And the 61st annual Emmy Awards go to …
Winners in 28 categories will be revealed during the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards that will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 7 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 20, 2009) on CBS.
Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”) will host the ceremonies, and he is also a nominee for supporting actor in a comedy series.
Nominees with Oklahoma ties include Kristin Chenoweth from Broken Arrow (her second in a row as supporting actress in a comedy series for “Pushing Daisies”); Jeanne Tripplehorn from Tulsa (supporting actress in a miniseries/movie for “Grey Gardens”); and Holly Hunter, whose role as Oklahoma City police detective Grace Hanadarko in “Saving Grace” earned her a second straight lead actress in a drama series nomination.
Other Oklahoma nominee connections:
“Big Love,” which is up for outstanding drama series, features two Tulsa natives in its cast. Tripplehorn plays Barb Henrickson (the first wife on the show about Bill Henrickson and his three wives). Mary Kay Place plays Adaleen Grant (mother of second wife, Nicki).
“The Amazing Race,” which last season featured contestant Christie Volkmer from Choctaw, is up for best reality competition series. The category was added six years ago, and the “Race” won every one.
“Saturday Night Live,” which is up for outstanding variety, music or comedy series, features Tulsa native Bill Hader in its cast. Since he joined the show in 2005, “SNL” has won three Emmys — for outstanding hairstyling in a multi-camera series or special (2008), outstanding original music and lyrics (2007) and outstanding technical direction, camerawork, video for a series (2007).
Here is a complete list of nominees for the Primetime Emmy Awards telecast. Fill out a ballot and see if the academy gets it right. Last year, the voters didn’t agree with me. I was 6-for-28.
–Penny TV
Supporting Actor In Comedy Series
Tracy Morgan, “30 Rock” (NBC)
Jack McBrayer, “30 Rock” (NBC)
Kevin Dillon, “Entourage” (HBO)
Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother” (CBS) (Penny’s Pick)
Rainn Wilson, “The Office” (NBC)
Jon Cryer, “Two And A Half Men” (CBS)
Supporting Actress In Comedy Series
Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock” (NBC)
Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies” (ABC) (Penny’s Pick)
Amy Poehler, “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
Kristen Wiig, “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
Vanessa Williams, “Ugly Betty” (ABC)
Elizabeth Perkins, “Weeds” (Showtime)
Supporting Actor In Drama Series
William Shatner, “Boston Legal” (ABC)
Christian Clemenson, “Boston Legal” (ABC)
Aaron Paul, “Breaking Bad” (AMC)
William Hurt, “Damages” (FX) (Penny’s Pick)
Michael Emerson, “Lost” (ABC)
John Slattery, “Mad Men” (AMC)
Directing For Variety/Music Series
“American Idol” (Fox)
“Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS)
“Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)
Supporting Actress In Drama Series
Cherry Jones, “24″ (Fox)
Rose Byrne, “Damages” (FX)
Sandra Oh, “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC) (Penny’s Pick)
Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
Dianne Wiest, “In Treatment” (HBO) (Last year’s winner)
Hope Davis, “In Treatment” (HBO)
Writing For Variety/Music Series
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien” (NBC)
“Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central) (Last year’s winner)
“Daily Show/Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)
Lead Actress In Miniseries/Movie
Chandra Wilson, “Accidental Friendship” (Hallmark)
Shirley MacLaine, “Coco Chanel” (Lifetime)
Drew Barrymore, “Grey Gardens” (HBO)
Jessica Lange, “Grey Gardens” (HBO)
Sigourney Weaver, “Prayers For Bobby” (Lifetime) (Penny’s Pick)
Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
“Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS)
“Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central) (Last year’s winner)
Directing For Comedy Series
“30 Rock” Apollo, Apollo episode (NBC)
“30 Rock” Reunion (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“30 Rock” Generalissimo (NBC)
“Entourage” Tree Trippers (HBO)
“Flight Of Conchords” Tough Brets (HBO)
“The Office” Stress Relief (NBC)
Writing for Comedy Series
“30 Rock” Reunion episode (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“30 Rock” Apollo, Apollo (NBC)
“30 Rock” Mamma Mia (NBC)
“30 Rock” Kidney Now! (NBC)
“Flight Of Conchords” Prime Minister (HBO)
Made For Television Movie
“Coco Chanel” (Lifetime)
“Grey Gardens” (HBO)
“Into The Storm” (HBO)
“Prayers For Bobby” (Lifetime)
“Taking Chance” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
Supporting Actor In Miniseries/Movie
Ken Howard, “Grey Gardens” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
Len Cariou, “Into The Storm” (HBO)
Tom Courtenay, “Little Dorrit” (PBS)
Andy Serkis, “Little Dorrit” (PBS)
Bob Newhart, “The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice” (TNT)
Directing For Miniseries/Movie/Special
“Generation Kill” (HBO)
“Grey Gardens” (HBO)
“Into The Storm” (HBO)
“Little Dorrit” (PBS)
“Taking Chance” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
“Wallander: One Step Behind” (PBS)
Writing for Miniseries/Movie/Special
“Generation Kill” (HBO)
“Grey Gardens” (HBO)
“Into The Storm” (HBO)
“Little Dorrit” (PBS)
“Taking Chance” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
Supporting Actress in Miniseries/Movie
Jeanne Tripplehorn, “Grey Gardens” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
Shohreh Aghdashloo, “House Of Saddam” (HBO)
Janet McTeer, “Into The Storm” (HBO)
Cicely Tyson, “Relative Stranger” (Hallmark)
Marcia Gay Harden, “The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler” (CBS)
Reality/Competition Program
“American Idol” (Fox)
“Dancing With The Stars” (ABC)
“Project Runway” (Bravo)
“The Amazing Race” (CBS) (winner the last six years) (Penny’s Pick)
“Top Chef” (Bravo)
Miniseries
“Generation Kill” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
“Little Dorrit” (PBS)
Original Music And Lyrics
“81st Annual Academy Awards” (ABC)
“A Colbert Christmas” (Comedy Central) (Penny’s Pick)
“A Muppets Christmas” (NBC)
“Flight Of The Conchords” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
“The 2008 ESPYS” (ESPN)
Directing For A Drama Series
“Battlestar Galactica” Daybreak (Syfy) (Penny’s Pick)
“Boston Legal” Made In China (ABC)
“Damages” Trust Me (FX)
“ER” And In The End (NBC)
“Mad Men” The Jet Set (AMC)
Writing for Drama Series
“Lost” The Incident episode (ABC) (Penny’s Pick)
“Mad Men” A Night To Remember (AMC)
“Mad Men” Six Month Leave (AMC)
“Mad Men” The Jet Set (AMC)
“Mad Men” Meditations Emergency (AMC)
Lead Actor In Miniseries/Movie
Kiefer Sutherland, “24: Redemption” (Fox)
Kevin Kline, “Cyrano de Bergerac” (PBS)
Brendan Gleeson, “Into The Storm” (HBO)
Ian McKellen, “King Lear” (PBS)
Kevin Bacon, “Taking Chance” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
Kenneth Branagh, “Wallander: One Step Behind” (PBS)
Lead Actor In Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock” (NBC) (last year’s winner)
Jemaine Clement, “Flight of the Conchords” (HBO)
Tony Shalhoub, “Monk” (USA)
Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)
Steve Carell, “The Office” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
Charlie Sheen, “Two And A Half Men” (CBS)
Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Sally Field, “Brothers & Sisters” (ABC)
Glenn Close, “Damages” (FX) (last year’s winner)
Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC)
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men” (AMC)
Holly Hunter, “Saving Grace” (TNT) (Penny’s Pick)
Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer” (TNT)
Lead Actor In Drama Series
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad” (AMC) (last year’s winner)
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter” (Showtime)
Hugh Laurie, “House” (Fox)
Gabriel Byrne, “In Treatment” (HBO)
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men” (AMC)
Simon Baker, “The Mentalist” (CBS) (Penny’s Pick)
Lead Actress In Comedy Series
Tina Fey, “30 Rock” (NBC) (last year’s winner)
Christina Applegate, “Samantha Who?” (ABC)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “The New Adventures Of Old Christine” (CBS)
Sarah Silverman, “The Sarah Silverman Program” (Comedy Central)
Toni Collette, “United States Of Tara” (Showtime) (Penny’s Pick)
Mary-Louise Parker, “Weeds” (Showtime)
Host For Reality Program
Ryan Seacrest, “American Idol” (Fox)
Tom Bergeron, “Dancing With The Stars” (ABC)
Heidi Klum, “Project Runway” (Bravo)
Jeff Probst, “Survivor” (CBS) (last year’s winner)(Penny’s Pick)
Phil Keoghan, “The Amazing Race” (CBS)
Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio, “Top Chef” (Bravo)
Comedy Series
“30 Rock” (NBC) (winner the last two years)
“Entourage” (HBO)
“Family Guy” (Fox)
“Flight Of The Conchords” (HBO)
“How I Met Your Mother” (CBS)
“The Office” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“Weeds” (Showtime)
Drama Series
“Big Love” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Damages” (FX)
“Dexter” (Showtime)
“House” (Fox)
“Lost” (ABC)
“Mad Men” (AMC) (last year’s winner)
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Aug. 16-22
Friday is when The Oklahoman
posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Aug. 16.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“2 Months, $2 Million,” 8 p.m. Sunday on G4 (series premiere).
••“Kourtney and Kloe Take Miami,” 9 p.m. Sunday on E! (series premiere).
••“Mad Men,” 9 p.m. Sunday on AMC (third-season premiere).
••“My Antonio,” 9 p.m. Sunday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“Reality Hell,” 9:45 p.m. Sunday on E! (series premiere).
••“Glenn Martin, DDS,” 7 p.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).
••“Top Gear,” 7 p.m. Monday on BBC America (seventh-season premiere).
••“Flipping Out,” 9 p.m. Monday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••“Hoarders,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (series premiere).
••“Shaq Vs.,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“The Universe,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on History (fourth-season premiere).
••“Masters of Reception,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TLC (series premiere).
••“Secret Lives of Women,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on WEtv (fifth-season premiere).
••“Bobb’e Says,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••“Dude, What Would Happen,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••“Ghost Hunters,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Syfy (fifth season resumes).
••“Top Chef: Las Vegas,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (sixth-season premiere).
••“Black Gold,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on truTV (second-season premiere).
••“Blog Cabin,” 8 p.m. Thursday on DIY (third-season premiere).
••“Project Runway,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (sixth-season premiere).
••“Models of the Runway,” 10 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (series premiere).
••“Deadly Women,” 8 p.m. Friday on Investigation Discovery (third-season premiere).
••“Jockeys,” 9 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“Making Over America With Trinny and Susannah,” 9 p.m. Friday on TLC (series premiere).
••“Can You Teach My Alligator Manners?” 5:25 a.m. Saturday on Disney (second-season premiere).
••“Ask Aida,” 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (third-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Cake Boss,” 9 p.m. Monday on TLC (first-season finale).
••“Miami Social,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (first-season finale).
••“Top Chef Masters,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (first-season finale).
••“Most Popular,” 9 p.m. Thursday on WEtv (first-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“Mad Men,” 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday on AMC.
••“One Tree Hill,” 7 a.m. to noon Sunday on SoapNet.
••“M*A*S*H,” 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Aug. 23 on TV Land.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for Aug. 16-22, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which
includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Aug. 16:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, AUG. 16
◊“2 Months, $2 Million” (8 p.m. on G4): This new series follows four young online poker pros, who move to Las Vegas for the summer with the goal of collectively earning $2 million in two months. While Brian, Emil, Jay and Dani seem to eat, sleep and drink poker, they also take time out to explore the Vegas scene.
◊“Cracking the Ocean Code” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): Join genome pioneer J. Craig Venter on a globe-circling ocean voyage, seeking new life forms and genetic secrets that could help solve the planet’s most urgent energy and climate challenges.
◊“Defying Gravity” (9 p.m. on ABC): The crew of the Antares face their first major crisis when the ship inexplicably begins to shut down all of its operating systems, causing the sudden failure of power, heat and gravity controls and plunging everyone aboard into chaos during the desperate search for a solution.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Eric considers the management-company offer while trying to patch things up with Ashley following a Freudian slip.
◊“Hudson Plane Crash — What Really Happened” (8 p.m. on TLC): New footage and exclusive interviews wuth crew, survivors and rescuers tell the story of Flight 1549 that lost both engines over New York City and landed without a single death.
◊“Kourtney and Kloe Take Miami” (9 p.m. on E!): This new series follows sisters Kourtney and Kloe Kardashian as they leave Los Angeles and move to South Beach to launch a second DASH boutique.
◊“Mad Men” (9 p.m. on AMC): Change is in the air at Sterling Cooper, the ad agency at the center of this drama series beginning its third season. At the end of last season, the agency had new owners from across the pond, and Don (Jon Hamm) had just found out he and Betty (January Jones) had a baby on the way. A marathon of Season 2′s 13 episodes begins at 6 a.m., leading up to the Season 3 premiere that will be presented with limited commercial breaks.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the Inspector Lewis mystery “Old School Ties,” Lewis and Hathaway (Kevin Whately, Laurence Fox) are assigned to protect a former computer criminal (Owen Teale), now a successful author, when he comes to speak at Oxford. It’s a dull job until a student turns up strangled and the author is shot.
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 a.m. on SoapNet): Go back to school with the network’s five-hour marathon of the show’s school-themed episodes.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Arthur kills a unicorn, a curse descends on Camelot, threatening the destruction of the mythical city.
◊“My Antonio” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new series follows “General Hospital” star Antonio Sabato Jr. on his search for true love. Thirteen women will be competing for his affection, and Sabato’s ex-wife even shows up and asks him to take her back.
◊“The Pink Panther” (7 p.m. on BBC America): The network is devoting the next three Sundays to celebrating Peter Sellers’ work as Inspector Clouseau, beginning with the 1964 comedy written and directed by Tulsa native Blake Edwards.
◊“Reality Hell” (9:45 p.m. on E!): The subjects of this hidden-camera hybrid show think they are contestants on a real reality show. They gear up for their 15 minutes of fame, only to have it turn into a time of infamy.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): The sharks consider biting into a gourmet food business, and the bidding for a life-saving idea reached $1 million.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Elvis Presley is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing on the 32nd anniversaey of his death are 1957′s “Jailhouse Rock” (noon), 1967′s “Clambake” (5:15 p.m.) and 1958s’s “King Creole” (9 p.m.).
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from John Carpenter of Hamden, Conn. He was the show’s first $1 million winner who used “Phone a Friend” on his last question to call his dad that he knew the answer and was about to win.
MONDAY, AUG. 17
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): A murder case involving extreme plastic surgery leads Horatio to Ron Saris, who is alive and seeking revenge on Julia. Elizabeth Berkley (“The L Word”) and Brooke Burns (“Miss Guided”) guest star.
◊“Cake Boss” (9 p.m. on TLC): In the Season 1 finale, a family-owned business asks Buddy and Carlo’s team to honor their patriarch by creating a special cake featuring their company’s product — fireworks.
◊“Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi” (8 p.m. on HBO): Ajmal Naqshbandi was a young Afghan hired as a translator by foreign journalists covering events in his homeland. In 2007, he was hired by an Italian journalist to secure an interview with a top Taliban commander, but it turned out to be his final job, ending in a highly publicized kidnapping and murder.
◊“Flipping Out” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Obsessive-compulsive house-flipper Jeff Lewis returns for a third season of his docu-series. The economy has taken its toll on his business, and Jeff hires some fresh new faces in hopes of turning things around.
◊“Glenn Martin, DDS” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new stop-motion animated comedy follows the offbeat adventures of dentist Glenn Martin and his family, who trade in the suburbs for a life on the road in an RV, which doubles as Glenn’s dentist office. The voice cast includes Kevin Nealon (“Weeds”), Catherine O’Hara (“For Your Consideration”) and Judy Greer (“Arrested Development”).
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): The competition intensifies among the remaining three families as they cross into California and fight to secure a spot in the final two.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include a dagger that may have belonged to dictator Benito Mussolini, letters from a man who may have been part of the post-slavery exodus to Liberia and a device that could have had something to do with nuclear attack preparedness.
◊“Hoarders” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new series delves into the lives of people who fill their homes with stuff and can’t throw anything out. The premiere introduces Jennifer and Ron, whose house is so cluttered they’re afraid their children will be taken away.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Barney and Abby realize that they have one thing in common — their mutual hatred of Ted — the “couple” decides to go to the bar to flaunt their new relationship in Ted’s face. Britney Spears (“Crossroads”) guest stars.
◊“Lloyd Boston’s Style at Any Age” (8 p.m. on FLN): Lloyd Boston (“Closet Cases” host) helps three women — a single girl in her 20s, a stay-at-home mother in her 30s and a career woman in her 40s — find their unique style self. Boston will address elements of fashion, as well as the tools each woman will need to help them go after their goals and achieve the lifestyle that they want.
◊“Objects and Memory” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Frank Langella (“Kitchen Confidential”) narrates this special that examines the response to items recovered or offered after 9/11 and other national tragedies.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Tulsa-born actress Jennifer Jones is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1964’s “Ruby Gentry” (9 a.m.), 1952′s “Carrie” (8:30 p.m.) and 1955′s “Good Morning, Miss Dove” (12:30 a.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This British series enters its seventh season of taking extraordinary and ordinary cars to the limit and beyond to find out if they’re as good as their manufacturers claim. Celebrity guests, industry experts, racing drivers and car nuts join hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Jason May and Richard Hammond to give new cars a thorough examination.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from Brian Fodera of Los Angeles. He was the show’s second contestant to get the first question wrong.
TUESDAY, AUG. 18
◊“Masters of Reception” (9 p.m. on TLC): In the series premiere, reception masters Robert and Jerry Frungillo have their work cut out for them with two big wedding extravaganzas in one weekend.
◊“Miami Social” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 1 finale, George’s mom is coming to town for a visit and he is nervous about her meeing Lina, who infurieates George by not showing up for dinner with his mother and friends.
◊“Nova scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Neil deGrasse Tyson looks into personal genetic profiling. He also visits an algae farm in Texas where researchers are working on ways to harvest fuel from the organisms. Another segment goes beneath the Arctic Ocean in search of clues to whether one of Jupiter’s moons could sustain life.
◊“Shaq Vs.” (8 p.m. on ABC): In this new competition series, NBA standout Shaquille O’Neal will take his athletic prowess beyond the basketball court and strive to become a champion in a new sporting event each week. In the premiere episode, Shaq takes on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in a football challenge. In upcoming episodes, Shaq will challenge Olympian Michael Phelps in swimming, Wimbledon champion Serena Williams in tennis, fighter Oscar de la Hoya in boxing, St. Louis Cardinals player Albert Pujols in baseball and Olympic gold medalists Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor in beach volleyball.
◊“Secret Lives of Women” (9 p.m. on WEtv): This series continues its fearless portrait of women facing out-of-the-ordinary situations. Season 5 opens with “Mothers of Murderers,” in which women whose children have killed try to come to terms with the pain, regret and forgiveness it takes to carry on with their lives. Other topics this season include extreme diets, cults, nast divorces and mail order brides.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: John Wayne is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1960’s “The Alamo” (11 a.m.), 1965′s “The Sons of Katie Elder” (7 p.m.) and 1969′s “True Grit” (9:15 p.m.).
◊“Time Team America” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The archaeologists have three days to map, dig and uncover what remains of Fort James, S.D. In 1865, a unit of cavalry soldiers were sent there to defend pioneer settlers against Sioux Indians.
◊“The Universe” (8 p.m. on History): With ground-breaking new discoveries and even more stunning high-definition computer animations, it’s a wondrous yet deadly adventure through space and time in Season 4. Topics this season include the lethal surprises of our ringed planets, quasars that burn with the intensity of a trillion suns and a countdown of the biggest blasts to ever rock the cosmos.
◊“Warehouse 13″ (8 p.m. on Syfy): Pete and Myka rejoin their Secret Service detail in Washington to intercept a samurai sword that’s about to be given as a gift to the president. CCH Pounder (“The Shield”) guest stars.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from Doug Van Gundy of Elkins, W.V. He won $250,000 in 1999, which at the time was the largest amount of money won in a single network game show appearance.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 19
◊“Black Gold” (9 p.m. on truTV): In Season 1, competing oil crews put everything they could into erecting their rigs and successfully drilling crude before the other crews could get to it. This season will focus on the roughnecks of Rig 28, who have a seemingly impossible job. Assembled by oilman Autry Stephens, they have only 50 days to try to save the lease on a very valuable piece of land before it expires.
◊“Bobb’e Says” (7 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In this new series, Bobb’e J. Thompson (“30 Rock”) hits the streets, malls and beaches to dispense invaluable advice to the masses by telling them what not to do. He uses his charm, wit and personality, along with video clips of other people’s mistakes, to illustrate his hysterical words of wisdom.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the kidnapping of a young boy in Las Vegas, Dr. Reid begins to have dreams that may help reveal some buried memories from his childhood. Jane Lynch (“Two and a Half Men”) guest stars as Dr. Reid’s mother, Diana Reid.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a man falls 52 stories to his death and his body goes missing after it hits the ground, the CSIs must treat this strange development as a missing persons case. Thad Luckinbill (“The Young and the Restless”) and Craig T. Nelson (“Coach”) guest stars.
◊“Dude, What Would Happen” (7:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network): Armed with an insatiable thirst for answers and an unlimited access to anything and everything, hosts CJ, Ali and Jackson conduct extreme experiments that lead to some very outrageous results in this new series. The trio of friends have no labs and no limits to what they’ll think of next.
◊“Fastest Growing Companies of 2009″ (8 p.m. on CNBC): Each September, Fortune Magazine publishes its fastest growing companies and six stocks to buy now list. CNBC Managing Editor Tyler Mathisen and Fortune Magazine Managing Editor Andy Serwer co-host this special that profiles five companies that made it onto the list, including the company that owns the No. 1 spot. The companies are ranked on revenue, earnings growth, and their stock returns over the past three years.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The series chronicling the exploits of Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, plumbers by day and amateur paranormal investigators by night, resumes its fifth season. In this episode, they’re on the trail of an “Inhuman Entity.”
◊“Gordon Ramsay’s F Word” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Actress Jessica Hynes (“Doctor Who”) challenges chef Gordon Ramsay with her macaroni and cheese. And in the restaurant, the diners enjoy a three-course meal cooked by actor Christopher Biggins (“Revelations”) and family.
◊“In a Dream” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This documentary follows artist Isaiah Zagar and his muse and gallerist wife Julia who are fixtures in the South Philadelphia art scene. It was directed by their youngest son, Jeremiah, and offers a portrait of love and betrayal and the strength of family bonds.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Red Skelton is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1950’s “Watch the Birdie” (2:45 p.m.), 1941′s “Whistling in the Dark” (7 p.m.) and 1944′s “Bathing Beauty” (11:45 p.m.).
◊“Time Team Special Edition” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special two-hour presentation from the United Kingdom’s archaeolgy series “Time Team” takes viewers on an expedition to Jamestown, Va. The trip yields some fascinating finds that offer insight into the settlers and their fates.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (8 p.m. on Bravo): Season 6 features two brothers among the 17 chef-testants. Cookbook author, actress and host Padma Lakshmi returns to preside over the judge’s table alongside judges Tom Colicchio, chef/owner of Craft Restaurants; Gail Simmons, Food & Wine magazine; and Toby Young, food critic. Also appearing in the premiere episode is chef Wolfgang Puck.
◊“Top Chef Masters” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the first-season finale, three accomplished chefs stand to face their final challenge — the creation of a four-course meal, with each course inspired by a memoray from their past.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from Dan Doody of Seattle. He was nicknamed “Doo dy” by Regis and won $1,000.
THURSDAY, AUG. 20
◊“Blog Cabin” (8 p.m. on DIY): Licensed contractor and home improvement expert Amy Matthews will host Season 3 of the interactive building series. Kevin “O’Connor (“This Old House”) will help create the mountainside vacation home, along with numerous DIY experts including Jason Cameron (“Man Caves”), Jimmy DiResta (“Against the Grain”). Once completed, the cabin will be given away to a lucky sweepstakes winner.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Hodges and Wendy run into each other at a science fiction convention for one of their favorite classic television shows, they end up investigating the murder of one of their beloved actors. Kate Vernon (“Battlestar Galactica”) guest stars as Dr. Penelope Russell.
◊“Models of the Runway” (10 p.m. on Lifetime): This new companion series to “Project Runway” will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the reality competition – from the models’ perspective. Viewers can experience the drama, anxiety, joys, tears and frustrations as the models themselves face elimination each week and compete for a cash prize and photo spread in Marie Claire magazine.
◊“Most Popular” (9 p.m. on WEtv): This game show in which one woman braves a hailstorm of judgement and goes home with up to $10,000 just for being herself, ends its first-season run.
◊“Project Runway” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Heidi Klum returns as host for Season 6. Also returning are mentor Tim Gunn (Liz Claiborne Chief Creative Officer) and judges Michael Kors (fashion designer) and Nina Garcia (Fashion Director of Marie Claire Magazine), who will guide 16 new contestants as they show off their design skills to see who makes the cut for New York’s Fashion Week.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Miriam Hopkins is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1949’s “The Heiress” (5 p.m.), 1932′s “Trouble in Paradise” (8:45 p.m.) and 1935′s “Barbary Coast” (midnight).
◊“Wicked Attraction” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new installment focuses on Alicia Woodward and John Esposito, a young couple that traveled across the country and committed robberies in Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas and Alabama.
FRIDAY, AUG. 21
◊“Deadly Women” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): Back for a third season, this series investigates the motives of female murderers and takes viewers on a journey into the world of women who kill for thrills.
◊“Eureka” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Eureka-fied baby gifts for Allison’s shower push the envelope of eco-friendly design and prove deadly when rival scientists are found drowned. Billy Campbell (“The 4400”) guest stars.
◊“Hard Rock Calling Festival” (8 p.m. on VH1 Classic): Hosts of “That Metal Show” take viewers back stage to the festival held June 12-14 in London. Headliners at the concert in Hyde Park include Bruce Springsteen and the E! Street Band, Neil Young, Dave Matthews Band and Ben Harper.
◊“Invitation Only: Reba McEntire” (8 p.m. on CMT): Country music star Reba McEntire, who was born in McAlester, performs before a small audience in Nashville, Tenn. She also takes questions from fans and delivers revealing and candid answers.
◊“Jockeys” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): As Season 2 starts, the jockeys are inching closer to their dream of riding in the Kentucky Derby. Crey Nakatani, who suffered an injury and was out for two months, is ready to fight his way back to the top.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk assumes the identity of a dead hit man in an effort to foil an assassination plot. Guest stars include Reed Diamond (“Dollhouse”), Tim Bagley (“Will & Grace”) and Eric Balfour (“Six Feet Under”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the FBI is called in to investigate a series of home invasions, the team uses Charlie and his math skills to help profile the suspects, but when his calculations go awry during a raid, Don suffers a life-threatening injury. Michael Gaston (“Fringe”) guest stars.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Gene Hackman is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1961’s “Mad Dog Coll” (5 a.m.), 1964′s “Lilith” (5 p.m.) and 1988′s “Mississippi Burning” (11 p.m.).
SATURDAY, AUG. 22
◊“Acceptance” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Joan Cusack (“Working Girl”) and Mae Whitman (“Arrested Development”) star in the new comedy about the pressures of today’s col;ege admissions process. It is based on the critically acclaimed book “Acceptance: A Novel” by Susan Coll.
◊“Ask Aida” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): In the season premiere, host Alsa Mollenkamp perfects three different types of burgers — a bacon cheeseburger topped with chilo mayo, a canjun veggie burger and cheesey sliders — to satisfy all cravings.
◊“Can You Teach My Alligator Manners?” (5:25 a.m. on Disney): Season 2 of this short-form animated series has Mikey helping his pet alligator, Al, learn about using proper manners in a number of new situations, including at family meals, at the supermarket and on an airplane trip.
◊“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installment focuses on Oklahoma connections in cartoons and comic strips, including the fact that Donald Duck is from Watonga, an Enid man created Dick Tracy and Yogi Bear camps in Eufaula.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Sterling Hayden is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1955’s “Battle Taxi” (5 a.m.), 1949′s “Manhandled” (9 p.m.) and 1952′s “The Golden Hawk” (12:30 a.m.).
◊“Without a Trace” (7 p.m. on CBS): Series star Eric Close (Martin Fitzgerald) directed this episode in which Jack grudgingly agrees to search for Hannah’s boyfriend who disappears after he runs away from Chicago to be with her in New York. Adam Kaufman (boyfriend of series star Poppy Montgomery) reprises his role as Brian Donovan, the father of Samantha’s son, Finn.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for July 26-Aug. 1, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of July 26:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JULY 26
◊“Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This special finds thre Doctor (David Tennant) trapped on a desert alien planet with a red double-decker bus but no Tardis. He soon discovers the mysterious planet holds secrets hidden in the sand and is forced to team up with thief Lady Christina (Michelle Ryan, “Bionic Woman”) to get back to Earth.
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Jane’s past catches up with her when a case from the prior year is up for retrial. She has difficulty containing her emotions and is thrown in contempt of the court. Rosie O’Donnell (“The View”) and Chuck Woolery (“Love Connection”) guest star.
◊“Easy Money” (6 p.m. on CW): This canceled drama about a family of loan sharks and the mother (Laurie Metcalf, “Roseanne”) who heads up the company, returns to burn off its four unaired episodes.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The Kadzis family’s hurricane-damaged home in Tallahassee, Fla., was rebuilt and modified in seven days to meet their special needs. Three days after the family received their new home, living father and husband George succumbed to brain cancer.
◊“Food Network Challenge” (7 p.m. on Food Network): “Sesame Street” turns 40 this year, and to honor the characters that have taught generations to play nice, four pastry chefs will create “Sesame Street”-inspired cakes.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment titled “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?” the last words of a dying man lead the sole witness to team with a beautiful socialite to find out if foul play was involved. Miss Marple joins them as they land in a hotbed of homicide and intrigue.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): Merlins is forced to choose between a young druid’s life and his sworn destiny to protect Arthur. What Merlin doesn’t know is that his decision will come back to haunt him.
◊“The Michael Jackson Story” (7 p.m. on TV One): This new documentary kicks off the networks’ “Forever Michael Week” that was originally scheduled to celebrate Michael Jackson’s highly anticipated London concerts. In addition to the documentary, which charts the superstar’s career from his days as a shy young child in Indiana through his last days as a closeted icon, the week will include “The Jackson: An American Dream” miniseries (8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday) and the “Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration” concert (8 p.m. Friday).
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The installment titled “Silence of the Bees” explores the international emergency researchy that is underway to uncover the cause of the massive die-offs of honeybees, which could be a potential ecological disaster.
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): The remaining three finalists lunch with Emeril Lagasse (“Emeril”) and learn that they must create a three-course menu for a group of culinary elite inspired by a screening of Columbia Pictures’ movie “Julie & Julia,” which opens Aug. 7 in theaters.
◊“One Hot Summer” (6 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Attorney Margarita Santos (Vanessa Marcil, “Without a Trace”) has a good life in Miami. But it’s turned upside down when her ex-lover (Casper Van Dien, “Watch Over Me”) comes to town and is willing to do anything to get her back. The film is part of the networks’ best seller summer and is based on the novel by Carolina Garcia-Aguilera.
◊“The Storm” (8 p.m. on NBC): In this new two-part movie, a young scientist (James Van Der Beek, “Dawson’s Creek”) enlists the aid of a reporter (Teri Polo, “Meet the Parents”) to help him expose a billionaire’s (Treat Williams, “Everwood”) ill-advised attempt to control the weather, which has unleashed catastrophic storms around the globe. The conclusion airs Aug. 2.
◊“Stories from the Vaults: Nature’s Vault” (7 p.m. Sunday on Smithsonian Channel): Host Tom Cavanagh (“Trust Me”) goes behind the scenes to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama to track sloths.
◊“Thunderheads” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This special takes viewers on a thrilling ride with scientists battling to better understand the role of thunderstorms in the climate change puzzle.
MONDAY, JULY 27
◊“The Bachelorette” (7 p.m. on ABC): Jillian Harris, who had her romantic dreams crushed when Jason Mesnick passed her over in the last season of “The Bachelor,” is the one making her choice for her ideal romantic mate as the reality series closes out its fifth season. The “After the Final Rose” special will air at 9 p.m. Tuesday.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio and the team go head-to-head with a defense attorney (Sean Combs, “A Raisin In the Sun”) who may be involved in a murder cover-up.
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): When the five remaining families hit the mid point of Route 66, a messy pie-eating contest ensues. It’s then on to the open road through the expansive Southwest, with stops in Albuquerque for a hot air baloon ride and Arizona to see the Meteor Crater.
◊“Hair: Let the Sunshine In” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary examines the origins, impact and enduring power of the rock musical that opened off-Broadway in 1967.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investivated include a fragment that may have been a piece of Amelia Earhart’s plane, a Colorado home whose supports may have been constructed from a railroad boxcar and a letter from President Millard Fillmore commuting the death sentence of an American Indian.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): .When Barney loses his “mojo,” he attends the Victoria’s Secret Fall Fashion Show after-party to get himself back on track. But his smooth operating skills are put to the test when he meets supermodel Heidi Klum (“Project Runway”). Wayne Brady (“The Wayne Brady Show”) also guest stars.
◊“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (9 p.m. on Bravo): When Proposition 8 is passed in California, Kathy realizes that even though bshe has always been a gay rights activist, there is still work to be done. She stops by the home of Melissa Etheridge where the singer likens her to Sally Field in “Norman Rae” and christens Kathy “Norma Gay.”
◊“Making His Band” (9 p.m. on MTV): Viewers have seen Sean “Diddy” Combs create a hip-hop group, a female pop group and a male R & B group. Now he is creating a group to perform on what he is calling his last album. Those who make it through the early auditions will spend several weeks proving their worth and ultimately Diddy will choose the best of the best to be in his band.
◊“Rising Icons” (9:30 p.m. on BET): This new series highlights eight of the world’s most influential newfound artists. Each episode will take viewers on an up close and personal journey behind the scenes with the artists, giving viewers a glimpse into their road to stardom and revealing what it takes to be successful in music and entertainment today. Artists featured include Chrisette Michele, Hal Linton, Keri Hilson, Kid Cudi, Melanie Fiona, Ryan Leslie, The-Dream, and Wale.
◊“The Yes Men Fix the World” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary follows pranksters Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, aka The Yes Men, as they infiltrate the world of big business and pull off outrageous pranks in an effort to highlight the human toll of greed and profiteering.
◊“Way Too Early With Willie Geist” (4:30 a.m. on MSNBC): In this new morning talk show, Willie Geist (“Morning Joe”) will offer viewers everything they need to know to start the morning – from news and politics to sports and pop culture. he will continue to co-host “Morning Joe” that follows at 5 a.m.
TUESDAY, JULY 28
◊“America’s Got Talent” (8 p.m. on NBC): Contestants who made it through the first round of auditions descent upon Las Vegas. Judges David Hasselhoff, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne will deliberate, debate and determine which of the acts will make it into the elite Top 40.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): Two identical twin sisters, seemingly polar opposites, discover that their paths to recovery may be intertwined.
◊“Deconstruction” (9:30 p.m. on DIY): Licensed contractor Matt Blashaw hosts this show that explores the science behind home improvement., such as how pressurized wood gets treated and if home insulation is really fire retardant.
◊“The Lazy Environmentalist” (8 p.m. on Sundance): The final episode of this series, which shows individuals that a green lifestyle can be achieved with little sacrifice, offers ecologically-sound options to a bartender in Brooklyn and the boss of Vox Entertainment in Los Angeles.
◊“More to Love” (8 p.m. on Fox): Supermodel Emme hosts this new series, in which 20 full-figured women compete for the attention of Luke Conley, 26, a college football player-turned-subcontractor and real estate investor who is seeking romance.
◊“NOVA scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Neil deGrasse Tyson looks at the oldest known organic molecules on Earth and neuronal processes that lead to producing sound.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): British filmmaker Kim Longinotto’s documentary “Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go” explores Oxford’s Mulberry Bush School for emotionally disturbed children. It’s an unusual school in which a patient and gentle staff counters extreme, sometimes violent behavior with consolation and mild restraint in a world where troubled kids trying to survive are given a glimmer of hope.
◊“The Superstars” (7 p.m. on ABC): After weeks of different challenges, the “Superstars” champion is crowned. The final events include kayak pursuit, tug-o-war and a triathlon
◊“Unforgettably Evil” (9 p.m. on Starz): Film critic Richard Roeper hosts this documentary that explores film’s many faces of evil. It includes interviews with Eric Roberts (“Heroes”), Kristanna Loken (“BloodRayne”), Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds”) and the late David Carradine (“Kung Fu Killer”).
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Joe E. Brown was born on this day in 1892, and TCM celebrates the occassion by airing 10 of his films, including 1932′s “Fireman, Save My Child” (8:45 a.m.), 1935′s “Alibi Ike” (3 p.m.) and 1936′s “Sons O’ Guns” (5:30 p.m.).
◊“Warehouse 13″ (8 p.m. on Syfy): Artie is kidnapped by a young woman who believes he is responsible for the death of her brother 12 years earlier. Artie learns there is more to the brother’s fate than he knew, and he might still have a chance to make things right. CCH Pounder (“The Shield”) guest stars.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
◊“Favorite Child Stars: Where Are They Now?” (9 p.m. on E!): Who traded in their movie screen time for army boot camp? What child dtar is now a hit record-maker? Tune in to this special that will reveal the secret lives of former child celebrities.
◊“Holidate” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): This new reality series focuses on two different women each week who are both successful and dynamic bit unlucky in love. These women will switch cities and embark on a series of three dates hand-selected by the other woman.
◊“The Nine” (9 p.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): Viewers will finally have the opportunity to watch the previously unaired final four episodes of this 2007 drama that was pulled from the ABC lineup after nine episodes. The drama delves into the lives of nine people who forge a common bond when they live through a 52-hour hostage standoff during a bank robbery.
◊“The Philanthropist” (9 p.m. on NBC): Teddy and Philip’s college friend asks for their help to negotiate with both the Indian and Pakistani governments in an attempt to rebuild the region’s water system and reopen the line of control that divides the ancient land of Kashmir in two.
◊“Tattoo Highway” (10 p.m. on A&E): In the Season 1 finale, the bus travels to Phoenix to meet newlyweds who want matching bride and groom sugar skulls tattooed on their calves. Tommy gets agitated because the couple doesn’t like his sugar skull and makes him draw the design multiple times.
◊“Time Team America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The team heads to the picturesque canyons of Utah to determine what went wrong for the Fremont Indians, who vanished 1,000 years ago.
◊“Top Chef Masters” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Top top six chefs, including Oklahoma-born Rick Bayless, advance to the finals and must now face-off for the ultimate title. Each is asked to produce their signature dish, only to find they must re-create their competitor’s unique dish.
◊“Ultimate Fighting: Fistful of Dollars” (9 p.m. on CNBC): Correspondent Scott Wapner travels to Germany for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first-ever event in mainland Europe. He also profiles a stable of skilled fighters who have helped the league grow from a dying franchise to a global sensation in less than a decade.
THURSDAY, JULY 30
◊“30 Rock” (7 p.m. on NBC): Jack turns to Kenneth for help when an aggressive West Coast NBC executive (Will Arnett, “Arrested Development”) declares that he is after Donaghy’s job. Al Roker (“Wake Up With Al”) also guest stars.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston and Riley are taken hostage during the aftermath of a shootout in an usually calm Las Vegas community. Denzel Whitaker (“The Great Debaters”) guest stars.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (7 p.m. on ABC): Derek’s mother, Carolyn (Tyne Daly, “Cagney & Lacey”), makes a surprise visit to Seattle and meets Meredith for the first time, as Mark tries to conceal his relationship with Lexie from her as well. Jessica Capshaw (“The Practice”) and Eric Stoltz (“Mask”) also guest star.
◊“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss is the newest housewife on the show, which returns for its second season. The series offers an up-close and personal look at five women from Atlanta’s social elite as they juggle their burgeoning careers and busy home lives with the whirl of city.
◊“Royal Pains” (9 p.m. on USA): Hank unexpectedly takes on a successful children’s book illustrator who has a serious heart condition, causing tension between him and Jill.
FRIDAY, JULY 31
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dean Cain (“Clubhouse”) heads back to the classroom to win big for chartiy. He will be able to “peek” and “copy” from the show’s fifth-grade students in order to determine the correct answer and graduate toward the top prize of $1 million.
◊“Eureka” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Tempers and tensions run high as Eureka hosts long-term rival Area 51 in their bi-annual Eureka-fied bowling tournament. Ever Caradine (“Commander in Chief”) guest stars.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): A feud between rival Chinese gangs leads to the kidnapping of an undercover agent and the re-appearance of the enigmatic Samuel Kraft. Kelly Hu (“Martial Law”) guest stars.
◊“Training Day” (7 p.m. on AMC): Denzel Washington earned an Oscar for best actor for this 2001 police drama. He breaks type memorably as a veteran of the Los Angeles narcotics beat who deals dirty in getting the goods on really bad guys. Ethan Hawke plays his new partner, a rookie who can’t believe much of what he witnesses as they make their rounds.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): Justin’s new vampire girlfriend, Juliet, gets the Russos to change their lifestyle by adding healthy foods and exercise. However, Alex is concerned about Juliet’s true intentions for Justin when she discovers that vampires like the taste of healthy blood.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
◊“Assault in the Ring” (9 p.m. on HBO): This documentatry revisits the ill-fated 1983 junior middleweight fight between Billy Collins Jr. and Luis Resto and its subsequent effect on both boxers. It was discovered that the padding had been illegally removed from Resto’s gloves by his trainer before the fight. Resto was subsequently incarcerated and banned from the sport, while the brutally beaten Collins went into a tragic downward spiral.
◊“Dirty Sexy Money” (9 p.m. on ABC): Patrick meets again with Congressman Whatley (John Schneider, “Smallville”) who hit on him, but this time it is the congressman’s wife, Dana (Krista Allen, “The Starter Wife”), who is making moves on Patrick.
◊“Face the Ace” (8 p.m. on NBC): Actor Steve Schirripa (“The Sopranos”) hosts this new seven-episode game show, in which amateurs take on world-class poker players in hope of winning $1 million. The amateur selects one of four doors, behind each of which is a seasoned poker pro such as Phil Ivey, Erick Lindgren or Chris Ferguson. If the player beats the pro, he can take his winnings and leave or face another pro for a chance at higher winnings.
◊“Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith” (8 p.m. on Hallmark): A newly divorced woman (Cybill Sheperd, “The L Word”) returns to finish her degree, but she soon figures out the college scene has changed in the last 30 years. While her roommate may be only as old as her kids, they aren’t as different as they think, as both of them fall in love with the same professor (Jeffrey Nordling, “Dirt”).
◊Rocky Bal-Blowout movie marathon (12:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on SPIKE): The first five “Rocky” movies will air back-to-back, beginning with 1976′s “Rocky.” It will be followed by 1979′s “Rocky II” at 3 p.m., 1982′s “Rocky III” at 5:30 p.m., 1985′s “Rocky IV” at 8 p.m. and 1990′s “Rocky V” at 10 p.m.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Henry Fonda is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1940′s “The Grapes of Wrath” (7 p.m.) and 1935′s “The Farmer Takes a Wife” (9:15 p.m.).
–Penny TV
Complete list of 2009 Emmy Nominations, including Oklahoma ties
Kristin Chenoweth
Oklahoma-born actresses Kristin Chenoweth and Jeanne Tripplehorn received Emmy nominations Thursday (July 16).
Chenoweth, a Broken Arrow native, received an outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series nod (her second in a row) for her work on “Pushing Daisies,” which was cancelled after two seasons on ABC.
Tripplehorn, a Tulsa native, was nominated for outstanding supporting actress in a miniseries or movie for her portrayal as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the HBO movie “Grey Gardens.”
There are other Oklahoma ties among the nominees for the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, which will be handed out Sept. 20 in Los Angles.
“Big Love,” which is up for outstanding drama series, features two Tulsa natives in its cast. Tripplehorn plays Barb Henrickson (the first wife on the show about Bill Henrickson and his three wives). Mary Kay Place plays Adaleen Grant (mother of second wife, Nicki).
Jeanne Tripplehorn
Holly Hunter received an outstanding lead actress in a drama nod (her second in a row) for playing Oklahoma City police detective Grace Hanadarko on “Saving Grace.” The series is now in its third season, with new episodes airing at 9 p.m. Tuesdays on TNT.
“The Amazing Race,” which last season featured contestant Christie Volkmer from Choctaw, is up for best reality competition series. The category was added six years ago, and the “Race” won every one.
“Saturday Night Live,” which is up for outstanding variety, music or comedy series, features Tulsa native Bill Hader in its cast. Since he joined the show in 2005, “SNL” has won three Emmys — for outstanding hairstyling in a multi-camera series or special (2008), outstanding original music and lyrics (2007) and outstanding technical direction, camerawork, video for a series (2007).
CBS will broadcast the Primetime Emmys live at 8 p.m. Sept. 20. Two-time Emmy nominee Neil Patrick Harris of “How I Met Your Mother” will host the event.
Two-time Emmy winner Kathy Griffin will host the 2009 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards Sept. 12, which is where the bulk of the Primetime Emmys will be handed out. The event will air as a two-hour special on E!
–Penny TV
Complete List of 2009 Emmy Nominations
Outstanding Comedy Series
Entourage • HBO
Family Guy • FOX
Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
How I Met Your Mother • CBS
The Office • NBC
30 Rock • NBC
Weeds • Showtime
Outstanding Drama Series
Big Love • HBO
Breaking Bad • AMC
Damages • FX
Dexter • Showtime
House • FOX
Lost • ABC
Mad Men • AMC
Outstanding Miniseries
Generation Kill • HBO
Little Dorrit • PBS
Outstanding Made For Television Movie
Coco Chanel • Lifetime
Grey Gardens • HBO
Into The Storm • HBO
Prayers For Bobby • Lifetime
Taking Chance • HBO
Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report • Comedy Central
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Comedy Central
Late Show With David Letterman • CBS
Real Time With Bill Maher • HBO
Saturday Night Live • NBC
Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Special
Chris Rock – Kill The Messenger • HBO
Kathy Griffin: She’ll Cut A Bitch • Bravo
The Kennedy Center Honors • CBS
Ricky Gervais: Out Of England – The Stand-Up Special • HBO
Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush • HBO
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory • CBS
Jemaine Clement, Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
Tony Shalhoub, Monk • USA
Steve Carell, The Office • NBC
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock • NBC
Charlie Sheen, Two And A Half Men • CBS
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad • AMC
Michael C. Hall, Dexter • Showtime
Hugh Laurie, House • FOX
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment • HBO
Jon Hamm, Mad Men • AMC
Simon Baker, The Mentalist • CBS
Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Kevin Kline, Cyrano de Bergerac (Great Performances) • PBS
Brendan Gleeson, Into The Storm • HBO
Sir Ian McKellen, King Lear (Great Performances) • PBS
Kevin Bacon, Taking Chance • HBO
Kiefer Sutherland, 24: Redemption • FOX
Kenneth Branagh, Wallander: One Step Behind • PBS
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures Of Old Christine • CBS
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who? • ABC
Sarah Silverman, The Sarah Silverman Program • Comedy Central
Tina Fey, 30 Rock • NBC
Toni Collette, United States Of Tara • Showtime
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds • Showtime
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters • ABC
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer • TNT
Glenn Close, Damages • FX
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men • AMC
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace • TNT
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Chandra Wilson, Accidental Friendship • Hallmark Channel
Shirley MacLaine, Coco Chanel • Lifetime
Drew Barrymore, Grey Gardens • HBO
Jessica Lange, Grey Gardens • HBO
Sigourney Weaver, Prayers For Bobby • Lifetime
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Kevin Dillon, Entourage • HBO
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother • CBS
Rainn Wilson, The Office • NBC
Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock • NBC
Jack McBrayer, 30 Rock • NBC
Jon Cryer, Two And A Half Men • CBS
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
William Shatner, Boston Legal • ABC
Christian Clemenson, Boston Legal • ABC
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad • AMC
William Hurt, Damages • FX
Michael Emerson, Lost • ABC
John Slattery, Mad Men • AMC
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Ken Howard, Grey Gardens • HBO
Len Cariou, Into The Storm • HBO
Bob Newhart, The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice • TNT
Tom Courtenay, Little Dorrit • PBS
Andy Serkis, Little Dorrit • PBS
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies • ABC
Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live • NBC
Kristin Wiig, Saturday Night Live • NBC
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock • NBC
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty • ABC
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds • Showtime
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Rose Byrne, Damages • FX
Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy • ABC
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy • ABC • ABC Studios
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment • HBO
Hope Davis, In Treatment • HBO
Cherry Jones, 24 • FOX
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Marcia Gay Harden, The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler (Hallmark Hall Of Fame Presentation) • CBS
Jeanne Tripplehorn, Grey Gardens • HBO
Shohreh Aghdashloo, House Of Saddam • HBO
Janet McTeer, Into The Storm • HBO
Cicely Tyson, Relative Stranger • Hallmark Channel
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series
Beau Bridges, Desperate Housewives • ABC
Justin Timberlake, Saturday Night Live • NBC
Steve Martin, 30 Rock • Gavin Volure • NBC
Jon Hamm, 30 Rock • NBC
Alan Alda, 30 Rock • NBC
Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series
Edward Asner, CSI: NY • CBS
Ted Danson, Damages • FX
Jimmy Smits, Dexter • Showtime
Ernest Borgnine, ER • NBC
Michael J. Fox, Rescue Me • FX
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series
Christine Baranski, The Big Bang Theory • CBS
Gena Rowlands, Monk • USA
Betty White, My Name Is Earl • NBC
Tina Fey, Saturday Night Live • NBC
Jennifer Aniston, 30 Rock • NBC
Elaine Stritch, 30 Rock • NBC
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series
Sharon Lawrence, Grey’s Anatomy • ABC
Ellen Burstyn, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
Brenda Blethyn, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
Carol Burnett, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
CCH Pounder, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency • HBO
Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program
Phil Keoghan, The Amazing Race • CBS
Ryan Seacrest, American Idol • FOX
Tom Bergeron, Dancing With The Stars • ABC
Heidi Klum, Project Runway • Bravo
Jeff Probst, Survivor • CBS
Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio, Top Chef • Bravo
Outstanding Special Class – Short-format Animated Programs
Disney’s Phineas And Ferb • Disney Channel
SpongeBob SquarePants • Nickelodeon
Outstanding Special Class Programs
81st Annual Academy Awards • ABC
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony • NBC
Carnegie Hall Opening Night 2008: A Celebration of Leonard Bernstein (Great Performances) • PBS
George Carlin: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize • PBS
The 62nd Annual Tony Awards • CBS
Outstanding Special Class – Short-format Live-Action Entertainment Programs
Battlestar Galactica: The Face Of The Enemy • Syfy.com
Bruce Springsteen Super Bowl Halftime Show • NBC
The Daily Show: The Daily Show Correspondents On Jon Stewart • ComedyCentral.com
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog • drhorrible.com
30 Rock’s Kenneth the Web Page • NBC.com
Outstanding Special Class – Short-format Nonfiction Programs
Jay Leno’s Garage • jaylenosgarage.com
Writer’s Draft • Fox Movie Channel
Outstanding Children’s Program
Hannah Montana • Disney Channel
iCarly • Nickelodeon
Wizards Of Waverly Place • Disney Channel
Outstanding Children’s Nonfiction Program
Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? With Maria Shriver • HBO
Nick News With Linda Ellerbee Coming Home: When Parents Return from War • Nickelodeon
Outstanding Nonfiction Special
The Alzheimer’s Project: Momentum In Science (Parts 1 & 2) • HBO
Farrah’s Story • NBC
Michael J. Fox: Adventures Of An Incurable Optimist • ABC
102 Minutes That Changed America • HISTORY
Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired • HBO
Outstanding Nonfiction Series
American Experience • PBS
American Masters • PBS
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations • Travel Channel
Biography • BIO
Deadliest Catch • Discovery Channel
This American Life • Showtime
Outstanding Reality Program
Antiques Roadshow • PBS
Dirty Jobs • Discovery Channel
Dog Whisperer • NGC
Intervention • A&E
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List • Bravo
MythBusters • Discovery Channel
Outstanding Reality – Competition Program
The Amazing Race • CBS
American Idol • FOX
Dancing With The Stars • ABC
Project Runway • Bravo
Top Chef • Bravo
Exceptional Merit In Nonfiction Filmmaking
The Memory Loss Tapes • HBO
Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery • HBO
Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming
American Experience • The Trials Of J. Robert Oppenheimer • PBS
American Masters • Jerome Robbins: Something To Dance About • PBS
Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business Of America • PBS
Penn & Teller: Bull….! • Showtime
Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired • HBO
Outstanding Sound Editing For A Series
Battlestar Galactica • Syfy
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation • CBS
Smallville • CW
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles • FOX
24 • FOX
Outstanding Sound Editing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special
The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler (Hallmark Hall Of Fame Presentation) • CBS
Generation Kill • HBO
Into The Storm • HBO
The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice • TNT
Outstanding Sound Editing For Nonfiction Programming (Single Or Multi-Camera)
The Amazing Race • CBS
American Masters • Glass: A Portrait Of Philip In Twelve Parts • PBS
China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province • HBO
102 Minutes That Changed America • HISTORY
Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired • HBO
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour)
Battlestar Galactica • Syfy
Boston Legal • ABC
House • FOX
Lost • ABC
24 FOX
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Miniseries Or A Movie
Generation Kill • HBO
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story • TNT
Grey Gardens • HBO
Taking Chance • HBO
24: Redemption • FOX
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation
Entourage • HBO
Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
The Office • NBC
Scrubs • ABC
30 Rock • NBC
Weeds • Showtime
Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Variety Or Music Series Or Special
81st Annual Academy Awards • ABC
American Idol • FOX
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony • NBC
Bruce Springsteen Super Bowl Halftime Show • NBC
Dancing With The Stars • ABC
The 51st Annual Grammy Awards • CBS
Outstanding Sound Mixing For Nonfiction Programming
The Amazing Race • CBS
American Idol • FOX
Deadliest Catch • Discovery Channel
102 Minutes That Changed America • HISTORY
Survivor • CBS
Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Series
Battlestar Galactica • Syfy
Fringe • FOX
Ghost Whisperer • CBS
Heroes • NBC
Sanctuary • Syfy
Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special
Generation Kill • HBO
Into The Storm • HBO
Outstanding Stunt Coordination
Burn Notice • USA
Chuck • NBC
Criminal Minds • CBS
My Name Is Earl • NBC
24 • FOX
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Series
American Idol • FOX
Dancing With The Stars • ABC
Jimmy Kimmel Live • ABC
Late Show With David Letterman • CBS
Saturday Night Live • NBC
Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special
81st Annual Academy Awards • ABC
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony • NBC
Bruce Springsteen Super Bowl Halftime Show • NBC
The 51st Annual Grammy Awards • CBS
The 62nd Annual Tony Awards • CBS
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
30 Rock • Reunion • NBC
30 Rock • Apollo, Apollo • NBC
30 Rock • Mamma Mia • NBC
30 Rock • Kidney Now! • NBC
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Lost • The Incident • ABC
Mad Men • A Night To Remember • AMC
Mad Men • Six Month Leave • AMC
Mad Men • The Jet Set • AMC
Mad Men • Meditations In An Emergency • AMC
Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report • Comedy Central
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Comedy Central
Late Night With Conan O’Brien • NBC
Late Show With David Letterman • CBS
Saturday Night Live • NBC
Top 55 TV Programs for July 19-25, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of July 19:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JULY 19
◊“AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute to Michael Douglas” (8 p.m. on TV Land): Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Matthew McConaughey, Tobey Maguire, Martin Sheen, Oliver Stone, Benicio Del Toro, and Kathleen Turner are among those honoring Michael Douglas as the American Film Institute’s 37th recipient of the award. His father Kirk Douglas, the 1991 AFI honoree, also makes an appearance.
◊“Held Hostage” (6 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Three masked men break into the home of Michelle Estey (Julie Benz, “Dexter”), an asistant bank vice president, and hold her and her daughter captive. It is part of the network’s “Best Seller Summer” and is based on the novel by Michelle Renee.
◊“Hell Hounds” (8 p.m. on Syfy): After his bride (Amanda Brooks, “Flightplan”) is poisoned at their wedding, a young Greek warrior (Scott Elrod, “Men In Trees”) risks a journey to Hades to rescue her from the God of the Underworld and bring her back to life. When he leaves with her, Hades sends his hellhounds to track them down and kill them. Ricky Schroeder (“Strong Medicine”) directed the movie.
◊“HGTV Design Star” (9 p.m. on HGTV): The competition series is back for Season 4 with 11 creative finalists and a judging panel featuring Genevieve Gorder (Dear Genevieve), Candice Olson (Divine Design) and Vern Yip (Deserving Design). The finalists must navigate demanding design challenges and dazzle the judges with creativity until one wins their own show on HGTV.
◊“Labor Pains” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This new original movie stars Lindsay Lohan as an assistant at a publishing company who pretends to be pregnant in order to avoid being fired by her boss. Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Chris Parnell (“Saturday Night Live”), Luke Kirby (“Tell Me You Love Me”), Kevin Covais (“American Idol”) and Janeane Garofalo (“24”) also star.
◊“Life After Film School” (6:30 p.m. on Fox Movie Channel): Film students interview Barry Josephson, producer of the 20th Century Fox release “Aliens in the Attic.” He discusses his new film starring Ashley Tisdale, Kevin Nealon, Doris Roberts and a group of kids who confront
aliens invading their vacation home. The movie opens in theaters July 31.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “They Do It With Mirrors,” Miss Marple must summon all her uncanny attention to detail to solve the case of a murder that takes place during the confusion that ensues when the power goes out during a rehearsal for an amateur show.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): Arthur becomes love-struck with a mysterious girl and stands to lose more than just his heart.
◊“Most Popular” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Graham Norton (“The Graham Norton Show”) hosts this new series that will test an audience of 100 women on snap-judgments that could cost one of seven contestants a cash prize of $10,000. The show kicks off with a special bridal episode featuring brides from the sixth season of “Bridezillas.”
◊“NewNowNext” (11 p.m. on Logo): This new special features an intimate interview with award-winning music artist Stevie Nicks. She discusses various aspects of her career as a solo artist and part of legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac. Nicks also opens up about her own inspirations and future projects.
◊“Pawn Star$” (9 p.m. on History): This new series takes viewers inside the doors of the only family-run pawnshop in Las Vegas, where three generations of men from the Harrison family – grandfather, father and son – amusingly clash while running the business together. Each episode features an array of quirky characters attempting to sell, purchase or pawn items.
◊“Shark Therapy” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian): In an attempt to overcome her shark phobia, Tanya Streeter travels to the shark hot-spot, the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. In this difficult personal journey, she freedives at night amongst feeding white-tips, discovers the curious deep-living zebra shark and comes face to face with the largest fish in the sea, the whale shark.
◊“State of Creativity” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): To prove that Oklahoma lives up to the show’s title, the producers picked one county from which to features stories. The result is 10 stories demonstrating creative ideas from Noble County, including a segment on Travis Brorsen from Perry. Last summer, he showed TV viewers that he has the “Greatest American Dog” by winning the CBS competition series and $250,000.
MONDAY, JULY 20
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): A major shootout leaves two patrol cops and an 18-year-old boy dead with lots of unanswered questions as to what happened and who else might have been involved. The investigation is made all the more difficult by the involvement of Capt. Sharon Raydor (Mary McDonnell, “Battlestar Galactica”) of the Force Investigation Division.
◊“Dating in the Dark” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In this new reality series, three men and three women share a house in which they are sequestered from the opposite sex apart from an opportunity to “date” in a completely dark room. After several days of this blind dating, each participant will pick one member of the opposite sex to be revealed in the light.
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): The families leave Missouri and head out into the prairies of Kansas and Oklahoma to see buffao and the actual setting of “Little House on the Prairie.” The dad must step up to the plate at the “King of the Road: BBQ challenge.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigation include a recording that may have played a part in the World War II treason trial of Tokyo Rose and a diary of a World War II pilot.
◊“Moonshot” (8 p.m. on History): This new special puts viewers in the cockpit alongside the crew of Apollo 11 at the moment when man first lands on the Moon. The dramatization of the Apollo 11 flight is combined with original NASA archival footage converted to high definition, news footage from around the world, mission transcripts, background interviews and other source materials.
◊“Prom Night in Mississippi” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary chronicles the historic journey of Charleston High School in Mississippi that that holds its first integrated senior prom in 2008. In 1997, Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman (??), a Charleston resident, offered to pay for the prom, under one condition: that it be integrated. Though his offer was ignored, he made it again in 2008, and this time, the school accepted.
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): Moments after being acquitted on a weapons charge, one of Jerry’s clients is re-arrested on a parole violation for weapons possession.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Much to Audrey’s dismay, Jeff’s chauvinist father, who expects Audrey to wait on him hand and foot, extends his visit after spraining his ankle. Brian Dennehy (“Murder in the Heartland”) guest stars.
◊“Solved” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This series, back for its second season, goes deep undercover to expose some of the career-defining cases of police officers and FBI agents. Each episodes features a mysterious murder case told through first person accounts.
◊TCM Goes to the Moon: Atronaut Buzz Aldrin joins TCM host Robert Osborne to introduce an evening of movies commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The movie lineup includes 1989′s “For All Mankind” (7:15 p.m.), 1983′s “All the Right Stuff” (9 p.m.) and 1969′s “Marooned” (12:30 a.m.).
◊“Three Sheets” (9 p.m. on FLN): This series, entering its fourth season, follows comedian Zane Lamprey as he engages in drinking customs around the world and befriends the people who take part in them. This season, Zane, who can say “I’m buying” in more than 37 languages, will visit Poland, Iceland, Lithuania, St. Martin, New Zealand, Panama, Namibia, Tuscany, Barbados, New Castle, Hamburg, Amsterdam and Tanzania.
◊“Torchwood: Children of Earth” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In this five-part miniseries, airing over consecutive nights, the future of the human race is in danger as every child in the world stops his routine to announce, ‘‘We are coming.” As Torchwood investigates, a trap closes around Captain Jack (John Barrowman) and sins of the past return as long-forgotten events from 1965 threaten to reveal an awful truth.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Convinced that Alan’s family doesn’t fully appreciate him, Melissa invites Alan to live with her and her mom. Carol Kane (“Taxi”) guest stars.
◊“Wake Up With Al” (6 a.m. on The Weather Channel): In this new weekday morning show, Al Roker (“Today”) will explore all aspects of the day’s weather. He will appear both in the studio, interacting with guests and viewers, and in the field, reporting on the most compelling weather stories of the day.
◊“The Wanted” (9 p.m. on NBC): This new series brings together an elite team with backgrounds in intelligence, unconventional warfare and investigative journalism. It focuses on real operators in search of real targets — all in an effort to see individuals brought to justice.
◊“Yard Crashers” (8 p.m. on DIY): In this series, now in its third season, professional landscape contractor Ahmed Hassan waits at home improvement stores looking for the perfect weekend warrior who could use his help. Once he finds his target, Ahmed and his team follow the surprised shoppers home and transform their yards.
TUESDAY, JULY 21
◊“18 Kids and Counting” (8 p.m. on TLC): While in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., the Duggars meet Dolly Parton (“9 to 5”), who is a Duggar fan. And what will the Duggars and Dolly do when they meet? Sing, of course.
◊“California in Crisis” (8 p.m. on CNBC): The world’s eighth largest economy is on the brink. This news special takes viewers inside the budget impasse, speaking to government officials, CEOs and bondholders. The ramifications of a financial failure here will impact the entire US economy as well as companies and investors worldwide.
◊“The Colony” (9:01 p.m. on Discovery): This new series challenges 10 strangers in a controlled experiment that attempts to determine exactly what it would take to survive and rebuild a functioning new society when the world has been destroyed. With no electricity, no running water and no communication with the outside world, all they have to work with are their skills and whatever tools and supplies they scavenge from their surroundings.
◊‘Hawthorne” (8 p.m. on TNT): The ER is plunged into chaos when the hospital director agrees to take on extra patients because another local ER is closed down. Among the patients is a study partner of Christina’s daughter, Camille.
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chef Gordon Ramsay welcomes 16 aspiring chefs to a sixth course of his unscripted series that begins with a two-hour season. Unlike past seasons, the signature dish challenge becomes a team challenge, pitting the men against the women. After the signature dishes of each team are presented to Gordon, one team will receive a coveted special prize, while the others will experience the agony of losing in Gordon’s kitchen.
◊“Moving Up” (7 p.m. on TLC): Hosted by Doug Wilson, this series follows along as three people move into new homes and renovate and redecorate them. Then, they have a chance to revisit their former house and see the changes – will they like what the new owners have done, or will they regret moving out of their house? In addition to great design tips, this season Doug has some surprises in store for the homeowners that help make the transformation complete. The new series premiere Tuesday, July 21 at 8 PM.
◊“NOVA scienceNow” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment looks at the science of picky eaters, capturing carbon and talking walruses.
◊“NYC Prep” (8 p.m. on Bravo): In the season finale, Kelli works on her singing career by meeting with a prominent voice coach, Taylor has her hands full with schoolwork and social activities and Jessie works on the benefit for Operation Smile.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmmaker Ellen Kuras made her directing debut with “The Betrayal (Nerakhoon),” a harrowing, Oscar-nominated account of how her co-director, Thavisouk Phrasavath, and his family escaped from Laos during the Vietnam War. Their arrival in their new home, however, forced them to face a different kind of war.
◊“Ruby & the Rockits” (7:30 p.m. on ABC Family): This new series stars Patrick Cassidy (“I’ll Do Anything”) as a former teen idol whose quiet life with his wife and two sons is upset when his former Rockits bandmate and brother, played by David Cassidy (“The Partridge Family”), shows up unexpectedly with his newfound teenage daughter, Ruby. Alexa Vega (“Spy Kids”) plays Ruby and also sings the opening title song written by Shaun Cassidy.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Graces chases after a rape and kidnapping suspect on foot and suddenly disappears, possibly becoming his latest victim. But nothing about the situation seems to make any sense, including Earl’s activities close to the investigation.
◊“Starz Inside: Zombiemania” (9 p.m. on Starz): This special traces the evolution of the zombie from its roots in African folklore and Haitian Voodoo to its curent role as pop culture icon. It features clips from a vast library of zombie films and zombie experts.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
◊“Black in America 2″ (7 p.m. on CNN): In the first installment of this two-part special, CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien reports on how community organizers across the country are creating progress and improvements at a local level. Part two airs at 7 p.m. Thursday and focuses on solutions aimed at developing black leaders of tomorrow.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the Mayor’s dead body falls from the ceiling at a charity fundraiser, Stella and her date find themselves in the middle of the crime scene. Craig T. Nelson (“Coach”) guest stars.
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): Team leader Carter has less than 12 hours to wrangle $100,000 in order to save the life of one of his undercover officers.
◊“Deadly Dance Under the Sea” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This marine wildlife documentary film features breathtaking underwater combat scenes where all marine creatues hunt, feed, attack, bite, swallow, hide and fear. From the tiniest creatures to the monster with razor sharp teeth, each has its own hunting and suvival strategy.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): When the Leverage crew tries to get a corrupt mixed martial arts promoter to invest everything he has in a fake cable television network, their con is discovered. Now, Eliot must throw a fight in order to save the day. Professional mixed martial arts fighters Ed Herman (“The Ultimate Fighter 3”) and Matt Lindland (“Ultimate Fighting Championship”) guest star.
◊“Over a Barrel: The Truth About Oil” (9 p.m. on ABC): With Americans facing yet another summer season of rising gas prices, ABC News’ Charlie Gibson has traveled the country to uncover some of the little known secrets of the oil industry, including why prices fluctuate so much and who exactly is pulling the strings. One of his stops is at a remote outpost in Cushing, where the price of a barrel of oil there dictates the price nationally.
◊“The Philanthropist” (9 p.m. on NBC): Teddy takes his ex-wife on a journey as he tells her about his business venture to Kosovo, a country full of depression and poverty since the 1990s when the Serbian army attacked the Albanian Muslims, who make up the majority of the population.
◊“Radical Hollywood Remedies” (9 p.m. on E!): This special takes an inside look at the trends and treatments found at the most elite Hollywood spas and doctor’s offices. It examines the ins and outs of the elaborate and sometimes scary treatments that have helped make the stars who they are.
◊“Time Team America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The team digs into the lives of freed slaves at the site of an Illinois town founded by a freed slave.
◊“Toddlers and Tiaras” (9 p.m. on TLC): This chronicles the lives of tiny beauties and their passionate parents as they stop at nothing to win the ultimate crown at America’s top child beauty pageants. Season 2 will feature more state and national level competitions, including the several pageants by Gold Coast Pageants — the pageant system that inspired the movie “Little Miss Sunshine.”
◊“Wide Angle” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This new documentary “The Market Maker” follows an Ethiopian economist, who sets up her country’s first commodities exchange in hopes of revolutionizing Ethiopia’s market system and end its food shortages. Unfortunately, she hadn’t counted on the disastrous collapse of the global financial market.
THURSDAY, JULY 23
◊“16 & Pregnant” (9 p.m. on MTV): The finale special hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky will feature all six teen mothers profiled in the first season. Dr. Drew will discuss each girl’s episode and update viewers on what’s going on in their lives now. This open discussion will address the controversial topics from Season 1, including birth control, adoption, abortion, marriage, religion, gossip, finances, high school graduation and employment.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When the CSIs are called to a murder scene at a familiar motel, Nick is thrown for a loop as he pieces together three separate murder investigations that all took place at the same establishment over the course of a year. Taylor Swift (best-selling musical artist of 2008) guest stars as Haley Jones, a teenaged girl whose family runs the seedy Vegas motel.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Derek’s confidence is shaken like never before as he faces off with Addison over what course is best for their dying pregnant patient; Cristina calls the abilities of a renown surgeon into question after she botches a standard procedure; and Bailey, who has decided to pursue a fellowship in Pediatrics, is appalled by the Chief’s less-than-stellar recommendation letter. Faye Dunaway (“Network”) guest stars.
◊“How Do I Look?” (8 p.m. on Style Network): The series returns for a 10th season of giving the fashion challenged a brand new look and a stronger sense of style. The series gets its own makeover, as it moves into a chic new penthouse loft, debuts some cool high-tech tools and spices up each big reveal with celebrity stylist and fashion guru Jeannie Mai as the new host.
◊“The Listener” (9:01 p.m. on NBC): When it appears a serial rapist has struck again, Toby senses Detective Marks’ guilt over failing to convict him on a previous occasion.
◊“Samantha Who?” (7 p.m. on ABC): Sam discovers that billionaire Winston Funk’s (Billy Zane, “Titanic”) ex-wife, Gigi (Angie Harmon, “Law & Order”), played an important role in her life before the accident.
◊“So You Think You Can Dance” (8 p.m. on Fox): On the show’s 100th episode, two of the final eight dancers will be sent home.
◊“Soundstage” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): With their stadium rock riffs and anthem choruses, Chicago-based Fall Out Boys offers up unparralleled energy in this set that includes their recent hits “America’s Suitehearts” and “I Don’t Care.”
◊“Southern Belles: Louisville” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): Shea’s perfect life is turned upside down when she receives some shocking news that no one saw coming on the Season 1 finale.
Also, Kellie makes several impulsive decisions regarding her boyfriend Jeff, and Hadley questions her relationship with bad boy Russ.
◊“Wild Russia” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new six-part documentary reveals the fierce beauty of the country and the animals that have adapted to survive there. It was filmed over three years and focuses on the brown bear, sea eagle, Amur tiger and arctic fox.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
◊“According to Jim” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): When Jim chokes on a shrimp puff, he dies and arrives at Heaven’s gate. With Jim on trial to prove his selfless acts on earth, best friend Andy is summoned to heaven to defend him. As Jim attempts to prove his good works to God (Lee Majors, “The Fall Guy”), his sister-in-law Dana represents the Devil (Erik Estrada, “CHiPs”), arguing that Jim’s selfishness should mean a certain trip to hell.
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on Fox): Celebrity contestants Bill Goldberg (??) and Sugar Ray Leonard (??) return to the classroom to test their knowledge of elementary school subjects ranging from geography and art to math and history. Find out how much information these stars have retained – or forgotten – since their grade-school days.
◊“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (7 p.m. on AMC): Paul Newman and Robert Redford star in this quirky 1969 Western as turn-of-the-century outlaws who become the targets of a posse after committing one too many train robberies. Oscars went to Burt Bacharach and Hal David for their score and the song ‘‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” as well as to screenwriter William Goldman and cinematographer Conrad L. Hall.
◊“The Chopping Block” (7 p.m. on NBC): The remaining two couples battle it out one last time to win the competition. In order to succeed they must remodel the restaurants, come up with a menu and provide service that is above and beyond anything they have achieved so far. Piers Morgan (“America’s Got Talent”) guest stars.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): In this episode directed by series star Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melinda confronts a crisis that grips the whole town — the unearthing of a grave that leads to a mass haunting. But that’s not nearly as scary to her as the woman who shows up to accept the engagement ring Sam bought for her.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team has only four hours to stop a group of hijackers who take a bus full of Hollywood tourists hostage. Fisher Stevens (“Early Edition”) guest stars.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): Chef Claire Robinson returns for a second season of straightforward cooking that proves delicious dishes need no more than five ingredients – making cooking easier and faster.
◊“Being Human” (8 p.m. on BBC America): This new series revolves around three twenty-somethings and their secret double-lives – as a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. Russell Tovey (“Doctor Who”), Lenora Crichlow (“Doctor Who”) and Aidan Turner (“The Clinic”) star as housemates trying to live normal lives, despite their strange and dark secrets.
◊“The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): Bill gets upset when he finds out Susan and her friends discuss their husbands during girls-only game night, and he’s determined to find out what has been said about him.
◊“Dances With Wolves” (7 p.m. on AMC): Kevin Costner directed and starred in this 1990 Academy Award winner for best picture. Costner plays an idealistic Civil War lieutenant who befriends a Sioux tribe. The picture also won Oscars for best director, screenplay, cinematography, film editing, music and sound.
◊“Dirty Sexy Money” (9 p.m. on ABC): Now a partner with Simon Elder, Tripp asks Patrick to try to reverse Congressman Charles Whatley’s (John Schneider, ??) standing against Simon’s bio-fuel that Tripp had helped influence many years earlier. And Simon tells Nola that he suspects that Jeremy’s amnesia isn’t real.
◊“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): The locally-produced show seeks out wheelchair accessible tourists destinations and explores Robbers Cave State Park on horseback.
◊“GoldenEye” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Pierce Brosnan makes his entrance as dashing Agent 007 and does a credible job filling the natty shoes of his predecessors. Perhaps even more importantly, the special effects, gags and drop-dead gorgeous women appearing in this recent James Bond outing live up to the high standards of previous films.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): In the series finale, Jack and William make plans for Jack to take his father’s place as King of Gilboa. To everyone’s surprise, Silas is alive and David escapes Shiloh to warn Silas about the chaos to come. Macauley Culkin (“Home Alone”) guest stars.
◊“Primeval” (7 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 3 finale, Helen Cutter decides the only way to stop the destruction of life on Earth is to stop humans ever evolving. So she goes back in time to the Pliocene period, intent on poisoning the very first humans that evolved in the Rift Valley in Africa.
◊“The Star Wars Spectacular” (1 p.m. on G4): This two-hour special will feature never-before-seen footage, breaking news, surprise announcements, guest stars and more. In addition, G4 will present three hours of live coverage from the San Diego Comic-Con floor beginning at 3 p.m.
◊“True Jackson, VP” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): True finds out that she will be helping the Mad Style team create a window display for the fanciest department store in New York City. True is especially excited about this assignment since it has been a childhood dream of hers. Willow Smith (daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith) guest stars.
–Penny TV
AMC celebrates 20th anniversary of ‘Lonesome Dove’ with special airing June 13-14 (2009)
Twenty years ago, CBS broadcast a
television miniseries adaptation of Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning western novel “Lonesome Dove.” It won seven Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes.
Saturday and Sunday, AMC is going to broadcast a restored widescreen version of the eight-hour miniseries starring Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Duvall, Jones, Danny Glover, Anjelica Huston and Diane Lane. It will air from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (or watch it from start to finish from 3 to 11 p.m. Sunday).
The 20th anniversary airing will also include extra content and footage of “Lonesome Dove,” which takes viewers through a story of the last defiant frontier, a daring cattle drive, and an undying love. And interspersed throughout the eight hours, Jones will speak about his time filming the western.
“There were things that were physically demanding. There were things that were emotionally demanding. There were things that were logistically demanding,” Jones says. “I loved every minute of it. I look for a good script, good company and a beautiful place to work. ‘Lonesome Dove’ certainly fulfilled all of that many times over.”
–Penny TV
Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing May 3-June 6, 2009
Will Ferrell
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of May 31.
If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
GUEST STARS
••Madchen Amick (“My Own Worst Enemy”) on “Gossip Girl,” 7 p.m. Monday on CW.
••David Arquette (“In Case of Emergency”) on “Pushing Daisies,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
••Dan Aykroyd (“Saturday Night Live”) on “According to Jim,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Mark Ballas (“Dancing With the Stars”) on “Samantha Who?” 8 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Christine Baranski (“Cybill”) on “The Big Bang Theory,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Eric Braeden (“The Young and the Restless”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Bobby Cannavale (“Third Watch”) on “Cold Case,” 7 p.m. Saturday on CBS.
••Sarah Chalke (“Scrubs”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Bradley Cooper (“Yes Man”) on “Saturday Night Live,” 10:29 p.m. Saturday on NBC.
••The Dave Matthews Band (Grammy winner) on “Today: Toyota Concert Series,” 7 a.m. Friday on NBC.
••Ron Eldard (“Blind Justice”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Giancarlo Esposito (“South Beach”) on “Breaking Bad,” 9 p.m. Sunday on AMC.
••Erik Estrada (“CHiPs”) on “According to Jim,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Will Ferrell (“Land of the Lost”) on “Man vs. Wild,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery.
••Colin Hay (Men at Work) on “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Salma Hayek (“Frida”) on “30 Rock,” 8:31 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Zeljko Ivanek (“Damages”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Penn Jillette (“Dancing With the Stars”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Jamie Kennedy (“Ghost Whisperer”) on “Million Dollar Password,” 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••John Legend (Grammy winner) on “Good Morning America: 2009 Summer Concert Series,” 7 a.m. Friday on ABC.
••Jane Lynch (“Two and a Half Men”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Norm MacDonald (“The Norm Show”) on “Million Dollar Password,” 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Lee Majors (“The Fall Guy”) on “According to Jim,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Sam McMurray (“The King of Queens”) on “Breaking Bad,” 9 p.m. Sunday on AMC.
••Gregory Michael (“Dante’s Cove”) on “Greek,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Cesar Millan (“The Dog Whisperer”) on “Bones,” 8 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Kim Myles (“Myles of Style”) on “HGTV’s $250,000 Challenge,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HGTV.
••Bob Odenkirk (“The Larry Sanders Show”) on “Rules of Engagement,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Mitch Pileggi (“The X-Files”) on “Supernatural,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CW.
••Cybill Shepherd (“Cybill”) on “Samantha Who?” 8 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Sherri Shepherd (“The View”) on “30 Rock,” 8:31 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Jerry Springer (“The Jerry Springer Show”) on “MADtv,” 10 p.m. Saturday on Fox.
••Nicholle Tom (“The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman”) on “Mental,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
••Gina Torres (“Standoff”) on “Pushing Daisies,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
••Ruth Westheimer (“Dr. Ruth’s House”) on “Here Come the Newlyweds,” 9:02 p.m. Monday on ABC.
TV Premieres and Finales airing May 31-June 6, 2009
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 May 31.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“Ice Road Truckers,” 8 p.m. Sunday on History (third-season premiere).
••“HGTV’s $250,000 Challenge,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HGTV (series premiere).
••“Jesse James Is a Dead Man,” 9 p.m. Sunday on SPIKE (series premiere).
••“Deal or No Deal,” 6 and 10 p.m. weekdays on GSN (series added).
••“I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC (second-season premiere).
••“The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien,” 10:29 p.m. Monday on NBC (series premiere).
••“Is Your House Killing You?” 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance (series premiere).
••“Man Land,” 10 p.m. Wednesday on HGTV (series premiere).
••“Burn Notice,” 8 p.m. Thursday on USA (third-season premiere).
••“The Listener,” 9 p.m. Thursday on NBC (series premiere).
••“Royal Pains,” 9 p.m. Thursday on USA (series premiere).
••“Tosh.0,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Comedy Central (series premiere).
••“Ghost Adventures,” 8 p.m. Friday on Travel Channel (second-season premiere).
••“Whale Wars,” 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (second-season finale).
••“Housecat Housecall,” 9:30 a.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“1 vs. 100,” 5 p.m. Saturday on GSN (series added).
ENDINGS
••“Breaking Bad,” 9 p.m. Sunday on AMC (second-season finale).
••“Platinum Weddings,” 9 p.m. Sunday on WEtv (second-season finale).
••“Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” 10:45 p.m. Sunday on Cartoon Network (sixth-season finale).
••“Medium,” 9 p.m. Monday on NBC (fifth-season finale).
••“According to Jim,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (series finale).
••“Dallas DNA,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Investigation Discovery (first-season finale).
••“Deadliest Warrior,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on SPIKE (first-season finale).
••“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on NBC (10th-season finale).
••“Law & Order,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on NBC (19th-season finale).
••“Make Me a Supermodel,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (second-season finale).
Top 55 TV Programs for May 31-June 6, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of May 31:
SUNDAY, MAY 31
◊“The 2009 MTV Movie Awards” (8 p.m. on MTV): Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”) hosts the 18th annual event live from Universal City, Calif. The films “Twilight” and “Slumdog Millionaire” both received nominations in six categories.
◊“Aqua Teen Hunger Force” (10:45 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In the animated show’s first live-action episode, rapper T-Pain portrays the Auqua Teen’s roommate Frylock, whose animated form looks like a floating box of french fries.
◊“Breaking Bad” (9 p.m. on AMC): On the Season 2 finale, Skyler and Walt collide as her frustration with his secrecy finally comes to a head. Also, Jesse self-destructs after a personal blow, forcing Walt to come to his aid.
◊“HGTV’s $250,000 Challenge” (9 p.m. on HGTV): Drew Lachey (“Dancing With the Stars”) hosts this new winner-take-all design competition in which five neighboring families compete to create the best design in their own home. The winner gets a cash prize that can help them pay off their mortgage.
◊“Ice Road Truckers” (8 p.m. on History): Season 3 heads to Alaska, 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle, where a group of elite truckers face their most perilous journey yet. They have less than three monthys to shuttle critical supplies to the oil camps of Alaska’s North Slope.
◊“Into the Storm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Continuing the story that began in 2002’s “The Gathering Storm,” this production finds Winston Churchill (Brendan Gleeson, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”) reflecting on how he guided Britain through World War II as he, wife Clemmie (Janet McTeer) and their daughter spend a holiday in France awaiting word on whether he has been elected prime minister for a postwar term.
◊“Jesse James Is a Dead Man” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): Each week in this new series, Jesse James (“Monster Garage”) will take on a different challenge that could literally kill him. The challenge he faces in the premiere episode is riding a Nitro-fueled motorcycle.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Inspector Wallander (Kenneth Branagh) is stunned by the murder of three teenagers on Midsummer’s Eve and sent into a spiral of intense guilt when a colleague also is found dead in the final installment of the series titled “One Step Behind.”
◊“Nature’s Most Amazing Events” (7 p.m. on Discovery): The final two installments of this six-part high-definition series feature the Kalahari Desert at the peak of the dry season and the arrival of summer along the coasts of Alaska and British Columbia.
◊“Platinum Weddings” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Black tie glamour meets SOuthern charm at Mollie and Jason’s wedding. The couple’s 280 guests will be trated to an all-expense-paid weekend in Atlanta.
MONDAY, JUNE 1
◊“Deal or No Deal” (6 and 10 p.m. weekdays on GSN): Beginning today, the network will begin airing the first three seasons of the hour-long version of this game show hosted by Howie Mandel.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): As the summer draws to a close in the Hamptons, Serena and Nate have everyone fooled into thinking they are a couple to cover up the fact that Nate has been hooking up with a married older woman (Madchen Amick, “My Own Worst Enemy”) and Serena has been secretly mourning her break-up with Dan.
◊“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Overwhelmed with loneliness since Max left for his internship, Casey finds herself latching onto her ZBZ sister’s social activities and interfering with Rusty’s new blossoming romance with Jordan. Gregory Michael (“Dante’s Cove”) guest stars.
◊“Here Come the Newlyweds” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): The eight remaining just-married couples get slightly embarrassed when famous psychosexual therapist Dr. Ruth drops by to give them relationship tips.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): A gun-wielding man (Zeljko Ivanek, “Damages”) takes House, Thirteen and several patients from the waiting room hostage in Cuddy’s office. The man claims to be sick with a long undiagnosed illness and demands medical attention from the best doctor in the hospital.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): While out for dinner with the gang, Ted runs into someone from his past that prompts each of them to think about how they would handle bumping into someone they’d rather forget. Sarah Chalke (“Scrubs”) and Eric Braeden (“The Young and the Restless”) guest star.
◊“I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” (7 p.m. on NBC): Ten celebrities are dropped into the jungles of Costa Rica, where they undergo tests of their survival skills, with viewers deciding which player will be eliminated each week. Celebrities include Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt (“The Hills”), Janice Dickinson (“The Janice Dickinseon Modeling Agency”), Stephen Baldwin (“The Usual Suspects”), John Salley (“Confessions of a Shopaholic”), Torrie Wilson (“WWF Smackdown!”) and former Sanjaya Malakar (“American Idol”).
◊“Kathy Griffin: The Footage You Weren’t Meant to See” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Relive all the good and bad time from the first four seasons of two-time Emmy-winning series “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” — all through Kathy’s comic eye. The special also includes unseen moments from the show.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): In the Season 5 finale, Allison dreams of a future where an unfamiliar man is comforting her after the loss of her entire family. She later meets the same unfamiliar man in her waking life whihc investigating a case.
◊“Muhammad Ali: Made in Miami” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This film chronicles the boxer’s arrival in Miami in 1960. Over the next few years, Ali evolved both professionally and politically.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): Audrey discovers that Russell is a closeted fan of Broadway musicals, a fact she promises to keep secret in exchange for free theater tickets. Bob Odenkirk (“The Larry Sanders Show”) guest stars.
◊“The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Conan O’Brien, the dominant late-night host at 11:35 p.m. for the past 14 seasons, will succeed Jay Leno as host of the preeminent series on late-night television.
◊“TV411” (10 a.m. on OETA-13): Some 70 million adults in America cannot read, write or speak English well enough to seek a job promotion or help their children with homework. This program is full of useful tips, such as how to decipher a pay check, keep a family medical history and get the most out of reading.
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
◊“According to Jim” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): When Jim chokes on a shrimp puff, he dies and arrives at Heaven’s gate. As Jim attempts to prove his good works to God (Lee Majors, “The Fall Guy”), his sister-in-law, Dana, represents the Devil (Erik Estrada, “CHiPs”), arguing that Jim’s selfishness should mean a certain trip to hell.
◊“Earth 2100″ (8 p.m. on ABC): This ABC News special hosted by Bob Woodruff takes viewers on a journey through what the next century could have in store and shows viewers what can be done to avoid disaster.
◊“Is Your House Killing You?” (8:30 p.m. on Sundance): The network premieres the seven-part Australian reality series hosted by environmental scientists Dr. Peter Dingle and Cedric Cheong, who have extensive experience in the field of indoor air pollution. Each episode introduces an Australian family that has reason to suspect their homes may be endangering their health and well-being.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): In the Season 10 finale, an error jeopardizes a murder case and the detectives rush to find more evidence before the killer takes revenge on the squad.
◊“Man vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Host Bear Grylls takes Will Ferrell (“Land of the Lost”) along with him for an extreme adventure in the Swedish hinterland.
◊“Mental” (8 p.m. on Fox): Director of Psychiatric Services Dr. Jack Gallagher and psychiatrist Dr. Veronica Hayden-Jones are called to the ER for a psych consult where they meet Melissa Ranier (Nicholle Tom, “(“The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman”), a woman presenting as seven months pregnant. However, the doctors are informed by the ER physician that the patient’s ultrasound did not reveal a baby.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Reid embarks on his own investigation into the murder of a young boy years earlier in Las Vegas that he strongly believes has a connection to his own childhood. Jane Lynch (“Two and a Half Men”) guest stars as Dr. Reid’s mother, Diana Reid.
◊“Law & Order” (9 p.m. on NBC): In the Season 19 finale, the murder of a charity executive leads detectives on a trail of political intrigue. The investigation takes a turn when claims of stalking and blackmail surface.
◊“Make Me a Supermodel” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The final three models go head-to-head with two major photo shoots and an extended catwalk challenge. Fashion photographer Matthew Rolston joins the four judges for the final deliberation.
◊“Man Land” (10 p.m. on HGTV): This new series explores men’s design machismo and offers viewers ideas for “manspace makeovers.” It also reveals how the women in these men’s lives feel about their guy having a separate space and how that space has changed their relationship.
◊“Renegade Genius” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Meet Thomas Gold, an original thinker whose radical theories have transformed the way science views the origin of life, how we hear sounds and what we know about space.
◊“Smile Pinki” (6 p.m. on HBO): Recent Oscar winner for best documentary short subject, this program profiles the fairytale journey of Pinki and Ghutaru, two children in rural India born with cleft lips, who are given new hope to live normal lives through the generosity and dedicated efforts of local doctors and social workers.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (7 p.m. on CBS): A disastrous visit from Mrs. Hofstadter (Christine Baranski, “Cybill”) brings Leonard and Penny closer together.
◊“Burn Notice” (8 p.m. on USA): As Season 3 opens, Michael emerges from the ocean a free agent but one who is being investigated by the police as he takes on a new job extraditing a thug.
◊“General Hospital” (2 p.m. on ABC): Lexi Ainsworth from Oklahoma City will make her debut on the ABC daytime drama today. She has been cast as Kristina, the daughter of mob boss Sonny Corinthos and princess Alexis Davis.
◊“Jimmy Kimmel Live” (7 p.m. on ABC): The late-night talk show will air special half-hour primetime shows on each night ABC airs the NBA basketball finals. Each night, Jimmy will deliver up-to-the minute news addressing the hottest topics of the day in his monologue and welcome various guest stars.
◊“The Listener” (9 p.m. on NBC): This new series stars Craig Olejnik (“The Timekeeper”) as Toby Logan, a young paramedic who goes about his rounds helping people in crisis while keeping a big secret: He has telepathic powers, which he uses discreetly in both his job and his personal life.
◊“Royal Pains” (9 p.m. on USA): This new drama starring Mark Feuerstein (“Good Morning, Miami”) centers on a young, blacklisted doctor whose career is revived when he becomes a doctor for hire to the rich and famous in The Hamptons.
◊“Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): Dean is transported back in time and is shocked when he lands in Lawrence, Kan. Dean isn’t sure why he was sent back so he begins to enjoy the time with his parents and newfound grandfather (Mitch Pileggi, “The X-Files”), who may be hiding a secret that is key to Sam and Dean’s entire predicament.
◊“Tosh.0″ (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): In this twist on pop culture shows, comedian Daniel Tosh lampoons the latest videos, blogs, vlogs, websites and technologies, as well as offering “Web Redemption” to those who have already humiliated themselves online.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
◊“Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” (7 p.m. on Fox): Twins from Orlando compete. They are in for a real 80’s treat when surprise guest, Colin Hay from Men at Work, completes the lyrics to the pop hit “Who Can It Be Now.”
◊“Ghost Adventures” (8 p.m. on Travel Channel): In this series, paranormal investigators search for haunted locations. During their search, they interview locals about the hauntings and place themselves with evil spirits during overnight lockdowns.
◊“Good Morning America” (7 a.m. on ABC): John Legend (Grammy winner) performs during the 2009 Summer Concert Series airing live from New York City’s Central Park.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): While on a date, David catches a disappearing act at a magic show but quickly becomes involved in the performance when the magician really vanishes. Penn Jillette (“Dancing With the Stars) guest stars.
◊“Whale Wars” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Captain Paul Watson and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society battle whalers, the elements and one another in the show’s second season that features new and returning crew members.
◊“Samantha Who?” (8 p.m. on ABC): Samantha teams up with her mother for a dance competition in order to beat Regina’s nemesis, Paula Drake (Cybill Shepherd, “Cybill”). The only problem is that “old” Sam could dance, whereas “new” Sam is gliding on two left feet. Mark Ballas (“Dancing With the Stars”) guest stars as Paula’s dance partner.
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): The Dave Matthews Band (Grammy winner) performs during the 2009 Toyota Concert Series airing live from New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
◊“1 vs. 100″ (6 p.m. on GSN): Beginning today, the network will begin airing the entire series run of the game show hosted by Bob Saget. Episodes will also air at noon Sundays starting June 7.
◊“Come Dance at My Wedding” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): John Schneider (“Smallville”), Roma Downey (“Touched by an Angel”), Brooke Nevin (“Worst Week”) and Christopher Jacot (“Eureka”) star in this new movie about an estranged father and daughter who may be light-on-their-feet, but who still have a few moves to learn if they are to move forward as a family.
◊“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installment of the locally-produced program showcases the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond, the Wild Things Farm in Pocola, Tulsa’s Inn at Woodward Park and Keystone Ancient Forest.
◊“The Game Show Awards” (8 p.m. on GSN): Howie Mandel (“Deal or No Deal”) hosts the inaugural event aimed at celebrating excellence in the genre of games. The show includes special tributes to Bob Barker (“The Price is Right”), game show producer Mark Goodson and Monty Hall (“Let’s Make a Deal”).
◊“Housecat Housecall” (9:30 a.m. on Animal Planet): This show returns for a second season of helping cat lovers resolve their feline dilemmas, from unruly behavior to lifestyle adjustments.
◊“Iron Maiden: Flight 666″ (11 p.m. on VH1): On February 8, 2008, British heavy rock legends Iron Maiden embarked on an ambitious and adventurous tour. The band gave full access to a film crew to document their journey and this high-definition documentary is the result. With the entire touring crew and 12 tons of music and stage equipment on board, the band flew 50,000 miles and performed in 23 sold-out stadium and arena shows across Asia, Australia and North, Central and South America.
◊“Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special explores the historical context of Johnny Cash’s concert album recorded Jan. 13, 1968 at Folsom Prison. It weaves interviews with archival photography to evoke the spirit of that day.
◊“Pushing Daisies” (9 p.m. on ABC): Emerson gets a lead in his daughter Penny’s whereabouts when he investigates the murder of millionaire Roland Stingwell. The prime suspect: Penny’s no-good mama, Lila Robinson (Gina Torres, “Standoff”), who ran off with the girl years ago. Meanwhile, an awkward Randy Mann (David Arquette, “In Case of Emergency”) tries to romance Olive.
–Penny TV
