elena’s questions but reveals that she will stop at nothing to find the mysterious invention Jonathan Gilbert (David Anders, “Heroes”) has been searching for.

FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2010
••”Friday Night Lights” (7 p.m. on NBC): Season 4 had its first run on DirecTV, but now everyone with a television can enjoy the drama set in Dillon, Texas, where high school football brings the community together. As season four opens, a redistricting plan has left Dillon a town divided.  After being ousted from his role as head coach at Dillon High School, Coach Taylor finds himself faced with the daunting task of building a football team from scratch as well as motivating and disciplining the unmanageable East Dillon Lions.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Mika, Bloc Party and La Roux.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): A distressed Ariel begins to lose hours and then years of time in her life and must look to her future self to find out how to get back to the present. Michael Rady (“Melrose Place”) guest stars in this episode directed by series star Miguel Sandoval (district attorney Manuel Devalos).
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): When Miami’s Calle Cubana celebration turns violent, the Alpha Team finds themselves battling an increased workload.  Meanwhile, Dr. Zambrano takes special interest in a young teenager left for dead on the hospital’s driveway. Chad Faust (“The 4400″) guest stars as Todd, a trauma patient.
••”Need to Know” (7:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Peabody Award-winning broadcast journalist Alison Stewart and Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and Newsweek editor Jon Meacham will co-anchor this new weekly primetime news and public affairs series. It will cover five primary beats — the economy, the environment and energy, health, national security and culture.
••”The Oprah Winfrey Show” (4 p.m. on ABC): Joining Oprah Winfrey for this broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall is five-time Grammy-winning artist Christina Aguilera. She will perform the single “Not Myself Tonight” from her forthcoming album “Bionic” (in stores June 8) and also open up about motherhood and her career during an exclusive interview.
••“Primetime: What Would You Do?” (8 p.m. on ABC): Using hidden cameras and actors to see how people react when placed in provocative situations, this special report takes real-life situations and records the everyday dilemmas that test character and values. Two more installments will air over the next two weeks, with more scheduled for June and July.
••”Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): Much to Clark’s surprise, Martha Kent (Annette O’Toole, “The Huntress”) returns to Smallville with her new boyfriend, Perry White (Michael McKean, “Laverne & Shirley”) in tow.

SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2010
••”Loni Love: America’s Sister” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Opening with a unique dance number, the performance chronicles Loni’s hilarious observations and adventures from her travels around the globe. She covers everything from illegal immigration, reality TV, religion and pirates.
••”Meet My Mom” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a recently divorced mom (Lori Loughlin, “90210”) is paid a surprise visit by her son’s army pen-pal (Johnny Messner, “Killer Instinct”), it might just be love at first sight.  
••”Mongolian Death Worm” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Sean Patrick Flanery (“Young Indiana Jones”) and Victoria Pratt (“Day Break”) star in this new movie as a treasure hunter and United Nations aide worker who find themselves battling local bandits while searching for Genghis Khan’s secret tomb in central Mongolia. The crypt is guarded by man-eating Mongolian death worms, who grow very angry at being disturbed.
••”Rescued” (7 p.m. on CNN): Soleded O’Brien hosts this special that chronicles the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake through the eyes of two orphans, Cendy and Marc Kenson. They were abandoned years ago by their parents but later taken in at the orphanage of an American missionary family. Musical artist Wyclef Jean, a son of Haiti, will provide voice-overs of the Creole translations in the program, along with award-winning Haitian novelist Edwidge Danticat.
••”Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Betty White (“The Golden Girls”) guest hosts the show for the first time, partly as a result of a grass-roots campaign from fans using social networking sites such as Facebook. Jay-Z will make his third appearance as musical guest in studio 8H.
••”The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Financial advisor Suze Orman gets a surprise “Can I Afford It?” call from celebrity chef Paula Deen (“Paula’s Party”).

–Penny TV

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TV Premieres and Finales airing April 25-May 1, 2010

  
   Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of April 25.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

BEGINNINGS
••”Ray Johnston Band: Road Diaries,” 7 p.m. Sunday on HDNet (series premiere).
••”America the Story of Us,” 8 p.m. Sunday on History (series premiere).
••”Into the Universe With Stephen Hawking,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (series premiere). 
••”Girl Meets Gown,” 9 p.m. Sunday on WE (series premiere).
••”River Monsters,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••”Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern,” 9 p.m. Monday on Travel Channel (fifth-season premiere).
••”Food Party,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (second-season premiere).
••”Dinner With the Band,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (series premiere).
••”The Hills,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (seventh-season premiere).
••”The City,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (second-season premiere).
••”Sunset Daze,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on WE (series premiere).
••”Happy Town,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••”When I Was 17,” 10 a.m. Saturday on MTV (series premiere).
••”10 on Top,” 10 a.m. Saturday on MTV (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” 8 p.m. Monday on Logo (second-season finale).
••”Runaway Squad,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (series finale).
••”The Life & Times of Tim,” 8:30 p.m. Friday on HBO (second-season finale).
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” 7 p.m. Friday on NBC (first-season finale).
••“Bill Moyers Journal,” 7 p.m. Friday on OETA-13 (series finale).
••”I Shouldn’t Be Alive,” 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (third-season finale).

Pictured above: Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking of England presents a lecture titled, “Out of a Black Hole” at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, Monday, April 5, 2010. His new series “Into the Universe With Stephen Hawking” premieres April 25 on Discovery. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

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Top 55 TV Programs for April 25-May 1, 2010

 Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 25:

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 2010
••2010 Nadia Comaneci International Invitational (8 p.m. on KAUT-43): Olympic gymnastics champ Nadia Comaneci hosts this event along with her husband, Olympic champion and for University of Oklahoma gymnast Bart Conner. The competition taped February at the Cox Arena in Oklahoma City features future gymnastics stars from around the country, as well as athletes from the top clubs in Romania, the Ukraine, Australia, Peru, Canada, Israel, Venezuela and Mexico.
••”The Amazing Race” (7 p.m. on CBS): When teams face two roadblocks in a single leg for the first time on the series, two teams discover just how costly cab rides can be.
••”America the Story of Us” (8 p.m. on History): Liev Schreiber (“Taking Woodstock”) narrates this new 12-hour series that chronicles the story of how America was invented. It covers 400 years of American history, looking at the moments where Americans harnessed technology to advance human progress.
••”Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): More than one member of the Walker family suspects she might be pregnant, Nora offers to take her aging mother in (Marion Ross, “Happy Days”) when it’s discovered she has dementia, and Luc gets an exciting delivery in the mail.
••”Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): Donald Trump mixes up the teams and assigns them to create an original celebrity workout for 24 Hour Fitness and bring in donations.
••”Deadly Honeymoon” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Two young Denver newlyweds, Lindsey (Summer Glau, “Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles”) and Trevor Forrest (Chris Carmack, “Drop Dead Diva”) embark on their honeymoon cruise. What begins as a dream vacation devolves into a night of wild partying, infidelity and strange encounters with a group of passengers.
••”The Emeril Lagasse Show” (7 p.m. on ION): Chef Emeril Lagasse and special guest Sherri Shepherd (“The View”) enjoy a Hawaiian-themed celebration on this “Staycation” episode.
••”Girl Meets Gown” (9 p.m. on WE): This new series reveals what it truly takes for a bride-to-be to find the perfect gown that will compliment her style and make her shine on the most important day of her life. The creative and hard-working team at Stardust Celebrations in Dallas, one of the largest bridal boutiques in America, help the brides in their quest.
••”Into the Universe With Stephen Hawking” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In this four-part series, viewers will gain access to the mind of professor Stephen Hawking, who is physically confined but mentally free to explore the mysteries of the universe.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): The Marines, including the newly christened “Sledgehammer,” continue the battle of Peleliu against an enemy determined to fight to the last man.  Devastated by the loss of a revered leader, and witnessing unimaginable barbarity on both sides, Sledge veers to the very edge of moral collapse.
••”Ray Johnston Band: Road Diaries” (7 p.m. on HDNet): This eight-part series follows Ray Johnston, a cancer survivor and former Dallas Maverick point guard, as he and his band travel across the country trying to make it in the music business. The true focus and backdrop is the uplifting, behind-the-scenes story of the band’s leader, Ray Johnston, and his heroic battle with leukemia.
••”The Real Story: The Exorcist” (9 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Perhaps the scariest part of thye 1973 movie “The Exorcist” is that it’s not a work of complete fiction. This is the story of the ritual that took place in 1949 to rid a boy of demons, culled from witness accounts and written records. The events that inspired the film are detailed along with interviews of top neuroscientists who try to determine whether the forces at work were supernatural or psychological.
••”River Monsters” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Extreme angler and biologist Jeremy Wade goes on a worldwide mission to solve freshwater fish mysteries. Season 2 will take him to such locations as the Congo, Thailand, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Alaska and Florida to try to capture some amazing creatures and tell their tales.
••”TV Land Awards ’10″ (8 p.m. on TV Land): Tim Allen (“Home Improvement”) hosts the eighth annual event dedicated to reuniting and celebrating some of the most memorable TV performers of the past. Among the schedule honorees are the casts of “Glee,” “Charlie’s Angels” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
••”When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story” (8 p.m. on CBS): Spanning more than 30 years, this Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation is based on the true story of the enduring but troubled love between Lois Wilson (Winona Ryder, “Mr. Deeds”), co-founder of Al-Anon, and her alcoholic husband Bill Wilson (Barry Pepper, “Saving Private Ryan”), co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010
••”10 Things I Hate About You” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Bianca plans to take first place in Padua High’s talent show. That is, until Chastity steals her song. Josie Loren and Cassie Scerno from “Make It or Break It” guest star.
••“24” (8 p.m. on Fox): With only six hours left, the clock races toward the series finale as President Allison Taylor faces impossible choices and much to the dismay of CTU, she enlists a private security firm to complete a sensitive task led by Mark Bledsoe (D.B. Sweeney, “Eight Men Out”).  Meanwhile, Jack calls in a favor to his old friend Rick Vickers (Michael Madsen, (“Reservoir Dogs”) before he embarks upon a crucial mission of his own.
••”American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The documentary “My Lai” examines one of the darkest chapters of the Vietnam War: the 1968 My Lai massacre, its cover-up and the soldiers who broke rank to halt the attrocities.
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in Hour 2 from Phoenix include a 1982 bronze maquette by renowned sculptor Henry Moore and an heirloom amethyst jewelry collection.
••”Beyond Conviction” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows the courageous journey of three individuals as they face their assailants and hope to find peace and salvation.
••”The Big Bang Theory” (8:31 p.m. on CBS): A visit from Leonard’s mother (Christine Baranski, “The Good Wife”) delights Sheldon and horrifies Leonard.
••”Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): Host Andrew Zimmern’s appetite for the most unique foods is never satisfied. In the Season 5 premiere, he travels to Thailand to sample whole-roasted bamboo rat, cow bile and dung beetles, among other local delicacies.
••“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): When Lily’s ex-husband, Dr. William van der Woodsen (Billy Baldwin, “Dirty Sexy Money”), shows up unexpectedly in Manhattan, Serena finally gets the reunion she has so desperately wanted with her father, but the circumstances turn out to be far from ideal.
••“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): House and the team take on the case of a woman Julia (Sarah Wayne Callies, “Prison Break”), who is in an open marriage and becomes ill during a date with her on-the-side boyfriend. Meanwhile, House tests Wilson’s relationship with Sam (Cynthia Watros, “Lost”).
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Barney freaks out when Marshall bequeaths a “slap bet” slap to Ted and Robin. Meanwhile, Lily’s estranged father (Chris Elliott, “Everybody Loves Raymond”) shows up for Thanksgiving.
••”Law & Order” (9 p.m. on NBC): When a mother of 10 adopted special needs children is found dead, the detectives uncover an affair and a reality TV show offer. Jim Gaffigan (“My Boys”) guest stars.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Audrey forces Jeff to give up his hockey tickets and go to her boss’s party with her instead, he spends the night trying to avoid learning the score of the game. At the game, meanwhile, Russell is mortified when Timmy roots against the home team.
••”Runaway Squad” (9 p.m. on A&E): In the series finale, New York City provate investigator Joe Mazzilli continues to hunt down runaways and reunite them with their families.

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010
••”9 By Design” (9 p.m. on Bravo): With the birth of their seventh child, Bob and Cortney Novogratz invite friends and family to their home to celebrate baby Major’s christening that will include a live performance from their good friend, singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega.
••”30 for 30″ (7 p.m. on ESPN): The documentary “Run Ricky Run” features footage of NFL running back Ricky Williams recorded during his time away from football. He became a media punching bag when he left the sport in 2004, but he has since redeemed himself as a father and a teammate.
••“90210” (7 p.m. on Fox): The gang is preparing for the SAT’s when Silver disagrees with Teddy’s decision to skip college to focus on his tennis career and things grow even more tense when she meets his movie star father, Spence (Ryan O’Neal, “Miss Match”).
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The remaining seven contestants head to Dallas to inspire Texans to get healthy and join them as they run a 5K at the Cotton Bowl. Sesaon 8 fan favorite Abby Rike makes a special appearans and invites Jillian to speak at her old high school.
••”The City” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): In Season 2, Whitney Port, Roxy Olin, Olivia Palermo and Erin Kaplan continue to traverse the New York City fashion industry and their relationships with each other.
••”Dinner With the Band” (9:30 p.m. on IFC): Hosted by New York City chef Sam Mason, this new cooking show combines culinary delights, musical performances and conversations with select acclaimed indie music artists. Artists scheduled to appear include Rufus Wainwright, The Devil Makes Three, The Mountain Goats, Andrew WK, My Brightest Diamond, Murder City Devils, Lightspeed Champion, Theophilus London and Vega.
••”Explorer” (9 p.m. on National Geographic): The new episode “Fatal Insomnia” looks at an extremely rare disease passed down through generations. The primary symptom of FFI — fatal familial insomnia — is sleeplessness, but with a tragic twist: Victims are dead within months.
••”Food Party” (9 p.m. on IFC): Brooklyn fringe artist Thu Tran created and hosts this series, which returns for a second season., Shot on location in Brooklyn in a handmade, technicolor cardboard kitchen, Thu interacts with a cavalcade of puppets, humans, baked goods and vegetables, as the gang embarks on journeys to bizarre and unexpected lands. 
••”Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment looks at the vaccine war, in which scientific medicine and the public health establishment are battling a coalition of paents, celebrities, politicians and activists over wther vaccines are a great achievement or a scourge on health.
••”Future Food” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): The staff at MOTO restaurant in Chicago let a bunch of youngsters come up with menu ideas, which include eyeballs, deep fried deer head with tree bark utensils and dirty socks with rocks — all made out of vegetables.
••”Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Kurt sets his dad (Mike O’Malley, “Yes, Dear”) up with an unexpected partner, and Sue demands that the Cheerios go on a crazy diet in preparation for a big interview with “Splits” magazine. Meanwhile, April Rhodes (Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies”) returns to save Will and the glee club.    
••”The Hills” (9 p.m. on MTV): In the seventh and final season, fans can expect to see Audrina Patridge dating singer Ryan Cabrera and Kristin Cavallari dealing with rumors of drug abuse. But will former star Lauren Conrad return for the big goodbye? Maybe.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): Gibbs and Special Agent T.C. Fornell (Joe Spano, “NYPD Blue”) try to uncover the truth when a polygraph specialist’s night job takes a dangerous turn that leads to murder.
••”NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): NCIS investigates the murder of a Navy officer entangled in the world of Hollywood glitz and glamour as the team is joined at Hetty’s request by LAPD liaison Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen, “Fired Up!”).
••”Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Mind Over Money” delves into arguments about the world of finance and explores behavioral economics, which aims to incorporate human psychology into finance.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010
••”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a grief-stricken Hotchner takes a leave of absence from the Behavioral Analysis Unit to ponder his future career, Rossi and the team must regroup to solve a home invasion case. Rena Sofer (“Blind Justice”) guest stars.
••”Desperate Landscapes” (9 p.m. on DIY): Host and licensed contractor Jason Cameron visits the Las Vegas home of magician Penn Jillette (“Dancing With the Stars”) for a landscape renovation. It took Jason Cameron and his team 16 hours of sweat to turn Jillette’s 10,000 square foot front yard into an oasis complete with artificial turf, desert plants and more.
••”Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): David Tennant (“Doctor Who”) reprises his role as the melancholy Dane in this television adaptation of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed 2008 stage production of “Hamlet.” The presentation also stars Patrick Stewart (X-Men”) as King Claudius, the murderer of Hamlet’s father.
••”Happy Town” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): This new drama focuses on the residents of Haplin, Minn., also known as “Happy Town.” They have enjoyed an uneasy peace for the past five years, but that is about to change. Still haunted by a number of unsolved kidnappings, Haplin now faces a disturbing new crime that brings all of its unresolved fears to the surface.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): When a man is accused of murdering his daughters, detective Stabler’s former partner (Sharon Stone, “Bobby”) takes the case.
••“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): Zoe enlists the Lightman Group to investigate a star college football player accused of statutory rape. Jennifer Beals (“The L Word”) and James Marsters (“Angel”) guest star.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Matthew and Richard try to evict an elderly lady (Marion Ross, “Happy Days”) from the apartment they want to rent.
••”Sunset Daze” (9 p.m. on WE): This new reality series set in a retirement community in Surprise, Ariz., reveals seniors reconnecting with their youth and having the best time of their lives.

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010
••“Ask a Lawyer 2010” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This annual community service provided by the Oklahoma Bar Association gives the public the opportunity to call in during the live broadcast and speak with attorneys on various areas of the law.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): A legendary comic from the good old days of Las Vegas is set to reunite with his partner on stage for one night only, until one half of the famous duo is found dead. Tim Conway (“The Carol Burnett Show”) guest stars as legendary comic Knuckles Pratt and Jennifer Tilly (“Out of Practice”) guest stars as his wife.
••”Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): While Walter deals with some upsetting news, he tells Olivia’s niece a fairy tale that includes musical performances by Olivia and Angent Broyles.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Matthew Broderick (“The Producers”), Sarah Silverman (“The Sarah Silverman Program”) and Martin Short (“Damages”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a media mogul is murdered, Patrick Jane and the CBI team investigate cult leader Bret Stiles (Malcolm McDowell, “Entourage”), who may have had an axe to grind following the publication of a critical story about his group.
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Pam and Jim work on their first sales pitch together to Donna (Amy Pietz, “Aliens in America”), the manager of a local restaurant. But Michael keeps misreading the signals she’s putting out.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this installment, journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones sets out to prove that the allegations of child abuse against Michael Jackson were as responsible for his early death as sleep-inducing drugs.

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010
••“Bill Moyers Journal” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In his final program, host Bill Moyers reports on people  working for a chance and has a “World of Ideas” conversation with a leading public thinker.
••”I Shouldn’t Be Alive” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): A former special forces man travelled to the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania to go on a solo hiking expedition. The trip takes a turn for th4e worse when he is swept off a ledge by an avalanche.
••”The Life & Times of Tim” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 2 finale, Tim loses his job when the Chairman of Omnicorp flies in from the United Kingdom.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are The Killers, Chairlift and Florence and The Machine.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): After a neighbor (Jonathan Silverman, “In Case of Emergency”) is murdered, Allison’s fears for her own family prompt her to install a high-tech talking burglar alarm, which she later suspects may be communicating with Marie.  Also, Ariel meets a ghost (Greg Germann, “Ally McBeal”) who could help her get into the college of her choice.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): In order to show the importance of their facility, Dr. Proctor is forced to give a speech proving just how vital he and his team are in the minutes following a major accident. Shari Belafonte (“Hotel”) guest stars as Kimberly Davis, a hospital donor and Mike Farrell (“M*A*S*H,” “Providence”) guest stars as Dr. Carl Willis, a hospital administrator.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Director Spike Lee (“Do the Right Thing”) learns about his ancestors in the Season 1 finale. The one question that he wanted answered — “Who owned my family?” — takes him to Texas, where he comes face to face with an unlikely relative.

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2010
••”10 on Top” (10 a.m. on MTV): Lenay Dunn hosts this new show that countdowns the Top 10 most texted and talked about young celebs of the week. Viewers will get the very latest on their favorite superstar entertainers, what deals they landed, whose hearts they broke and whose star is shining brightest.
••”Accused at 17″ (8 p.m. on Lifetime): When 17-year-old Bianca’s two best friends find out that Bianca’s boyfriend cheated on her with a classmate, all three play a prank on the girl that goes horribly wrong. Nicole Gale Anderson (“Jonas”) and Cynthia Gibb (“Fame”) star.
••“Brothers” (11:30 p.m. on Fox): Mike and Chill hire their cousin Kenny (Snoop Dogg, “Soul Plane”), a shady lawyer who specializes in debt and fraud, to recover Mike’s laundered assets. But when Kenny is only able to locate funds donated to a children’s charity, Mike wrestles with a tough decision.
••”Dov Davidoff: The Filthy Operation” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Dov Davidoff’s urban flavor, Jersey accent and ADD comedic style brings out the funny in such issues as prejudice in politics and school lunches, gay rights, the relationship between transvestites and transformers and why men don’t stop for directions.
••”The Mentalist” (8 p.m. on CBS): While Jane and the team examine a crime scene where a baseball scout was found murdered, Jane is clocked in the head by a ball and flashes back to his childhood with his overbearing father (Nick Chinlund, “Desperate Housewives”).
••”When I Was 17″ (10 a.m. on MTV): In this enlightening new series, each episode will focus on the lives of three uniquely different celebrities. It will explore their family life, friendships, romantic relationships, part-time jobs and the things they did, or didn’t do, to get them to where they are today.
••”Made Presents: Kiss & Tell: The Do’s and Don’ts of Dating” (11 a.m. on MTV): The experts of “Kiss & Tell” teach an insecure high school boy how to become a more confident and romantically successful individual. Viewers will also hear firsthand from teenage girls about what they look for in a boyfriend.

–Penny TV

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TV Premieres and Finales airing April 4-10, 2010

   Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of April 4.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

BEGINNINGS
••”Two Wheel Oklahoma,” 8:30 a.m. Sunday on OETA-13 (series premiere).
••”Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Animal Planet (eighth-season premiere).
••”Sunday Best,” 7 p.m. Sunday on BET (third-season premiere).
••”Good Luck Charlie,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Disney (series premiere).
••”Adventure Time With Finn & Jake,” 7 p.m. Monday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••”Little People, Big World,” 7 p.m. Monday on TLC (fifth season resumes).
••”Runaway Squad,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (series premiere).
••“Paris Hilton’s British Best Friend,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TV Guide Network.
••”Top Chef Masters,” 10 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (second-season premiere).
••”LisaRaye: The Real McCoy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on TV One (series premiere).
••”Gator 911,” 8 p.m. Friday on CMT (series premiere).
••”Garage Mahal,” 8 p.m. Friday on DIY Network (second-season premiere).
••”Danger Coast,” 8:30 p.m. Friday on CMT (series premiere).
••”Private Chefs of Beverly Hills,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“Renovation Realities,” 8 p.m. Saturday on DIY (fourth-season premiere).

ENDINGS
••”How to Make It in America,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HBO (first-season finale).
••”Southland,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT (spring finale).
••”Being Erica,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (second-season finale).
••”Shear Genius,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (third-season finale).

Pictured above: GOOD LUCK CHARLIE – Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie” stars Eric Allan Kramer as Bob, Bradley Steven Perry as Gabe, Bridgit Mendler as Teddy, Jason Dolley as PJ, Leigh-Allyn Baker as Amy and Mia Telerico as Charlie. (DISNEY CHANNEL/CRAIG SJODIN)

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Top 55 TV Programs for April 4-10, 2010

 Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 4:

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, APRIL 4
••The 18th Annual Trumpet Awards (8 p.m. on TV One): Nicole Ari Parker (“The Deep End”) and Malcolm Jamal Warner (“Sherri”) co-host the event honoring African-American achievements in diverse fields such as law, religion, politics, public service, sports and entertainment. During the telecast, comedian, actor and radio personality Steve Harvey will be presented with the Pinnacle Award.
••”Antonio Treatment” (9 p.m. on HGTV): Built in the 1950s, the Highland Gardens Hotel (formerly the Landmark Hotel) has been the scene for some legendary Hollywood history — most notably as the place where rocker Janis Joplin died from an overdose back in 1970. But it hasn’t been updated much in the past few decades, and the owners assign Antonio Ballatore to give their rock ’n’ roll landmark a new party room.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): After determining the serial killer’s identity – and some of his likely future  targets – the team and the FBI work together to apprehend him while trying to locate and protect the people he’s preparing to kill. Susanna Thompson (“Once and Again”) returns as FBI agent Diane Yates.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Jessica Alba (“The Killer Inside Me”) joins the team in Kemah, Texas, to surprise a big-hearted family of 15, all living together in a small trailer.
••”Good Luck Charlie” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): This new comedy focuses on what happens when a new baby joins the Duncan household and roles shift for everyone in the family, including teen siblings PJ and Teddy and tween brother Gabe, who must adjust to the many changes baby Charlie brings.
••”How to Make It in America” (9 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 1 finale, Cam suspects Rene of having something to do with the theft of the Rasta Monsta truck filled with his and Ben’s Crisp tees.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Sharpe’s Peril,” the new adventures of Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean) continue as he and Harper (Daragh O’Malley) lead a ragtag party of civilians and soldiers on a march across India.
••”Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom” (6 p.m. on Animal Planet): Season 8 kicks off with “Bearwalker of the Northwoods.” Dr. Lynn Rogers illustrates that many of the perceptions people have of black bears are wrong as he gets incredibly close to them — from taking naps with them in the woods to being able to put radio collars on them without sedating them.
••”Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Moment of Impact: Hunters & Herds” focuses on savannahs and grassland, where the planet’s largest concentrations of herd animals come up against some of nature’s most successful hunters.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): Finally enlisted as a Marine, Sledge trains for combat at Camp Elliott.  The 1st Marine Division lands at Cape Gloucester on the Japanese-held island of New Britain.
••”Storm Riders” (8 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Get a sneak peek at the new series featuring scientists Juston Drake and Simon Brewer on a storm hunt. With no high-tech equipment, gadgets or antennas, these chasers are armed with a meteorology degree, map and cell phone as they rely on their education and gut instincts to get them to the center of the storm. The series is scheduled to premiere in fall.
••”Sunday Best” (7 p.m. on BET): Season 3 features gospel recording artists Pastor Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams as new judges. In addition to the U.S. talent pool of competitors, the series hosted by Kirk Franklin goes to Lagos, Nigeria, for the first-ever international auditions to see who will become the next great gospel star.
••”Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): When Ally and Doug announce that they’re going to be parents, Joy has a meltdown about becoming a grandmother, forcing Eddie to call in his mother-in-law for help. Lainie Kazan (“My Big Fat Greek Life”) and Martin Mull (“Mrs. Doubtfire”) guest star.
••”Treasures of the Gilcrease: Charles Russell, Western Story Teller” (6:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Charles Russell remains one of the most significant American artists of the early 20th century.  His depictions of cowboys, American Indians, historical figures and Western fauna are among the most well-known portrayals of the late 19th and early 20th century Western experience.
••”Two Wheel Oklahoma” (8:30 a.m. on OETA-13): This locally-produced travel show hosted by Tulsa motorcycle enthusiasts Brad Mathison and Rex Brown features scenic highways, unique destinations and interesting people they meet as they travel in and around Oklahoma.
••”Weatherproof” (9 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Meteorologist Stephanie Abrams and special effects technician Newton Wimer reveal how your home or car stacks up against deadly twisters as they create scenarios that could help make all the difference.
••”Undercover Boss” (8 p.m. on CBS): President and COO of Roto-Rooter Rick L. Arquilla goes undercover in his own company and finds himself overwhelmed with emotion while working alongside several employees who force him to reflect on his past as well as his future legacy as the boss of their company.
••”Unfaithful: Stories of Betrayal” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special takes a look at why spouses have cheated and the reckless actions that lead to devastating consequences. It also provides insight and analysis from doctors.

MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2010
••”Adventure Time With Finn & Jake” (7 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new animated series introduces viewers to unlikely heroes Finn and Jake, buddies who traverse the mystical Land of Ooo and encounter its colorful inhabitants. Finn, a silly kid with an awesome hat, and Jake, a brassy dog with a big, kind heart, depend on each other through thick and thin. 
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in Hour 2 from Denver include a Dodger’s game-used jersey worn by Don Drysdale and an heirloom 1817 needlework family portrait.
••”Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode “When Carl Met George,”  George is excited about spending time with his new friend, Carl, who loves to draw trains and knows all kinds of facts about them. George discovers that Carl has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, and that Carl sees the world a bit differently than George and many kids. The story is followed by a live-action segment featuring kids with Asperger’s and autism.
••”The Big Bang Theory” (7 p.m. on CBS): After he’s humiliated on National Public Radio, Sheldon vows to destroy Kripke, while Wolowitz tries not to destroy his new relationship with Bernadette. “Battlestar Galactica” star Katee Sackhoff appears as herself, offering Wolowitz some relationship advice.
••”Christian Siriano: Having a Moment” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Get a glimpse into the life of the ‘‘Project Runway” Season 4 winner-turned-minimogul in this new special as he prepares for his third runway show. He oversees every aspect of his line from start-to-finish, model fittings, Emmy-dress appointments and balancing work and life with family, friends and work associates.
••”Empress Hotel” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film follows the stories and lives of 10 individuals living in San Francisco’s Empress Hotel and their battles against addiction and mental illness.
••”Life Unexpected” (7 p.m. on CW): With her wedding on the horizon, Cate decides to take a road trip with Lux to find her father, Gordon (Peter Horton, “thirtysomething”), who abandoned her when she was a little girl.
••”Little People, Big World” (7 p.m. on TLC): Season 5 continues with twins Zach and Jeremy, recently graduated from high school, taking off on their own for a European backpacking adventure. Soon, the rest of the Roloffs join for a full family vacation that includes visits to Italy and France.
••”Runaway Squad” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new real-life series follows former NYPD detective Joe Mazzilli and his team of private investigators, who track, rescue and reunite runaways with their families.
••”Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): As Grace deals with the aftermath of her dramatic fall from a building with Neely, she also struggles with the impending death of her grandfather, GeePaw.  Meanwhile the squad investigates a double homicide involving a water dispute between two ranchers, and Rhetta discovers a secret about her daughter.
••”Storm Stories” (7:30 p.m. on The Weather Channel): This installment titled “Midwest Outbreak” spotlights a tornado sighted May 10, 2008, near Chetopa, Kansas. Before it is over, this mile-wide twister will destroy the town of Picher and claim more than 20 lives – including that of a 21-year-old firefighter from Missouri.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy travels to Belfast to conduct an extremely thorough gtest of the Renaultsport Twingo 133. British film director Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes”) is featured in the star in a reasonably price car segment.

TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2010
••”Dad’s in Heaven With Nixon” (7:30 p.m. on Showtime): This documentary by writer, director, producer Tom Murray traces his fractured childhood in 1960s Southampton, New York. He recounts his grandfather and father’s battles with bipolar disorder and, conversely, his brother’s prosperity through autism and how their afflictions affected their large, affluent Irish-American family.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia and Will defend a college student accused of killing her sorority sister while under the influence of a sleep aid. Gary Cole (“Entourage”) returns as ballistics expert Kurt McVeigh.  David Paymer (“Line of Fire”) returns as Judge Richard Cuesta.
••”Inside the Perfect Predator” (9 p.m. Animal Planet): This special looks at four predators — the cheetah, great white shark, crocodile and falcon — in an attempt to understand how they accomplish their extraordinary killing feats.
••“Paris Hilton’s British Best Friend” (9 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Paris Hilton puts 12 hopeful Brits through the test of true friendship. In the end, one lucky contestant will get to walk the red carpet with Paris on their arm.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The death of a Navy officer leads Gibbs and the team into the world of high-priced call girls, relying on D.C. Madam Holly Snow (Dina Meyer, “Burn Notice”) to help them catch a killer. Adam Kaufman (“Without A Trace”) reprises his role as Homicide Detective Philip McCadden.
••”NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): When an undercover operation has the NCIS team investigating a MMA gym and its fighters, Sam Hanna is tasked with donning gloves and entering the cage for a one-on-one fight. Making special giest appearances are MMA fighters Dan Henderson, Frank Shamrock, Gilbert Melendez, Josh Thomson, KJ Noons and Cung Le.
••”NOVA” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): ‘‘Hunting the Edge of Space” looks at how the telescope has evolved from the simple spyglass used by Galileo into sometimes enormous pieces of equipment perched on mountains, orbiting the Earth and even circling other planets.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): Kristina’s worrying affects her six life, while Crosby tries to tell his parents he has a son. Minka Kelly (“Friday Night Lights”) and Jason Ritter (“Joan of Arcadia”) guest star.
••”Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 finale, John gets an unexpected request from his ex-wife just as he, Ben and Chickie are sent out as part of a maximum deployment to capture the “Canyon Rapist,” a perp who has been impersonating a cop.
••”Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): After a quiet start to the 2009 tornado season, an EF-2 touches down in rural Nebraska June 17.  As it moves toward the city of Aurora, meteorologists track the storm and warn residents to take shelter.  But for some residents, it takes seeing storm chasers parked outside their home to begin a frantic run for cover. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2010
••”Accidentally on Purpose” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Zack is upset when Billie hires a baby nurse without consulting him. Meanwhile, Davis and Ryan are faced with a difficult choice when they learn surprising news about the nurse. Olivia Munn (“Iron Man 2″) guest stars as Nicole, Billie and Zack’s sexy nurse.
••”America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW):  The girls pose with comedian Ross Mathews (“The Tonight Show”) before heading to New York City’s garment district to be completely transformed in faux fashion wardrobe.
••”Being Erica” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): In the Season 2 finale, Erica’s perfect life is turned upside down when she finally makes some big decisions. Dr. Tom adds a major twist to her therapy that opens up a world of possibilities.
••”The Buddha” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Richard Gere (“Amelia”) narrates this documentary about the life of the Buddha, an Indian sage who gained enlightenment as he sat under a fig tree. The Buddha never claimed to be God or his emissary on Earth. He said only that he was a human who had found a kind of serenity that others could find, too.
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Bobby and Jules are at an impasse over letting Travis go to a party where he’ll undoubtedly be drinking, Ellie is determined to triumph as alpha dog over Grayson, and Laurie meets Smith’s dad (Barry Bostwick, “Spin City”).
••”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit travels to San Francisco to investigate the murders of several homeless men and teams up with a separate group of BAU operatives who are working another case they think is connected. Forest Whitaker (“Last King of Scotland”) guest stars as Special Agent Sam Cooper, and Mary Steenburgen (“Joan of Arcadia”) guest stars as Director Beth Griffith.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a woman linked to an unsolved murder case is found dead, the evidence and autopsy both suggest a suicide. But Stella is unconvinced and risks her life to pursue the case. Madchen Amick (“My Own Worst Enemy”) guest stars.
••”In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): The new episode ‘‘When Mary Met Marshall” flashes back to the day Mary joined WitSec. Prompting those memories is a present-day break-in that threatens the security of the first witnesses Mary and Marshall handled together. Allison Janney (“The West Wing”), Tess Harper (“Crash”) and Josh Cooke (“Big Day”) guest star.
••”Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Phil and Claire break from their traditional Valentine’s Day dinner date and plan a little “role play” excursion. Meanwhile, Jay and Gloria’s ideas of romance clash when he takes her to a comedy show. David Brenner (“The Hollywood Squares”) guest stars as himself.
••”The Oprah Winfrey Show” (4 p.m. on KOCO-5): The cast of “Glee” visits Oprah for an hour of behind-the-scenes secrets, revealing interviews, unseen backstage moments and a show-stopping performance.
••”Shear Genius” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 3 comes to a close when the final three stylists team up with fashion designer Henry Duarte for their biggest challenge yet.They’ll each style six models for a fashion show where the designer will debut Duarte’s new line of edgy rock-and-roll inspired clothing.
••”Top Chef Masters” (10 p.m. on Bravo): World-renowned chefs revert to basics and compete against one another until one claims the title of Top Chef Master and a prize for the charity of his or her choice. Food journalist Kelly Choi returns as host for Season 2, and back on the Critics’ Table are restaurant critics Gael Greene and Jay Rayner and culinary expert James Oseland.
••”Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. om ABC): As Hilda’s wedding day approaches, Betty asks Daniel to be her plus-one, Ignacio invites Elena, and Amanda is set on fixing up Marc with her new client, soap opera star Spencer Cannon (Bryan Batt, “Mad Men”).

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010
••”Big Money in the Middle East” (7 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Erin Burnett gathers an exclusive panel of billionaires betting big on the region to talk opportunity and, for the first time, the big risks of putting money in the Middle East. Joining Burnett is the richest man in Egypt and all of Africa. The other? A self-made American billionaire.
••”Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Star David Boreanaz (Seeley Booth) directs the series’ 100th episode, which recounts the first time Booth and Brennan worked together on a case. This look back at their beginnings has a profound effect on them and may change their feelings for each other forever. The episode also provides a glimpse at the other Jeffersonian team members to see how their relationships began and the influence they have had on each other’s lives.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston’s investigation into the murder of a family brings him one step closer to catching the Dr. Jekyll serial killer as the CSI team traces the perp to the house next door to the murder site.
••”Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Mark flies Addison to Seattle to help with a difficult procedure on his pregnant daughter, Sloan, Owen questions Teddy’s motives when she assigns Cristina the lead on a complicated surgery, and Derek’s suspicions are raised when the Chief recruits Meredith to assist with a high profile operation. Kate Walsh (“Private Practice”) and Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest star.
••”LisaRaye: The Real McCoy” (8 p.m. on TV One): This new reality series follows LisaRaye (“All of Us” and former First Lady of the Turks and Caicos) as she works to fully re-establish her critically acclaimed acting career, while balancing a far-flung and complex personal life.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”), Kathy Griffin (“My Life on the D-List”) and Nathan Lane (“The Producers”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a “Jane Doe” with amnesia and covered in blood steps in front of Cho and Van Pelt’s car, Patrick Jane must use all of his skills to discover who she is, her last location and why she lost her memory. Aunjanue Ellis (“True Blood”) returns as the CBI’s new boss, Special Agent Madeleine Hightower.
••”Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Leslie plays host to the Parks and Recreation department from Pawnee’s sister city, Boraqua, Venezuela, and is shocked at the cultural differences. Fred Armisen (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
••”Private Chefs of Beverly Hills” (9 p.m. on Food Network): This new series follows six gifted cooks from Big City Chefs, Beverly Hills’ premiere private chef placement agency. On-call 24/7, the chefs must cater to the whims of their over-the-top and eccentric clientele in Los Angeles’ most posh neighborhood.
••”Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of OETA’s award-winning documentary series takes a look back at prohibition. Oklahoma had been officially dry since statehood in 1907. But that hadn’t kept anyone from having a cocktail. Liquor was available by free delivery 24 hours a day from bootleggers. And cocktails and wine were served at banquets and in clubs, restaurants and hotels.
••”Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): Sam and Dean are outnumbered by demons, but are saved at the last minute by Rob (Michael Shanks, “Smallville”) and his townspeople, who are aware of the Apocalypse, and have been training to fight and kill demons.

FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2010
••”The Awkward Comedy Show” (11 p.m. on Comedy Central): This stand-up special features five quirky and eclectic comedians — Hannibal Buress, Eric Andre, Baron Vaughn, Marina Franklin and Victor Varnado — who uncover humor in a world full of stereotypes.
••”Danger Coast” (8:30 p.m. on CMT): This new series follows the dramatic exploits of Miami-Dade County’s elite waterborne Marine Operations Bureau as they engage in unexpected, life-saving activities that no training or experience could prepare them for. These heroes fight against overwhelming odds to selflessly protect the public at large, while risking their own lives.
••”Garage Mahal” (8 p.m. on DIY Network): In the Season 2 premiere, host Bill Goldberg (“The Longest Yard”) and the DIY team transform the the messy garage of late-night talk show host Jay Leno. In six days, they turn Leno’s unruly six-car, three room space into a showcase, complete with technology out of a James Bond film.
••”Gator 911″ (8 p.m. on CMT): Conservationist Gary Saurage, the owner of Texas adventure park Gator Country, goes on the hunt for his park’s namesake reptiles. Rescuing gators from unusual and precarious places, he collects them and brings them to a new and safe home.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Lyle Lovett, Doves and Noisettes.
••”The Message” (9 p.m. on TLC): In this special. private investigator Christopher Bauer gives three families the chance to send heartfelt messages to some they are desperate to find.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): One member of the team learns a secret about Dr. Proctor’s past while treating the victims of a hotel shooting.  Meanwhile, Dr. Deleo is offered a prestigious career move. Paul McCrane (“ER”) directed this episode. Michael O’Neill (“The West Wing,” “The Unit”) guest stars as orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bruce Kaye.
••”Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): Tess creates an elaborate hoax in order to kidnap Green Arrow, and she delivers him to Amanda Waller (Pam Grier, “The L Word”), who tells him that that the government is recruiting him to serve his country.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010
••”24/7 Mayweather/Mosley” (9 p.m. on HBO): This four-episode, all-access series follows two of boxing’s top performers – Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley – as they prepare for their May 1 welterweight pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas. This is Mayweather’s fourth time on “24/7,” which previously chronicled his relationship with father Floyd Sr. and uncle and trainer Roger.
••”Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installments of the locally-produced series spotlights the world’s largtest cattle auction that is held in Oklahoma City, a Duncan meat market and Perryman Ranch in Jenks.
••”Mega Piranha” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Barry Williams (“The Brady Bunch”), Tiffany (1980s singing sensation) and Paul Logan (“Megafault”) star in this new movie about a group who form an alliance to stop a mutant strain of giant ferocious piranhas that have escaped from the Amazon and are eating their way to Florida.
••”Patricia Cornwell’s At Risk” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): In this TV adaptation of crime writer Patricia Cornwell’s book, Daniel Sunjata (“Rescue Me”) and Andie MacDowell star as Massachusetts state investigator Win Garano and Boston district attorney Monique Lamont. The latter plans to launch a bold new anti-crime initiative by introducing new DNA evidence into a cold-case murder, putting herself and Garano in danger.
••“Renovation Realities” (8 p.m. on DIY): When Josh Hissong, an accomplished kitchen designer living in Spokane, Wash., bought his dream fixer-upper home, he decided to start his renovations in the kitchen. Setbacks ranging from broken windows to using the only kitchen floor-plan to start a fire when the power goes out plague this project from the very beginning.
••”Shots That Made History at the Masters” (1:30 p.m. on CBS): Hosted by CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz, this special looks back at the strokes of genius by some of the game’s greatest players that have thrilled golf fans for the last 75 years. Highlights include Gene Sarazen’s double eagle in 1935, Jack Nicklaus’s birdie on hole No. 16 in 1975 and  Tiger Woods’ chip-in on hole No. 16 in 2005.

–Penny TV

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Top 55 TV Programs for March 28-April 3, 2010

 Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 28:

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010
••“Amish Grace” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Kimberly Williams-Paisley (“According to Jim”) stars in this movie based on a true story about the aftermath that followed the 2006 schoolhouse shooting in the Amish community of Nickel Mines, Penn. The film examines a mother’s personal journey as she copes with the loss of her daughter and struggles with her community’s belief of the transcending power of forgiveness.
••”Bubba’s World” (9 p.m. on Fuel TV): This new docu-series provides exclusive access into the daily life of motocross racer James “Bubba” Stewart, who completed a perfect outdoor national motocross season in 2008 and won the Supercross Championship in 2009. The premiere will be simulcast on Fox Sports Net, Speed Channel and Fox Reality Channel.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): When ballistics tie a recent murder case of Rush’s to a serial killer who was seemingly inactive for 27 years, a tough FBI agent with ties to Stillman shows up to enlist the team’s aid in finding the killer who has eluded her for 30 years. Susanna Thompson (“Once and Again”) guest stars.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Clint Black (country singer) joins the design team in Daviess County, KY, to tell Steve and Melissa Mattingly that their single-wide trailer will be replaced by a newly constructed home built in just seven days.
••”How to Make It in America” (9:05 p.m. on HBO): While Ben is getting tight with Julie, Rachel is put off by Darren’s sudden offer to let her and Edie (Martha Plimpton, “Parenthood”) design a hotel.  To pay off an overdue debt to Rene, Cam and Ben agree to hand out Rasta Monsta samples at Union Square, but cut the job short to retrieve their tees from the silk screener.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Sharpe’s Challenge,” British soldier-heo Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean, “The Lord of the Rings”) comes out of retirement to quash a rebellion in British India and rescue his old friend. Padma Lakshmi (“Top Chef”) guest stars as Madhuvanthi, a schemer who is out to seduce Sharpe.
••”Merlin” (9 a.m. on Syfy): This series, which aired last summer on NBC, is set in the mythical city of Camelot where magic has been banned by the ruthless tyrant Uther Pendragon. All 13 episodes from Season 1 will air back-to-back in this 13-hours marathon, and Season 2 will premiere at 9 p.m. Friday on Syfy.
••”New Pollution” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): Professional surfer Matt Beacham returns for a fourth season of introducing viewers to the next generation of action sports athletes no older than 16 who are proving their skills in the hills, waves, water and streets across the world.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): After their four-month ordean on Guadalcanal, Leckie and Basilone and thousands of their comrades land in Melbourne, where they are greeted by adoring crowds and hailed as the saviors of Australia.
••“Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): When Duffy dumps Whitey (Martin Mull, “Roseanne”), he moves in with Eddie and Joy as a way of coping, but he quickly overstays his welcome and Joy wants him out.

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2010
••”10 Things I Hate About You” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In the mid-season premiere episode, Kat and Patrick are caught skipping school and both get suspended. Meanwhile, Bianca has her own problems after a secret make-out session with Joey is caught on video.
••”Castle” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In “Boom,” the second part of the story begun in “Tick, Tick, Tick …,” the serial killer remains at large and is taunting Castle, Beckett and Jordan Shaw (Dana Delany, “Desperate Housewives”) to catch him.
••“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Chuck finds himself once again at odds with his uncle, Jack Bass (Desmond Harrington, “Dexter”).  Rufus attempts to get Jenny (Taylor Momsen) back on track by volunteering to have her help with Eleanor’s fashion show, but the opportunity takes a big turn for the worse when Jenny learns that Agnes (Willa Holland, “The O.C.”) will be one of the models.
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): In the Season 3 finale, the students of Cyprus-Rhodes University are on Spring Break in Myrtle Beach, which means the year is winding down and the seniors have big decisions looming over their heads. Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”) guest stars.
••“Iraq In Fragments” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This 2007 Academy Award nominee for best documentary feature chronicles the challenging journeys of individuals living within the war-torn country of Iraq.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): To make Audrey happy, Jeff begrudgingly agrees to see a couple’s therapist (Alan Ruck, “Spin City”). Meanwhile, Russell develops a crush on Timmy’s fiance.
••”Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Season 4 opens in the immediate aftermath of Grace and Neely’s survived fall from the top of a building. Grace, now known as “Angel Cop” by Oklahoma City residents, decides to have it out with God once and for all.  But a mysterious stranger (Gordon MacDonald, “”Law & Order”) might have something to say about that. Series creator Nancy Miller, an Oklahoma City native, says the final nine episodes of the show will be “a wild and exciting ride. I want (viewers) to come away thinking this was a series that constantly surprised them and gave them Holly Hunter in a character that broke new ground for women on television.”
••”Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (noon on KOCB-34): “Dancing With the Stars” host Tom Bergeron suts in as the featured expert this week, in which contestants will face questions about the “Dancing With the Stars” series in addition to general trivia. Assisting host Meredith Vieira in delivering questions will be “Dancing with the Stars” professional dancers Cheryl Burke, Mark Ballas, Lacey Schwimmer, Chelsie Hightower, Derek Hough and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, as well as judges Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010
••“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Liam catches his stepfather (John Schneider, “Smallville”) with another woman and confronts him with his fist.  Debbie and her instructor, Kai (Greg Vaughan, “General Hospital”) share tea and conversation after yoga, but Kai oversteps his boundaries.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The final nine contestants are delighted to learn from host Alison Sweeney that the game is now going to singles and they’ll all compete as individuals for the rest of the competition.
••”Future Food” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows chefs Homaro Cantu and Ben Roche as they try to change the world one concoction at a time. In the premiere episode, they make creative seafood dishes using everything but fish.
••”Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): On Jan. 12, Haiti was leveled by one of the most devastating earthquakes in recorded history. Correspondent Martin Smith and his team arrived in Port-au-Prince within days, and this report bears witness to the disaster and the ill-coordinated relief efforts in the poorest country in the Western hemisphere.  Drawing on interviews with key officials and humanitarian experts from Port-au-Prince to New York, “The Quake” asks, can the world do better?  And how?
••”The  Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia learns more information about her husband’s fall from grace when she represents the wife of State Attorney Glenn Childs in their divorce. Titus Welliver (“Deadwood”) and Craig Bierko (“Boston Legal”) guest star.
••”Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Whatever It Takes” documents the struggles and triumphs of the first year of an innovative public high school in New York City’s South Bronx.
••”Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Season 9 introduces Saffron Burrows (“Boston Legal”) as Detective Serena Stevens, a highly educated, worldly single parent with a broad range of life experiences to draw upon in solving even the toughest of cases. Teamed with Detective Zach Nichols (Jeff Goldblum), they create a partnership of challenging intellect and street-smart savvy. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio steps into the role of Captain Zoe Callas after an action-packed two-part series premiere.
••”Little Chocolatiers” (9p.m. on TLC): This new series explores the professional and personal lives Steve and Katie Hatch, a little people who are married and run a busy chocolate shop in Salt Lake City.  In the first two episodes airing back-to-back, the Hatches are challenged to build a life-sized chocolate desk and a giant chocolate boom box.
••“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): Ella discovers someone is embezzling from WPK and framing her for it.  Reuniting on this episode are original cast members Heather Locklear, Thomas Calabro, Josie Bissett and Daphne Zuniga.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): With the team’s help, Vance faces his demons while uncovering a complex relationship with a killer that puts his whole family in danger. Penny Johnson Jerald (“24″) guest stars as State Department Official Joanne Torrence.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Max re-joins the baseball team, Drew helps Adam connect with his son. Meanwhile, Sarah strikes up a friendship with Amber’s English teacher, Mr. Cyr (Jason Ritter, “Joan of Arcadia”).
••”The Real Face of Jesus?” (7 p.m. on History Channel): In this two-hour special, a team of graphic experts seeks to to create a living, moving 3D image of the man many believe to be Jesus Christ. The starting point of this journey is an ancient 14-foot linen cloth known as the Shroud of Turin, believed by millions to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ.  Imprinted on the fabric is a faint, ghostly image of a crucified man.
••”V” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In the mid-season premiere episode, Erica finds her life in danger when she’s attacked at home. Also, a dangerous new member is recruited for the Resistance, as the Visitors shore up their defenses.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Grayson introduces girlfriend Sara (Grammy winner Sheryl Crow) to Jules and company. Jules and Sara hit it off, but when Grayson is overly attentive to his new girl, Jules warns him to back off before Sara pulls away.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the culmination of a multi-episode mystery, Mac and his team uncover the dark lair of a murderous madman, the Compass Killer (Skeet Ulrich, “Jericho”).  But as they race to save his fourth victim, the sunrise presents one final surprise that no one ever expected.
••“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chance travels to a remote Alaskan island to find a missing doctor and expose an industrial giant’s involvement in the death of a mining foreman. Moon Bloodgood (“Terminator Salvation”) guest stars.
••”In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): In the Season 3 premiere, U.S. Marshals Mary and Marshall, who work in the secretive branch of the witness protection program, search for the person who nearly killed Mary in the Season 2 cliffhanger.
••”It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): Charlie, Sally, Lucy and Marcie get ready for the big day by making several unsuccessful attempts to prepare eggs for coloring — by frying, waffle-ironing, toasting, roasting and finally making soup out of them — while Linus insists no preparation is necessary. Luckily, the Easter Beagle steps in to take care of everything.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Officer Nate Kendall (Wentworth Miller, “Prison Break”) aids a woman in trouble and becomes roped into solving a rape case. While Detectives Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson believe that Kendall is not right for the case due to his unstable personality, Executive Assistant District Attorney Sonya Paxton (Christine Lahti, “Jack & Bobby”) brings evidence of a common thread among three other rape cases.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine begins seeing a therapist who shares office space with Matthew, although it’s unclear to both whether to pursue therapy or romance. Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”) guest stars as Dr. Max Kershaw, the therapist/love interest.
••”Prison Wives” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This installment follows Juli Cummings, a glass artist from Seattle who is engaged to Richard Sipe, a man serving 71 years at Davis Correctional Center in Holdenville for manufacturing methamphetamine and other violations. Juli is fighting to get him out of prison and prepares to fly to Oklahoma to visit him.
••“The Street Stops Here” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary offers a portrait of high school basketball coach Bob Hurley Sr. and his lifelong commitment to improve the lives of students at an inner city Catholic school in Jersey City, NJ.
••”Tavis Smiley Reports” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special report delves into Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” that he delivered April 4, 1967, at Riverside Church in New York City. He made the speech exactly one year before the date of his assassination.
••”Wa$ted!” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): Host Annabelle Gurwitch is back for a third season of helping homeowners audit waste, energy, water and transportation cunsumption. Her tips help with the eco haven and save participants cash in the process.

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
••”Adam’s Rib” (7 p.m. on TCM): This 1949 film stars Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy as lawyers working on opposite sides of an attempted-murder case. Guest programmer Raquel Welch (“Thye Three Musketeers”) discusses the film with TCM host Robert Osborne during breaks. She also shares her thoughts on 1939′s “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (9 p.m.), 1961′s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (11:15 p.m.) and 1944′s “To Have and Have Not” (1:15 a.m.).
••”Beasts of the Bible” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This documentary delves into the origins of mysterious Biblical animals and examines the scientific facts behind their existence. The experts debunk myths and uncover Biblical beasts, showing what they might have looked like and who their modern day descendents may be.
••”Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the spring premiere, a subway train is thrown off the track by 60,000 gallons of flood water and a partially skeletonized body emerges out of the overflow. Clea Duvall (“Carnivale”) and Carla Gallo (“Men of a Certain Age”) guest star.
••”Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This documentary tells the inside story of one of history’s greatest business scandals, in which top executives of America’s seventh largest company walked away with over $1 billion while investors and employees lost everything.
••“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the spring premiere, Walter flashes back to 1985 while explaining Peter’s otherworldly origins to Olivia.
••”Fugitive Chronicles” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new docu-drama series brings to life compelling fugitive captures through archival footage, fugitive narrative recreated from real testimony and taped interviews with law enforcement officials. The premiere episode spotlights prison escapee Ralph “Bucky” Philips, a career criminal who spent most of his life in and out of prison.
••”Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of the locally-produced series spotlights The Culinary Institute at Platt College, where chefs who’ve worked all over the world are teaching the next generation what it takes to be the best in their field. The students are prepping for a regional competition that will put them head to head against other culinary schools from 15 states.  Last year, they took bronze.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Patrick Jane, Lisbon and the CBI team brace themselves to finally meet their new boss, Special Agent Madeleine Hightower (Aunjanue Ellis, “True Blood.”
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Pam’s contractions begin but she and Jim are determined to wait it out as long as possible so they can have more time at the hospital. Linda Purl (“Bones”) guest stars.
••”The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Host Drew Carey celebrates April Fools’ Day with special guest Kathy Kinney (“The Drew Carey Show”) As her character, Mimi, she will take over the show as executive producer and makes some unexpected changes, including adding four unusual looking male models and replacing announcer Rich Fields with a man in a monkey suit.
••”Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): When famed neurosurgeon Dr. Ginsberg and her team pay a visit to St. Ambrose to save the life of Kayla, Addison is shocked to see Amelia Shepherd – Derek’s younger sister on the team. Caterina Scorsone (“1-800-Missing”) guest stars.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this installment, journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones uncovers new information about the fall of music industry legend Phil Spector, who worked with some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. Actress Lana Clarkson turned up dead at his home, and the music producer was charged with murder.

FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010
••”Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): When comic book artist Damon Weaver begins drawing his own run-ins with ghosts before they happen, it is up to Melinda and Avery (Margaret Cho, “Drop Dead Diva”) to discover the secrets behind his art.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Yusuf, The Fray and White Lies.
••”Merlin” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In the Season 2 premiere, new servant Cedric (Mackenzie Crook, “The Office”) threatens Merlin’s position as Arthur’s right-hand-man, turning the Prince against his loyal friend.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): This new hospital drama follows a team of surgeons who thrive on the adrenaline rush of working at one of the premiere trauma facilities in the country while drawing upon their wit and irreverence to survive on the edge. As part of the Alpha Team, these professionals exclusively treat patients with life-threatening injuries.
••”A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism” (5 p.m. on HBO): Kate Winslet (“The Reader”) narrates this documentary debuting on International Autism Awareness Day. It charts the journey of a mother searching to unlock her autistic son’s mind. Traveling from Iceland to the United States and Europe, she learns how the brains of autistic children differ from “normal” children and discovers new techniques that could offer a promising future for children with autism, including her son.
••”The Pyramid Code” (7:30 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This 5-part series seeks to unlock the mysteries behind the ancient Egyptians, their technology and sacred cosmology by exploring the Egyptian pyramid fields and ancient temples.
••”Stargate Universe” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the mid-season premiere episode, The Destiny crew discovers a piece of Ancient technology that transports Colonel Everett Young to an unknown alien vessel.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Brooke Shields (“Lipstick Jungle”) traves her father’s family history to one of European aristicracy and royal connections. She also uncovers a tragic secret on her mother’s side of the family that changes the way she feels about her grandmother.
••”Wife Swap” (7 p.m. on ABC): Season 6 opens with a strict family in Alabama swapping moms with a New Jersey family that pampers their children and a collection of 14 plastic dolls they call reborn babies.

SATURDAY APRIL 3, 2010
••”30 for 30″ (3 p.m. on ABC): This installment of the ESPN film series is “Guru of Go” and coincides with the start of the NCAA Men’s Final Four. It documents the non-stop run-and-gun offensive system of Loyola Marymount’s men’s basketball team and the tragic death of star Hank Gathers.
••”Doodlebops Rockin’ Road Show” (9 a.m. on CBS): This new animated and music-filled comedy follows Deedee, Rooney and Moe Doodle on zany adventures through the Doodlenet as they help their young fans solve pre-school-relatable problems. Each episode features two original songs and encourages an understanding and appreciation of music, physical activity and health and promotes open-mindedness.

–Penny TV

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TV Premieres and Finales airing March 21-27, 2010

   Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of March 21.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

BEGINNINGS
••”Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” 8 p.m. Sunday on A&E (fifth-season premiere).
••”Breaking Bad,” 9 p.m. Sunday on AMC (third-season premiere).
••”Kirstie Alley’s Big Life,” 9 p.m. Sunday on A&E (series premiere).
••”Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” 9:01 p.m. Sunday on ABC (series preview).
••”Dancing With the Stars,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC (10th-season premiere).
••”Nurse Jackie,” 9 p.m. Monday on Showtime (second-season premiere).
••”United States of Tara,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on Showtime (second-season premiere).
••”Fly Girls,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CW (series premiere).
••”Chandon Pictures,” 8 p.m. Friday on Sundance Channel (series premiere).
••“Victorious,” 8:30 p.m. Saturday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••”Be Good Johnny Weir,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on Sundance Channel (series finale).

Pictured above: Eve Best as Dr. O’Hara and Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton in Nurse Jackie (Season 2, Episode 1) – Photo: Phil Caruso/Showtime

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Top 55 TV Programs for March 21-27, 2010

    Sunday’s
Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 21:

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2010
••”BBC Earth” (2 p.m. on BBC America): Sir David Attenborough (“The Blue Planet”) narrates five back-to-back documentaries from “The Life of Mammals” series that introduce viewers to the most diverse group of animals on Earth and tells their epic tale of survival.
••”Breaking Bad” (9 p.m. on AMC): Series star Bryan Cranston (Walt White) directs the Season 3 premiere episode titled “No Mas.” This season will explore the heightened battle and repercussions of Walt’s ruthless swirl of drugs, murder, mayhem and family.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Vera goes missing, and his team members hope that a new twist to a 2006 arson case, which Vera was secretly obsessing about, might supply some quick leads to his whereabouts. Glenn Morshower (“24″) plays a fire marshal who partnered with Vera on the arson/homicide case in 2006, and Patrick Gallagher (“Glee”) portrays a bartender at a bar where Vera’s recently become a regular. Several songs by rock group Pink Floyd will be featured throughout the episode.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Angie’s ex-boyfriend, Patrick (John Barrowman, “Torchwood”), emerges after her trip to New York. Meanwhile it’s game on between Gaby and Susan, as they go to shameless lengths to top each other’s kids. Julie Benz (“Dexter”) also guest stars.
••”Dora the Explorer” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the 10th anniversary special “”Swiper the Explorer,” Swiper attempts to swipe Dora and Boots’ ball and ends up helping them with a lost baby fox. The adventure is a big success and Swiper learns to say “thank you.” 
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Christian Slater (“The Forgotten”) joins the “Extreme” team in Hattiesburg, Miss., to help build a new home for an Army National Guard hero and his family. Celine Dion and the Jonas Brothers also make special guest appearances.
••”Gene Simmons Family Jewels” (8 p.m. on A&E): Season 5 begins with a terrifying moment for rock star Gene Simmons and his non-traditional family. Shannon has a health scare that makes the family rally and Gene is caught between two worlds – being there for the mother of his two children and being on tour with KISS.
••”Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Get a sneak peak at this new series in which chef Jamie Oliver starts a new cooking initiate that he hopes will change the way Americans eat. The series moves into its regular time period at 8 p.m. Friday, March 26.
••”Kirstie Alley’s Big Life” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new reality series chronicles the life of Golden Globe and two-time Emmy winner Kirstie Alley from her journey with her weight loss program to her life as a single mother trying to raise two normal teenagers in the Hollywood spotlight.
••”Life” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Oprah Winfrey narrates this 11-part wildlife series. The first episode titled “Challenges of Life” spotlights the ways in which animals have adapted to secure the food they need to survive.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): Part 2 in this 10-part series finds Basilone (Jon Seda) and the 7th Marines arriving on Guadalcanal to reinforce Leckie (James Badge Dale) and the rest of the 1st Marine Division as they continue to defend the crucial airstrip.
••”Thin Ice” (6 p.m. on ABC): This competition for the world’s top professional figure skaters concludes. Hosts Elisabeth Hasselbeck (“The View”) and Kurt Browning (Canadian skating champion) announce the winners of the event decided by viewer votes (50 percent) and a panel of judges.
••“Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): When Joy’s mother (Lainie Kazan, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) pays her daughter a visit, she drives Joy up the wall with her constant criticism, and Eddie makes a valiant attempt to ease the tension.

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2010
••”Be Good Johnny Weir” (9:30 p.m. on Sundance Channel): The final installment of this eight-part documentary series culminates with the U.S. Men’s National Figure Skating Championships in January, as Johnny Weir attempts to secure what may be his last chance at a place on the Olympic team.
••”The Big Sleep” (7 p.m. on TCM): This 1946 film stars Humphrey Bogart as Raymond Chandler’s classic detective Philip Marlowe, who becomes involved with a socialite, played by Lauren Bacall. Former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar discusses the film with TCM host Robert Osborne during breaks. He also shares his thoughts on 1941′s “The Maltese Falcon” (9 p.m.), 1976′s “The Shootist” (11 p.m.) and 1939′s “Stagecoach” (1 a.m.).
••”Castle” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): In this two-part episode that concludes March 29, Dana Delany (“Desperate Housewives”) guest stars as Federal Agent Jordan Shaw, an insightful and accomplished Federal Investigator who teams with Richard Castle and Detective Beckett to hunt down an elusive serial killer.
••”Dancing With the Stars” (7 p.m. on ABC): A new cast of celebrities and their professional dance partners hit the floor for with two hours of dancing. Season 10 contenders are Buzz Aldrin, Pamela Anderson, Erin Andrews, Shannen Doherty, Kate Gosselin, Evan Lysacek, Niecy Nash, Chad Ochocinco, Jake Pavelka, Nicole Scherzinger and Aiden Turner.
••”CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio’s son, Kyle, returns from combat and promptly turns to his father for help in solving a murder.
••”Hardwood” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows the journey of Hubert Davis, the son of former Harlem Globetrotter Mel Davis, as he sets out to answer questions about his life. He uses personal interviews, archival footage and home movies to delve into his father’s past in the hope of finding a new direction for his own.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted ruins Lily’s birthday dinner celebration by bringing a date, Lily goes to great lengths to keep her out of the traditional photo she takes every year of the gang. Laura Prepon (“That ’70s Show”) returns as Karen, Ted’s ex-girlfriend and Anne Dudek (“Big Love”) guest stars as Natalie, one of Ted’s dates.
••”Let’s Make a Deal” (2 p.m. on CBS): Monty Hall makes television history with a sixth decade of appearances on the game show. He will appear with host Wayne Brady every day this week and play one game on his own with audience members of his choosing. Hall originally teamed with writer-producer Stefan Hatos in 1963 to create “Let’s Make a Deal,” which ran until August 1986.  In 1990, he returned to do the game show for another cycle.
••”Nurse Jackie” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Edie Falco returns for a second season as a New York nurse who struggles to balance her demanding job with a family and long-hidden secrets that could cost her both.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Jeff and Audrey get into an argument when she discovers he does not believe her claim that she saw her grandmother’s ghost.
••”Three Sheets” (9 p.m. on FLN): Host Zane Lamprey travels around the world in search of the world’s best drinks and bar scenes, and then he tests out the local hangover cures the next morning. Wacky hangover remedies featured in this week-long marathon include sucker-fish boiled in wine (today), acupressure foot massage (Tuesday), “Star Trek” wedding vow renewal (Wednesday), 300-foot canyon swing (Thursday) and deep-fried pizza (Friday).
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy, Richard and James attempt to save the planet by building their own electric car out ogf TVR chassis and milk float batteries. Michael Sheen (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”) is featured in the star in a reasonably price car segment.
••”Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie has a return engagement with Chelsea’s best friend, while Alan has an unexpected effect on a new female patient. Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”) returns as Chelsea’s best friend and Francis Fisher (“Titanic”) guest stars as Alan’s chiropractic patient.
••”United States of Tara” (9:30 p.m. on Showtime): Toni Collette returns for a second season as a suburban wife and mother who struggles to handle the pressures of everyday suburban life while dealing with multiple personalities.
••”Unsung” (8 p.m. on TV One): Back with four new episosodes is this biographical series that celebrates the lives and careers of artists who, despite great talent, have been under-appreciated. Today’s installment focuses on Rose Royce, one of the top-selling groups of the 1970s. Upcoming episodes feature Sylvester (March 29), Stacy Lattisaw (April 12) and the Bar-Kays (April 19).

TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2010
••“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Debbie confides in Kai (Greg Vaughan, “General Hospital”), her yoga instructor, about the arrival of Dixon’s birthmother. Meanwhile, Gia (Rumer Willis, “Sorority Row”) encourages Adrianna to audition for a new band.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The contestants return to their hometowns to visit family and friends. But with those happy reunions come the challenge of continuing to eat right and exercise despite all the distractions and temptations away from the ranch.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a judge overturns a straightforward plea deal arranged by Alicia, she and Kalinda delve into the jurist’s record in an effort to understand his motivation.
••”How Much is Your Dead Body Worth?” (9 p.m. on CNBC): The medical industry’s demand for human tissue has created a lucrative black market, and some people will do anything to get their hands on your dead body. This special looks at the value of each part and uncovers the story of Michael Mastromarino, a dentist turned body snatcher, who makes millions from stolen corpses, including the body of a legendary broadcaster.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A murder investigation prompts Gibbs and the team to play family counselor to his former mentor, Mike Franks, in the hopes of preventing a bloody international conflict. Robert Patrick (“The Unit”) guest stars.
••”NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): Forensic scientist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette, “NCIS”) joins the Los Angeles NCIS team when a murder case resembles the pattern for a serial killer she has been tracking.
••”V: The Arrival” (9:06 p.m. on ABC): Catch up on the visitors and their plan for the himan race in this special clip show from the first four episodes. The series returns March 30.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 24, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Sheryl Crow guest stars as Sara, a confident wine representative who sets her sights on Grayson. Meanwhile, when Ellie tells Jules she can’t change past a certain age, Jules is determined to prove her wrong by giving up wine for a month.
••”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit follows a trail of murders that seems to align with the tour schedule of a rock star. Gavin Rossdale (“Little Black Book”) plays a Goth performer who has become lost in the frightening alter-ego that he portrays on stage — an alter-ego the BAU team suspects may be a brutal serial killer.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): After a body falls from the 59th Street Bridge, the CSI team finds a compass near the body pointing east and realizes it’s the third victim of the “Compass Killer.” Skeet Ulrich (“Jericho”) returns as the “Compass Killer.”  Nelly (“The Longest Yard”) returns as an informant who helps Detective Flack.
••”Fly Girls” (8 p.m. on CW): This new series follows five Virgin America flight attendants as they jet from one glamorous location to the next, including Las Vegas, South Beach and New York City, while pursuing good times, great parties, adventure and love. 
••”Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The “Dance in America” production titled “NY Export: Opus Jazz” is a new adaptation of Jerome Robbins’ 1958 ballet in sneakers that was filmed on location all over the five boroughs of New York. The 16 characters are updated for modern times, but the story still embodies the same theme of being young in the Big Apple.
••“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chance is knocked out when he meets the beautiful daughter of a former heavyweight champ in Vienna and must jump in the ring to protect a prize fighter on the run from a ruthless businessman. Grace Park (“Battlestar Galactica”) guest stars.
••”Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Veronia begins the difficult process of confronting her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with her therapist (Mary Stuart Masterson, “Kate Brasher”). But she finds herself at odds with Dr. Sands over a patient’s treatment.
••”The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie fears her job at the car dealership may be on the line when hardcore motivational consultant Abby (Amy Sedaris, “Strangers with Candy”) is hired to whip the sales staff into shape.  Meanwhile, with Frankie putting in extra hours at work, Mike has to deal with issues at home.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies (Chazz Palminteri, “The Usual Suspects”)might be secretly gay.
••”Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Betty is thrilled to get her braces off, courtesy of her chatty new orthodontist, Dr. Frankel (Kathy Najimy, “Sister Act”). But before this can happen, she gets knocked unconscious at a photo shoot of the “Million Dollar Bra” at the Guggenheim, spinning her into a dream sequence. Donna Murphy (“Trust Me”) also guest stars.

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010
••“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Hodgins, Sweets and Jeffersonian intern Colin Fischer (Joel David Moore, “Avatar”) take turns camping out for tickets to a movie premiere in “The Gamer in the Grease.”
••”FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Aaron delves deeper into why the black-ops Jericho unit is after his daughter and Mark continues to question Lloyd about a phone conversation that took place during their flashforwards. Tim “Timbaland Mosley (“Boogie”) guest stars.
••”The Real Housewives of New York City” (9 p.m. on Bravo): At a show during New York Fashion Week, LuAnn makes a snide remark to Bethenny, who launches into a verbal attack. Later, Bethenny hosts an event for a designer, and both Alex and Kelly show up to support her.
••”The Tiger Next Door” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special spotlights a man in Indiana who has been keeping, breeding and selling Bengal tigetrs from his backyard for more than 15 years. He claims to know exactly what they are thinking by the look in their eyes.
••“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): Matt and Caroline are surprised by the sudden reappearance of Matt’s mother Kelly (Melinda Clarke, “The O.C.”).

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010
••”Chandon Pictures” (8 p.m. on Sundance Channel): This Australian comedy series follows a deluded documentary filmmaker, whose portfolio doesnt extend much beyond weddings and children’s birthday parties. But with the help of his loyal cameraman and producer, he manages to twist each client’s brief to match his creative dreams of making “films that matter.”
••”Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars” (7 p.m. on Disney): Based on the popular books by Louise Fitzhugh, this movie is a contemporary twist on the iconic character as Harriet “The Spy” Welsch (Jennifer Stone, “Wizards of Waverly Place”) vies to become the official blogger of her high school class. 
••”Imagination Movers” (8:30 a.m. on Disney): The Movers help famed blues musician T-Bone Crosby when, after years of writing songs, he seems to be out of ideas. Grammy Award-winning blues artist and actor Chris Thomas King (“Ray”) guest stars.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Counting Crows, Melody GArdot and Hockey.
••”Top Yam: The Louisiana Yambilee Queen Pageant” (9 p.m.on TLC): Take a behind-the-scenes look at this five-day festival in Opelousas, La. Every year, the town gathers to celebrate their main crop, the yam, by holding yam cook-offs, a Yam-i-mal contest, a carnival and the pageant featuring girls competing for $500 and the opportunity to be the community’s spokesperson.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Matthew Broderick (“The Producers”) discovers that his grandmother, Mary Martindale, was a descendant from a Civil War hero, Robert Martindale, who fought at Gettysburg and joined the historic march through Georgia.

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2010
••”Believe in Oklahoma: Gone Country” (6:30 p.m. on KOCO-5): This special features music and interviews with several of the state’s top country music stars, including Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Black Shelton, Shauna Russell and Miranda Lambert.
••”Nickelodeon’s 23rd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Kevin James (“The King of Queens”) hosts the event live from UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. The slime will flow for the no-holds-barred kudo/mess-fest on the night kids rule and get to honor their favorites from the worlds of film, music, sports and television. First time Kids’ Choice nominees President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will compete in the new cutest couple category.
••”Paranormal Court” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special follows Robert Hansen, a renowned psychic medium who steps in to help families get the answers they need because the death of a loved one has left them with questions and a lack of closure. It Hansen’s psychic abilities in solving disputes when two parties come together and agree to be bound by the ruling enlisted from the other side.
••“Victorious” (8:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new comedy series follows Tori Vega (Victoria Justice, “Spectacular!”) as she unexpectedly finds herself navigating life at an elite performing arts high school. It features an ensemble cast of teens who act, sing, dance and perform to original music. The series will move into its regular 7 p.m. Sunday timeslot on April 11.

–Penny TV

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TV Premieres and Finales airing March 7-13, 2010

   Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of March 7.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

BEGINNINGS
••”What Would Brian Boitano Make?” noon Sunday on Food Network (second-season premiere).
••”Yo Gabba Gabba,” 9:30 a.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (third-season premiere).
••”Turf War,” 8 p.m. Monday on DIY (series sneak peek).
••”Food Wars,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Travel Channel (series premiere).
••”America’s Next Top Model,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CW and 6 p.m. Saturday on KOCB (14th-season premiere).
••”High Society,” 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on CW and 7:30 p.m. Saturday on KOCB (series premiere).
••”First Love, Second Chance,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TV Land (series premiere).
••”Billy the Exterminator,” 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on A&E (second-season premiere).
••”Sober House With Dr. Drew,” 9 p.m. Thursday on VH1 (second-season premiere).
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••”The Guard,” 8 p.m. Saturday on ION (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••”Hannah Montana,” 6:30 p.m. Sunday on Disney (first installment of two-part finale).
••”Big Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (fourth-season finale).
••”Top Gear,” 7 p.m. Monday on BBC America (13th-season finale).
••”Make It or Break It,” 8 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (first-season finale).
••”White Collar,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on USA Network (first-season finale).
••”Wild Recon,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Animal Planet (first-season finale).
••”Psych,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on USA Network (fourth-season finale).
••”Supernanny,” 8 p.m. Friday on ABC (sixth-season finale).
••”NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS (sixth-season finale).

Pictured above: Tyra Banks, America’s Next Top Model – Cycle 13

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