TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Nov. 22-28, 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 Nov. 22.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“The Haunted,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Meet the Natives USA,” 10 p.m. Sunday on Travel Channel (series premiere).
••“Find My Family,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on ABC (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (seventh-season finale).
••“The Next Iron Chef,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (first-season finale).
••“Jon and Kate Plus 8,” 8 p.m. Monday on TLC (fifth-season finale).
••“Dancing With the Stars,” 8:01 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (ninth-season finale).
••“Man Shops Globe,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Sundance (series finale).
••“Shameless,” 7 p.m. Friday on Sundance (fifth-season premiere).
MARATHONS
••“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday on USA Network.
••“How Clean Is Your House?” 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday on BBC America.
••“Dogs 101/Cats 101,” 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday on Animal Planet.
••“Cake Boss,” 5 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on TLC.
••“Mythbusters,” 8 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on Discovery.
••“Untamed & Uncut,” 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet.
••“White Collar,” 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••“I’m Alive,” noon to 9 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet.
••“Deadliest Catch,” 8 a.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday on Discovery.
••“Dirty Jobs,” 10 a.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Nov. 29 on Discovery.
NOTE: Times are CT. For ET, add one hour.
Pictured above: DONNY OSMOND, KYM JOHNSON on “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC Photo)
Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 22-28, 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 Nov. 22:
NOTE: Times are CT. For ET, add one hour.
SUNDAY, NOV. 22, 2009
◊“2009 American Music Awards” (7 p.m. on ABC): The 37th annual event will honor artists in the categories of Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin and Contemporary Inspirational. And for the third year in a row, winners will be determined by online voting. Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire for favorite female country artist and Rascal Flatts for favorite country band and album.
◊“Bill Engvall: Aged and Confused” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): In this standup comedy special filmed at the Vic Theater in Chicago, the Blue Collar comedian moves away from discussing family life and what it’s like raising kids to discussing all the little everyday things that drive him nuts.
◊“The Cleveland Show” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): Cleveland celebrates his first Thanksgiving with his new family. However, the holiday gets complicated when Roberta and Federline decide to celebrate on their own. Musical artists Daryl Hall and John Oates guest star as themselves.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 7 finale, a returned favor costs Larry quality time with Cheryl.
◊“Did the Mob Kill JFK?” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Featuring an exclusive interview with a secret FBI informant, this special tracks the nexus of organized crime, the Justice Department, the CIA and attempts to overthrow Cuban leader Fidel Castro culminating in that fateful day in Dallas.
◊“Future Earth: 100 Heartbeats” (7 p.m. on MSNBC): Wildlife expert Jeff Corwin hosts this two-hour special on the plight of endangered species and the environmental heroes around the world who are working to save them. At the current rate of extinction, scientists estimate that only half of the world’s animal species will remain by the end of the 21st century.
◊“The Haunted” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series focuses on people whose animals act as mediaries to the afterworld. Often the subjects of the most intense paranormal hauntings, animals are commonly believed to be more sensitive to spirits than people. But when spirits afflict pets, the animals aren’t the only victims. Owners also fall prey to paranormal activity and will often stop at nothing to rid their homes and pets of paranormal spirits.
◊“JFK: The Ruby Connection” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special sets out to answer this by recreating and restaging the Nov. 24, 1963, shooting of Oswald at the actual Dallas police station garage where Jack Ruby shot him. The same vintage cameras and lights will be used to illustrate minute-by-minute who was standing where and why.
◊“Meet the Natives USA” (10 p.m. on Travel Channel): This new series focuses on five tribesmen from the South Pacific island of Tanna who have come to the United States to see how Americans live and to deliver a message of peace from their supreme chief to the leaders of America.
◊“The Next Iron Chef” (8 p.m. on Food Network): The remaining two chefs walk into the hallowed halls of Kitchen Stadium to complete their final test with the Chairman looking on and host Alton Brown commentating from the side.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): Fed up with Bart’s constant pranks, Principal Skinner tells him there is a former Springfield Elementary student (Jonah Hill, “Funny People”) who is hailed as the best prankster ever.
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In the new episode “Fight or Flight,” University of Oklahoma graduate Reed Timmer isn’t satisfied after he launches a remote control plane to drop data-probes into a tornado, so he punches right into an erratic storm, only to find himself with no time to get out of the way of the powerful vortices that surround him.
◊“Vampires From the Abyss” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Journey to depths of more than 13,000 feet as Science Channel searches the oceans off San Francisco for one of the most unusual organisms on the planet — the Vampire Squid.
MONDAY, NOV. 23, 2009
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): After he’s humiliated on National Public Radio, Sheldon vows to destroy Kripke, while Wolowitz tries not to destroy his new relationship with Bernadette. “Battlestar Galactica” star Katee Sackhoff appears as herself, offering Wolowitz some relationship advice.
◊“Bus 174″ (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This special documents the terrifying tale of what happened in Rio de Janeiro on June 12, 2000, when bus 174 was taken hostage by an armed man threatening to shoot all the passengers. The event played out live on over Brazilian TV networks. It became a shocking example of the incompetence by local law enforcement agencies to properly handle the situation, which appeared to be coming to a safe and peaceful conclusion until the misguided acts of a policeman changed everything.
◊“Elbert Hubbard: An American Original” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Liev Schreiber (“The Manchurian Candidate”) narrates this documentary about the life of Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915), the flamboyant founder of the Roycroft artisan community in East Aurora, N.Y. The voice of Hubbard, an influential author, publisher, lecturer and entrepreneur, is provided by Adam Arkin (“Baby Bob”).
◊“Find My Family” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): With the help of a dedicated team of researchers, hosts Tim Green and Lisa Joyner guide people searching for lost loved ones through emotional journeys that will change their lives forever.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): On the eve of Thanksgiving, the team treats a brilliant physicist (Esteban Powell, “The Cleaner), who traded his career for a job as a courier because he found intelligence to be a burden that led to depression and addiction. A myriad of strange symptoms nearly stumps the doctors, who also wrestle with strained personal relationships.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Barney freaks out when Marshall bequeaths a “slap bet” slap to Ted and Robin. Meanwhile, Lily’s estranged father (Chris Elliott, “Everybody Loves Raymond”) shows up for Thanksgiving.
◊“Jon and Kate Plus 8″ (8 p.m. on TLC): On the Season 5 finale, Kate and the kids milk cows at a dairy farm and Jon and the kids learn about firefighting. Then, Jon and Kate speak about recent life events, the series and ups and downs of the last few years.
◊“Lie to Me” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Loker investigates the origin of a deadly stampede at an electronics store on the day after Thanksgiving.
◊“Live With Regis and Kelly” (9 a.m. on CBS): Hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa are in Las Vegas for a week of telecasts originating from the city’s new resort, Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. In addition to a top-notch lineup of guests, the show will turn the spotlight on Las Vegas’ vibrant nightlife, elaborate stage productions and all of the sights and sounds of this unique oasis in the desert.
◊“The Martha Stewart Show” (2 p.m. on KSBI-52): Chef Emeril Lagasse joins Martha Stewart in the kitchen to prepare a Thanksgiving feast. And in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Martha will dedicate one segment per show to answer last-minute Thanksgiving questions via Twitter.
◊“Rita Rocks” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): When Rita’s PTA nemesis, Jennifer (Melissa Peterman, “Reba”), shows up at Bed & Bath Max blubbering about being broke and her husband running off with their maid, Rita helps her get a job at the store.
◊“Surviving the Holidays With Lewis Black” (7 p.m. on History): Armed with history and humor, Lewis Black (”The Daily Show With Jon Stewart”) explores the meaning of Kwanzaa, the history of Hanukkah, the real St. Nicholas and “interviews” ill-fated turkeys on a farm. Also appearing are Joy Behar, Bob Saget, David Alan Grier, Craig Ferguson and other comics.
TUESDAY, NOV. 24, 2009
◊“Apollo Wives” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This special looks at the wives of Apollo astronauts and what was required of them by their husbands, by NASA and by the media.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The five remaining contestants get a surprise visit from financial guru Suze Orman, who gives them tips on how toi be financially fit when they get home. Later, Hall of Fame football player Rod Woodson helps kick off an NFL challenge involving the weight they’ve each lost all season.
◊“Dancing With the Stars” (8:01 p.m. on ABC): The three remaining couples compete for the Season 9 championship. Singer Mya and her partner, Dmitry Chaplin, were early favorites to win.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia deals with tricky office politics when she’s asked to represent the firm’s senior partner after he’s arrested. Meanwhile, Peter’s evidentiary hearing hits the skids, leading Alicia to suspect that he may, in fact, actually be guilty of corruption. Chelsea Handler (”Chelsea Lately”) guest stars as herself when she interviews Peter Florrick’s mistress on her show.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): A look at our complex relationship with manufactured objects, the people who design them and the creative process behind their work.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A dead Marine’s day job at a government think tank leads Gibbs and the team into the life of a 12-year-old prodigy who may be the killer’s next target. Lisa Sheridan (”Invasion”) guest stars as Facilities Coordinator Krista Dalton. Francis Capra (”Veronica Mars”) guests as Gang Member Eddie Castillo. Ray Mabus, the 75th United States Secretary of the Navy, will make a cameo appearance.
◊“NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): Forensic scientist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette, “NCIS”) joins the Los Angeles NCIS team when a murder case resembles the pattern for a serial killer she has been tracking.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment follows heading dream researchers to witnes the experiments they use to investigate the world of sleep.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): The 152nd edition profiles an organization for paralyzed football players, follows one man’s triumphant return to Ironman competition and revisits the NFL’s efforts to curb alcohol-induced fan misconduct.
◊“So You Think You Can Dance” (7 p.m. on Fox): The top 12 dancers twist, turn and tango for the chance to get a ticket on the “Hot Tamale Train.” This is the last week that the judges decide who goes home, and then it will be solely up to America.
◊“V” (7 p.m. on ABC): On the November cliffhanger, Erica looks to uncover a biological threat from the visitors, Anna befriends a special guest inside the mothership and Chad does an investigative report on the V healing centers. The series will return with new episodes in March.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25, 2009
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment focuses on the music of folk singer Woody Guthrie, whose songs have been recorded by artists ranging from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to the Irish rock band U2.
◊“Ben 10: Alien Swarm” (6 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new live-action movie based on the popular animated franchise follows Ben (Ryan Kelley, “Prayers for Bobby”) as he breaks ranks from the Plumbers — a secret organization that battles alien forces — to help a mysterious young woman from his past uncover an alien threat to our world.
◊“The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?” (7 p.m. on NBC): This special will feature more that 40 contestants from seasons one through seven, showing how they look now and sharing what they’ve been doing with their lives since being on the show. Former players, some of whom will be surprised by visits from trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels, will also share major milestones, from getting married to having children.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): On the show’’s 100th episode, the Behavioral Analysis Unit races to help Hotchner find The Reaper (C. Thomas Howell, “The Outsiders”) and save his family before it’s too late. D.B. Sweeney (”Jericho”) also returns as US Marshall Kassmeyer.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the culmination of a multi-episode mystery, Mac and his team uncover the dark lair of a murderous madman, the Compass Killer (Skeet Ulrich, “Jericho”). But as they race to save his fourth victim, the sunrise presents one final surprise that no one ever expected.
◊“Eastwick” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Thrilled when Darryl arranges an art show for her work at his mansion — and invites New York art maven Greta Noa (Rosanna Arquette) — Roxie forgets that his motives might be less than pure. Joanna turns to her power to get her life back on track, but swiftly discovers that every action, magical or otherwise, has its consequences.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary lets Louise attend the popular girls party, he tries to keep it a secret from Allison. Meanwhile, Sasha contemplates having more than a working relationship with Gary. Victoria’s Secret Model Marisa Miller guest stars as Brittney, a fashion store clerk.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Mr. Schuester and his glee club check out their hair-raising competition, but there’s even scarier stuff going on elsewhere, as Kurt gives Rachel a makeover. Eve guest stars as the rival glee club’s instructor.
“The Jazz Baroness” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This special documents the enduring relationship between British-born heiress Pannonica Rothschild (“Nica” for short) and pianist-composer Thelonious Monk. It was directed by Nica’s great-niece Hannah Rothschild and features the voice of Helen Mirren (”The Queen”), who reads Nica’s words.
◊“Man Shops Globe” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Keith Johnson, buyer-at-large for the innovative specialty retailer Anthropologie, continues his search for unusual good while on vacation in Argentina. In the Palermo area, he combs through the offerings at a flea market, checks in with his favorite fabric merchant, who sells hand-loomed pieces from remote parts of the country and takes in two stores specializing in 20th Century pieces.
◊“Man v. Food” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): Host Adam Richman visits Little Rock, Ark., to taste the mammoth Quadruple Hubcap Burger and compete in the Shut Up Juice Spicy Pulled Pork Challenge.
◊“Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Claire and Mitchell’s mother, Dede (Shelley Long,” Cheers”), drops in for a surprise visit and is determined to make amends with everyone she offended during what has been deemed “the incident” at Jay and Gloria’s wedding.
◊“Secrets of the Dead” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The episode “Mumbai Massacre” revisits the events of Nov. 26, 2008, when a wave of orchestrated terrorism was transmitted live around the world via cell phones, the Internet, texting and social networks such as Twitter. That same technology enabled the terrorists to coordinate and plan their attacks.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Ricardo Montalban was born on this day in 1920, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of his films, including 1952’s “My Man and I” (9:45 a.m.), 1966’s “The Money Trap” (3:15 p.m.) and 1966’s “The Singing Nun” (5 p.m.).
◊“A Very Monkey Christmas” (7 a.m. on OETA-13): This holiday special finds Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat preparing for Christmas, when they encounter a dilemma–neither can figure out what to give the other for a present. It features classic Christmas carols, as well as three original songs –”Are You Ready?”, “Something As Special as You”, and “Christmas Monkey.”
THURSDAY, NOV. 26, 2009
◊“2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” (8 a.m. on NBC): “Today” show’s Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Al Roker will co-host the 83rd annual event, which has aired on NBC since 1948. More than 8,000 participants, including marching bands, celebrities, clowns, floats and giant helium balloons, will once again convene on the Upper West Side to bring the magic of the season to life. Joining the balloon team this year will be Spider-Man, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Ronald McDonald and Sailor Mickey Mouse.
◊“2009 National Dog Show Presented by Purina” (11 a.m. on NBC): Three new American Kennel Club-recognized breeds — the Irish Red and White Setter, Norwegian Buhund and Pyrenean Shepherd — will be among more than 150 breeds competing for best in breed, group winner and best in show honors at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. America’s top-ranked show dog, a Scottish Terrier named Sadie, is also entered in the event, which is co-hosted by John O’Hurley (”Seinfeld”) and David Frei (expert analyst).
◊“Beyonce: I Am … Yours” (8 p.m. on ABC): An intimate performance of Beyonce’s appearance at the Encore at Wynn in Las Vegas last summer in which she tells the story of her career through music and dance. It includes never-before-seen footage of her off stage life and rare childhood video.
◊“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this 1973 animated special, the pressure is on for Charlie Brown after Peppermint Patty decides she and the gang will have Thanksgiving dinner at ‘‘Chuck’s” house. The holiday classic is followed by “This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers,” in which Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew experience firsthand the lifestyle of the early settlers and celebrate the first Thanksgiving.
◊“CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” (8 p.m. on CNN): Anderson Cooper (”Anderson Cooper 360″) hosts the third annual event that spotlights everyday citizens changing the world. Culled from more than 9,000 submissions and selected by a Blue Ribbon panel that included Whoopi Goldberg,Elton John, Kirk Cameron and Ted Turner, the Top Ten Heroes will each be awarded $25,000. Also, Carrie Underwood will perform at the gala.
◊“Cool Tools Hardware Show 2009″ (7 p.m. on DIY): “Cool Tools” host Chris Grundy visits the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas to check out more than 850,000 square feet of the latest in tools.
◊“Kaleidoscope” (3 p.m. on Fox): This holiday variety special features Olympic skating champions and Grammy Award-winning music artists. Scott Hamilton, who will kake his first television performance since being diagnosed with a brain tumor five years ago, will skate to the music of fellow cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John. Also performing will be Dorothy Hamill, Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan and Olympic figure skating hopefuls Johnny Weir and Rachael Flatt.
◊“NBC’s People of the Year” (8 p.m. on NBC): Matt Lauer (“Today”) looks back at the year’s most memorable celebrities, politicians and pop stars and invites the public to vote on-line for the person of the year.
◊“Paul McCartney: Good Evening New York City” (9 p.m. on ABC): This special was taped last summer when Paul McCartney performed at Shea Stadium in Queens, NY. Also featured is footage of the Beatles concert at Shea Stadium 44 years ago, as well as an interview with McCartney talking about those early days and what it was like to return and sing many of those Beatles songs today.
◊“Punkin Chunkin 2009″ (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This special highlights the Delaware-based World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association (WCPCA) competition, in 110 competitors from 20 states try to launch a pumpkin one mile. “The Road to Punkin Chunkin” at 7 p.m. captures the high pressure blowups, breakdowns and sparks throughout the journey for chunkin glory.
◊“The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS” (8 a.m. on CBS): Maggie Rodriguez and Dave Price from “The Early Show” will anchor the event, which will feature the 83rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiivng Day Parade live from New York City, as well as a performance by country music artist Reba McEntire from Oklahoma. Additional performances during the parade include the Broadway casts of “West Side Story” and “Ragtime” and the off-Broadway cast of “Dreamgirls.” And Jamie Kennedy (”Ghost Whisperer”) will offer an additional viewpoint of the parade as the “Man on the Street” as he reports and interacts with the crowd.
◊“There’s a Rhino In My House” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Safari park owners Judy and John Travers have devoted their lives to protecting black rhinos in eastern Zimbabwe. When a tragic turn of events leaves a baby rhino, warthog and hyena orphaned, Judy takes on the task of rasing all three in her home.
FRIDAY, NOV. 27, 2009
◊“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Best from the Road” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Host Guy Fieri takes a look back at some of his most memorable visits to joints across the country. The special highlights local favorites, good food and crazy characters.
◊“Great Performances” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Superstar Sting welcomes the holidays with an atmospheric musical celebration of wintertime.The special, taped near his hometown of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in northern England, features new songs, as well as Sting’s interpretation of classical favorites.
◊“I’m in the Band” (5:45 p.m. on Disney XD): This is a special preview of a new music-filled comedy series that follows teenager Tripp Campbell (Logan Miller, “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”) as he joins his favorite “vintage” rock band, Iron Weasel, and sets out to help them make an epic comeback. The series is scheduled to premiere in January.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison slips into a coma during a murder investigation and her spirit inhabits the body of a man named Todd Emory (Jeffrey Tambor, “Arrested Development”), who may be a suspect in the case.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk returns to the place where he first heard about Trudy’s murder and kicks off an investigation of great significance. Casper Van Dien (“Starship Troopers”) guest stars.
◊“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.
◊“Say Yes to the Dress: Nightmares and Dreams” (8 p.m. on TLC): This special installment highlights some of the most entertaining, emotional and plain wacky moments from the previous three seasons, including loud bridal parties, opinionated moms, picky brides and extremely unusual requests.
◊“Shameless” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Season 5 of the award-winning British comedy series follows the lives of the Gallagher clan and their extended network of lovers, friends and foes at a public housing project in Manchester, England.
◊“Skyrunners” (4 p.m. on Disney XD): This new sci-fi adventure movie follows teenage brothers Tyler (Joey Pollari) and Nick Burns (Kelly Blatz, “Aaron Stone”) who commandeer a small UFO that crashes near their town. They soon learn the spacecraft is “alive” and there’s an alien plot to take over Earth.
◊“VH1 Storytellers: Foo Fighters” (10 p.m. on VH1): This special features a collection of the Foo Fighters’ greatest hits as well as a performance of their new single “Wheels.” Viewers will also get to hear the band members share their stories and inspiration behind each song.
SATURDAY, NOV. 28, 2009
◊“Big Time Rush” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This is a special preview of a new comedy series that chronicles the journey of four best friends who are given the opportunity of a lifetime when they get a chance to be part of the Los Angeles pop music scene. The series is scheduled to premiere in early 2010.
◊“Holly and Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure” (9 a.m. on ABC Family): This one-hour animated movie features Meaghan Martin (“10 Things I Hate About You”) and Jonathan Morgan Heit (“Bedtime Stories”) as the voices of Easton and Weston, two high-strung elves who monitor the North Pole Weather Center. It features the new song “When You Dream” by Tena Clark, music producer, songwriter and CEO/chief creative officer of DMI Music & Media Solutions.
◊“Magic of Audrey” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special captures the allure and charisma of actress Audrey Hepburn and includes film clips and rare footage of screen tests and interviews.
◊“The National Tree” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Evan Williams (”Degrassi: The Next Generation”) stars as a 17-year-old video blogger who submits the winning entry in a contest to find a new national Christmas tree. The Sitka Spruce was planted when he was born by his father (Andrew McCarthy, “St. Elmo’s Fire”), and the two of them drive it to Washington, D.C. for a ceremony with the President.
◊“Sandra Lee Celebrates: Holiday Homecoming” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Sandra Lee helps create a holiday homecoming part for Christina Sobiloff, a Peace Corps Volunteer stationed in Burkina Faso, Africa, who returns home to Creskill, N.J., for the holidays.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Host Suze Orman talks to “The Biggest Loser” trainer Jilian Michaels about the health-wealth connection.The episode also features never-before-seen clips of Suze’s one-on-one meetings with “The Biggest Loser” contestants.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 15-21, 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 Nov. 15:
(All times are CT, for ET add one hour)
SUNDAY, NOV. 15, 2009
◊“Aliens of the Amazon” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Scientists venture deep into the Amazon to discover some of the most unfamiliar and bizarre creatures in the jungle called Treehoppers. These animals speak using vibrations and ward off prey by forming alliances with other creatures.
◊“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (6 p.m. on ABC): With the first $100,000 prize of the season to be awarded, here are the videos in the running: “Hidden Honkers,” a car alarm prank; “U Don’t Know Uvulas,” a little girl with a smarty pants vocabulary; “Ballpark Promise,” a Dodger fan catching a ball; “Laser Chasers,” a Great Dane and a little boy chasing a laser pointer; “Soda Bottle Blowout,” a kid’s science experiment having explosive results; and “Boohoo in the Loo,” a little boy pitching a fit in the bathroom.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Lilly and the team investigate the 1991 murder of a 14-year-old foster child who was starting to establish herself as a talented rapper. She was killed just a few months after she and her sister were placed with new foster parents. Kadeem Hardison (”A Different World”) and Craig ‘‘muMs” Grant (”Oz”) guest star.
◊“DriveThru” (7:30 p.m. on Fuel TV): In Season 6 of this surf adventure series, Pat O’Connell (“Endless Summer II”), Benji Weatherley (former World Tour competitor) and free surfer/recording artist Donavon Frankenreiter attempt to drive through both the East and West Coasts of Australia in search of the best waves.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer David Duchovny (”Californication”) traveled with the team to Lena, IL, to tell Joey and Philip Stott that their uninhabitable house and farm will be rebuilt in seven days.
◊“Joined For Life: Abby and Brittany Turn 16″ (9 p.m. on TLC): Conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel are about to turn 16. That means they’re very busy with schoolwoork, sports, social activities and, yes, testing for their driver’s license.
◊“Masterpiece Contemporary” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Collision,” a Friday-afternoon traffic pileup on a superhighway snarls the lives of 10 strangers who add up to a confounding puzzle for Detective Inspector John Tolin (Douglas Henshall, “Primeval”). He must work with his estranged former lover, Senior Investigating Officer Ann Stallwood (Kate Ashfield), to try to get to the bottom of what happened and why.
◊“The Prisoner” (7 p.m. today through Tuesday on AMC): This reinterpretation of the 1960s British TV series will air from 7 to 9 p.m. over three consecutive nights. Jim Caviezel (”The Passion of the Christ”) stars as a man known only as Number Six, who awakens to find himself trapped in “The Village” with no memory of how he got there.
◊“Sonny With a Chance” (7 p.m. on Disney): Zora gets challenged by the studio head’s daughter, Dakota, to sell the most Blossom Scout cookies ever, and Sonny steps in to help Zora win. Madison De La Garza (”Desperate Housewives”) guest stars as young Sonny.
◊“Three Foot Giant” (9 p.m. on Biography): This special profiles 30-year-old Sean Stephenson who, at three feet tall and permanently confined to a wheelchair, defies the odds every day and changes people’s lives with his “anything is possible” philosophy. The special follows Stephenson as he prepares to throw out the first-pitch at a Chicago White Sox game, practices intense one-on-one therapy with a client and goes out on a first date.
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Andy treats a car crash victim dying from ALS who asks to be to taken off of life support so his organs can be used to save others. Mandy Patinkin (”Criminal Minds”), a double corneal transplant recipient, guest stars.
◊” Tough Love” (8 p.m. on VH1): Back for a second season are professional matchmakers Steve Ward and his mother JoAnn Ward, who will help a new group of unlucky-in-love women who are willing to do whatever it takes to find Mr. Right. Along the way, Steve will share his unique male perspective in attempt to reform each of their “destructive” dating habits.
◊“WWII in HD” (8 p.m. today through Thursday on History): Gary Sinise narrates this 10-hour series that presents the story of the war as viewed through the eyes of 12 Americans — including Army captain Charles Scheffel from Enid — who fought in or contributed to the war effort. Their in-the-moment accounts are delivered with emotional impact by some of Hollywood’s top talents, and Ron Livingston (“Defying Gravity”) provides the voice of Scheffel, who also appears.
MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009
◊“10 Vampires We Love” (9:30 p.m. on E!): This special explores the vampire phenomenon and counts down toe 10 sexiest vampires of all time.
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The installment “The 1930s: Surviving the Dust Bowl” spotlights the people who refused to give up on the land and a way of life despite the desertification of the once bountiful wheat fields.
◊“The 100 Mile Challenge” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): In the “Final Stretch” episode, the families gather one last time to look back at their 100-day experiences in which they consumed only food and drink produced within a 100-mile radius of their home town of Mission, British Columbia.
◊“Chef Academy” (10 p.m. on Bravo): Meet Jean Christophe Novelli, world renowned Michelin and 5AA Rosette award-winning chef with restaurants in London, France and South Africa. This new series chronicles Novelli’s move to Los Angeles as he opens a test program for a top-notch culinary institute and trains and transforms those who aspire to cook like professionals.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the CSIs investigate who or what caused a horrific car accident, both drivers’ darkest secrets are revealed. Los Angeles Laker player Pau Gasol guest stars as a person of interest in the case.
◊“Dear Food Network: Thanksgiving Top 10” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network personalities Giada De Laurentiis, Ted Allen Tyler Florence and other share their turkey recipes, carving tips, sensational sides, delivious desserts and specialty drinks.
◊“The Doctors” (3 p.m. on KWTV-9): Barbra Streisand (“What’s Up, Doc?”) calls the show’s doctors to discuss her crusade to support heart health awareness for women, a cause which led her to create and endow the Barbra Streisand Women’s Cardio Vascular Research and Education Program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Hoping to impress the elitist theater kids at NYU, Blair sets her sights on landing a private concert with Lady Gaga (performing in this episode).
◊“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): Samuel learns just how powerful he can become and takes dangerous measures to reach his full potential. Ravi Kapoor (“Crossing Jordan”) guest stars.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): After House’s medical license is reinstated, he reclaims his role as Head of Diagnostics in time to treat Hank Hardwick (Troy Garity, “Soldier’s Girl”), an adult film star admitted to Princeton Plainsboro for pulsating eye pain.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio: Jon Bon Jovi” (7 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton interviews Jon Bon Jovi, who began playing music in clubs at age 16, has sold over 120 million albums and earned a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination.
◊“Jon and Kate Plus 8″ (8:30 p.m. on TLC): Kate Gosselin shares never-before-seen footage from Season 5, including the Kate celebrating her 10th wedding anniversary with the kids.
◊“Mystery Diagnosis” (9 p.m. on Discovery Health): Season 8 opens with segments on a newborn exhibiting strange symptoms but no visible reaction to fevers or pain and a seemingly healthy woman experiencing seizures and blackouts.
◊“Stud Finder 2009″ (9 p.m. on DIY): This special focuses on the network’s search to find the next do-it-yourself star and features the five finalists in head-to-head competition with one another. The winner gets a show on DIY.
◊“Quiero Mis Quinces” (8 p.m. on MTV Tr3s): Season 4 follows nine young Hispanic girls who set out to plan their Quinceañera, a unique celebration of their 15th birthday and official entry into womanhood.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Chelsea invites her beautiful college roommate (Tricia Helfer, “Battlestar Galactica”) to stay at the house while she gets over a bad breakup.
TUESDAY, NOV. 17, 2009
◊“Being Neil Armstrong” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Andrew Smith, aurthor of the best-selling book “Moondust,” sets out across America to find out about the real Neil Armstrong since walking on the moon. Smith meets people who knew the national hero and finds the places where Armstrong lived and woked.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Fashion guru Tim Gunn (”Project Runway”) and hair stylist Tabatha Coffey (”Tabatha’s Salon Takeover”) return for the annual make-over episode to help the remaining six contestants look fabulous before they give speeches about their weight loss journeys to motivate others at a TV Guide Magazine event.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): “A Death in Tehran” investigates the life and death of Neda Soltani, who was shot and killed on the streets of Tehran, Iran, during protests over the country’s presidential election last summer. Her death was captured on a cell-phone camera and uploaded to the Web.
◊“Good Morning America” (7 a.m. on ABC): Barbara Walters interviews former Vice Presidential candidate and Alaska Governer Sarah Palin in conjunction with the release of her memoir “Going Rogue: An American Life.” Portions of the interview will also air on “Nightline” (10:35 p.m. today), “Good Morning America” (7 a.m. Wednesday) and “20/20″ (9 p.m. Friday).
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Alicia prepares to defend a scientist accused of arson, she is caught off guard when Peter’s attorney asks her to testify on Peter’s behalf sooner than she expected. Peter Riegert (”Damages”) guest stars as the judge in Peter’s appeal and Russ Mitchell (”The Early Show”) guest stars as himself, interviewing Peter Florrick.
◊“Independent Lens” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “No Subtitles Necessary: Lazzlo & Vilmos” provides an intimate portrait of the 50-year journey of two giants of modern cinematography — Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond — and the deep bond of brotherhood that transcended every imaginable boundary.
◊“The Little Couple” (9 p.m. on TLC): Jen and Ben head to New York to appear on “The Dr. Oz Show” to discuss skeletal dysplasia for a TV audience. But nerves begin to kick in as they get closer to showtime.
◊“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): Ella and Caleb are stunned when agency owner Amanda Woodward (Heather Locklear, original ‘Melrose Place”) walks into WPK and immediately fires half the staff, including Caleb.
◊“Merry Madagascar” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this holiday sequel to the animated feature “Madagascar,” Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria (voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith) must deliver Santa’s presents to save Christmas when St. Nick gets amnesia following a crash landing on their island.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors” looks at how we became the creative humans of today and what really happened to the Neanderthals who faded into extinction.
◊“The Standard Snowboard Show” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): Season 6 features future stars of the sport, including Halldor Helgason and Jason Dubois.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): In the Cycle 13 finale, the final two girls must pull out all the stops to impress the judges and nail their final CoverGirl commercial in Hawaii. Eddie Murphy (“Imagine That”) attends the final runway show, and the episode is followed by a special look back at the season with never-before-seen clips.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): After a body falls from the 59th Street Bridge, the CSI team finds a compass near the body pointing east, and realizes it’s the third victim of the “Compass Killer.” Skeet Ulrich (”Jericho”) returns as Hollis Eckhart, the “Compass Killer.” Nelly (”The Longest Yard”) returns as Terrence Davis, an informant who helps Detective Flack.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Gary turns to Allison after he makes a disastrous attempt to prepare a fancy Thanksgiving feast for Sasha, Curtis, Jack and the kids. Max Gail (”Barney Miller”) returns as Gary’s Dad, Jack.
◊“Gotta Catch Santa Claus” (6 p.m. on ABC Family): This animated musical adventure follows two youngsters as they atempt to track down Santa Claus (voiced by William Shatner, “Star Trek”) and prove he still exists.
◊“In the Spotlight With Robin Roberts” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Singer Janet Jackson will sit down with host Robin Roberts for an exclusive television interview. The private pop star, who was known to be extremely close with her brother, Michael, will allow cameras into her Malibu home for the first time.
◊“Lost Cave Temples of the Himalaya” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In a remote corner of the Himalaya, in the forbidden kingdom of Mustang, a team of climbers clambers into mysterious caes for the first time and uncovers ancient cave temples lost to the modern world.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): With a history of giving bad gifts, Claire is determined to surprise Phil with an amazing anniversary present – a private performance by one of their favorite musicians, Izzy LaFontaine (Edward Norton, “Primal Fear”). Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron call up their party-girl friend, Sal (Elizabeth Banks, “Seabiscuit”) for a long overdue night out on the town.
◊“Mustang — Journey of Transformation” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Richard Gere (“Amelia”) narrates the story of a Tibetan culture pulled back from the brink of extinction through the restoration of its most sacred sites: the 15th-century Buddhist monasteries and the art within.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine sets Richard up on a date with a gorgeous, passionate woman who works out at her gym, while Richard’s friend, Tom, continues trying to woo Christine. Jennifer Grey (”Dirty Dancing”), who is married to series star Clark Gregg (Richard), guest stars as Richard’s lusty blind date. Dave Foley (”News Radio”) returns as Tom, Richard’s friend who has a longstanding crush on Christine.
◊“Secrets of Shangri-La” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the legendary kingdom of Mustang, a remote corner of the Himalaya previously off-limits to outsiders, a team of explorers and scientists climbs for the first time into human-carved caves thousands of years old.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on Bravo): This week’s challenge is based on the Bocuse d’Or, a prestigious cooking competition founded by noted chef Paul Bocuse, whose son, Jerome, serves as a guest judge along with American chef Thomas Keller. Chefs Daniel Boulud, Alex Stratta, Gavin Kaysen, Timothy Hollingsworth and Traci Des Jardin also appear.
THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): When Liz’s apartment building is converted to condos, she has to make a drastic change to her living arrangements. Nathan Corddry (“United States of Tara”) and Chris Parnell (“Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
◊“The 2009 World Magic Awards” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): The two-hour awards presentation brings together the world’s top illusionists, escape artists and sleight-of-hand masters and will feature 14 heart-stopping performances. Scheduled to appear are Lance Burton, Franz Harary, Ed Alonzo, Katalin, Barry & Stuart, Morgan, Greg Frewin and Tommy Wind.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Booth’s grandfather Hank (Ralph Waite, “The Waltons”) comes to live with him and tags along as Brennan and Booth investigate ashes and charred remains found by a real estate agent while showing a property to prospective buyers.
◊“Family Armor” (9 p.m. on TLC): Deep in the heart of Texas, two Mormon brothers-in-law run a cutting-edge bulletproofing business that turns everyday cars into tricked-out gadget-filled fortresses. The family devotes their time to work, kin and religion … and along the way they get to shoot guns and blow up things.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s pass, Miranda is visited by her father, William (Frankie Faison, “Silence of the Lambs”), who disapproves of her choices in life.
◊“Mortal Lessons” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary is about two women battling lung cancer on the surface, yet it is really about living life.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Addison is shaken by the unwelcome arrival of her father (Stephen Collins, “7th Heaven”) to Los Angeles, Cooper is arrested when he refuses to cooperate in a case involving a longtime patient and Pete fights to keep a terminally ill patient alive long enough for him to meet his new daughter.
◊“Project Runway” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): After the grueling weeks in the workroom and knocking off their competition, the remaining designers prove to the judges they have the skills and vision to make it in the fashion business. The finalists are given their biggest challenge yet — to create a complete collection to show during New York Fashion week.
◊“Secrets of Twilight” (9:30 p.m. on E!): Giuliana Rancic (“Giuliana & Bill”) hosts this special that is packed with interviews, backstage gossip and clips from the latest movie in the “Twilight” saga, “New Moon.”
◊“Terror in Mumbai” (7 p.m. on HBO): CNN host Fareed Zakaria, a native of Mumbai, narrates this documentary that chronicles the bloody period in 2008 when a band of 10 young Pakistani men made coordinated attacks across the city, leaving more than 170 people dead. The film includes recordings of cell-phone calls between the gunmen and those controlling them, as well as interrogation footage of the lone surviving shooter.
◊“Top 20 Celebs Gone Good” (7 p.m. on VH1): VH1 has partnered with DoSomething.org, the nation’s largest not-for-profit for young people and cause, to help separate the stars that really care from those who just like to smile for the cameras. This special will reveal the top 20 do-gooders that visitors to CelebsGoneGood.com helped choose as 2009’s Top 20 Celebs Gone Good for their charity work. Nominees include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Oprah Winfrey and Carrie Underwood.
◊“Wild Horse Redemption” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): At a prison in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, hard-core criminals are given 90 days to tame wild mustang horses. Most of the inmates who volunteer for the program have never even ridden a horse.
FRIDAY, NOV. 20, 2009
◊“Damned to Heaven” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary examines issues of polygamy, abuse and under-age marriage practiced in the Colorado City, Ariz.-based Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) cult guided by Warren Jeffs. It features interviews with former FLDS members that capture honest feelings about Jeffs and life within the community.
◊“General Hospital” (2 p.m. on ABC): Golden Globe winner James Franco (“James Dean”) joins the cast in the recurring role of Franco, a mystery person who comes to Port Charles and will be intertwined with many other residents in town.
◊“Happily Ever Faster” (9 p.m. on TLC): This new series profiles the Las Vegas wedding chapel The Chapel of the Flowers that has a complete wedding services menu and caters to upwards of 50 couples a day. In the premiere episode, chapel planner Melody attempts to enlist William Shatner (”Star Trek”) as best man for a Trekkie wedding.
◊“Jimmy Kimmel Live” (12:06 p.m. on ABC): Host Jimmy Kimmel welcomes “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner to the show to coinciding with the release of the movie in theaters on the same night. Also, rock band Death Cab for Cutie will perform music from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon’s” original motion picture soundtrack, including the single “Meet Me on the Equinox.”
◊“Larry the Cable Guy’s Hula-Palooza Christmas Luau” (8 p.m. on CMT): This 90-minute variety show will feature Larry along with friends, including Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”), Caroline Rhea (“Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”), George Lindsey (“The Andy Griffith Show”) and Angela Little MacKenzie (“Reno 911”). In addition to the holiday-themed comedy and sketches set on the fictional island of Hula-Poola, the special will include musical performances by Billy Currington and the Zac Brown Band.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Allison develops a strange sensitivity to light, the sunglasses she wears reveal mysterious numbers which could tie into people’s life expectancies. Tom Verica (”American Dreams”) and Mitch Pileggi (”The X-Files”) guest star.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk finds his return to the police force to be more challenging than he expected when he becomes involved in the case of a serial killer.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When robbers hit a diamond exchange and take hostages, Don and the team find an unlikely ally in convict John Buckley (Fisher Stevens, “Early Edition”), who may help the team’s investigation when they believe the men are copying Buckley’s criminal strategies.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): After Harper learns her family is moving away, the Russos offer to let Harper live with them. While cleaning out the basement to make room for Harper, Alex shrinks herself down to fit in her old doll house. Yara Shahidi (”Imagine That”) guest stars.
SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 2009
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): In addition to getting a sneak peek at Suze Orman’s upcoming visit to “The Biggest Loser,” she also explains why viewers shouldn’t give in to the sale signs in store windows this season.
◊“Sit Down, Shut Up” (11 p.m. on Fox): In the series finale, Sue gives Andrew an ultimatum to turn around the drama department. He writes his magnum opus, a musical starring the teachers with Miracle (voice of Oklahoma actress Kristin Chenoweth) as the female lead.
◊“True Jackson, VP” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the one-hour special episode “Flirting With Fame,” True’s crushing on a new boy at school named Justin (Tyler James Williams, “Everybody Hates Chris”). aND In an attempt to show True his romantic side, Justin enlists the help of superstar Natasha Bedingfield to perform “These Words” for the duo.
◊“Turtles Forever” (9 a.m. on CW): This special incorporates the three distinctive versions of the Turtles as they appeared in their original iterations: 1984 black and white comic book; late 1980’s/early 1990’s animated TV series; and their current animated series.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Oct. 18-24, 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 Oct. 18:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, OCT. 18, 2009
◊“Alex’s Day Off” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Alexandra Guarnaschelli, professional chef, working mom and passionate home cook, invites viewers to share her down-to-earth recipes. She shows how cooking her personal and playful style of American, French and Italian fare can be elegant and approachable, with a side of sass.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Having just returned from France, Sarah distracts Kitty through chemo treatments with tales of her intense romance with a French artist (Gilles Marini, “Sex and the City”).
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team delves into the 1970 murder of a musician who tried to keep his involvement with the Philadelphia Soul scene a secret from his strict preacher father for whom he was an organist. Loretta Devine (”Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry learns to embrace the upside of disability without actually being disabled, and looks to disprove the rumor that Rosie O’Donnell can kick his butt.
◊“An Engtlishman in New York” (9 p.m. on Logo): This film follows the life of famed writer and performer Quentin Crisp at the peak of his career in the late 1970’s. Upon the recent success of Crisp’s famous autobiography-turned-film, “The Naked Civil Servant,” Quentin (John Hurt) leaves the U.K. to offer lectures and performances in New York City. The film explores Quentin’s psyche as he faces the consequences of his casual quip stating that AIDS was “a fad,” leading to social rejection and obscurity.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team travels to Lancaster, Texas, to rebuild the home of Carlton Marshall, who lost most of his mobility and all of his hearing after being shot while leading a Dallas Police Department SWAT team. Country singer Trace Adkins is the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Halloween Block Party” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Three families join forces with lifestyle experts and event planners Michael Russo, Kelley Moore and Eddie Ross to create a Halloween neighborhood bash. The special will offer up design tricks and treats on decor, food, pumpkin carving, floral arrangements, tablescapes and entertainment to help viewers get their haunt on this Halloween.
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): Hannah fills in for Kara DioGuardi (”American Idol”) alongside judges Andy and Byron on reality show “America’s Top Talent.” Her stint as a guest judge turns complicated when Oliver auditions and delivers a knock-out performance.
◊“I Am a Champion” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary follows three athletes in their quest to compete in the 40th annual Special Olympics Oklahoma Summer Games held May 13-15 in Stillwater.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The murder of a small-time criminal leads Lewis and Hathaway to a prominent Oxford don-turned-celebrity athiest in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: The Point of Vanishing.”
◊“Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut)” (8 p.m. on IFC): This six-part documentary series airing today through Friday will feature interviews with the surviving Python troupe members, who tell their life story and reveal deeper truths alongside the more tried and tested Python history lessons.
◊“Occupation” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This new drama captures the lives of three British soldiers caught physically and emotionally in the cross-fire of the Iraq war. Amid growing sectarian conflict and a boom time fuelled by billions of dollars from the U.S., their dreams of riches, love and making a difference come to define not just their lives but also the occupation itself.
◊“On the Case With Paula Zahn” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this new weekly newsmagazine, Paula Zahn steps away from the traditional anchor chair and into the field to interview the pivotal figures shaping stories. Her interviews, including several exclusives where people are speaking for the first time, lift the secrecy on acts of deceit, malice and revenge.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): “Treehouse of Horror XX” features three new tales of the strange, spooky and supernatural. It begins with a homage to classic Alfred Hitchcock movies, followed by a parody of the horror film “28 Days Later” and a nod to the Broadway musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In Season 3, University of Oklahoma graduate Reed Timmer and his team return with their newly armored chase vehicle “The Dominator,” racing to be first on the storm scene ahead of IMAX filmmaker Sean Casey and his monster tank-like TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle).
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): In order to save his life, Andy tries a risky new procedure on his wife’s partner who suffers from an aortic aneurism. Lennie James (”Jericho”) guest stars as Dr. Timothy Maguire, a cardiologist.
◊“Timewatch: The Rebel Pharaoh’s Lost City” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Archaeologosts in the central Egyptian desert make an extraordinary discovery of an ancient cemetery whee 1,000 people from the Pharaoh’s lost capital of Amarna are buried. The 3,500-year-old bones tell a remarkable new story about these peoplke and their city.
◊“Witness to Waco” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This new documentary provides an in-depth look into the Branch Davidians, a religious cult led by David Koresh in the late 1980s and early 1990s that ultimately met with a tragic end. Featured are interviews with survivors of the tragedy and rarely-seen footage of David Koresh and other members of the group inside the compound throughout the siege of the property.
MONDAY, OCT. 19, 2009
◊“American Carny: True Tales from the Circus Side Show” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Magician Penn Jillette narrates this special that explores the world of American circus entertainers and features behind-the-scenes footage with some of the world’s most interesting acts.
◊“Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): When Lakewood Elementary’s lunch lady Mrs. MacGrady is diagnosed with cancer, Arthur and his friends all react differently to the news. Lance Armstrong (seven-time Tour De France winner) makes a special appearance to show Francine and the Elwood City residents how they can take a stand, or ride a bike, for cancer survivors.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): While Sheldon settles a score with his nemesis, Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Wolowitz begs Leonard to get Penny to set him up with one of her friends.
◊“Bud Greenspan Presents: Beijing 2008 — America’s Olympic Glory” (6 p.m. on Showtime): With behind-the-scenes footage and a poignant narrative, this film features six American stories. Among those profiled are gymnast Nastia Liukin, swim team captain Jason Lezak and fencers Keeth and Erinn Smart.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alexx Woods (Khandi Alexander) and Eric Delko return to help the CSIs stop a deadly outbreak in Miami.
◊“Dr. G: America’s Most Shocking Cases” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): Medical examiner Jan “Dr. G” Garavaglia opens the files on astonishing forensic investigations. She demonstrates how the impact of these deaths extends far beyond the morgues of their investigators.
◊“Extreme Paranormal: New Mexico State Penitentiary” (9 p.m. on A&E): Paranormal investigators Shaun, Nathan and Jason explore an abandoned maximum security lockup where visitors claim the tortured souls of inmates, who were violently murdered in the worst prison riot in U.S. history, still linger. The investigators want to see if there is any truth behind the legend in this potentially volatile paranormal environment and go as far as recreating moments of this horrific event, shedding their own blood, to provoke the violent spirits to show themselves to the cameras.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Dan invites Olivia (Hilary Duff, “Lizzie McGuire”) to meet Rufus and Lily, which leads to all sorts of problems for the new couple.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): The team takes on the case of a reckless police detective who has a family history of sudden heart failure that killed his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all at age 40. Jon Seda (“Close to Home”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): While Barney tries to convince Robin to become an American citizen, Ted and Marshall’s fabled road trip takes a wrong turn when Marshall invites Lily. Kenny Rogers (“The Gambler”) narrates the audio book played on Marshall and ted’s road trip.
◊“Latin Music USA” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The final two installments of this four-hour series focus on Mexican-Americans in California, Texas and elsewhere in the Southwest creating their own musical voice during the latter half of the 20th century, as well as the Latin pop explosion at the turn of the 21st century that introduced artists such as Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and Shakira to the English-language market.
◊“Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags” (8 p.m. on HBO): For generations, New York City’s Garment District was the lifeblood of the city. But in recent years, with the increased globalization of clothing manufacturing, this once-thriving district has continued to shrink. This documentary tells the story of this vanishing industry through the voices of the people who experienced its highs and lows.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who has been on maternity leave since Aug. 7, returns. “The View” creator, executive producer and co-host Barbara Walters said, “We’ve missed Elisabeth both on and off the air. We’ve missed her opinions and her good humor. I am so happy she is coming back.”
TUESDAY, OCT. 20, 2009
◊“18 Kids and Counting” (8 p.m. on TLC): The Duggars take a trip to Oklahoma to see what life is like working on a farm.
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): It’s Halloween at the Beverly Hills Beach Club and Adrianna channels Marilyn Monroe to help her deal with the end of her relationship with Navid. Silver and Kelly (Jennie Garth, “Beverly Hills, 90210″) continue to have differing opinions about caring for Jackie (Ann Gillespie, , “Beverly Hills, 90210″).
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Contestants on today’s show are “Deal or No Deal” models Leyla Milani, Patricia Kara and Marisa Petroro.
◊“Eyes” (9 p.m. on DirecTV): In the first of seven never-before-seen episodes, Harlan works with a former colleague to uncover a counterfeiting scheme and with a reluctant Las Vegas detective (Stephen Baldwin, “The Usual Suspects”) to stop a burglary ring. The detective drama starring Tim Daly premiered on ABC in 2005 but was canceled after five episodes.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Warning,” producer-director Michael Kirk sifts through the ashes of the economic meltdown in search of pivotal moments when things might have gone much differently.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia and Will have only 72 hours to find the smoking gun that proves the train company, and not the three engineers, is responsible for the crash, thus securing the widows their pensions the company is holding back. Martha Plimpton (”Parenthood”) guest stars as the train company’s very pregnant attorney.
◊“Shark Tank” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the season finale, an entrepreneur who sells customized Bobble Heads wants an investment from the sharks to create an extension of his already lucrative business. But it becomes a battle of wills when the Sharks won’t bite unless he gives up a stake in his successful business.
◊“Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?” (7 p.m. on ESPN): This documentary showcases the remarkable influence the United States Football League (USFL) had on football history and looks at what forced the league out of business.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): The girls put their interviewing skills to the test as they interview Jessica Lowndes from “90210″ on the set of “The Insider.” Kim Kardashian is this week’s guest judge.
◊“CNN Presents: Latino in America” (8 p.m. on CNN): Soledad O’Brien anchors this two-part documentary that examines the growing diversity of America, revealing insight into a changing nation on the eve of the U.S. census that is expected to officially confirm that Latino Americans are the largest minority group within the country. It concludes Thursday.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team hunts a suspect who impregnates young women and has them give birth before murdering them.
Max Gail (”Barney Miller”), Hallee Hirsh (“ER”), Diana Scarwid (“Wonderfalls”) and Mae Whitman (“Acceptance”) guest star.
◊“Dodsworth” (7 p.m. on TCM): Walter Huston reprises his Broadway performance in this 1936 adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ novel. This is the firsy of four classic films picked by guest programmer Dennis Miller The other films Miller presents along with TCM host Robert Osborne are 1949’s “The Third Man” (9 p.m.), 1941’s “Suspicion” (11 p.m.) and 1948’s “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” (1 a.m.).
◊“Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Join the opening night festivities for conductor Gustavo Dudamel’s inaugural gala concert with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
◊“Living With Ed” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): This series chronicles chronicles the lives of eco-activist/actor Ed Begley. Jr. and his frequently exasperated wife Rachelle Carson Begley. The third season will follow the couple as they embark on an unlikely trip to Vegas, a wedding anniversary getaway only Ed could organize and a major home renovation.
◊“Lock ‘N Load” (7 p.m. on Showtime): This new reality series offers viewers a fly-on-the-wall look at “The Shootist” gun store in Englewood, Colo., where expert gunslinger Josh T. Ryan interacts with customers. The hidden camera, revealed after the transaction is completed, insures a particularly candid and revealing take on why we buy guns.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine begins seeing a therapist who shares office space with Matthew, although it’s unclear to both whether to pursue therapy or romance. Eric McCormack (”Will & Grace”) guest stars as Dr. Max Kershaw, the therapist/love interest.
THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 2009
◊“American Chopper” (8 p.m. on TLC): Life at Orange County Choppers is forever changed now that Jr. and Mikey have been squeezed out of the business. Even with all the drama, the guys in the shop must forge ahead as they build a bike for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Host Alfonso Ribeiro welcomes three of his former castmates from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” to the show as contestants. Taking part in the challenge are James Avery, Tatyanna Ali and Karyn Parsons.
◊“The Jeff Dunham Show” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comic-ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his suitcase posse of comedic cohorts — including Walter, Peanut, Bubba J, Jose Jalapeno on a Stick and Achmed the Dead Terrorist — to this new series featuring Dunham and puppets in performance before a live studio audience as well as interacting with people around Los Angeles.
◊“Nitro Circus” (8:30 on MTV): The cast put on the brakes long enough to spill their guts about all the jaw-dropping makes and laughter-inducing misfires from their risk-fuelled second season.
◊“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” (8 p.m. on MTV): In Season 2 of the show, where fantasies come alive inside, the adventures have been bigger and the action wilder.
◊“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The lawless black gold boomtowns of early 20th century Oklahoma were a fertile field for the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan’s power faded with the dust bowl but never completely disappeared from Oklahoma. Secret groups survive and operate in towns all over the state to this day.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Joan Fontaine was born on this day in 1917, and TCM celebrates by airing three of her films — 1938’s “Blond Cheat” (10 a.m.), 1952’s “Ivanhoe” (11:15 a.m.) and 1953’s “The Bigamist” (1:15 p.m.).
FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 2009
◊“Brothers” (7 p.m. on Fox):Trainor’s newest hostess spreads some juicy rumors to help attract customers to Trainor’s, but when her gossip attracts Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”), Kim Kardashian (“Keeping Up With the Kardashians”) stops by the restaurant to set the record straight.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Sierra is forced to face her past as her connection to the Rossum Corporation leads to obsession and murder. Keith Carradine (“Complete Savages”) guest stars.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): On the show’s 100th episode, Allison investigates an infant’s kidnapping. But Joe worries when she becomes too attached to the little boy. Also, Bridgette and Joe are amazed when Marie plays the clarinet perfectly without one lesson while Bridgette struggles to learn to play.
◊“My Super Psycho Sweet 16″ (9 p.m. on MTV): This new original movie produced by MTV tells the story of Madison Penrose (Juliana Guill, “Friday the 13th”), a spoiled high school queen bee, and Skye Rotter (Lauren McKnight, “House of Fear”), the class outcast whose father committed a series of grisly murders. Madison’s plans for the ultimate birthday bash are ruined when Skye’s dad crashes the party.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): When recording artist Jordin Sparks (”American Idol”) comes aboard the S.S. Tipton for a concert, Zack, Cody and Marcus write a song for her to sing.
◊“Supernanny” (7 p.m. on ABC): A dad at odds with his teenage daughter brings his family to the brink on the Season 5 premiere. Supernanny Jo Frost pushes the parents to closely examine their marriage.
◊“Til Death” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): When Doug’s father gives him and Ally a large sum of money, they struggle with the decision to keep it or give it back. Barry Bostwick (“Spin City”) and Richard Lewis (“Anything But Love”) guest star.
◊“Trading the Globe” (7 p.m. on CNBC): This special will teach viewers how to think about emerging markets as a source of returns, how to access these markets and how to incorporate trading them into the formula for success in the coming years.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Betty fires on all cylinders to get a big scoop with Gucci’s new designer, Evan York (Hamish Linklater, “The New Adventures of Old Christine”). Meanwhile Daniel begins to attend a bereavement group, where he meets Natalie (Jamie-Lynn Sigler, “The Sopranos”), a sexy girl who takes him out for an interesting night on the town.
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Matthew Bomer (”Chuck”) and Tim DeKay (”Carnivale”) wstar in the new drama about an unlikely partnership between a con artist and an FBI agent. In the series premiere, they hunt an elusive and vicious counterfeiter known as the “Dutchman.”
SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 2009
◊“24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto” (9:15 p.m. on HBO): This four-episode, all-access series follows Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, two of boxing’s brightest stars, as they prepare for their Nov. 14 pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas. Pacquiao seeks to continue his reign as the sport’s pound-for-pound king, while Cotto looks to prove that his ring skills are ideal for derailing the Pacquiao express.
◊“The Academy: Orange County Fire” (8 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): This new series will take viewers on a journey with 28 recruits of differing backgrounds as they endure 18 weeks of intense physical training for the Orange County Fire Authority in California.
◊“Always and Forever” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Rena Sofer (”24″) and Dean McDermott (”Tori and Dean”) star in this new original movie about high school sweethearts who reunite at their high school reunion. As they reminisce over old times, the memories and laughs lead to rekindled feelings from their abandoned relationship.
◊“America’s Cutest Dog” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special counts down the most cuddly and aww-inspiring canine moments caught on camera.
◊“Blackboards and Bullies: Are Your Kids Safe?” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special explores the roots of violent incidents in America’s school systems and tangible ways for communities to improve child safety. Using case studies and interviews with leading experts, it shows the consequences of American adolescent violence and provides information to families on how to protect their children.
◊“Extreme Sweets” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Adam Gertler (“Will Work For Food”) goes in search of America’s most unusual sweets, including worm-covered caramel apples and a treat so spicy that he has to sign a waiver to eat it.
◊“Ghost Town” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Gil Gerard (“Buck Rogers in the 25th Century”) and Billy Drago (“Charmed”) star in this film about a busload of college students that takes a wrong turn on a back road and ends up in a town inhabited by the ghosts of outlaws who return to earth every 13 years to refight a shoot-out.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Oct. 4-10
"Let's Make a Deal" host Wayne Brady (CBS Photo)
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Oct. 4.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“America’s Funniest Home Videos,” 6 p.m. Sunday on ABC (20th-season premiere).
••“Dallas Divas & Daughters,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Style (series premiere).
••“The Next Iron Chef,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (second-season premiere).
••“Three Rivers,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Jungle Junction,” 9 a.m. Monday on Disney (series premiere).
••“Let’s Make a Deal,” 2 p.m. Monday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Sherri,” 6 p.m. Monday on Lifetime (series premiere).
••“Rita Rocks,” 6:30 p.m. Monday on Lifetime (second-season premiere).
••“The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price,” 9 p.m. Monday on Logo (series premiere).
••“Gone Too Far,” 9 p.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Indoors Out,” 9 p.m. Monday on DIY (third season resumes).
••“Healthy Minds,” 10 p.m. Monday on OETA-13 (series premiere).
••“Dirty Jobs,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery (fifth season resumes).
••“Dragon’s Den,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on BBC America (sixth-season premiere).
••“Man Caves,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on DIY (fourth-season premiere).
••“Scare Tactics,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy (season resumes).
••“Disaster House,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on DIY (series premiere).
••“Ghost Lab,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Parking Wars,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (third-season premiere).
••“Craft in America,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on OETA-13 (second-season premiere).
••“The Bureau,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Mythbusters,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Discovery (seventh season resumes).
••“Art in the Twenty-First Century,” 10 p.m. Wednesday on OETA-13 (fifth-season premiere).
••“Clean House,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Style (eighth-season premiere).
••“Man Shops Globe,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Sundance (series premiere).
••“South Park,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Comedy Central (13th season resumes).
••“Secret Girlfriend,” 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on Comedy Central (series premiere).
••“The This Old House Hour,” 7 p.m. Thursday on OETA-13 (eighth-season premiere).
••“Tosh.0,” 9 p.m. Thursday on comedy Central (first season resumes).
••“Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Wizards of Waverly Place,” 7 p.m. Friday on Disney (third-season premiere).
••“I’m Alive,” 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Sanctuary,” 9 p.m. Friday on Syfy (second-season premiere).
••“World’s Strictest Parents,” 7 p.m. Saturday on CMT (first season resumes).
••“Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team,” 8 p.m. Saturday on CMT (fourth-season premiere).
••“Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes?,” 9 p.m. Saturday on TV One (fourth-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami,” 9 p.m. Sunday on E! (first-season finale).
••“Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO (sixth-season finale).
••“Giuliana & Bill,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Style Network (first-season finale).
••“Police Women of Broward County,” 8 p.m. Thursday on TLC (first-season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for Oct. 4-10, 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 Oct. 4:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, OCT. 4, 2009
◊“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (6 p.m. on ABC): The show hosted by Tom Bergeron begins its 20th season with all-new footage of what happens when adults, children and even inanimate objects are at their spontaneous best.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates the 1995 murder of a 17-year-old boy who left his dysfunctional home for the streets, where he started to make his mark as a skateboarding prodigy. Kevin Chapman (”Brotherhood”) plays a police officer who recalls the victim — and the citation he gave him for skateboarding on city property.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry resists Jeff’s suggestion to do a “Seinfeld” reunion special – until he figures out a compelling personal reason to do so. “Seinfeld” cast members Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia-Louis Dreyfuss and Michael Richard guest star.
◊“Dallas Divas & Daughters” (7 p.m. on Style): This new docu-series follows mothers and daughters from Dallas’ wealthiest neighborhoods where being rich is a way of life, designer fashion is mandatory and staying on the top of the social ladder is critical. And when money is no object, the relationship between mother and daughter is anything but ordinary.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Matt Damon (“The Bourne Ultimatum”), with help from Lebron James (NBA player), strong arms Vince to get involved in his charity before Vince leaves for Italy.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team travels to Green County, Mo., to tell the eight members of the Hampton family – all living in a cramped one-bedroom, one-bath cottage, 792 sq. ft. total – that they’ll have a new home in seven days. Ashley Tisdale (“High School Musical”) will be the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Farm Aid 2009″ (4 p.m. on DirectTV’s 101 Network): Musical artists Gretchen Wilson, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews are among the performers during this six-hour broadcast airing live from St. Louis. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised nearly $36 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.
◊“Handy Manny” (6 p.m. on Disney): Manny and his tools take viewers along on an eventful road trip to Manny’s family reunion. Renowned East Los Angeles rockers Los Lobos and series star Wilmer Valderrama (Manny) each perform new songs in the special. Kris Kristofferson (“A Star is Born”) and Donny Osmond (“Dancing With the Stars”) guest star.
◊“I Love Lucy” (10 a.m. on Hallmark Channel): Catch 16 hours of the series that won five Emmy awards and ranked second on TV Guide’s Top 50 television shows list.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Literary whimsy becomes murderous reality with the death of a Czech hotel worker. Lewis and Hathaway find two clues that may help them find the connection between the victim and an Oxford professor in the new episode “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Allegory of Love.”
◊“My Monkey Baby” (8 p.m. on TLC): With her pink bedroom, a designer wardrobe, the latest toys, games and makeup, Jessica Marie is like any spoiled little girl — except that she’s a monkey. This special looks at couples who haven taken on 40-year commitments to parent monkeys.
◊“The Next Iron Chef” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Hosted by Alton Brown (”Good Eats”), this reality competition will challenge 10 top chefs from around the country in a series of demanding situations, testing their culinary skills and mental toughness.
◊“The Supreme Court: Home to America’s Highest Court” (8 p.m. on C-Span): This 80-minute documentary offers rarely-seen video of areas accessible only to the Justices and their staffs, including the Justices’ “Robing Room” and Private Dining Room. Viewers will also get extensive views of the Courtroom and visit some of the Justices’ offices, known as “chambers.”
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Andy Yablonski (Alex O’Loughlin, “Moonlight”) leads a dedicated team of surgeons at the country’s leading transplant facility in this new medical drama. In the premiere episode, Dr. Yablonski tells a young pregnant woman that in order to save her and her unborn child, she must get a heart transplant.
MONDAY, OCT. 5, 2009
◊“Being Lincoln: Men With Hats” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film delves into a subculture of Abraham Lincoln impersonators and explores why over 180 Lincoln presenters in the country do what they do.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Three volleyball players mysteriously drop dead on the court while Calleigh’s testimony against Delko threatens his future as a CSI. Cheryl Ladd (”Charlie’s Angels”) and Tia Carrere (”Dancing With the Stars”) guest star.
◊“The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price” (9 p.m. on Logo): In this new reality series, the Canadian-born contestant of HGTV’s 2006 Designer Superstar Challenge will repair, restore and re-upholster his way to the top in attempt to accomplish his decorating and designing dreams.
◊“Gone Too Far” (9 p.m. on MTV): Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein hosts this new series that documents young adults between the ages of 18-25 as they struggle with substance abuse and the devastating addictions that threaten to destroy them and the people who love them most.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): It‘s Founders Weekend at the ZBZ house and the girls decide to keep the house’s decline in the rankings a secret in hopes they can hustle enough donations to meet their goals. Olivia Munn (”Attack of the Show”) guest stars.
◊“Healthy Minds” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Each episode in this new series humanizes a specific mental health condition through personal stories and interviews with researchers and experts. The premiere episode is “Autism — Part One: Discovery and Diagnosis.”
◊“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): As Hiro’s life continues to hang in the balance, he distracts himself with saving the lives of others. Bruce Boxleitner (“Young Blades”) and Swoosie Kurtz (“Pushing Daisies”) guest star.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): When a controversial African politician (James Earl Jones, “Star Wars”) falls ill, he is brought to Princeton Plainsboro for treatment. The team struggles with whether to help a merciless dictator being subpoenaed for crimes against humanity in his country.
◊“Imus in the Morning” (8 a.m. on Fox Business Network): The nationally syndicated radio program hosted by Don Imus will be simulcast in HD Monday through Friday and feature interviews with top newsmakers and discussions on current affairs, politics, business, sports and entertainment news.
◊“Inventing LA: The Chandlers and Their Times” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Liev Schreiber (“Taking Woodstock”) narrates this two-hour documentary that chronicles how, for four generations, members of the Chandler family pursued both personal agendas and lofty civic ideals as they used their newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, to influence many in the Southern California area.
◊“Jungle Junction” (9 a.m. on Disney): This new animated series for preschoolers follows a group of fun-loving animals on wheels as they explore a unique jungle. The fast-paced adventure emphasizes an appreciation of the environment while highlighting pre-literacy skills through the use of road signs and symbols.
◊“Let’s Make a Deal” (2 p.m. on CBS): Wayne Brady (”The Wayne Brady Show”) hosts this new version of the vintage game show in which wildly costumed contestants try to win cash and prizes by making deals. Monty Hall, who hosted the original show from 1963-77, serves as creative consultant.
◊“Lie to Me” (8 p.m. on Fox): Zoe enlists the Lightman Group to investigate a star college football player accused of statutory rape.
◊“Outrage” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary takes a look at the hypocrisy of closeted politicians who continually vote against gay rights and actively campaign against the gay community they covertly belong to. It also probes the ethics of outing closeted politicians and the double standards that the media upholds in its coverage of the sex lives of gay public figures.
◊“Rita Rocks” (6:30 p.m. on Lifetime): Nicole Sullivan (“The King of Queens”) returns for a second season as Rita Clemens, a married working mom, unfulfilled by her harried life, who tries to regain her identity by recreating her glory days as a musician in a garage band.
◊“Sherri” (6 p.m. on Lifetime): Sherri Shepherd (”The View”) moonlights in this new sitcom loosely based on her own life, in which she plays a working mother and part-time entertainer trying to pick up the pieces of her life when she splits from her husband after she discovers his affair.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): American journalist Lisa Ling, a former co-host of “The View” from 1999-2002, will return to co-host live shows today and Tuesday. Also sitting in for co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck (on maternity leave and returning mid-October) this week are Jaclyn Smith (“Charlie’s Angels”) on Wednesday and Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”) on Thursday.
TUESDAY, OCT. 6, 2009
◊“20 Years, 20 Duggars” (8 p.m. on TLC): Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar take a look back at their beginnings as a family, introduce viewers to their 18 kids and strengthen their future by renewing their vows.
◊“The Buffalo Flows” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Ray McKinnon (”The Accountant”) narrates this documentary about Conservation groups protesting a proposed dam on Arkansas’ Buffalo River. It captures the river’s spectacular beauty over the course of four seasons while chronicling the activists’ battle to protect the region.
◊“Conversation With Wanda Jackson” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In April, this music pioneer and native Oklahoman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She regularly sang on an Oklahoma City radio show while in junior high school and had her first hit record by the time she was 17.
◊“Dirty Jobs” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In the continuation of Season 5, host and creator Mike Rowe heads to Miami, Fla., to try out marine salvaging, where he’ll work to remove submerged, abandoned boats from the water. He’ll then go to a recycling center in San Francisco to separate the metal, fabric, padding and wood parts of a mattress so each can be made into a new product.
◊“Disaster House” (9 p.m. on DIY): In this new series, contractor Josh Temple inflicts all kinds of abnormal damage to demonstrate the punishment a normal home takes over the years. The man-made earthquakes, flooded basements and busted roofs are an exaggerated, over-the-top illustration of what it takes to repair the most common and not-so-common household catastrophes.
◊“Dragon’s Den” (8 p.m. on BBC America): The Dragons give would-be entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas in hopes of making their business plans a reality. Ideas pitched during Season 6 include a talking tree and a machine that turns air into water.
◊“the forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): The case of a John Doe (Jarrod Bunch, former NFL Player for the New York Giants), left beaten on the street and ravaged by past injuries, leads The Forgotten Network into the world of professional football.
◊“Ghost Lab” (9 p.m. on Discovery): This new series follows Brad and Barry Klinge, Texas natives who in 2007 founded Everyday Paranormal. They tackle what are thought to be some of America’s most haunted locations with sophisticated equipment housed in a decked-out traveling “ghost lab.” This on-site high-tech lab enables investigators to analyze data on the premises in real time, helping them to more narrowly focus their investigations on suspected “hot spots.”
◊“King’s Ransom” (7 p.m. on ESPN): This documentary explores the shocking trade of hockey player Wayne Gretzky from Edmonton to Los Angeles in 1988. And it kicks off ESPN’s “30 for 30” film project centered on the last 30 years in sports.
◊“Man Caves” (8 p.m. on DIY): Former NFL player Tony “The Goose” Siragusa and contractor Jason Cameron return for a fourth season of offering ideas and do-it-yourself instruction designed to help any guy turn an extra room into the ultimate guys’ hangout.
◊“Parking Wars” (9 p.m. on A&E): The series, which for the past two seasons has followed the men and women on the front lines of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, expands beyond the City of Brotherly Love to hit the road in a new town where cars mean everything — Motor City. The ticket-writers and booters of Detroit’s Municipal Parking Department are called every name in the book, but they have the skills and attitude to get it done.
◊“Weird, True & Freaky” (8:30 p.m. on Animal Planet): This episode features a segment on the world’s deadliest spider — the Brazilian Wandering Spider — that was reportedly found in the produce aisle of a Tulsa grocery store in March.
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2009
◊“Art in the Twenty-First Century” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This series invites viewers to meet 14 of today’s most accomplished artists as they create works that reflect important and timely global issues. Season 5 shows a broad range of artistic practice, technical innovation, and experimentation, from artists tackling large-scale collaborative projects in hangar-like studios, to those working in the quiet of more intimate studio settings.
◊“The Bureau” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series profiles the modern Federal Bureau of Investigation and explores the determination required to solve some of the most mystifying cases of the 21st century.
◊“Clean House” (9 p.m. on Style): Host Niecy Nash (”Reno 911!”) and her no-holds-barred team of experts encounter homes “possessed by possessions” and in dire need of rescue. The Season 8 premiere The season premiere finds the “Clean House” cameras at Niecy’s own house. Her mother has moved in and the belongings she brought with her are cluttering up Niecy’s home.
◊“Craft in America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The Season 2 premiere episode focuses on the origins of the American craft movement and features artists who tie their work to early craft techniques and pass on these techniques to others.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit investigates a case in Rossi’s hometown that involves both his personal and professional life. Cynthia Watros (”Lost”) and D.B. Sweeney (”Jericho”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When two bodies are discovered at the North and South ends of the city, Mac and the team deftly begin to navigate the trail of evidence left behind by the killer. Skeet Ulrich (”Jericho”) guest stars in a recurring role as Hollis Eckhart, a mastermind killer, who takes the CSI team on the ride of their careers. Sarah Carter (”Shark”) returns as Haylen Becall.
◊“Dive to the Bottom of the World” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This new special chronicles the dedication of biologists, engineers, geologists and oceanographers as they collaborate to invent, design, build and deploy a state-of-the-art deep-sea vehicle that is more maneuverable than any other in history. The underwater vehicle’s mission: to provide researchers with an eye on the bottom of the deepest part of the ocean floor, and retrieve invaluable biological and geological samples for further study.
◊“Hollywood Ex-Wives: True Hollywood Story” (9 p.m. on E!): In exclusive new interviews, Gretchen Bonaduce, Sharise Neil, Sandra Carradine and Darcy LaPier – the ex-wives of Danny Bonaduce, Vince Neil, Keith Carradine and Jean-Claude Van Damme – come together to compare notes on their former spouses. No topic is off-limits as these ladies share how they went from rags to riches – and, in some cases, back to rags – and struggled to reinvent themselves without their famous husbands.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a young woman goes missing, her ex-convict neighbor (Stephen Rea, “V for Vendetta”) becomes the primary suspect.
◊“Man Shops Globe” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This new series follows Keith Johnson, the buyer-at-large for the innovative specialty retailer Anthropologie, as he travels the globe in search of fantastic and unusual decorative objects, furniture, and textiles, as well as artists and crafts people.
◊“Mythbusters” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman test the classic physics textbook theory “bullet dropped versus bullet fired.” In a scientifically complex experiment, they ask: If one bullet is fired and the other is dropped simultaneously from the same height, which will hit the ground first?
◊“Secret Girlfriend” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new series makes the viewer the central character in the irreverent life of a 20-something single guy, his two best friends and roommates, Phil and Sam, and the two women in his life he’s trying to keep secret from each other – psycho ex-girlfriend Mandy and new girlfriend Jessica.
THURSDAY, OCT. 8, 2009
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When two office mates plot to rob a casino, their plan ends with the CSIs investigating a murder. Wayne Knight (”Seinfeld”) guest stars.
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mark and Janis travel to Germany to speak with an imprisoned Nazi who claims to have knowledge about the blackouts, and an anonymous tip leads Demetri to believe his deepest fears about his future. Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”) guest stars.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): Recuperating from the traumatic and alarming meeting with Massive Dynamic founder William Bell (Leonard Nimoy, “Star Trek”), Agent Dunham consumes a powerful “fringe” concoction that Dr. Bishop prescribes to stimulate her memory.
◊“Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): Sam and Dean decide to start hunting together again and their first case leads them to a small town whose inhabitants are being killed by famous dead icons like Abraham Lincoln and James Dean’s car. However, after two teenage girls come forward and claim their friend was kidnapped by Paris Hilton (“The Simple Life”), the brothers aren’t sure what they are hunting anymore.
◊“The This Old House Hour” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): For the eighth season, the show’s experts are once again traveling the country to help puzzled homeowners tackle all sorts of common household problems. Submit questions at www.thisoldhouse.com/askaquestion and you may hear the experts knocking on your door.
◊“Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): At a fund-raising car wash, Bonnie is surprised by abilities she didn’t know she possessed and seeks advice from her grandmother (Jasmine Guy, “A Different World”).
FRIDAY, OCT. 9, 2009
◊“Brothers” (7 p.m. on Fox): Mike and Chill hire their cousin Kenny (Snoop Dogg, “Down for Life”), a shady lawyer who specializes in debt and fraud, to recover Mike’s laundered assets. But when Kenny is only able to locate funds donated to a children’s charity, Mike wrestles with a tough decision.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Echo and Victor’s imprints collide when Echo is sent on an assignment as a fun-loving, seductive college student and Victor is imprinted as the psychotic nephew of a Dollhouse shareholder (Michael Hogan, Battlestar Galactica”).
◊“I’m Alive” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series features death-defying and moving stories of people who—regardless of the obstacles or consequences—were determined to survive an animal attack. It combines victim interviews with true-to-life reenactments, giving a replay of the split-second decisions that saved lives.
◊“Sanctuary” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In the Season 2 opener, Ashley remains captured, in the dangerous hands of the Cabal. While searching for her, Magnus, Will, Druitt and Tesla encounter a quick-talking con artist with Cabal connections.
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 4 premiere, Betty finds that everything is changing as she begins her new job as associate features editor, especially since her boss is her ex-boyfriend, Matt Hartley, who is still unhappy about their breakup. Lynn Redgrave (“Teachers Only”) and Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest star.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): In the Season 3 premiere, Justin becomes fed up with Alex constantly going through his stuff and creates a female monster to guard his room and to think like Alex. However Justin’s plan backfires when the monster and Alex become fast friends.
SATURDAY, OCT. 10, 2009
◊“Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team” (8 p.m. on CMT): The new recruits for Season 4 quickly learn that professional cheerleading takes hard work, determination and nerves of steel. Hundreds of girls will fight to make the team, but only 36 will be selected to cheer in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
◊“Good Eats 10th Anniversary” (9 p.m. on Food Network): To celebrate 10 years, host Alton Brown and company put on a variety show full of strange cooking devices, a parade of guest stars and a strange birthday cake.
◊“Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): The Movers help a bicyclist (Willie Garson, “Sex and the City”) overcome his fears in this new episode. The Movers are members of the New Orleans band who introduce preschoolers to the group’s energetic rock and roll style of music while emphasizing creative problem solving skills.
◊“Mega Fault” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Eriq La Salle (“ER”) and Brittany Murphy (“Tribute”) star in this new
movie about an earthquake that triggers a crack in the earth’s crust.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Drew Barrymore (”Grey Gardens”) returns as host for her sixth time. She first hosted the show on Nov. 20, 1982, at seven years old, making history as the youngest host to ever appear on the show.
◊“Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me” (9 p.m. on HBO): Taped in August before a live audience at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., the special features the outspoken comic performing material featured in her current national stand-up tour, where she addresses such topics as having a new “cool” black President, coming out, the real Michelle Obama, being a new mom, getting her first bikini wax, healthcare town halls, pirates and working as an entertainer on a gay cruise.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Sept. 27-Oct. 3
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 Sept. 27.
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
••“Washington Watch With Roland Martin,” 10 a.m. Sunday on TV One (series premiere).
••“Amanpour,” 1 p.m. Sunday on CNN (series premiere).
••“Mario’s Green House,” 5 p.m. Sunday on TV One (series premiere).
••“60 Minutes,” 6 p.m. Sunday on CBS (42nd-season premiere).
••“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 6 p.m. Sunday on ABC (seventh-season premiere).
••“The Amazing Race,” 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS (15th-season premiere).
••“Firsthand,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (11th-season premiere).
••“The Simpsons,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox (21st-season premiere).
••“The Adventures of Danny & the Dingo,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (second-season premiere).
••“The Cleveland Show,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox (series premiere).
••“Desperate Housewives,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC (sixth-season premiere).
••“Dexter,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Showtime (fourth-season premiere).
••“Family Guy,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••“American Dad,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox (fifth-season premiere).
••“Californication,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Showtime (third-season premiere).
••“Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS (seventh-season premiere).
••“My Fair Wedding With David Tutera,” 9 p.m. Sunday on WEtv (second-season premiere).
••“Brothers & Sisters,” 9 p.m. Sunday on ABC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Brainsurge,” 3:30 p.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).
••“Lie to Me,” 8 p.m. Monday on Fox (second-season premiere).
••“The Joy Behar Show,” 8 p.m. Monday on HLN (series premiere).
••“Trauma,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC (series premiere).
••“Executive Vision,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CNBC (series premiere).
••“Weird, True & Freaky,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“The Hills,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (fifth season resumes)
••“Lost Tapes,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“The City,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (first season resumes)
••“Hank,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“The Middle,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“Bank of Mom and Dad,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (series premiere).
••“First In,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on BET (series premiere).
••“The Shift,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Investigation Discovery (second-season premiere).
••“Real World-Road Rules: The Ruins,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on MTV (18th-season premiere).
••“Private Practice,” 9 p.m. Thursday on ABC (third-season premiere).
••“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” 7 p.m. Friday on Cartoon Network (second-season premiere).
••“WWE Friday Night SmackDown,” 7 p.m. Friday on My Network TV (10th-season premiere).
••“Til Death,” 7:30 p.m. Friday on Fox (fourth-season premiere).
••“Diet Tribe,” 8 p.m. Friday on Lifetime (second-season premiere).
••“Stargate Universe,” 8 p.m. Friday on Syfy (series premiere).
••“Ultimate Sportsman’s Lodge,” 8 p.m. Friday on DIY (series premiere).
••“Kitchen Nightmares,” 9 p.m. Friday on DIY (second-season premiere).
••“Wedded to Perfection,” 9 p.m. Friday on TLC (series premiere).
••“Bartender Wars,” 9:30 p.m. Friday on FLN (series premiere).
••“Superfetch,” 7 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Dogs 101,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“Celebrity Ghost Stories,” 9 p.m. Saturday on BIO Channel (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Chopped,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Food Network (first-season finale).
••“Country Fried Home Videos,” 8 p.m. Friday on CMT (season finale).
••“Jockeys,” 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (second-season finale).
••“All Jacked Up,” 9 p.m. Friday on CMT (season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Pictured above: STARGATE UNIVERSE cast, from left, Jamil Walker Smith as Msgt. Ronald Greer, Alaina Huffman as Msgt. Tamara Johansen, Louis Ferreira as Col. Everett Young, Ming-Na as Camile Wray, Robert Carlyle as Dr. Nicholas Rush, Brian J Smith as Lt. Matthew Scott, Elyse Levesque as Chloe Armstrong, David Blue as Eli Wallace, Lou Diamond Phillips as Col. Telford — Syfy Photo: Art Streiber — Syfy Photo: Art Streiber
Top 55 TV Programs for Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 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 Sept. 27:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 27, 2009
◊“The Adventures of Danny & the Dingo” (7:30 p.m. on Fuel TV): In the Season 2 premiere, pro snowboarders Danny Kass and The Dingo meet Rob Dyrdek in Hollywood in search of street credit. Then they head to San Diego for a trade show.
◊“Amanpour” (1 p.m. on CNN):CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour will host this new global interview program. Each show will primarily focus on one topic and will feature guests who challenge and deconstruct conventional wisdom.
◊“The Amazing Race” (7 p.m. on CBS): In Season 15, 12 teams will travel one of the fastest courses ever assembled on the Race — spanning eight countries in just 21 days. And one team will be sent home before leaving the starting line.
◊“American Dad” (8:30 p.m. on Fox): When Steve is selected to sing the national anthem at the Langley Falls Veterans’ Day celebration, he gets some heat from Stan who doesn’t think he’s ready for such an undertaking.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9 p.m. on ABC): Kitty harbors a devastating secret that will rock the Walker family in the Season 4 premiere. Marion Ross (“Happy Days”) and Matt Gallant (“The Planet’s Funniest Animals”) guest star.
◊“Californication” (9 p.m. on Showtime): As Season 3 opens, Hank Moody now has a “real” job as a college professor and is trying to keep wild child Becca on the straight and narrow with Karen still working in New York.
◊“The Cleveland Show” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): Mike Henry reprises his voice role as Cleveland Brown in this new animated “Family Guy” spin-off that finds the soft-spoken title character moving back to his Virginia hometown with his 14-year-old son, Cleveland Jr.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 7 premiere, which features the music of Ray Charles, the team investigates the 1966 shipboard murder of a young working-class woman who shared a room in steerage with a friend on an upscale ocean liner’s final round-trip Atlantic crossing.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry deliberately tries to annoy Loretta, against the advice of a renowned doctor. Later, Larry dooms Richard Lewis’ new relationship.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 6 premiere, Mike Delfino’s bride will finally be revealed and a new family with a dark past moves to Wisteria Lane. Drea de Matteo (“Joey”) and Jeffrey Nordling (“24”) join the cast.
◊“Dexter” (8 p.m. on Showtime): In Season 4, Dexter becomes fascinated with the “Trinity Killer” (John Lithgow, “3rd Rock From the Sun”) because of his unique killing methods and his ability to evade capture for almost three decades.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Ari investigates Terrance (Malcolm McDowell, “Fantasy Island”) when he unexpectedly offers to sell Ari his share of his agency.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (6 p.m. on ABC): Season 7 will celebrities volunteering for the weeks of house building, and the first two volunteers are Patricia Heaton (”The Middle”) and musical group Five For Fighting.
◊“Family Guy” (8 p.m. on Fox): With the help of an out-of-this-world remote control, Stewie and Brian travel through alternate universes, including a post-apocalyptic world and a parallel world run by dogs where humans are pets.
◊“Firsthand” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): This series provides an exclusive look at action sports personalities. Season 11 takes viewers into the daily lives of BMX pro Dave Mirra, X Games Gold Medalist Travis Pastrana, pro snowboarder Danny Kass and 2007 World Champion surfer Mick Fanning.
◊“Mario’s Green House” (5 p.m. on TV One): Actor Mario Van Peebles (“All My Children”) and his family undergo a major home eco-renovation and embrace green living in this new reality series. It also offers an entertaining take on how to make one’s everyday life support a sustainable future.
◊“My Fair Wedding With David Tutera” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Celebrity wedding planner David Tutera returns to help transform and revamp the less-than-perfect into extraordinary platinum-style affairs. Along the way, David surprises the bridal parties with major last minute changes that take the bride’s original idea to the next level.
◊“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Ken Burns’ 12-hour, six-part documentary series, which chronicles the idea of preserving the nation’s most beautiful places for the general public, opens with “The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890).” In 1851, word spreads across the country of a beautiful area of California’s Yosemite Valley, attracting visitors who wish to exploit the land’s scenery for commercial gain and those who wish to keep it pristine.
◊“Nick News: I’m Allergic to My World” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new special explores what it’s like to be a youngster with life threatening allergies. Dr. Robert Wood, Director of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at John’s Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, MD, explains the strange ways of allergies. Kids explain the rest.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the 21st-season premiere episode co-written by Seth Rogan (“Funny People”), Homer is cast as the lead in “Everyman,” a feature film based on the new comic book superhero. To whip Homer into superhero shape, the movie studio hires celebrity fitness trainer “Lyle McCarthy” (guest voice Rogen).
◊“Washington Watch With Roland Martin” (10 a.m. on TV One): CNN analyst Roland Martin will host this new weekly public affairs series focusing on issues that are critical to black Americans. The show will also feature regular appearances by members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
MONDAY, SEPT. 28, 2009
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): Lewis Black (“Root of All Evil”) guest stars as a brilliant but troubled professor of entomology who works at Caltech with the guys.
◊“Brainsurge” (3:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new game show is filled with high-energy challenges that allow youngsters to test their level of recollection and attention skills while having fun. The winning contestant gets the ultimate prize — a giant, messy, celebratory sliming.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): Shocked to learn that ZBZ has slipped in the ranks down to fourth, Casey is determined to bring ZBZ back to the number one spot by motivating their pledge class to take action. Olivia Munn (”Attack of the Show”) and Olesya Rulin (”High School Musical”) guest star.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): House returns home to Princeton where he continues to focus on his recovery, but surprises Cuddy with the news that he’s making a big change in his life.
◊“The Joy Behar Show” (8 p.m. on HLN): This new nighttime talk show will offer viewers a full hour of Joy Behar’s passionate point of view, sharp wit, and no-nonsense approach. Topics will range from pop culture to politics and everything in between.
◊“Lie to Me” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 1 premiere, the Lightman Group investigates a murder case where a woman with multiple personalities (Erika Christensen, “The Perfect Score”) may either be a witness or the killer.
◊“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Last Refuge (1890-1915),” President Theodore Roosevelt becomes one of the national parks’ greatest champions.
◊“Trauma” (8 p.m. on NBC): This new medical drama series follows the first responder paramedics of the trauma team of San Francisco City Hospital, who often put their own lives on the line to save others.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 29, 2009
◊“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Navid continues to run the Blaze News and assigns Silver and Gia (Rumer Willis, “Sorority Row”) to interview Jasper for a news piece about his uncle.
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): In these new primetime episodes airing back-to-back, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stars The Miz and John Morrison play the game for charity.
◊“Chopped” (9 p.m. on Food Network): In the final competition, four champions face off for a chance to reclaim the title and bank an additional $10,000.
◊“The City” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): When Season 1 resumes, it’s back to work for the cast and with new jobs, new boys, new cast members and New York in the mix. Whitney Port decides to take a chance at her dream of becoming a designer and leaves her position at Diane von Furstenberg to work under the critical eye of Kelly Cutrone at People’s Revolution.
◊“Executive Vision” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This new 5-part series examines how leaders will gain the trust, dedication and admiration of all around them as they confront the challenges in today’s ever-changing world.
◊“The Hills” (9 p.m. on MTV): When Season 5 resumes, the tension picks up right where it left off. Heidi and Spencer are moving to suburbia to begin a life of wedded bliss but they quickly discover that married life won’t be as perfect as their storybook wedding.
◊“Lost Tapes” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): In Season 2 of the popular crypto zoology series, discover the stories behind creatures that science refuses to recognize. Bigfoot, werewolves, vampires, the Jersey devil — while their existence has never been proven, alleged sightings and encounters suggest that there are species that have managed to elude the reach of mankind.
◊“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Empire of Grandeur (1915-1919),” a new federal agency is created to protect the parks.
◊“One Life to Live” (1 p.m. on ABC): Grammy Award winner Lionel Richie will perform his hit “Just Go” off his latest album of the same title. He will be joined by rising pop-star, Jeremih, who is known for his smash hit “Birthday Sex” and self titled debut album “Jeremih.”
◊“Weird, True & Freaky” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Season 2 features everything from the grotesque to the downright bizarre and inexplicable. A band of monkeys infests an elementary school; the world’s deadliest spider invades a grocery store produce aisle; and the blood of a goat is used in an ancient fertility ritual.
◊“Who Wants a Man Cave?” (8 p.m. on DIY): This special follows former NFL player Tony “Goose” Siragusa, contractor Jason Cameron and MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds and Mitch Williams as they transform a space into an ultimate man cave equipped with official MLB merchandise.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30, 2009
◊“Bank of Mom and Dad” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): In this reality series, adapted from a BBC format, women in their 20s and 30s have to face their mom and dad moving in for one week to police their finances and take over their lives. With wayward lifestyles and spending spiraling out of control, each episode sees one woman having a major reality check as she faces up to her debt.
◊“Eastwick” (9 p.m. on ABC): As Eastwick prepares for its annual fall HarvestFest, Joanna, Kat and Roxie’s lives continue to take a turn for the strange. Cybil Shepherd (”The L Word”) and Martin Mull (”Roseanne”) guest star.
◊“Finishing Heaven” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This new documentary follows director Robert Feinberg as he struggles to complete the film he began nearly four decades ago. As a New York City film student in the 1960s, he showed the potential to become the next big filmmaker. But over the years, perfectionism got the best of him and to this day, he still hasn’t completed the film, a free-form, avant-garde portrait of bohemian life in the Big Apple.
◊“First In” (9 p.m. on BET): Narrated by Tyrese Gibson (“Death Race”), this new series delves into the lives of Compton’s firefighters and paramedics as they try to balance the high stress of a gruesome 72-hour work schedule and family life. Emotions run high as the men and women work long hours in a fast-paced, high intensity atmosphere compounded by the daily pressure of saving lives.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Meat Loaf (“Fight Club”) joins the TAPS team for an investigation at a haunted private island in Thousand Islands, NY. The area was formerly part of the Underground Railroad and was also used as a monastery.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Will thinks the glee club desperately needs more of an edge, so he brings in his former classmate, April Rhodes (Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies”), to spice things up.
◊“Hank” (7 p.m. on ABC): Emmy winner Kelsey Grammer (‘‘Frasier”) returns to series television as Hank Pryor, a legendary entrepreneur in the sports retail world. Hank and his wife, Tilly, have been living the high life in New York City. That is until Hank is forced out of his CEO job and has to downsize and move his family back home to the small town of River Bend, Va.
◊“The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Meet the Hecks, an ordinary family struggling to survive each other and life in Middle America. Patricia Heaton (”Everybody Loves Raymond”) stars in the new series as a car saleswoman who juggles her job demands with keeping her three children grounded in middle-class family values.
◊“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Going Home (1920-1933), the advent of the automobile allows more people to visit the national parks, previously accessible mainly to wealthy visitors who could afford train tours.
◊“The Ruins” (9 p.m. on MTV): This season, twenty-eight competitors will travel to Thailand to battle it out on two separate teams of the “Champions” and the “Challengers”. While players will still be competing for their teams, they will also be accumulating money for their own personal bank accounts as they compete in nine.
◊“The Shift” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The network’s most successful original series returns for a second season. It chronicles the “middle shift” of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) that works from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM, considered to be “primetime” hours for homicide. While those are their official hours, these investigators work tirelessly to solve their cases whenever they happen – to them, when someone is murdered in their city, it’s personal.
THURSDAY, OCT. 1, 2009
◊“The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Lisbon and the team work the case of a State Senator’s murdered intern, while Jane simultaneously tries to find out what new information Bosco has uncovered on the Red John case. Paul Michael Glaser (“Starsky and Hutch”) guest stars.
◊“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Great Nature (1933-1945),” President Franklin Roosevelt creates the Civilian Conservation Corps to help battle unemployment during the Great Depression.
◊“Portrait of an Artist: Chuck Close” (6 p.m. on Sundance): The documentary looks at the life and art of Chuck Close, who has re-invented portraiture with his monumental studies of human faces. The film captures the making of a Close self-portrait, an intricate process that yields a single image comprised of hundreds of individually colored, patterned squares.
◊“Private Practice” (9 p.m. on ABC): After Pete discovers Violet dying on the floor of her home, having barely survived a violent attack from her patient, Katie (Amanda Foreman, “What About Brian”), he rushes her to the hospital where Addison and Naomi fight to save her life.
◊“Watch What Happens: Live” (11 p.m. on Bravo): Host Andy Cohen will sit down with guest Jimmy Fallon (“Saturday Night Live”) to chat about what has transpired on-air and in pop culture for the week.
FRIDAY, OCT. 2, 2009
◊“Bartender Wars” (9:30 p.m. on FLN): Bartenders face off in a series of challenges in this new series. Each episode will feature a particular liquor ranging from tequila to champagne, and the contestants will have to engage in five challenges: the “Quick Shot,” based on speed; “Happy Hour” which involves patrons in the festivities; a technical challenge; the “Liquor Picker” where the bartenders have to throw darts to select the ingredients they’ll use for their signature drinks; “The Wheel of Challenges” where the guest judge will challenge the bartenders in games such as “Mimic the Master,” “Celeb in a Glass” and “Not Quite Seven Deadly Sins”; and the “Lightning Round” which gets patrons involved in a physical challenge.
◊“Diet Tribe” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Professional fitness trainer Jessie Pavelka and psychotherapist Stacy Kaiser return for a second season to guide and coach five mothers as they work towards creating healthier and happier lives, one pound at a time.
◊“Kitchen Nightmares” (9 p.m. on DIY): Carpenter and electrician Marc Bartolomeo works with homeowners to achieve the kitchen they always wanted. But getting the job done right can mean changing plans or ripping out existing construction.
◊“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Morning of Creation (1946-1980),” biologist Alfred Murie fights to ensure that even hated predators get the same protection from hunters as other wildlife.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When two FBI agents, part of a unit headed by Don’s former mentor, are killed during a shootout with bank robbers, the team must investigate what exactly happened. Los Angeles Lakers player Jordan Farmer guest stars.
◊“Stargate Universe” (8 p.m. on Syfy): This new series follows a band of soldiers, scientists and civilians who must fend for themselves as they are forced through a Stargate when their hidden base comes under attack. The survivors emerge aboard an ancient ship, which is locked on an unknown course and unable to return to Earth.
◊“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (7 p.m. on Cartoon Network): The lives of the Jedi become more complex as secret and forbidden relationships are revealed and a new breed of villain enters to take advantage of the wartime turmoil. Season 2 introduces these lawless rogues into the fray along with a host of new characters, locations and creatures.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (7 p.m. on Disney): In this special one-hour episode, Zack, Cody, London, Bailey and Woody find themselves stranded on a deserted island when Woody accidentally hits the release lever on a lifeboat and the gang drifts out to sea. Zack hops into action, putting his survival tactics to use, while London takes it all in stride, believing that they have found a remote five-star resort.
◊“Til Death” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 4 premiere, Eddie and Joy’s free-spirited daughter, Ally, returns from a trek in the Ecuadorian rainforest with her new husband, Doug. When Ally and Doug decide to set up camp in a trailer in the Starks’ backyard, they ruin Eddie’s plans for installing a Jacuzzi.
◊“Ultimate Sportsman’s Lodge” (8 p.m. on DIY): This new series takes viewers to the wilds of Montana as outdoorsman Chris Dorsey builds a lodge complete with a covered deck and fire pit with guest contributor Jeff Foxworthy (”Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”).
◊“Wedded to Perfection” (9 p.m. on TLC): This new series follows the charismatic husband and wife team, Jung Lee and Josh Brooks, who together own New York’s premiere wedding and event planning business, Fete. Each episode will feature two events, anything from a spectacular wedding to a memorable anniversary party.
◊“WWE Friday Night SmackDown” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): Season 10 kicks off with a two-hour special featuring appearances from all the WWE superstars and a look back at 10 years of memorable matches and moments.
SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 2009
◊“Anatomy ’59: The Making of a Classic WKAR Motion Picture” (10:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary explores the crime, the trial and the book that led to the making of Otto Preminger’s 1959 courtroom thriller “Anatomy of a Murder” that starred James Stewart and Lee Remick.
◊“Celebrity Ghost Stories” (9 p.m. on BIO Channel): In each episode of this new series, viewers will see several first-person celebrity narratives by actors, musical artists and athletes. Cinematic recreations bring to life the personal accounts of stars who believe they have experienced paranormal encounters. The premiere episode features late actor David Carradine (“Kung Fu Killer”) in one of his last interviews where he divulges a story about a haunting in his closet and gives his view on life after death.
◊“CSI: NY” (7 p.m. on CBS): The team tackles their most unusual case yet: two murder victims within two weeks, both named ‘Mac Taylor.’ Now, Det. Mac Taylor, and 15 others with the same moniker, must determine the killer’s motive before they strike again. Rumer Willis (“Sorority Row”) guest stars.
◊“Mike Epps: Under Rated … Never Faded & X-Rated” (9:40 p.m. on Showtime): Filmed at the historic Fox Theatre in Detroit, MI., Mike Epps gets the house rocking with his unique and hilarious observations of married men, black/white family dynamics and a spot-on impersonation of a popular crime scene investigation series.
◊“ReDesign” (noon on FLN): Designer Kenneth Brown walks viewers through his design process as ordinary rooms transform into stunning showplaces.
◊“Sarah’s House” (10:30 a.m. on FLN): Follow interior designer Sarah Richardson through the entire process of purchasing a house and renovating it room by room.
◊“Superfetch” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series follows extreme pet trainer Zak George as he works with pet parents and shows them how to transform their ordinary pet into a trick-doing stunt jockey. In the process, he helps strengthen the bond they have with their beloved companion.
–Penny TV
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
