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Top 55 TV Programs for Feb. 14-20, 2010

 Sunday’s Oklahoman,
which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 14:

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

SUNDAY, FEB. 14
••“The Amazing Race” (7 p.m. on CBS): Oklahomans Jet and Cord McCoy are among the 11 teams competing in the 40,0000-mile race across five continents. Other teams include “Big Brother 11″ houseguests Jordan Lloyd and Jeff Schroeder, 2007 Miss South Carolina Teen USA Caite Upton and her boyfriend, Brent, and Cleveland Indian third-base coach Steve Smith and his daughter, Allison.
••“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Newly discovered details about the mugger of Valen’s mother, a joint custody request from Miller’s ex and brewing legal hurdles for Rush (Kathryn Morris) vex those team members as they attempt to solve the 1983 murder of a graffiti artist. Guest starring are Michael Badalucco (“The Practice”), Rick Gonzalez (“Reaper”), Keesha Sharp (“Girlfriends”) and Walter Perez (“Fame”).
••“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (8 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Tyler Perry (“Madea Goes to Jail”) joins the team in Prince George’s County, MD, to help a couple who have put the well-being of neighborhood kids ahead of their own living conditions.
••“High Stakes Poker” (8 p.m. on GSN): Season 6 features the toughest line-up of professional poker players ever, resulting in the type of action that any poker fan would yearn for and learn from. Professional poker player Kara Scott joins Gabe Kaplan to co-host this season.
••“How to Make It in America” (9 p.m. on HBO): This new series follows two enterprising Brooklyn twentysomethings as they hustle their way through New York City trying to make a name for themselves in New York’s competitive fashion scene. Ben Epstein (Bryan Greenberg) and Cam Calderon (Victor Rasuk) use their street knowledge and connections to bring their ambitions to fruition.
••“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In this adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey,” Felicity Jones stars as in-love-with-love Catherine Morland, who is thrown into high society via her patrons. She falls in love, but monetary and social issues get in the way.
••“Sexting in America: When Privates Go Public” (8 p.m. on MTV): This 30 minute special examines how ‘sexting’ is impacting youth culture and relationships, the stakes involved and how this trend is becoming a new frontier for teen dating abuse.
••“Sextistics: Your Love Life” (8 p.m. on TLC): Ever wondered if there is a smoother path down the rocky road of love? Or how your love life matches up with the rest of the nation? This special reveals the startling answers.
••”The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): The Simpsons head to the 2010 Vancouver Games where Marge and Homer compete as part of a curling team. Bob Costas (guest-voicing as himself) reports.
••“Starstruck” (7 p.m. on Disney): Sterling Knight (“Sonny With A Chance”) and Danielle Campbell (“Prison Break”) star in this music and adventure-filled movie about a Hollywood pop star who, after meeting a down-to-earth girl visiting from the Midwest, is faced with either following his heart or doing what’s best for his career.
••”Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): Ally sends Doug to a shrink (Mayim Bialik, “Blossom”) to cure his mysterious illness.
••“Tool Academy 3” (8 p.m. on VH1): A new class of bad boyfriends and girlfriends learn what it takes to fix their relationships in Season 3.
••“Undercover Boss” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Coby Brooks, President and CEO of “Hooters” goes undercover in his own company, he finds himself struggling to keep up in a fast-paced kitchen and is, later, forced to take immediate action when a restaurant manager steps out of line.
••“The Visitors” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows the exhausting journey of individuals as they leave their homes every weekend and travel to various prisons in Upstate New York to visit loved ones. Every Friday night about 800 people, mostly women and children, gather at Columbus Circle in Manhattan and board buses. Depending on the destination, the trips can take 8 or 10 hours one way.

MONDAY, FEB. 15, 2010
••“The 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show” (7 p.m. today and Tuesday on USA Network): Tamron Hall (MSNBC Live”) will co-host the event with David Frei, longtime breeder-owner-handler and judge in the world of purebred dogs. Entries this year total 2,500 dogs representing 48 states, the District of Columbia and at least eight foreign countries. The highest breed entered is the Australian Shepherds with 44.
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in Hour One from Madison, Wisc., include an art deco charm bracelet, an heirloom 1938 Martin D-18 guitar and an angry letter from Frank Sinatra to Chicago Daily News columnist Mike Royko.
••“Celebrity Close Calls” (9 p.m. on BIO Channel): Celebrities Jane Seymour (“Modern Men”), Erik Estrada (“ChiPs”), Leif Garrett (“Popstar”) and Coolio (“Three Days to Vegas”) tell their tales where each were forced to face their own mortality in shocking, unexpected twists of fate. They describe the out of body visions they experienced and how they fought “the white light.” Garrett plunged his Porsche off a highway, paralyzing his passenger. Estrada was crushed by his motorcycle on the set of “ChiPs.” Coolio nearly died from an asthma attack. And Seymour was left fighting for her life after a routine injection gone wrong.
••“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio Caine calls Las Vegas CSI Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI”) to come to Miami when a severed leg found in the Everglades is discovered to belong to a girl who went missing in Las Vegas a week earlier.
••“Facing Ali” (8 p.m. on SPIKE): This documentary delves into the life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali in and out of the ring through the eyes of those who fought him. Among those interviewed are George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, Ken Norton and Leon Spinks.
••“Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): Casey is ready to discuss the future with Cappie, and the situation isn’t helped by handsome Washington politician Joel (Sam Page, “Mad Men”), who encourages Casey to envision a potential career in politics after she volunteers to help him with his voter registration campaign at the Cyprus Rhodes campus. Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”) and Oleysa Rulin (“High School Musical”) also guest star.
••“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. Guest star Kenny Rogers (“The Gambler”) narrates the audio book played during Marshall and Ted’s road trip.
••”I’m in the Band” (6 p.m. on Disney XD): Arlene (Raini Rodriguez, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop”) invites Tripp and his band mates over to her house for a gathering honoring the demise of Hip Hop. 
••”One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): Nathan tries to help Haley and Jamie confront Lydia’s seemingly hopeless situation. Series star Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley) directed the episode
••“The Penguins of Madagascar” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the show’s first special, “Dr. Blowhole’s Revenge,” Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”) guest stars as the penguins’ long-time nemesis out for revenge and to finally conquer the world.
••“Picturing the Presidents” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This special that looks at the photos, caricatures and portraits that have captured, satirized and humanized past presidents. From the portrait that enraged LBJ to the bad-hair-day photograph that almost cost Lincoln the election, the pictures that elicit reactions are as divisive as the subjects themselves.
••“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): The new school counselor, Dr. Bink (Mayim Bialik, “Blossom”), organizes Grant High School’s first mother/daughter dance during which each group learns a great deal about the other and their respective personal lives.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy gets chased by the British Army in some of their latest and most deadly toys. Olympic gold-medal winning sprinter Usain Bolt is featured in the “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” segment.
••“Yoga Inc.” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary takes an in-depth look into the world of yoga, examining an ancient spiritual practice and its controversial transformation into a competitive, commercialized, multi-million dollar industry.

TUESDAY, FEB. 16, 2010
••”16 and Pregnant” (9 p.m. on MTV): This series, back for Season 2, looks inside the lives of 10 teenagers as they face the challenges that come with being a young parent.  For 5-7 months, the series follows these teens as they navigate the unfamiliar territory and uncertainty of being pregnant.
••”The Forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): The Forgotten Network sets out to identify a 40-year-old woman found murdered in a local bar. One of the primary suspects is a superstar basketball player (Baron Davis, LA Clippers), who had an altercation with Jane Doe days before.
••”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.
••”Independent Lens” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Mine/Home” explores the vital bond between humans and animals, as demonstrated in the attempts by Hurricane Katrina victims to find their pets.
••”Maneaters” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Using real footage mixed with dramatic reconstructions, survivors of tiger and leopard attacks talk through their gut-wrenching encounters while experts explain the reasons why these predators are turning on people.
••”Paranormal Cops” (9:30 p.m. on A&E): In the season finale, a fellow police officer calls Ron and the team in to help uncover the mysteries surrounding his night job as a security guard at a banquet hall, where the investigators find there could be multiple spirits trying to communicate with the living.
••”Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Celebrity guest Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City”) gets some help from Super Grover while she’s waiting for Big Bird. Debi Mazar (“Entourage”) presents the word on the street, which is “humungous.”

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17, 2010
••”30 Bizarre Inventions” (7 p.m. on FLN): This special takes a look back at some of the more unique products that have been featured on television over the years.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A big rig accident results in the discovery of an interstate trucking ring that specializes in human cargo and black market organ harvesting, which sets off a race against time to save a hostage. Laurence Fishburne (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) guest stars.
••”American Idol” (8 p.m. on Fox): This season’s Top 24 semifinalists will be revealed.
••”Faces of America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Becoming American” explores the diverse journeys of new arrivals during the “century of immigration.” Stephen Colbert’s (“The Colbert Report”) great-great-grandfather escapes poverty in Ireland, while chef Mario Batali’s great-grandfather struggles in Montana, and the great-grandfather of Queen Noor of Jordan settles in New York.
••”Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chance, Winston and Guerrero devise an elaborate plan to break into a maximum-security high-rise to rescue a computer genius (Kevin Weisman, “Alias”) being held against his will. Autumn Reeser (“The O.C.”), Mitch Pileggi (“The X-Files”) and Garcelle Beauvais-Niloon (“Eyes”) guest star.
••”The Inbetweeners” (8:30 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 1 finale, four hapless heroes at Rudge Park Comprehensive all still trying to work out how to be cool. Season 2 begins Feb. 24.
••”Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): Surrounded by FBI, the team decides to hide in plain sight, while continuing to take down the corrupt mayor and his gunrunning partner. Little do they suspect that Nate has a different endgame in mind for them all in the Season 2 finale. Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) and Richard Kind (“Spin City”) guest star.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies (Chazz Palminteri, “The Usual Suspects”) might be secretly gay.
••”Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Things should be dreamy at a Bahamas resort, where even Shakira (portraying herself) is staying, but Betty has a nightmarish photo shoot after Willie learns her nemesis, Penelope Graybridge (Christie Brinkley, “Vacation”), snagged a coveted job.
••”The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Victoria Beckham (“Spice World”) makes her first appearance as a celebrity guest co-host. Her first guest appearance on show as a guest was September 2009.
••”The Woman Who Stops Traffic” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In the series finale, the journey of professional trouble-shooter Kris Murrin concludes. She provides several services to get the residents of Durham walking, cycling and using public transport.

THURSDAY, FEB. 18, 2010
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (9 p.m. on CBS): Catherine, Nick and the rest of the team help Langston investigate a prostitution ring that may have harbored a hostage he has been searching for in Miami and New York while delving into a human trafficking operation.
••”Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): In his new role as Chief, Derek restores the hospital lecture series, and Richard, Bailey and Callie present to the group pivotal surgical cases from their pasts. Sarah Paulson (“Down with Love”)  and J. August Richards (“Raising the Bar”) guest star.
••”LA Ink” (9 p.m. on TLC): This docu-series following tattoo artist Kat Von D and her shop, High Voltage, continues to feature new great tattoos with compelling stories behind them. However, it’s not all fun and games as Kat is forced to really manage her business and her employees.
••”Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): As Violet continues to help Sam with Maya’s wedding, Naomi refuses to take part as she works with Addison and Pete to save the life of a 25-week-old premature baby. Rosanna Arquette (“Pulp Fiction”), Sara Rue (“Eastwick”) and Bruno Campos (“Nip/Tuck”) guest star.
••”Reporter” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): This documentary follows New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof as he goes in search of individuals whose stories reflect the desperate crisis unfolding in the war-torn Congo.
••”Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Celebrity guest Paul Rudd (“Role Models”) plays a prince attempting to rescue a pengiun in distress. Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives”) presents the word on the street, which is “exquisite.”

FRIDAY, FEB. 19, 2010
••”Comedy Central Presents” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comedians Tony Rock and Doug Williams are featured in back-to-back premiere episodes for Season 14 of the stand-up talent showcase.
••”The Life and Times of Tim” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): This animated comedy series, back for Season 2, follows Tim, a twentysomething New Yorker who has a habit of befriending unreliable characters who repeatedly get him into serious trouble.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Allison develops a strange sensitivity to light, the sunglasses she wears reveal mysterious numbers that could tie into people’s life expectancies. Tom Verica (“American Dreams”) and Mitch Pileggi (“The X-Files”) guest star.
••”NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When two FBI agents are killed during a shootout with bank robbers, the team must investigate what exactly happened. Jordan Farmer (Los Angeles Lakers) guest stars.
••”Real Time With Bill Maher” (9 p.m. on HBO): Back for Season 8, this show allows host Bill Maher to offer his unique perspective on contemporary issues and includes an opening monologue, roundtable discussions with panelists and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.
••”The Ricky Gervais Show” (8 p.m. on HBO): This new series animates podcasts voiced by Ricky Gervais, his longtime collaborator Stephen Merchant and friend Karl Pilkington, whose offbeat musings inspire many of the storylines. The podcasts, which first appeared on The Guardian website, earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most downloads.

SATURDAY, FEB. 20, 2010
••”NUMB3RS” (7 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team investigate a series of murders that they realize are being copied from scenes out of a soon-to-be-released movie. Adam Goldberg (“The Unusuals”) guest stars.
••“Precious: The Story Behind the Movie” (7 p.m. on TV Guide Network): This special documents the film’s journey from page to screen and includes never-before-seen film footage, interviews with the director and cast members, and reactions from filmgoers who have seen the movie and been touched by its story.

–Penny TV

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Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Feb. 7-13, 2010

 
   Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Feb. 7.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

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

GUEST STARS
••Elizabeth Banks (“Scrubs”) on “30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Kathy Bates (“The Blindside”) on “The Office,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Mayim Bialik (“Blossom”) on “The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Linda Blair (“The Exorcist”) on “Pit Boss,” 9 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet.
••Jon Bon Jovi (“Ally McBeal”) on “30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Barry Bostwick (“Spin City”) on “Cougar Town,” 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Benjamin Bratt (“Miss Congeniality”) on “Modern Family,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Deanne Bray (“Sue Thomas” F.B.Eye”) on “Heroes,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••David Brenner (“Worth Winning”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Gary Cole (“The West Wing”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Bob Eubanks (“The Newlywed Game”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 8 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD.
••Scott Foley (“The Unit”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Jasmine Guy (“Dead Like Me”) on “The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CW.
••Richard Kind (“Mad About You”) on “Leverage,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT.
••Perry King (“Melrose Place”) on “Big Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Kristin Kreuk (“Smallville”) on “Chuck,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••John Larroquette (“Boston Legal”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Kristin Lehman (“Prison Break”) on “Human Target,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
••Thad Luckinbill (“The Young and the Restless”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••James McDaniel (“NYPD Blue”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Tim Meadows (“Saturday Night Live”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Jim Nantz (“NFL on CBS”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Kevin Nealon (“Weeds”) on “Til Death,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••Danica Patrick (race car driver) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Amy Pietz (“Caroline in the City”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Pamela Reed (“Jericho”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Elizabeth Rohm (“Law & Order”) on “Heroes,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Antonio Sabato Jr. (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Phil Simms (“NFL on CBS”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Sissy Spacek (“Carrie”) on “Big Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Joe Spano (“NYPD Blue”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Justin Theroux (“Tropic Thunder”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Joe Torre (Los Angeles Dodgers manager) on “Castle,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC.
••James Van Der Beek, “Dawson’s Creek”) on “Mercy,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Michael Weston (“Gamer”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Fred Willard (“Best in Show”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Zack Woods (“The Honkys”) on “The Office,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Susan Yeagley (“I’m Not Gay”) on “Til Death,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Fox.

Pictured above: 30 ROCK — “Anna Howard Shaw Day” Episode 113 — Pictured: (l-r) — Photo by: Ali Goldstein/NBC

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TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Feb. 7-13 (2010)

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

BEGINNINGS
••“Bathtastic,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on DIY (third-season premiere).
••“Undervcover Boss,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Antiques Roadshow UK,” 3 p.m. Monday on BBC America (32nd-season premiere).
••“Winter Next X,” 4 p.m. Monday on Disney XD (series premiere).
••“Celebrity Fit Club: Boot Camp,” 8 p.m. Monday on VH1 (seventh-season premiere).
••“NFL Full Contact,” 9 p.m. Monday on truTV (series premiere).
••“Past Life,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (special preview, series premieres at 8 p.m. Thursday).
••“Faces of America,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on OETA-13 (series premiere).
••“Inside NASCAR,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Showtime (series premiere).
••“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CBS (20th-season premiere).
••“Famous Crime Scene,” 8 p.m. Friday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“Kick Buttowski — Suburban Daredevil,” 7:30 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD (series premiere).
••“Survivors,” 7 p.m. Saturday on BBC America (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“America’s Next Top Model Obsessed,” 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday on Oxygen.
••“Heroes,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC (fourth-season finale).
••“Friday Night Lights,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on DirecTV (fourth-season finale).
••“The Haunted,” 9 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (first-season finale).
••“Operation Wild,” 9 p.m. Friday on Planet Green (first-season finale).

MARATHONS
••“Jersey Shore,” 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday on MTV.
••“CSI,” noon Sunday to 3 a.m. Monday on SPIKE.
••“Last Restaurant Standing,” 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday on BBC America.
••“The Nanny,” 10 p.m. to midnight Monday through Feb. 14 on Nickelodeon.

Pictured above: PAST LIFE: Psychologist Dr. Kate McGinn (Kelli Giddish, second from L), Price Whatley (Nicholas Bishop, third from L), Dr. Malachi Talmadge (Richard Schiff, L) and Dr. Rishi Karna (Ravi Patel, R) investigate the world of the unexplained as they work together to solve decades-old mysteries in the new drama PAST LIFE  premiering Thursday, Feb. 11, on FOX. Photo Credit: Jeremy Cowart/FOX

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Top 55 TV Programs for Feb. 7-13, 2010

    Sunday’s
Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 7:

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

SUNDAY, FEB. 7, 2010
◊“Bathtastic”( 8:30 p.m. on DIY): Season 3 returns to inform viewers about new materials and offer design tips and know-how that will help revitalize any bathroom.
◊“Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): Bill pulls out all the stops in his efforts to win Paley’s support for the state senate nomination, while Nicki relishes her role as his campaign’s secret weapon. Sissy Spacek (“Carrie”) and Perry King (“Melrose Place”) guest star.
◊“Face the Nation” (9:30 a.m. on CBS): This installment anchored by Bob Schoeffer will air from the Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida. Guests will include NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, “The NFL on CBS” announcers Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, and “The NFL Today” analyst Shannon Sharpe.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): See how Jane Austen ties up the tangled affairs of her three heroines and two mystifying men in the final installment of “Emma.” Romola Garai (“Atonement”) stars as Emma.
◊“Modern Family” (9:30 p.m. on ABC): Gloria is less than pleased with Jay’s reaction to the arrival of Manny’s unreliable dad, Javier (Benjamin Bratt, (“Miss Congeniality”).
◊“Martin Clunes: A Man and His Dogs” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This two-part program, which concludes Feb. 14, investigates the ancestry of dogs and what makes them man’s best friend.
◊“Puppy Bowl VI” (2 p.m. on Animal Planet): This alternative to the Super Bowl spotlights a bunch of pups frolicking in a stadium-shaped pen, with bunny cheerleaders on the sidelines and a halftime show featuring kittens. It airs multiple times for those who want to watch both the real game and this one.
◊“Street Fight” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary spotlights Cory Booker, a Yale Law graduate, as he takes on the the four-term mayor of Newark, N.J. The city’s political machine unleashes a campaign of harassment and voter intimidation, and the election unfolds amid accusations of terrorism, a Watergate-style burglary and sexual scandal.
◊“Super Bowl XLIV” (5:25 p.m. on CBS): Checotah native Carrie Underwood will sing the national anthem before the game kicks off between The New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts. The Who will take the stage during halftime to entertain the crowd inside Miami’s Dolphin Stadium and the millions of viewers at home.
◊“Til Death” (6 p.m. on Fox): When Joy urges Eddie to get a check-up from their doctor, Simona, Eddie becomes enamored with her, her husband and their seemingly perfect life. Kevin Nealon (“Weeds”) and Susan Yeagley (“I’m Not Gay”) guest star.
◊“Undercover Boss” (9 p.m. on CBS): In this new series, chief executives go incognito as regular workers in their own companies to see the effects their decisions have on others and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering the unsung heroes who make their company run. The opener features Larry O’Donnell, president of Waste Management.

MONDAY, FEB. 8, 2010
◊“American Experience: Bombing of Germany” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): British and American bombing of Germany during World War II claimed the lives of nearly half a million civilians. This installment examines the defining moments of the offensive that led the U.S. across a moral divide, and it includes interviews with World War II pilots and archival footage of the bombing and its aftermath.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Among the items appraised in Hour Three from Atlantic City are a 1934 New York Yankees team-signed baseball, a 1900 folk art sculpture and an early 20th-century painting by George Bellows.
◊“Antiques Roadshow UK” (3 p.m. on BBC America): One of the United Kingdom’s longest-running shows begins its 32nd season. It’s part adventure, part history lesson and part treasure hunt, as it showcases treasures hidden in the back of closets and tucked away in attics.
◊“The Black List: Volume Three” (7:30 p.m. on HBO): Following the first two acclaimed editions of “The Black List,” this all-new documentary features black notables sharing candid stories and revealing insights into the struggles, triumphs and joys of black life in the U.S. Among those featured are director-producer Lee Daniels (“Precious”), Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg (“Ghost”), Grammy winner John Legend and actors Hill Harper (“CSI: NY”) and LaTanya Richardson (“100 Centre Street”).
◊“Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): A beloved former major league baseball player is found dead after a goodwill trip to Cuba. The investigation, which includes running into Joe Torre (guest starring as himself), leads the detectives into New York’s Cuban community to solve the murder.
◊“Celebrity Fit Club: Boot Camp” (8 p.m. on VH1): Battling the bulge this season are Bobby Brown (“Outsider’s Inn”), Jay McCarroll (“Project Runway” Season 1 winner), KayCee Stroh (“High School Musical”),  Kevin Federline (“Britney & Kevin: Chaotic”), Nicole Eggert (“Baywatch”), Sebastian Bach (former lead singer of Skid Row), Shar Jackson (“Moesha”) and Tanisha Thomas (“Bad Girls Club”). The cast will be broken into two teams that will compete for $200,000 in cash and prizes, and the celebrity who drops the most weight will win $50,000 in prizes.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck and Hannah (Kristin Kreuk, “Smallville”) unexpectedly become part of the latest mission of agent Daniel Shaw. Meanwhile, Morgan and Ellie continue their mission to get to the bottom of Chuck’s secretive and strange behavior.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs solve the murder of a man who was killed in outer space. Thad Luckinbill (“The Young and the Restless”) guest stars.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the climactic season finale, everyone bands together in an effort to stop Samuel from taking the lives of thousands. Elizabeth Rohm (“Law & Order”) and Deanne Bray (“Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye”) guest star.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Lily and Marshall forget to fix up Ted on a blind date for Valentine’s Day, they use one of Barney’s many discarded girls to see if they may become Ted’s future wife. CBS Sports Broadcaster Jim Nantz and Lead CBS NFL Analyst Phil Simms provide color commentary regarding Barney’s dating life.
◊“NFL Full Contact” (9 p.m. on truTV): This new series goes behind the scenes to see what it takes to pull off major NFL events. In the premiere episode, the worlds of football and entertainment collide as the NFL prepares for Kickoff 2009 with the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Cameras follow security and staffers as they throw one of the biggest pre-game parties of the year.    
◊“The Red Carpet Issue” (8 p.m. on Sundance Channel): This documentary looks at the transformation of the red carpet ceremony from a private event into a popular phenomenon and multi-million dollar business. It considers the risks and rewards – for designers, stylists, media outlets and celebrities – of playing the red carpet game.
◊“Savile Row” (7 p.m. on Sundance Channel): This new documentary series goes inside the venerable bespoke tailoring firms on and around this quiet street in London’s elegant Mayfair district. Over the course of three episodes, the series captures a milieu steeped in pride and tradition, where exquisite craftsmanship goes hand-in-hand with gentlemanly discretion.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): The new guy in Amy’s life doesn’t call after their first date, Adrian is ready to meet Ricky’s foster parents. Mayim Bialik (“Blossom”) guest stars in the episode directed by Barry Watson (“7th Heaven”).
◊“Skate for the Heart” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Olympic champion figure skaters Michelle Kwan and Peggy Fleming co-host this event to help raise awareness for heart disease. It features performances by “American Idol” Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, the boy band Honor Society, the five-girl band KSM and a cast of Olympic, World and National figure skating champions.
◊“Winter Next X” (4 p.m. on Disney XD): This action-packed sports series features Winter X-Games athletes Simon Dumont, Andreas Wiig, Sammy Carlson and Chas Guldemond mentoring young amateur competitors in their chosen sport. The show will culminate with one amateur athlete being named the Winter Next X, and he or she will get the opportunity to showcase his or her action sports skills at Winter X Games 14.

TUESDAY, FEB. 9, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Ellen DeGeneres joins judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi and host Ryan Seacrest in Hollywood to begin winnowing down the contestants.Hopefuls chosen from around the nation endure a grueling rehearsal schedule and pressure-packed auditions as they vie for a coveted spot among the Top 24.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Contestants head to Colorado Springs to train like Olympic athletes at the U.S. Olympic training facility. Olympians Julia Macuso (skier), Jeret “Speedy” Peterson (freestyle skier), J.R. Celski (speed skater), Rockne Brubaker (pairs figure skater) and Allison Jones (paralympic athlete) guest star.
◊“Business Model: Inside the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue” (8 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC business reporter Darren Rovell takes an unprecedented look inside the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, a multimedia franchise that has made more than 1 Billion dollars for its parent company Time Inc. It reveals how business, beauty, fashion and sports come together to create this franchise that alone generated 7 percent of Time Inc. News Group’s annual revenue in 2009.
◊“The Forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): When a young man falls to his death from atop a skyscraper, the Forgotten Network takes on the near impossible task of identifying him. Their efforts lead them into the world of “Parkour” or free running, where they learn John Doe may have recently returned to America after an extended stay abroad. Elisha Cuthbert (“24”) joins the series in a recurring role.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Flying Cheap” looks at the crash of Continental 3407, the rise of regional and low-cost carriers and whether the aviation system is being stretched beyond its capacity to deliver service that is both cheap and safe.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Alicia defends a husband accused of murdering the babysitter, she and her family prepare for the outcome of Peter’s appeal and his possible homecoming. James McDaniel (“NYPD Blue”) guest stars as the detective on the murder case.
◊“Independent Lens” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new documentary “P-Star Rising” follows Priscilla, who at 9 is pursuing her dream of being a rap star. She and her single dad and mentor, Jesse, are starting to reap the rewards of her ambition and talent — moving to a four-bedroom apartment and playing at sold-out clubs.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Extreme Cave Diving” follows Dr. Kenny Broad as he dives into blue holes — underwater caves that formed during the last ice age when sea level was nearly 400 feet below what it is today.
◊“Past Life” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the series preview, Dr. Kate McGinn and her partner, former New York police detective Price Whatley, attempt to help a teen suffering from regression episodes that include memories of kidnapping and murder from a past life.
◊“Valentino: The Last Emperor” (7 p.m. on Showtime): This 2008 documentary focuses on fashion designer Valentino Garavani — better known by his first name and his reputation as the creator of dresses for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and others. The film crew follows Valentino at work and at home as he prepares for a 45th anniversary celebration of his work.
◊“Venom in Vegas” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This two-hour special recaps venom expert Donald Schultz’s 10-day stay in a glass box with 100 snakes. From Jan. 17 to 26, he ate, drank and slept alongside pythons, rattlesnakes and cobras in a glass enclosure situated on Las Vegas Boulevard.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10, 2010
◊“Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): When everyone else makes plans for Valentine’s Day, Jules looks to Grayson for company, only to learn he hates the holiday. Meanwhile, Laurie meets Smith’s dad (Barry Bostwick, “Spin City”).
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Two days before a Grand Prix Race, when a racing legend dies in a car explosion on the streets of Manhattan, the CSIs discover that car tampering is the cause. Antonio Sabato Jr. (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) guest stars as the racing legend.  Professional race car driver Danica Patrick guest stars as the racing legend’s top competitor.
◊“Faces of America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In earlier installments, Henry Louis Gates Jr. used DNA testing and genealogical research to help prominent black Americans trace their roots. In this new four-part series, he expands that concept to Americans from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. In the opener, he delves into the family histories of film director Mike Nichols, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on DirecTV): In the Season 4 finale, Coach Taylor tells Vince that he has to be more selfish, Tim makes a difficult decision and East Dillon rallies around the Lions.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Gary got a great Valentine’s Day gift from Sasha, and now he has to come up with one for her that isn’t just great, but perfect.
◊“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chance is hired to protect a district attorney who is running from her family’s past and marked for murder because of her investigation into an organized crime family. Kristin Lehman (“Prison Break”) guest stars.
◊“Inside NASCAR” (9 p.m. on Showtime): With a two-time Daytona 500 Champion (Michael Waltrip), a team owner (Brad Daugherty) and a life-long NASCAR insider (Randy Pemberton) serving as analysts, this new series will guide viewers through the ins and outs, the sudden turns and the high-octane drama of the racing season.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): A woman is found brutally murdered, and the main suspect is a recovering alcoholic who can’t remember what happened. Scott Foley (“The Unit”) guest stars.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): While trying to take down a corrupt local mayor (Richard Kind, “Mad About You”) by exploiting his love of baseball, the team runs into an unexpected complication.
◊“Martha Stewart’s Top Wedding Tips” (7 p.m. on FLN): Martha Stewart shares her great ideas for creating a truly unique wedding, including finding the perfect dress, making your own save-the-date cards and more money-saving tips.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chloe is put to the test in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the ER after she and Angel get re-assigned by the arrogant new head of the ICU, Dr. Joe Briggs (James Van Der Beek, “Dawson’s Creek”).
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Phil and Claire break from their traditional Valentine’s Day dinner date and plan a little “role play” excursion. Meanwhile, Jay and Gloria’s ideas of romance clash when he takes her to a comedy show. David Brenner (“Worth Winning”) guest stars.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine is feeling envious of Richard and New Christine as they prepare for their new baby. She decides she wants one, too, and asks her ex to help. Tim Meadows (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars as her gynecologist.
◊“We Heard the Bells: The Influenza of 1918″ (10 p.m. on OETA-13): S. Epatha Merkerson (“Law & Order”) narrates this documentary that explores the personal and family experiences of a diverse group of Americans during the influenza pandemic of 1918. Survivors of the pandemic tell their stories, including Oklahoman Annah Elnora Thurber, who survived the influenza in January 1919 in a farmhouse with no running water. Annah’s mother, pregnant with her fourth child, cared for eight very sick family members.

THURSDAY, FEB. 11, 2010
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): To avoid feeling lonely on Valentine’s Day, Liz Lemon schedules a root canal but soon realizes she hasn’t thought it through. Elizabeth Banks (“Scrubs”) begins a multiple episode arc and Jon Bon Jovi (“Ally McBeal”) makes a cameo appearance.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): It’s Valentine’s Day, and the doctors must treat dozens of injured people after the roof collapses at a popular romantic restaurant. Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest stars.
◊“In Performance at the White House” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This concert hosted by President and Mrs. Obama in the East Room of the White House features musicians performing contemporary arrangements of music that galvanized the U.S. civil rights movement of the 1950s and ‘60s.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): The office is eager to welcome Sabre chief executive Jo Bennett (Kathy Bates, “The Blindside”) to Scranton, and they are dazzled by her Southern ways. Zack Woods (“The Honks”) also guest stars.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): When Leslie hears her mom’s story about an old flame (John Larroquette, “Boston Legal”), she and her boyfriend track him down and reunite them on Valentine’s Day. Pamela Reed (“Jericho”) and Justin Theroux (“Tropic Thunder”) also guest star.
◊“Past Life” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the series premiere, the Talmadge Center team meets a young woman dealing with addiction whose regression episodes include graphic details of a violent crime scene.
◊“Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” (7 p.m. on CBS): The 20th installment of the competitive reality series brings back 20 memorable players from past seasons. The Heroes team includes past winners James “JT” Thomas Jr. and Tom Westman, while the Villains have past Sole Survivors Parvati Shallow and Sandra Diaz-Twine.
◊“The Sword” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This two-part program, which concludes Feb. 18, explores the violent virulent history of the sword and its emergence from a hunting tool to a symbol of power and justice.
◊“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): When Stefan, Damon and Elena work with Bonnie and Grams (Jasmine Guy, “Dead Like Me”) to open the tomb, everyone is shocked by what they discover.

FRIDAY, FEB. 12, 2010
◊“XXI Winter Olympics” (6:30 p.m. on NBC: The two weeks of competition begin with the Opening Ceremonies from Vancouver, British Columbia. NBC has prepared its usual mix of event coverage and human interest segments for the duration.
◊“Famous Crime Scene” (8 p.m. on VH1): This new series takes an in-depth look at the untimely deaths of seven celebrities. Using expert interviews and true-to-life reenactments, viewers will tour virtual crime scenes searching for clues and learn the science behind the investigators’ findings. The murder of Tupac Shakur is investigated in the premiere episode.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): In this episode directed by series star Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melinda gives birth to a baby boy who also has the gift of seeing spirits but with one important difference that will have far-reaching consequences.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison fears the worst about Ariel’s new boyfriend when she suspects him of murdering a man. Amy Pietz (“Caroline in the City”) guest stars as the mother of Ariel’s boyfriend in the episode directed by David Arquette (“In Case of Emergency”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team must protect high-profile activist Benjamin Polk at a political rally, but it soon becomes a manhunt when they search for a sniper trying to kill Polk. Gary Cole (“The West Wing”) guest stars as the man suspected of trying to hunt down the political activist.
◊“Operation Wild” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): When a hiker goes missing deep in a national park, officers for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission use helicopters, swamp buggies, ATVs and K-9 units to try to track and save him.

SATURDAY, FEB. 13, 2010
◊“Bill Maher… But I’m Not Wrong” (9 p.m. on HBO): Presented live from the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, N.C., this special features Bill Maher’s typically fearless observations on a wide range of social and political issues. Among the topics Maher is expected to discuss in his ninth HBO solo special are  whether the “Great Recession” is really over, the fake patriotism of the right wing and what goes on in the mind of a terrorist.
◊“Elevator Girl” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a stuck elevator brings a free-spirited woman and an uptight lawyer together, they are faced with the reality that their separate worlds might be too different for their relationship to get off of the ground floor. Ryan Merriman (“Final Destination 3″) and Lacey Chabert (“Mean Girls”) star in this romantic comedy.
◊“Kick Buttowski — Suburban Daredevil” (7:30 a.m. on Disney XD): This new original 2-D animated series follows an extraordinary kid named Kick who is determined to become the world’s greatest daredevil. Small in stature but big in heart, Kick makes the most out of his suburban surroundings by devising such stunts as riding down Dead Man’s Drop on an ironing board or racing the school bus with a soda-powered jet pack. Oklahoma native Danny Cooksey (“Diff’rent Strokes”) provides the voice of Brad, Kick’s older brother.
◊“Phineas and Ferb” (8 a.m. on Disney XD): Major Monogram sends Agent P on a wild goose chase to find a missing agent, so Agent P enlists the help of a talk show host (Bob Eubanks, “The Newlywed Game”) to find him.
◊“Pit Boss” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Shorty turns to his old friend Linda Blair (“The Exorcist”) for help after rescuing 10 newborn pit bull puppies in danger of contracting a fatal disease.
◊“Survivors” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This new British series based on a book by Terry Nation focuses on the world in the aftermath of a virus where only a lonely few are left to start over in a devastated world where everything that was once safe and familiar is now strange and dangerous.

–Penny TV

 

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Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 2010

   Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 31:

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

SUNDAY, JAN. 31, 2010
◊“The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards” (7 p.m. on CBS): Festivities at Staples Center in Los Angeles honor the year’s best in music. Ten-time Grammy winner Beyonce, who leads the field this year with 10 new nominations, is scheduled to perform, along with the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Antebellum, Maxwell and Taylor Swift. Oklahoma nominees include Carrie Underwood, Kings of Leon, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Charlie Wilson, Tom Paxton, Mason Williams and Miranda Lambert.
◊“Camp Woodward” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): The series, returning for its third season, follows two teenage skaters and one young BMXer—Sean, Zane and Jovon—as they leave their homes and families for the summer and head off to Pennylvania’s Camp Woodward, the largest action sports facility in the world.
◊“Live at the Grammy Awards With Carrie Ann & Chris” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor”) co-host the red carpet event that will feature interviews with nominees attending the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Gaby and Angie challenge each other’s parenting skills, Susan befriends a stripper (Julie Benz, “Dexter”) and takes her under her wing, Lynette and Tom argue the merits of their new therapist, and a concerned Bree keeps a watchful eye on Orson for fear he may take his own life.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteers Jewel (“Nashville Star”) and Ty Murray (“Dancing Wih the Stars”) join the team in Davidson County, NC, to help a teacher who is battling stage-four cancer while her husband struggles to keep their home livable for their family.
◊“Fair Game?” (6 p.m. on TV One): This documentary directed by Mario Van Peebles (“All My Children”) asks the question, “Are we in fact in a post-racial era?,” and dissects that question. Adding their voices to the discussion are celebrities Chris Rock, Spike Lee, Ice Cube, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Lou Gossett Jr. and Jamie Foxx.
◊“A Family is a Family is a Family: A Rosie O’Donnell Celebration” (6 p.m. on HBO): This special offers a portrait of the diversity of families today that challenges stereotypes, highlighting same-sex parents, mixed-heritage families, single parents and stories of adoption.  Children speak from the heart about parents, siblings, marriage and love.
◊“Larry the Cable Guy: Tailgate Party” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): Filmed in front of more than 50,000 people at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., Larry The Cable Guy performs a truckload of new material about TV, hot dogs and buying in bulk.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In part two of Jane Austen’s “Emma,” Emma (Romola Garai) suspects that her old friend, confirmed bachelor Mr. Knightley (Jonny Lee Miller, “Eli Stone”), may be secretly wooing Jane Fairfax (Laura Pyper).
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the landscape of the Balkans live wild animals that have all but vanished from the rest of Europe. This is a wild inaccessible place that belongs more to myth than reality.
◊“SNL Presents: Sports All-Stars” (8 p.m. on NBC): This two-hour special will be hosted by Jason Sudeikis and Will Forte in character as “ESPN Classic Commentators” Pete Twinkle and Greg Stink. It will highlight “Saturday Night Live” appearances by athletes such as Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and Charles Barkley.

MONDAY, FEB. 1, 2010
◊“Blindsight” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Thid documentary captures the courageous journey of six blind Tibetan teenagers as they hike up a 23,000 foot mountain in the Himalayas.
◊“Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows a group of fashion fanatics who swap shopping for the backstreets of India to live and work like the people who make the clothes they wear.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck juggles his two loves as he trains new Nerd Herder Hannah (Kristin Kreuk, “Smallville”) and gets his very own asset who is caught up with The Ring.
“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs have 24 hours to find out if a man on death row (Anthony Michael Hall, “The Dead Zone”) is truly guilty, and Eric Delko returns to work the case.
◊“Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): Hoping to boost morale and her marketing major, Ashleigh enlists Rusty and Dale in a philanthropic “Geek Auction,” but it’s up to Casey to play dirty to save the ZBZ sorority girls, their house and their Greek rank. Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”) guest stars.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): At the carnival, Samuel reveals H.R.G.’s secret past in order to bring Claire to his side. Meanwhile, Lauren (Elizabeth Rohm, “Law & Order”) makes a bold move to put a stop to Samuel.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): House and the team rush to treat an ailing college football star in time for the patient to compete in NFL tryouts. Meanwhile, Foreman’s brother Marcus (Orlando Jones, “Mad TV”) makes a surprise visit to the hospital.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Barney is about to complete the perfect week, the gang roots him on in order to forget about their own miserable week. CBS Sports Broadcaster Jim Nantz and 2009 World Champion New York Yankee Nick Swisher guest star as themselves.
◊“Kell on Earth” (9 p.m. on Bravo): This new series focuses on public relations guru Kelly Cutrone as she balances running her wildly successful fashion PR company, People’s Revolution, juggling Fashion Weeks in New York and London, with being a single mother and one of New York’s most notable women about town.
◊“RuPaul’s Drag Race” (8 p.m. on Logo): The stakes, wigs and heels are higher host as RuPaul searches to crown “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”Celebrity judges for Season 2 include Kathy Griffin, Cloris Leachman, Debbie Reynolds, Tatum O’Neal and Kathy Najimy.
◊“The Secret Diary of a Call Girl” (9 p.m. on Showtime):  In the Season 3 premiere, Belle’s life is getting more complicated as she tries to juggle three different identities – an escort, an author, and Hannah, the real girl.
◊“Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Olympic Champions Peggy Fleming (skating) and Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci (gymnastics) host this two-hour special. Pop superstar Ashley Tisdale and her band will perform as 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic skating contenders Elvis Stojko, Todd Eldredge and Emily Hughes perform along with 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic gymnastic champions Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin.
◊“Worst Cooks in America” (9 p.m. on Food Network): The remaining two recruits must prepare a three-course meal for food critics.
◊“X-Play” (5 p.m. on G4): This video game series hosted by Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb celebrates its 1000th episode with a retrospective of the series’ greatest moments, new interviews with celebrity guests and surprise sketches.

TUESDAY, FEB. 2, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Guest judge Victoria Beckham (“Spice World”) helps Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi critique the talent at the Denver auditions.
◊“Austin Stevens Adventures” (9 p.m. on HDNet): In this new series, wildlife photographer Austin Stevens’ search for the world’s most fascinating animals takes him around the glove and through the toughest terrain on the planet.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Digital Nation” maps the critical ways that technology is transforming us, and what we may be learning about ourselves in the process. Is it possible to multitask well? What are the real-world effects of virtual reality? And what is the appropriate use of digital technology in the classroom?
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): This week, contestants are surprised by the return of the blue and yellow teams, who were sent home after the first challenge of the season. Now they’re back, 30 days later, to weigh in and try to earn a spot back on the ranch.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Tensions are high as Peter’s appeal trial begins and Alicia defends a wealthy client in civil court whose innocence she doubts, even after he’s found not guilty in criminal court of murdering his wife. Meryl Streep’s daughter, Mamie Gummer (“John Adams”) guest stars as bumbling prosecutor Nancy Crozier.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Incorporating interviews, animation and recordings, the documemtary “Herskovits at the Heart of Blackness” explores the writings of Jewish anthropologist Melville Herskovits, who challenged popular assumptions about race and culture.
◊“Lost” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the two-hour Season 6 premiere, the aftermath from the detonation of the hydrogen bomb is revealed.
◊“Lost: Final Chapter” (7 p.m. on ABC): This special will take a look at the crash of Oceanic Flight 815, the mysteries of the island, its inhabitants, the Oceanic 6, the violent shifts through time on the island and the detonation of the hydrogen bomb.  It will also delve into some of the questions that have been answered, and those that still remain a mystery.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The team finds themselves in a race against time when a terrorist group threatens to detonate a “dirty bomb” in the D.C. area. Rena Sofer (“General Hospital”) reprises her role as attorney Margaret Allison Hart.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment focuses on a new generation of archeologists as they probe areas of Machu Picchu in the Western hemisphere that haven’t been touched since the time of the Incas.
◊“Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal” (8 p.m. on A&E): In the Season 2 finale, three girls are overwhelmed by the spirits that come asking for their help.
◊“Teen Mom Finale Special: Check-Up with Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on MTV): Dr. Drew Pinsky catches up with the cast of “Teen Mom” to reflect on the struggles of their first year of motherhood and reveal what’s happened since.
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): When June’s niece suffers renal trauma, Neal stumbles upon a cruel scheme to harvest human organs and brings the case to Peter. Diahann Carroll (“Julia”) guest stars.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3, 2010
◊“American Greed” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Season 4 opens with “Suicide is Painless,” in which fugitive fund manager Sam Israel fakes his own death to escape justice.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit follows the mental decline of a con artist whose schemes have become so complicated that he begins to eliminate the people involved in them. David Eigenberg (“Sex and the City”) and Annabeth Gish (“The West Wing”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a young woman’s body is found in Central Park, drained of blood and missing part of her ear, the CSIs jumpstart an investigation that takes them into the dark and mysterious subculture of vampirism. Michael Graziadei (“The Young and the Restless”) and Finola Hughes (“General Hospital”) guest star.
◊“Launch My Line” (8 p.m. on Bravo): A Grammy-winning entertainer stops by for a surprise visit and the designers are inspired to oull out all the stops to impress the judges on the Season 1 finale.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): The team goes after a con man (Luke Perry, “Jeremiah”) masquerading as a psychic medium in order to drain the life savings of his bereaved clients.
◊“Living With Ed” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): In the Season 3 finale, environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. (“Gary Unmarried”) declares that he’s not going anywhere for vacation this year, and instead plans a staycation in Los Angeles that includes planting trees at a local elementary school and helping Daryl Hannah (“Splash”) convert her car to run on alcohol.
◊“Man v. Food Live” (8 p.m. on Travel Channel): Host Adam Richman heads to Miami, Fla. for a two-hour event leading up to Super Bowl weekend.  Spectators will cheer on Richman as he attempts Shula’s 48 oz. Steak Challenge — in real time — in hopes of being inducted into the exclusive 48oz.Club.  ThE popular South Florida steakhouse was founded by Don Shula, the winningest Coach in NFL history.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Mercy staffers are jolted by the arrival of Dr. Joe Briggs (James Van Der Beek, “Dawson’s Creek”), the arrogant new head of ICU with whom Veronica promptly locks horns.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Claire feels inadequate when her old friend Valerie (Minnie Driver, “The Riches”) visits and is nothing like Claire remembered.
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): When Shawn and Gus join Gus’ new girlfriend on a rafting trip, a member of the group goes overboard. And Shawn  realizes that it was no accident. Sarah Shahi (“The L Word”) and Stacey Keibler (“Dancing With the Stars”) guest star.
◊“Shear Genius” (9 p.m. on Bravo): International model and handbag designer Camila Alves is the new host of the hair-styling competition show. Season 3 also features new series judge Jonathan Antin (“Blow Out”) and stylist Orlando Pita, who adds his voice of expertise as mentor to the contestants.
◊“Steven Seagal Lawman” (9 p.m. on A&E): In the Season 1 finale, the night starts off badly as Deputy Chief Steven Seagal and his team rish to the scene of a man killed by a drive-by shooting.
◊“Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials 2010″ (7 p.m. on CBS): Get a sneak peek at some of this year’s highly-anticipated Super Bowl commercials in this special hosted by Jim Nantz (“NFL on CBS”) and Lara Spencer (“The Insider”). The best Super Bowl commercials from the past decade will also be featured, with viewers voting on the top commercial spot as this special is airing.
◊“Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Betty receives an award for her blog, which causes tension between her and Daniel. Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest stars.
◊“Ultimate Wedding Guide” (7 p.m. on FLN): Follow several brides-to-be as they check off items on their wedding at-home lists with the advice of experts who have smart tips and tricks for every budget.
◊“Underbelly” (9 p.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): This award-winning Australian crime-drama series based on true events offers a shocking portrayal of the violent, drug-fueled Australian underworld from the 1970s through the early 2000s.
◊“The Woman Who Stops Traffic” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new series, professional trouble-shooter Kris Murrin is on a mission to stop traffic for one day in three of England’s most congested locations. She wants to show that even the hardest habits can be changed with the right motivation.

THURSDAY, FEB. 4, 2010
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): Jenna Maroney turns to Jack Donaghy for help with her mother, Verna (Jan Hooks, “Designing Women”), who has come to visit.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Brennan and Booth investigate a set of disfigured remains allegorizing biblical text. As they acquire more information about the victim, a former patient of Dr. Adam Copeland (Joshua Malina, “The West Wing”) at Havenhurst Sanitarium, they are confronted with suspects who are hard to characterize as either good or evil.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): A Manhattan office building is rattled to its core, leaving only one survivor, who is examined by the Fringe team.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The local arts and culture series profiles state art maven Laura Warriner, who asked 50 Oklahoma artists to design functional furniture for an entire house. This installment follows the artists through the process to reveal the ultimate in creative home furnishings.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As Derek begins his role as interim chief, he faces a potential lawsuit when Bailey and Meredith’s patient awakens from anesthesia mid-surgery. Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest stars.
◊“Important Things With Demetri Martin” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Back for a second season is Demetri Martin, who mixes stand-up comedy, sketches, animation, studio bits and music to explore one “important thing” per episode.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): When Sabre comes in to take over Dunder Mifflin, Michael struggles to accept Sabre’s new policies. Kathy Bates (“The Blind Side”) guest stars.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): The Parks Department forms a partnership with a local company to seel energy bars at the parks in Pawnee, but Leslie tries to stop the deal when she discovers how unhealthy the snacks are. Justin Theroux (“Tropic Thunder”) guest stars.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Sam is dealt another blow when he finds out Dink’s intent to marry Maya, and the rest of the gang runs an intervention on a still distant Naomi. Rosanna Arquette (“Desperately Seeking Susan”) guest stars.
◊“The Sarah Silverman Program” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Sarah Silverman returns for a third season as a character whose absurd daily life is told through narrative and an occasional song. In the premiere episode, Sarah’s sister (played by real-life sister Laura Silverman) wants her to start taking responsibilities for her life.
◊“Surviving Survivor” (7 p.m. on CBS): Revisit some of the greatest moments in “Survivor” history and follow up on some of the most memorable castaways. The special also offers a sneak peek at thre new “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” that premieres Feb. 11.
◊“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): In flashbacks, Stefan and Damon recall the long-ago actions taken by townspeople including their father, Guiseppe Salvatore (James Remar, “Dexter”), and Pearl (Kelly Hu, “Army Wives”).
◊“Why We Laugh” (7 p.m. on Showtime): From the blackface era of Bert Williams to the current in-your-face style of Katt Williams, host Robert Townsend (“The Parent ‘Hood”) polls a diverse roster of comics, scholars and cultural critics on how black comedy has shaped American from the late 1800s to today.

FRIDAY, FEB. 5, 2010
◊“America’s Small Town Secrets” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series exposes crimes that happened in some of the most quaint, tucked away corners of the U.S. Each episode centers on an incident that destroyed the calm of a small town, places where these murders will be talked about for decades.
◊“Big Time Rush” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): The guys all chase the same girl, causing problems in the band for the first time.  Lorenzo Lamas (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) guest stars as the kooky Dr. Hollywood who has to treat James when he has a mysterious allergic attack.  
◊“The Edge of Never” (7 p.m. on Showtime): This documentary takes viewers on a ski trip to some of the most dangerous mountains in the world. It also eavesdrops on intimate moments of a boy on the eve of his greatest challenge.
◊“Living With the Dead” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this new series, Britain’s most haunted houses go under the spotlight as a crack team of psychics goes face to face with the evil that lurks within these homes.
◊“Man Caves” (8 p.m. on DIY): Hosts Tony “Goose” Siragusa and licensed contractor Jason Cameron travel to Milford, Conn., to help sports broadcaster Dan Patrick renovate an old loft space into the ultimate “TV Studio Man Cave” for the launch of his new daily DirecTV series “The Dan Patrick Show.”
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison must figure out why she keeps seeing the face of one man in the faces of other people in her daily life, including that of her husband, Joe.  Diedrich Bader (“The Drew Carey Show”) guest stars.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team gets a taste of the limelight when they search for jewels worth millions that have been stolen during an awards show broadcast. Marilu Henner (“Taxi”) and William Katt (“The Greatest American Hero”) guest star.
◊“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): A man named tracks down and tells her he knows about her team of superheroes and needs their help. Meanwhile, Lois receives a package from a mysterious agency called Checkmate, run by Amanda Waller (Pam Grier, “The L Word”).

SATURDAY, FEB. 6, 2010
◊“AKC/Eukanuba National Championship” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This year’s event celebrates the American Kennel Club’s 125th anniversary with a record-setting turnout of the best and most beautiful dongs the sport has to offer. Thousands of canines will compete, but only one will come away with “best in show” honor that comes with a $50,000 grand prize.
◊“Down Home With the Neelys” (10 a.m. on Food Network): In the Season 7 premiere, the Neelys demonstrate how to make the most of any lunch break with a few delectable dishes.
◊“Fourth Annual Celebrity Beach Bowl” (1:30 p.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): Facing off in a no-holds-barred flag football game airing live from Miami’s South Beach will be celebrities Taylor Lautner (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Chace Crawford (“Gossip Girl”), Kevin Dillon (“Entourage”), Christian Slater (“The Forgotten”) and Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”) and NFL players Eli Manning, Troy Aikman, Warren Moon, Merill Hoge, Daryl Johnston, Eddie George and Mark Schlererth. After the game, the All American Rejects (rock band from Stillwater) will give a live concert.
◊“Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America” (8:30 p.m. on VH1): Terrence Howard (“Street Time”) narrates this documentary that celebrates the show’s impact on pop culture, music, dance and fashion. It also features an original score by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots, as well as behind-the-scene stories from the people who lived the “Soul Train” movement, including the cast, crew, and dancers.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Financial consultant Suze Orman takes calls concerning the best way to fund a retirement for a stay-at-home mom and what to do when your spouse controls all the money.
◊“Temple Grandin” (7 p.m. on HBO): This fact-based film stars Golden Globe winner Claire Danes (“Shop Girl”) in the title role as a young woman who overcame the personal challenges of autism to become a successful author, animal scientist and autism advocate.

–Penny TV

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Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 24-30, 2010

   Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 24:

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

SUNDAY, JAN. 24, 2010
◊“Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): Bill, Nicki and Cara Lynn hit the road for Washington, D.C., where Bill hopes to score an endorsement. Back home, Margene’s career triumph is marred by a case of mistaken identity.
◊“Cantore Stories” (9 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Hosted by meteorologist Jim Cantore, this new series follows him as he visits some of America’s most amazing climates and meets with extraordinary people who live there. From the swampy marshes of the Louisiana Bayou to the tropical rainforests of Hawaii, each half-hour episode of Cantore Stories will give viewers a glimpse of how residents adapt to life in such environments, as well as explore how these locations impact the world we live in.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team reopens the 2004 case of a teen who was wrongly sent to a juvenile detention center where he was killed before Valens could make good on his promise to get him released. Bobby Cannavale (“Third Watch”) and Steven Culp (“JAG”) guest star.
◊“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.
◊“CSI: NY” (7 p.m. on CBS): In a rebroadcast of the show’s 100th episode, the team tackles their most unusual case yet: two murder victims within two weeks, both named ‘Mac Taylor.’  Now, Det. Mac Taylor must determine the killer’s motive before they strike again. Chris Daughtrey (“American Idol”), Nelly (“The Longest Yard”), Julia Ormond (“The Wronged Man”) and Scott Wolf (“Everwood”) guest star.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): With music star Ashanti as the celebrity volunteer, the team travels to Buffalo, NY, to help Delores Powell, a Jamaican immigrant and community activist whose home is barely livable despite the work and repairs she has poured into it over the past five and a half years.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Romola Garai (“Atonement”) has the title role in this new three-part adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic “Emma.” She’s a happily single young woman who thinks herself the perfect matchmaker for others. Her friend Mr. Knightley (Jonny Lee Miller, “Eli Stone”) has his doubts.
◊“Nick News: The Face of Courage” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new installment explores the world of kids who are living with cancer. They have been where no kid should have to go, and they have survived to share their stories – and their courage – with viewers. Linda Ellerbee, the show’s host, is an 18-year cancer survivor.
◊“The Purina Incredible Dog Challenge National Championships” (3 p.m. on ABC): The event features canines competing in dog diving, agility, 60-weave pole racing and freestyle flying Disc.Olympic diver Greg Louganis, who now trains dogs, competed in the agility event with his dog, Doby.
◊“The Tiniest Girl in the World” (8 p.m. on TLC): Two-year-old toddler Charlotte weighs only seven pounds. She could have a rare form of primordial dwarfism, but until her family gets an official diagnosis, her parents don’t know what treatment she needs or what her life expectancy is.

MONDAY, JAN. 25, 2010
◊“American Experience: Wyatt Earp ” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary depicts the complexities and flaws of the Western lawman whose life is a lens on politics, justice and economic opportunity on the American frontier.
◊“Animal Planet Investigates: Dog Fighting Exposed” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new documentary features unparalleled commentary and never-before-seen footage in a rare look into the secretive world of organized dog fighting. It is the first in a line of quarterly specials that will take a comprehensive, investigative look at timely issues that impact both humans and animals.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in the first hour from Atlantic City include a Walt Whitman memoir inscribed by the author, a 19th-century bronze and marble statue by French sculptor Albert Ernest Carrier Belleuse and an oil painting by Canadian artists Cornelius Krieghoff.
◊“Brian Boitano Skating Spectacular” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Olympic gold-medalist Brian Boitano teams up with Olympic figure skaters Peggy Fleming, Kimmie Meissner and Steven Cousins, who perform routines to the music of rock band Chicago.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck must go on his first solo mission to Paris, but he’ll be lucky to survive the flight. Kristin Kreuk (“Smallville”) and Stone Cold Steve Austin (“WWE Smackdown!”) guest star.
◊“Cinema Style: Designer Visions” (7 p.m. on FLN): Hosted by Lloyd Boston (“Closet Cases”), this special highlights the transformation of three New York City Soho lofts from empty places into signature spaces inspired by the Hollywood films “The Big Chill,” “Dinner at Eight” and “Girl With a Pearl Earring.” The projects are brought to life by notable interior designers Thom Filicia, Richard Mishaan and John Saladino.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When Miami’s most hated man is murdered, Horatio and his CSI team search for his killer and his hidden treasure. Andrea Parker (“The Pretender”) guest stars.
◊“Damages” (9 p.m. on FX): In Season 3, high-powered lawyer Patty Hewes is overseeing the assets of a family accused of masterminding a Bernie Madoff-esque financial scheme. New cast members Lily Tomlin (“Murphy Brown”) and Len Cariou (“Brotherhood”) portray the heads of the family, and Martin Short (“Saturday Night Live”) plays their attorney. Campbell Scott (“Six Degrees”) and Keith Carradine (“Dexter”) also join the cast.
◊“The Electric Company” (4:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This re-invented version of the series, which returns for Season 2, is designed to appeal to today’s kids with fresh animation, music videos and exciting narrative storylines. It begins with a special three-episode recurring role by kid comedian Kyle Massey (“Cory in the House”), who plays Keith’s cousin, P.J.
◊“Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): In the mid-season premiere, the ZBZ ladies are on edge thinking they may have been responsible for the Gamma Psi house burning down. Casey, Ashleigh and Rebecca lead their sorority sisters in an effort to hide all evidence pointing to the fact that they snuck into the Gamma Psi house prior to the big fire.
◊“Handy Manny School For Tools” (7:25 a.m. on Disney): Inspired by the Emmy-nominated series “Handy Manny” starring Wilmer Valderrama, this three-minute short-film series will feature Manny and his trusty tools alongside a set of 11 new tools: Beamer the laser level, Zip the power socket wrench, Pinzas the needle nose pliers, Sneeze the shop vac, Tick and Totts the socket wrenches, Roland the tool chest, Spinner the power drill and a family of crescent wrenches – dad Lefty, mom Lily and son Junior. The stories are designed to provide young viewers insight into cooperation and the value of individual talent.
◊“The Inbetweeners” (8 p.m. on BBC America): This six-part British comedy series offers a painfully funny take on the squirming humiliations of teenage life. It begins with the new kid in town, Will (Simon Bird), who has unwillingly had to move and change schools. He soon meets Simon (Joe Thomas), Jay (James Buckley) and Neil (Blake Harrison), who are neither that cool nor that credible.
◊“Life UneXpected” (8 p.m. on CW): Lux is torn when her boyfriend, Bug (Rafi Gavron, “24”), and best friend, Natasha, suggest that Cate and Baze may not be in it for the long haul and that Lux should return to her old life and the people who love her most of all.
◊“Men of a Certain Age” (9 p.m. on TNT): Joe goes to see his recently retired father (Robert Loggia, “Jagged Edge”), who gives new meaning to the word grumpy.  Owen’s wife and mother get upset when a commercial for the auto dealership implies that Owen’s co-worker, Marcus, is actually Owen Sr.’s son.  And Terry becomes obsessed over finding out why he has been rejected for a youth mentoring program.
◊“Secret Diary of a Call Girl Special” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Captured on camera for the first time, actress Billie Piper meets the woman she portrays in the series “Secret Diary of a Call Girl.” For six years she was known only as “Belle de Jour,” publisher of an infamous sex blog and several best-selling books.  Two months ago, Brooke Magnanti stepped out of the shadows to reveal herself as the real “Belle.”  Now a neuroscientist, she joined Piper in a London hotel room to impart secrets of the trade, offer anecdotes about some of her most amusing encounters, reflect on her regrets and giggle as she shares what she considers her greatest assets. Season 3 of the series starts Feb. 1.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Christina Applegate (“Samantha Who?”) presents the “Word on the Street”: Booth.
◊“Sound Tracks: Music Without Borders” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Music-related stories from around the globe are told in this new newsmagazine. Alexis Bloom is in Russia to report on the popularity of “A Man Like Putin,” a song praising the prime minister for more than his policies. And Arun Rath relates how Sacha Baron Cohen’s brother, Erran, used his musical talent to make amends to the people of Kazakhstan after “Borat.”
◊“Team Umizoomi” (10:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon): This new educational preschool series combines action-adventure missions with an interactive math curriculum designed to help kids develop self-confidence in their math abilities and appreciate the many ways in which mathematics shapes their world. It features a tiny team of superheroes who use their mighty math powers to help little kids solve big problems, and it is set to a soundtrack of preschool-friendly pop songs.
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 13 premiere, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May set out to discover what “Top Gear” might have been like 60 years ago. In a race from London to Edinburgh, James drives an old Jaguar XK120 sports car, Richard rides a Vincent Black Shadow motorbike and Jeremy jumps on board the Tornado, a brand-new Peppercorn A1 Pacific Class steam locomotive built to the original blueprints used to create some of Britain’s finest locomotives back in the heyday of the railways.
◊“Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union” (9:30 p.m. on Showtime): Seven-time Emmy winner Tracey Ullman returns for a third season in her sketch comedy series that features a kaleidoscope of original characters and impersonations in a wide collection of skits that range from sardonic parody and social satire to Bollywood musicals.

TUESDAY, JAN. 26, 2010
◊“24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona” (9 p.m. on HBO): HBO takes its popular sports reality television formula from the boxing ring to the racetrack in this new four-part series. It follows the four-time Sprint Cup champion and his team as they prepare for the biggest NASCAR race of the year: the Daytona 500.
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Singers Avril Lavigne and Katy Perry help Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi critique the talent at the Los Angeles auditions.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): While representing the daughter of one of the partners at the law firm, Alicia finds herself attracted to her co-counsel and his unorthodox approach to defending their client, Chris Bowers (“Rescue Me”) guest stars as Alicia’s co-counsel.
◊“How to See a Black Hole” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): MIT astronomer Shep Doeleman shows viewers never before seen images of a black whole. To accomplish this, Doeleman has synchronized highly accurate atomic clocks with telescopes in Arizona, California and Hawaii. The result is essentially a telescope the size of a continent.
◊“Kitchen Nightmares” (8 p.m. on Fox): In this Americanization of a hit British series, which starts Season 2, chef Gordon Ramsay visits eateries that have fallen on hard times and shows their owners how to turn them around — whether it’s a menu makeover, new decor, a personnel shakeup or all of the above.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the government’s star witness in an embezzlement case is targeted by an assassin, it’s up to the team to help her make it home alive.  Dina Meyer (“Burn Notice”) and Ryan Cutrona (“Mad Men,” “24″) guest star.
◊“Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): Ben reveals details of his past to the department therapist and to his partner, John, making the motivation behind his decision to be a cop clear.  Elsewhere, Dewey (C. Thomas Howell, “Hildalgo”) causes a rift in his relationship with his partner when he becomes star struck by Timmy Davis (Tom Sizemore, “Crash”), a famous, self-obsessed actor.  But when he loses track of the actor, Chickie finds herself questioning her decision to take him on as her partner.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Guest judges Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”) and Joe Jonas (“Jonas”) help Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi critique the talent at the Dallas auditions.
◊“Big Chef Takes on Little Chef” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): Six months after the critically acclaimed opening of a new Little Chef branch, Chef Heston Blumenthal is back to find out if the restaurant he transformed is keeping up with his standards.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team heads to New York’s Long Island to track a killer who mutilates his victims, each in a different way. Rossi would rather skip this one, too, as it’s his hometown, and the case turns out to have both personal and professional repercussions. Cynthia Watros (“Lost”) and  D.B. Sweeney (“Jericho”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Following a spray of machine gunfire, the CSI team rises from the chaos. But when one member’s life is significantly changed, it proves to be the emotional motivation they need to piece together their lives and ultimately find the shooter on a rebroadcast of the Season 6 premiere. Sarah Carter (“Shark”) guest stars.
◊“Launch My Line” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the opener of the two-part season finale, the designers scramble to put the rest of their fashion lines together — adding three new looks to complete their 10-piece collections for the fashion show, where the winner will be crowned.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): The team is forced to work with their old enemy Sterling in order to free Nate’s ex-wife, Maggie (Kari Matchett, “Heartland”) from a Ukrainian jail and clear her name. Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) guest stars as a member of the team.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Hugh Jackman (“Viva Laughlin”) presents the “Word on the Street”: Concentrate.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …” (9 p.m. on Sundance): In the Season 2 finale, Elvis Costello sits down with Bruce Springsteen. With his guitar in hand, Springsteen opens up about his pre-E Street Band bands, his early and current inspirations, and the resurgence of New Jersey.  E Street Band members Nils Lofgren and Roy Bittan sit in for a couple of songs.
◊“Sports Jobs With Junior Seau” (9:30 p.m. on Versus): In the Season 1 finale, former NFL All-Pro linebacker Junior Seau finds out firsy hand that keeping bull riders from getting trampled and gored is one of the most dangerous jobs in all of sports.
◊“The Tavis Smiley Report” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the first of four specials that will air throughout 2010, host Tavis Smiley goes behind the scenes with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as she completes her first year as America’s chief diplomat and looks ahead to the challenges of the next three years. Smiley has been granted exceptional access to Secretary Clinton and will accompany her on diplomatic missions abroad, to meetings on Capitol Hill and within the State Department itself to give the American public a candid and incisive view of the inner workings of U.S. diplomacy and international relations.
◊“Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Wilhemina is furious when she discovers she has a drag queen impersonator – Wilhediva Hater (played by Vanessa Williams’ brother, Chris Williams). The fur flies with unexpected results amid guest stars who include RuPaul Charles (“Drag Race”) as Rudolph, the emcee of the cabaret. Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) also guest stars.

THURSDAY, JAN. 28, 2010
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): When a human skeleton is discovered in the trenches of an old Civil War battleground, Brennan and Booth are called to the case. While Booth investigates suspects, Hodgins and lab intern Vincent Nigel-Murray (Ryan  Cartwright, “Mad Men”) work to clean the bones of a stubborn clay residue. Meanwhile, Booth’s brother, Jared, (Brendan Fehr, “CSI: Miami”) returns from his travels with some suprising news.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When the CSIs are called to a murder scene at a familiar motel, Nick is thrown for a loop as he pieces together three separate murder investigations that all took place at the same establishment over the course of a year. Taylor Swift (singer) guest stars as Haley Jones, a teenaged girl whose family runs the seedy Vegas motel.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): The residents of Seattle Grace and Mercy West vie for surgeries and their careers as day one of the hospital merger begins. Meanwhile, Arizona stands by an enraged Callie when her father, Mr. Torres (Hector Elizondo, “Cane”), employs a priest to help convince her to date men, and Izzie experiences the brunt of her new surgical competition.
◊“Live for the Moment” (7 p.m. on CBS): In this new special host Jeff Probst (“Survivor”) takes Roger Childs, a family man diagnosed with ALS, on a series of adventures, creating family memories and sharing powerful life lessons.  The inspirational way in which Roger lives his life just might change the way viewers live theirs.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Miranda Bailey brings a kidney transplant patient to Los Angeles, and Addison isn’t the only Oceanside Wellness doctor pleased to see her. Meanwhile the consequences of Addison’s emotional affair with Noah catch up with her, and Sheldon and Pete finally discover who the father of Violet’s baby is. Chandra Wilson (“Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars.
◊“Soundstage” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): The Denver-based band The Fray takes the stage to perform. Among their hits they will sing are “You Found Me,” “Never Say Never,” “Over My Head (Cable Car)” and “How to Save a Life,” which has been heard on ‘‘Grey’s Anatomy,” ‘‘Scrubs,” ‘‘One Tree Hill” and ‘‘Cold Case.”
◊“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW):   Hurting for money, takes a job at the Mystic Grill, where former high school football star Ben (Sean Faris, “Never Back Down”) works as a bartender.

FRIDAY, JAN. 29, 2010
◊“Dollhouse” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the series finale, which is set in the year 2020, Echo and her surviving Dollhouse crew attempt to restore order to a devastating future world before mankind is eliminated.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): In a rebroadcast of the Season 5 premiere directed by series star Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melinda gives birth to a baby boy who also has the gift of seeing spirits.
◊“Law & Order” (7 p.m. on NBC): A teenage boy is brutally murdered in a partking lot and the investigation draws attention to a vicious high school rivalry. Debra Winger (“Dawn Anna”) guest stars.
◊“Miss America Preview” (9 p.m. on TLC): Clinton Kelly (“What Not to Wear”) hosts this special that captures the excitement of all 53 Miss America contestants as they prepare for the 2010 Miss America Pageant.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team must protect high-profile activist Benjamin Polk at a political rally, but it soon becomes a manhunt when they search for a sniper trying to kill Polk. Also, Charlie awaits an answer from Amita about his marriage proposal on a rebroadcast of the Season 6 premiere. Gary Cole (“Entourage”) guest stars.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): A self-proclaimed “Shoe-Professah” from Chicago presents her sassy brand of mobile shoe parties, and the sharks get excited about a re-invention of the umbrella. There is also an update on the Life Belt and its inventor, Robert Allison, who passed up a million-dollar offer from the Sharks last season.

SATURDAY, JAN. 30, 2010
◊“The 2010 Miss America Pageant” (7 p.m. on TLC): Taylor Treat, an Ada native who is the first woman in her family to attend college, will represent Oklahoma at the 89th annual event. Mario Lopez will host the event, and seven judges, including Vivica A. Fox (“The Cougar”) and Rush Limbaugh (radio talk show host), will evaluate the contestants from the preliminaries through the final night of competition, airing live tonight from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Mary J. Blige (six-time Grammy winner) travels with the team to Erie, PA, to help Clara Ward, who has cast the adversity of her health and surroundings aside to run a nonprofit youth development and family center from her home.
◊“Lying to be Perfect” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Poppy Montgomery (“Without a Trace”) stars in this new original movie adapted from Sarah Strohmeyer’s novel “The Cinderella Pact.” It tells the story of Nola Devlin (Montgomery) and her two best friends who, in a last ditch effort to lose weight, band together to follow the advice of their “fairy godmother” and end up changing their lives forever.
◊“The Magic of Ordinary Days” (7 p.m. on CBS): A pregnant city girl (Keri Russell, “Felicity”) is married off to a farmer (Skeet Ulrich, “As Good as It Gets”) in this 2005 Hallmark Hall of Fame romance set in Colorado during World War II. They’re awkward and uncomfortable together at first, but by the time she has a chance to return to the city, she’s not sure she wants to go.
◊“Meteor Storm” (8 p.m. on Syfy): A passing meteor shower turns into a deadly storm from space that threatens to destroy San Francisco. As the city’s disaster official (Michael Trucco, “Battlestar Galactica”) tries to evacuate the population, a scientist (Kari Matchett, “Invasion”) races to unravel the mystery of the repeated strikes.
◊“Pit Boss” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Shorty takes on a job for a new client requiring three little people to dress up as crawfish. When Choctaw native Ronald tells Shorty the costumes are demeaning and threatens not to participate, his job is on the line.
◊“Seducing Cindy” (8 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): Cindy Margolis (“Austin Powers” International Man of Mystery”) searches for love in this new reality dating show. Over the course of eight episodes, she will put her heart on the line with 24 potential suitors in an attempt to find her ultimate soul mate.  The men range from 18 – 71 years old and come from all walks of life, and they will battle through competitive tasks for a chance to stay on Cindy’s list of potential mates.
◊“The Story of Lassie” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In 1943, a collie catapulted to stardom in the MGM film “Lassie Come Home.” This special hosted by June Lockhart (Ruth Martin on the “Lassie” TV series) includes clips from Lassie’s feature films and TV series, as well as interviews with actors and directors who worked with the famous collie.
◊“Truth in Motion: The U.S. Ski Team’s Road to Vancouver” (7 p.m. on NBC): This documentary follows American athletes as they prepare for the competition of their lives – the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. They push the limits of their bodies and equipment from preseason on-snow training in Portillo, Chile and Saas Fee, Switzerland, to the final days leading up the start of the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup competition in Sölden, Austria.  

–Penny TV

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TV Premieres and Finales airing Jan. 10-16, 2010

   Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Jan. 10.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

BEGINNINGS
••“Ax Men,” 8 p.m. Sunday on History (third-season premiere).
••“Big Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (fourth-season premiere).
••“Chuck,” 8 p.m. Sunday on NBC (third-season premiere).
••“Madhouse,” 9 p.m. Sunday on History (series premiere).
••“The Daily Rundown,” 8 a.m. Monday on MSNBC (series premiere).
••“Disappeared,” 9 p.m. Monday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Fantasia For Real,” 9 p.m. Monday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“Let’s Talk About Pep,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“American Idol,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (ninth-season premiere).
••“Blue Mountain State,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on SPIKE (series premiere).
••“I (Almost) Got Away With It,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Little Miss Perfect,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on WEtv (second-season premiere).
••“Southland,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT (series added).
••“High School Reunion,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TV Land (sixth-season premiere).
••“Leverage,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (second season resumes).
••“Solving History With Olly Steeds,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Tosh.0,” 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on Comedy Central (second-season premiere).
••“Carnie Wilson: Unstapled,” 7 p.m. Thursday on GSN (series premiere).
••“Hidden Agenda,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on GSN (series premiere).
••“The First 48,” 8 p.m. Thursday on A&E (10th-season premiere).
••“Archer,” 9 p.m. Thursday on FX (series premiere).
••“Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force,” 9 p.m. Thursday on A&E (second-season premiere).
••“Project Runway,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (seventh-season premiere).
••“Models of the Runway,” 10 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (second-season premiere).
••“I Shouldn’t Be Alive,” 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (third-season premiere).
••“I’m In the Band,” 8 p.m. Friday on Disney (sneak peek, series premieres Jan. 18 on Disney XD)
••“The Singing Bee,” 8 p.m. Friday on CMT (second-season premiere).
••“Pit Boss,” 9 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (second-season finale).
••“The Bureau,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Investigation Discovery (first-season finale).
••“Sanctuary,” 8 p.m. Friday on Syfy (third-season finale).

 Pictured above: SANCTUARY — Pictured: (l-r) Agam Darshi as Kate Freelander, Robin Dunne as Dr. Will Zimmerman, Amanda Tapping as Dr. Helen Magnus, Ryan Robbins as Henry — Syfy Photo: Pete Tangen

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Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 10-16, 2010

    Sunday’s
Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 10:

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

SUNDAY, JAN. 10, 2010
◊“Ax Men” (8 p.m. on History): In Season 3, logger teams from Oregon, Washington, Montana, Louisiana and Florida tower higher atop the trees and go deeper into the seas, risking life and limb in pursuit of the timber from which America is built.
◊“Battlestar Galactica: The Plan” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The origin of the Cylons “plan” to annihilate the human race is finally revealed in full in this two-hour movie directed by and starring Edward James Olmos.
◊“Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): Having struggled to mend rifts that threatened the very existence of his family, Bill Henrickson now faces a host of new personal and professional challenges in Season 4 that opens with the launch of a Mormon-friendly casino. Series regulars include  Bill Paxton as Bill Henrickson and Jeanne Tripplehorn (born in Tulsa), Chloe Sevigny and Ginnifer Goodwin as his three wives.
◊“Brace For Impact” (8 p.m. on TLC): Harrison Ford (“Crossing Over”) narrates this documentary film about the remarkable landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River by Captain Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger, III. It features interviews with Captain Sullenberger, passengers, air traffic controllers and first responders who assisted the landing.
◊“Chuck” (8 p.m. on NBC): Chuck Bartowski continues as the Buy More electronics store computer geek, who unwittingly becomes the government’s most vital secret agent after a data download into his brain. Season 3 begins with back-to-back episodes and moves to its regular day and time at 7 p.m. Monday.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteers David Cook (“American Idol”) and Xzibit (“Gridiron Gang”) travel with thye team to Bunker Hill, Ind., to rebuild the home of the Cowan family. Daughter Kori, 12, is raising money to fight cancer in honor of her best friend, while she herself is battling a congenital blood disease.
◊“Madhouse” (9 p.m. on History): This new series spotlights Bowman Gray Stadium, a quarter-mile racetrack in Winston-Salem, N.C. that is one of the nation’s shortest NASCAR racetracks. Family racing rivalries go back generations, and ramming, spin-outs, high-speed crashes and fistfights are what fans have come to expect on Saturday night at the Madhouse.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Judi Dench returns to her critically acclaimed role as Matty in “Return to Cranford,” a two-part sequel to last season’s miniseries. Imelda Staunton, Francesca Annis and Julia McKenzie also rejoin the cast in the story of everyday life in a small Cheshire market town. The miniseries is based on the novels of Elizabeth Gaskell.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment “Hummingbird: Magic in the Air” features high-definition and high-speed footage of hummingbirds in the wild. They are the tiniest of birds, yet they qualify as some of the toughest and most energetic creatures on the planet.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): The Emmy-winning animated comedy series reaches its milestone 450th episode with “Once Upon a Time in Springfield,” a half-hour that finds Milhouse and Bart trying to help Krusty regain his popularity after he is forced to restructure his TV show to include a female sidekick, Princess Penelope (guest voice talent Anne Hathaway, “Bride Wars”).
◊“The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: In 3-D! On Ice!” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): Oscar-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me”) hosts this hourlong documentary about the animated series’ 20th anniversary, which includes an examination of how the show has become a global phenomenon and caps a yearlong worldwide celebration of ‘‘The Simpsons.” Spurlock’s travels take him to the home of the show’s biggest fan, and later, he chats with the cast, writers and guest stars about the show’s place in pop culture.

MONDAY, JAN. 11, 2010
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Jesse L. Martin (“Law & Order”) narrates “Sam Cooke: Crossing Over,” which profiles the singer who brought the spirit of the black church to popular music. Cooke was the first black artist to reach No. 1 on both the R&B and pop charts.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment from Raleigh, N.C. includes apprasals of a circa 1800 eastern North Carolina bottle case on stand, an 1812 needlework sampler and an 1985 Andrew Wyeth watercolor.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): While Sheldon and Koothrappali attend a university mixer, Leonard is upset to discover that Penny believes in psychics. Danica McKellar (“The Wonder Years”) guest stars as Abby, the object of Raj’s attraction.
◊“Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): When Castle and Beckett are called to a wedding to investigate the death of a bridesmaid, Castle is stunned to discover that the soon-to-be bride is his old flame, Kyra (Alyssa Milano, “Charmed”). Complications ensue as Kyra, caught off-guard by Castle’s reappearance in her life, wonders if she’s marrying the right guy.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck must use his relationship with Awesome to protect a visiting dictator, Premier Goya (Armand Assante, “American Gangster”), who is the target of an assassination.
◊“The Daily Rundown” (8 a.m. on MSNBC): NBC News White House Correspondents Chuck Todd and Savannah Guthrie will anchor this new show that will focus on the top political stories of the day.
◊“The Detroit Auto Show: All Access” 7 p.m. on CNBC): Award winning automotive reporter, Phil Lebeau, will show viewers the car and truck of the year and look ahead at what models will be hot and not in 2010. Also featured will be new gadgets and gizmos inside cars.
◊“Disappeared” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series follows the unpredictable twists of missing person cases, tracking investigations aimed at solving how and why people simply vanish.
◊“Fantasia For Real” (9 p.m. on VH1):  This new series follows “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino as she juggles her career and single-motherhood while devoting her energy into recording her highly anticipated third album.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Peter’s introduction of Emma (Deanne Bray, “Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye”) to his mother brings forth visions of a very grim future. Meanwhile, Hiro and Ando go to extreme lengths to save Dr. Suresh.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): When drug dealer Mickey (Ethan Embry, “Brotherhood”) mysteriously collapses while negotiating a sale, his partner-in-crime, Eddie (Nick Chinlund, “Desperate Housewives”), accompanies him to Princeton Plainsboro for treatment. But with a major deal pending, Mickey is not forthcoming with the necessary personal information the team needs to treat him.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Ted gets one step closer to meeting his future wife on the show’s 100th episode. The cast perform the musical number “Nothing Suits Me Like a Suit.” Guest stars include Rachel Bilson (“The O.C.”), Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”) and Stacy Keibler (“Dancing With the Stars”).
◊“Let’s Talk About Pep” (9:30 p.m. on VH1): This new series follows Sandra “Pepa” Denton of Salt-n-Pepa fame as she emerges from an over 4-year romantic and sexual sabbatical to search for love again. She is joining forces with three of her closest girlfriends to try the dating scene again.
◊“Men of a Certain Age” (9 p.m. on TNT): Joe goes to see his recently retired father (Robert Loggia, “Jagged Edge”), who gives new meaning to the word grumpy.  Owen’s wife and mother get upset when a commercial for the auto dealership implies that Owen’s co-worker, Marcus, is actually Owen Sr.’s son.  And Terry becomes obsessed over finding out why he has been rejected for a youth mentoring program.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Jake writes love songs to woo his ex-girlfriend, and Herb and Alan hide their secret friendship from Judith’s watchful eye. Ryan Stiles (“The Drew Carey Show”) returns as Herb, Judith’s current husband.

TUESDAY, JAN. 12, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Season 9 opens with two hours of auditions from Boston and continues on Wednesday with 75 minutes of auditions from Atlanta. Joining Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi at the auditions as guest judges were Victoria Beckham (Boston) and Mary J. Blige (Atlanta). 
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Dr. Huizenga delivers the sobering news that this season of contestants is the most unhealthy ever on the show. To illustrate his point, he gives each team a medical task that proves to be a real eye-opener as to what their poor health is really costing them.
◊“Blue Mountain State” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): This new comedy follows three incoming freshman attending college football powerhouse Blue Mountain State University. The series stars former NFL runninbg back and actor Ed Marinaro (“Hill Street Blues”) as the coach, Sam Jones III (“Smallville”) as the school’s top recruit and Darin Brooks (“Blue Crush”)as the talented quarterback who is content to ride the bench while partying with his best friend (Chris Romano, “The Sarah Silverman Program”), who aspires to be the school’s mascot.
◊“I (Almost) Got Away With It” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The perpetrators profiled in this new series evaded justice for years by using their families, fake identification and even violence to avoide capture. Viewers learn how law enforcement uses all means necessary to capture these fugitives.
◊“Independent Lens” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Stephen Walker’s documentary Young@Heart spotlights the acclaimed New England senior citizen chorus as it rehearses for its new show. The chorus has charmed audiences around the world with performances of songs from artists ranging from Coldplay to the Clash.
◊“Little Miss Perfect” (9 p.m. on WEtv): The docu-series returns for a second season of exploring the ins and outs of the junior beauty pageant world. Each episode looks at what motivates young beauty pageant contestants and their families to participate. National Pageant Director Michael Galanes also offers his expertiese at what it takes to bring home the crown.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): Gibbs questions DiNozzo’s ability to do his job when the elder DiNozzo (Robert Wagner, “Hart to Hart”) becomes involved in their latest investigation on the show’s 150th episode. Also guest starring are Penny Johnson Jerald (“24″) as State Department Official Joanne Torrence and  Joe Lando (“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Women”) as Navy Lieutenant Commander Rob Clarke.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Building Pharaoh’s Ship” follows a team of archeologists and boat builders as they reconstruct a vessel depicted on the wall of an ancient Egyptian temple.
◊“Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): NBC didn’t pick of this series for a second season, so TNT did. The network will begin with a commercial-free extended presentation of the pilot episode with never-before-seen footage. The remaining first-season episodes will follow, and the six new episodes shot for Season 2 will begin airing March 2.
◊“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” (9 p.m. on Bravo): On the Season 2 finale, Tabatha Coffey travels to the Earth Moon Sun salon in Western Springs, Ill., to help transform both a hostile manager and a stylist she calls one of the worst hairdressers she has ever seen.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13, 2010
◊“The Bureau” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In the Season 1 finale, the police in Bloomington, Ill., start to connect a series of late-night assauluts. Unwavering police work and an FBI profile become the keyes to inlocking the perpetrator’s true identity.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): The investigation of a brutal stabbing takes a dangerous turn when it’s discovered that evidence at the crime scene was planted, which pits the CSIs against a trusted colleague. D.B. Sweeney (“Jericho”) stars as assistant district attorney Craig Hansen. 
◊“Great Performances” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Director Spike Lee brings “Passing Strange,” Stew Rodewald’s Tony-nominated semiautobiographical Broadway hit, to television. It’s the story of a man who travels to Europe in search of his artistic and personal identity.
◊“High School Reunion” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Season 6 features a new class and new drama as former classmates from Chaparral High School in Las Vegas reunite for their 20-year high school reunion on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The Chaparral Class of ’89 makes “High School Reunion” history with three marriage proposals and a wedding.
◊“The Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the second installment of this three-part series, host Alan Alda joins researchers studying our fellow simians — mainly chimpanzees — to discover what we share with them and what new skills humans evolved since we went our separate ways,
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): In order to take down an oppressive sweatshop owner, the Leverage team infiltrates the fashion world. Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) guest stars.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Sonia manages a defiant hand transplant patient (Michael Imperioli, “Life on Mars”) who wants his donor hand amputated after discovering it once belonged to a pedophile.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies, Shorty (Chazz Palminteri, “The Usual Suspects”), might be secretly gay. Meanwhile Gloria gives Manny’s date a makeover and Claire faces off with Phil’s universal remote.
◊“Our Little Genius” (8:15 p.m. on Fox): Kevin Pollack (“Shark”) hosts this new game show that gives real child geniuses a chance to put their incredible knowledge to the test and work their way up to win their family hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, the little genius’ parents can stop the game at any time and walk away with winnings up to that point.
◊“Solving History With Olly Steeds” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In this new series, journalist Olly Steeds is out to find the truth behind some of the world’s biggest mysteries. From the possible sea floor ruins of Atlantis to the dizzying heights of the Andes, Olly throws himself into the story employing hidden cameras, trekking to remote locations and participating in ancient rituals.  
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Lyle Lovett, Ray LaMontagne, and John Prine” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello explores the role of the singer/songwriter with three guests: four-time Grammy winner Lyle Lovett, the critically acclaimed Ray LaMontagne the highly influential John Prine. Each stands alone in the spotlight to perform and sits for an intimate chat with Elvis on their craft.
◊“Tosh.0″ (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comedian Daniel Tosh returns for a second season of exploring all aspects of the Internet, from the absolutely absurd to the incredibly ingenious. The series features viral clips of the week and original videos created by and starring well-known actors and comedians.

THURSDAY, JAN. 14, 2010
◊“Ace of Cakes” (9 p.m. on Food Network): The crew of DIY Network’s “Man Caves” invades Charm City Cakes to outfit Duff Goldman with a new guy-themes basement. Meanwhile, Duff and his crew take a road trip to Chicago to deliver a cake.
◊“Archer” (9 p.m. on FX): This new animated adult comedy is set at a spy agency where espionage and global crisis are merely opportunities for its highly trained employees to confuse, undermine and betray each other. The voice cast includes H. John Benjamin as master spy Sterling Archer, Jessica Walter as his domineering mother and boss Malory, Aisha Tyler as his ex-girlfriend Anegnt Lana Kane and Judy Greer as Malory’s secretary Cheryl.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): An out-of-this-world case brings Brennan and Booth to New Mexico where they investigate human remains with extraterrestrial attributes. Dean Haglund (“The X-Files”) guest stars.
◊“Carnie Wilson: Unstapled” (7 p.m. on GSN): This new series will draw back the curtain Carnie Wilson as she juggles her careers as game show host, singer, entrepreneur, activist, wife and mother of two young girls. 
◊“The First 48″ (8 p.m. on A&E): The Season 10 premiere spotlights a Louisville, Ky., community that is outraged when a married couple is gunned down at home in front of their two young children. Det. Kevin Trees and the homicide team hit the streets hoping the community’s strong reaction to the killing will trump the neighborhood’s long-standing code of silence.
◊“Hidden Agenda” (7:30 p.m. on GSN): In this new domestic hidden-camera game show, one member of a couple attempts to persuade his or her partner to complete a series of challenges — without letting on that the world is watching. Comic Debi Gutierrez serves as host of the show and as the couples’ cheerleader.
◊“Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force” (9 p.m. on A&E): In the season premiere, Detective Kevin Searing and Trenton Police Detective Sgt. Luddie Austin turn to Cmdr. Lenny Depaul for help on the Fugitive Task Force’s toughest manhunt all year, pursuing a 31-year-old fugitive wanted for first-degree murder and weapons possession.
◊“Models of the Runway” (10 p.m. on Lifetime): Season 2 launches with 16 fresh faces aspiring for their chance at being paired with the last “Project Runway” designer standing on the catwalk. The winning model will receive a $25,000 cash prize from L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional make-up line and will also be featured in the designer’s fashion spread in Marie Claire. 
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Ann sets Leslie up on a blind date with a co-worker (Will Arnett, “30 Rock”) that does not go as well as Leslie hoped. An old friend of Ann’s (Justin Theroux, “Tropic Thunder”) makes Mark feel insecure.
◊“Project Runway” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Host Heidi Klum, mentor Tim Gunn, judges Michael Kors (leading designer) and Nina Garcia (fashion director for Marie Claire magazine) return to New York for Season 7. They welcome 16 new designers who are vying for a shot to make their way to Bryant Park and show their collection in front of top industry insiders during New York Fashion Week. Nicole Richie (“The Simple Life”) is a guest judge on the season premiere.

FRIDAY, JAN. 15, 2010
◊“I Shouldn’t Be Alive” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): The Season 3 premiere tells the story of extreme adventure athlete Danelle, who plunges 60 feet down a canyon wall onto solid rock in the remote Utah wilderness. With just her faithful canine companion Taz for support, she faces the endurance challenge of her life — a battle for her own survival.
◊“I’m In the Band” (8 p.m. on Disney): Get a sneak peek at this new series premiering Jan. 18 on Disney XD. In this episode, Tripp Campbell’s dreams come true when he wins a radio contest to have dinner with his favorite rock band, Iron Weasel, and manages to impress them with his musical skills. Amazingly, he lands the lead guitar role, and before long the band is staying in the guest room at his house and playing a gig at Tripp’s school.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison dreams of a schizophrenic child, who she later meets as the well-adjusted roommate of a missing psychiatric patient, and questions whether she was responsible for killing her own parents. Danielle Panabaker (“Shark”) guest stars as Summer Lowry, the schizophrenic young girl from Allison’s dreams.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a lost shipment of high-caliber firearms when one of the weapons is responsible for random killings throughout the city. Guest stars include James Remar (“Dexter”) as weapons dealer Randall Priest and Jon Seda (Close to Home”) as arms broker Lonnie Moses.
◊“Sanctuary” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the two-part Season 3 finale, Magnus, Will and Kate travel to Mumbai, India, to investigate a murder and connection to the Cult of Kali, an ancient cult whose followers can foretell disaster.
◊“The Singing Bee” (8 p.m. on CMT): Host Melissa Peterman (“Reba”) returns for a second season of the compeitition series that blends a mix of country music with popular favorites from other genres. The show tests contestants’ knowledge of lyrics to well-known songs, and those who fail to accurately sing the correct lyrics are eliminated from the competition.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): Alex finds her new boyfriend Mason, a transfer student from England, perfect in every way except for his artistic vision. She casts a spell on Mason so that she becomes the inspiration for all the art he creates in their school art class. Guest starring as Mason is Gregg Sulkin from Disney Channel UK’s “As The Bell Rings.”

SATURDAY, JAN. 16, 2010
◊“House of Bones” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In this Syfy7 original movie starring Corin Nemec (“Stargate SG-1”) and Charisma Carpenter (“Angel”), a group of ghost hunters from a nationally syndicated TV shyow arrive for their latest assignment — the mysterious Wicker House in New Orleans that has been the site of nsome of the most grisly murders in history.
◊“Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): The Movers help baker Ben Boudreaux, a.k.a. “The Muffin Man,” remember the secret ingredient for his world famous muffins. Duff Goldman (“Ace of Cakes”) guest stars as Ben Boudreaux.
◊“Pit Boss” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Former actor Shorty Rossi (“Criss Angel Mindfreak”), who runs a Hollywood talent agency for little people. He also has a passion for pit bulls and has gathered together three friends and fellow little people, including Ronald Lee Clark from Choctaw, to take on the task of rescuing, rehabilitating and training the most misunderstood of dogs.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Oscar-nominated actress Sigourney Weaver takes her second turn at hosting the show. Musical guest is the Grammy-nominated duo The Ting Tings, comprised of Katie White and Jules De Martino.

–Penny TV

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Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 3-9, 2010

   Sunday’s Oklahoman,
which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 3:

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

SUNDAY, JAN. 3, 2010
◊“Durham County” (8 p.m. on ION): While the villain of the first season turned out to be the former high school classmate and neighbor of Homicide Detective Mike Sweeney, the evil threat in Season 2 comes from a brilliant but deeply troubled forensic psychiatrist Pen Verrity (Michelle Forbes, “True Blood”).
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): “Good Morning America” weather anchor Sam Champion joins the design team to help repair the 100-year-old home of the Morris family in St. Paul, Minn. Kermit, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppet gang also volunteer to rebuild the home that also serves as a daycare in the community.
◊“Frank the Entertainer … in a Basement Affair” (7 p.m. on VH1): Frank Moresco, aka the “Entertainer” from “I Love New York 2” and “I Love Money,” is back and looking for love. Fifteen women traveled to New York for Frank, only to find out that they won’t be living in the elaborate mansion they expected – they will be living in Frank’s parents’ house. Each week at elimination, Frank will give the ladies keys to his basement, and those locked out will have to pack up.
◊“Giuliana & Bill” (8 p.m. on Style Network): Season 2 takes viewers inside the adventures of celebrity power couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic as they focus on the future, including trying for a baby and settling down in one city.
◊“Platinum Weddings” (8 p.m. on WEtv): The economic downturn hasn’t hurt the budgets of these “want-it-all” brides and grooms, as Season 4 features more one-of-a-kind weddings that come with price tags no less than six figures. The premiere episode showcases a Black-Eyed-Peas guitarist who treats his guests to a leisurely swim with sharks.
◊“Secrets of Aspen” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new docu-soap style series will explore the lives of six single women who live in America’s most renowned resort town – Aspen, Color.  Known as a playground for the rich and famous, Aspen has become one of the country’s most expensive zip codes to live in. However, not everyone living in this small town can afford to live the lavish lifestyle.
◊“Smucker’s Stars on Ice 2010″ (3 p.m. on NBC): Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi will host this special that gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the tour, how it all began, the star skaters, emotional memories and a collection of standout performances. Among those featured are skating greats Scott Hamilton, Rosalynn Sumners, Brian Orser, Kurt Browning, Paul Wylie, Evan Lysacek and Sasha Cohen.
◊“Super Chef Battle: An Iron Chef America Event” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network personalities Mario Batali, Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse travel to the White House to take part in a culinary competition. Greeted by First Lady Michelle Obama, the chefs are joined by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and receive their challenge: create a meal for America using The White House Kitchen Garden’s produce as their secret ingredients.
◊“Worst Cooks in America” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Twelve of the most hopeless cooks in the country are put through a culinary boot camp led by chefs Anne Burrell (“Secrets of a Restaurant Chef”) and Beau MacMillan (executive chef at elements in Phoenix). At stake for the last two standing is the chance to cook for a panel of esteemed culinary critics and win the grand prize of $25,000.

MONDAY, JAN. 4
◊“All My Children” (noon on ABC): Mark Consuelos (“Killer Hair”) and Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) return to the daytime drama for the show’s 40th anniversary episodes, which air today and Tuesday. This will be the first time either actor has appeared on the show since they left in 2002. The milestone special episodes will air on January 4 and 5, 2010.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The 14th-season premiere features a record-setting appraisal of four Chinese carved jade objects estimated to be worth as much as $1,070,000 – -the highest value appraisal ever featured on the series. The collection was discovered at the “Roadshow: event last june in Raleigh, N.C.
◊“The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love” (7 p.m. on ABC): Airline pilot Jake Pavelka, who was rejected by Bachelorette Jillian Harris, gets a chance to hand out the roses himself in the 14th edition of the romantic reality series. Kimberly, a Norman native and former NBA dancer for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is among the 25 women competing for his attention.
◊“Blood, Sweat & Takeaways” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new four-part series, a group of young fast food junkies spend a month finding out the truth behind how their favorite foods are produced.
◊“Conveyor Belt of Love” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In this fast-paced special, 30 men go by on conveyor belt and are given 60 seconds to impress one of five women. If a woman is interested in someone, that man will step aside and wait as the rest of the men go by. But if another man comes by on the belt who seems better than that woman’s first choice, she can swap out the man waiting off of the belt as many times as she wants until the last man has passed by. Each woman is left with her final choice as she embarks on a date in the hope of finding a true connection.
◊“Forensics: You Decide” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The Season 1 finale presents both sides of the case involving Jeffrey Lamb of Florida. He is a suspect in the murder of his wife and attack of his own dogs.
◊“Make It or Break It” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): The series, which returns to complete its first season with 10 new episodes, is set in the world of competitive gymnastics. And while the girls celebrate their win at the National Gymnastics competition, Payson struggles with the ramifications of her back injury, becoming increasingly detached from her family and friends.
◊“This Emotional Life” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This three-part series, airing nightly through Wednesday, explores ways to improve social relationships and become more resilient while coping with depression and anxiety. The opening episode, ‘‘Family, Friends & Lovers,” explores the importance of relationships to a person’s emotional well-being. Tuesday’s episode is “Facing Our Fears,” followed by “Rethinking Happiness” on Wednesday.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This drama, which returns to complete its second season with 12 new episodes, focuses on the relationships between families and friends and how they deal with teenage issues, including an unexpected pregnancy. In the premiere episode, Amy and Anne decide to take their babies and escape their problems by going on vacation — and things back at home start to fall apart in their absence.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie must decide between his fiancée, Chelsea, and his old flame, Mia, on a rebroadcast of the seventh season premiere. Rock Superstar Eddie Van Halen makes a cameo appearance as himself.
◊“Welcome to Macintosh” (8:30 p.m. on CNBC): This CNBC special is the Apple story told by people who build, use, love, hate, and obsess over the company’s revolutionary products.  When Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched Apple Computers in 1977, they had no idea the impact their company would have on the world.  Now, more than thirty years later, filmmakers Robert Baca and Josh Rizzo take an in dept look how Apple has created a cult fan base and how Steve Jobs has become a modern day hero.

TUESDAY, JAN. 5, 2010
◊“As the World Turns” (1 p.m. on CBS): Model Paulina Porizkova (a judge on Season 4 of “America’s Next Top Model”) makes her daytime debut as Clarissa, a character who has a history with Simon Frasier (Paul Leyden), who recently returned to the show.
◊“The Biggest Loser: Couples” (7 p.m. on NBC): Cheryl and Daris George from Ardmore are among the 11 family teams of two on Season 9 of the weight-loss competition series. Alison Sweeney hosts the series and contestants work out under the supervision of trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels.
◊“ID Investigates: The Secret Life of Tiger Woods” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special takes a comprehensive look at the Tiger Woods scandal — the details curently unfolding and the legal ramifications.
◊“Last Restaurant Standing” (8 p.m. on BBC America): World-renowned chef and restaurateur Raymond Blanc returns for a third season with nine couples vying for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open a restaurant with him. The couples are working and living together 24 hours-a-day under enormous pressure, and only one will succeed.
◊“Maneaters” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series tells the stories of people who have survived terrifying encounters with animals. The premiere episode is titled “Sharks.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): When a Navy pilot is found dead under strange circumstances in a secluded area, the team finds themselves battling a no-nonsense attorney with a hidden agenda. Rena Sofer (“General Hospital”) guest stars as attorney Margaret Allison Hart. Marcus Giamatti (“Judging Amy”) guest stars as aerospace engineer Victor Tillman.
◊“Nova: Killer Subs in Pearl Harbor” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment presents evidence that a torpedo fired from a Japanese midget submarine may have struck the USS Oklahoma during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Parks Stephenson was the lead investigator on the underwater expedition, and he says there are accounts that indicate one torpedo fired at the USS Arizona was a dud, but he believes another torpedo hit the USS Oklahoma.
◊“Wild Recon” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new 10-part series follows Donald Shultz, a venom expert, as he travels the world collecting bio specimens from the world’s deadliest animals. He’s the guy who approaches the animal, like a cobra, to extract the venom, or the 400-pound wild African lion to get a blood sample — all in pursuit of bio-specimens for research and potential new scientific discoveries.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6, 2010
◊“The 36th Annual People’s Choice Awards” (8 p.m. on CBS): Queen Latifah (“Chicago”) hosts the event live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Fans cast more than 16 million votes to determine the nominees and winners in the fields of music, movies and television. Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Carrie Underwood (favorite female artist and favorite country artist), Brad Pitt (favorite movie actor) and Rascal Flatts (favorite country artist).
◊“Big Chef Takes on Little Chef” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new four-part series, Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal has six months to help put an old-fashioned chain of roadside cafes back on the map.
◊“Building Your Future: Educational Opportunities in Oklahoma” (7 p.m. on KWTV-9): Oklahoma City TV personaliity Jennifer Eve hosts this special that is designed to engage high school students and their parents into thinking ahead about college. John Feaver, president of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma will appear along with two USAO alums, a faculty member and a current student.
◊“Conviction Kitchen” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new series, chef Marc Thuet and his wife have three weeks to help 24 ex-cons with no culinary experience open a high-end restaurant from scratch.
◊“Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Despite fearing the meanest and most unrelenting dermatologist in town, Dr. Amy Evans (Lisa Kudrow, “Friends”), Jules and Ellie are willing to endure the harsh ridicule and wrath for an appointment with the best in the business. But when Jules learns Dr. Evans is seeing Bobby, she’s determined to stand up to her and protect him.
◊“Ghost Hunters International” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Season 3 will have the team traveling to a different international country each week in pursuit of the truth behind bizarre supernatural claims. In the premiere episode titled “Hitler’s Ghost,” the investigators venture to Miramar, Argentina, and set their sights on the Gran Hotel Viena, once the secret residence of many Nazi war criminals including rumored guest, Adolf Hitler.
◊“The Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Alan Alda (“Scientific American Frontiers”) hosts this three-part series that examines paintings and carvings that date back 30,000 years in an attempt to determine when mankind developed the ‘‘human spark” that produced art, innovative technology and symbolic communication.
◊“I Get That A Lot” (7 p.m. on CBS, 2:37 a.m. on KWTV-9): This new special features celebrities tricking everyday citizens in a case of supposed “mistaken identity.”  Among the celebrities confusing customers who can’t decide if it’s the actual celebrity or a look-alike, are Julie Chen (“Big Brother”) working at a yogurt shop, Paris Hilton (“The Simple Life”) as a gas station employee, Snoop Dogg (hip-hop artist) as a parking lot attendant, Rachael Ray (“The Rachael Ray Show”) working at a dry cleaner, Gene Simmons (rocker of the band Kiss) as a psychic guru and Tony Hawk (skateboarder) working in a surf shop.
◊“Launch My Line” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Pop star Lady Gaga, known for her fashion-forward outfits, surprises the designers and provides inspiration. In this week’s challenge, the teams create an avant-garde outfit, but they must make sure they are pushing the boundaries of fashion without crossing the line of good taste.
◊“Man Vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Host Bear Grylls hits the global road for extreme adventures and invaluable lessons in survival. His locations this season include China, Panama, Montana, Guatemala and Poland.  No feat is too large, nor task too daunting as Bear climbs a 200-foot waterfall, gets bitten by aggressive weaver ants, encounters a deadly Green Pit viper snake and lands on an active volcano.
◊“Marriage From Hell: The Breakup of AOL Time Warner” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special takes viewers inside the story of what has been called the worst deal ever made. In includes candid comments from one of the chief architects of the deal, former Time Warner CEO Gerald Levin, who underwent a stunning reversal of fortune.
◊“The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie fears that a confrontation with trashy neighbor Rita Glossner (Brooke Shields, “Lipstick Jungle”) is at hand when Sue has a run-in with her sons. Meanwhile, Axl tries to bribe Brick when he’s asked to teach his little brother how to kick a ball for a gym requirement, but it’s Brick who turns the tables on Axl and ends up bribing him for another favor.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Gloria is less than pleased with Jay’s reaction to the arrival of Manny’s infamously unreliable dad, Javier (Benjamin Bratt, “The Cleaner”). Meanwhile, Phil is suffering from kidney stones and his dramatics leave Claire no other choice but to call for the hot firemen to rush him to the hospital.
◊“Nip/Tuck” (9 p.m. on FX): As the seventh (and final) season begins, the doctors are honored by their alma mater, the University of Miami, prompting Sean to recall their college years and past pains. Meanwhile, a man whose genetic disorder has led to self-mutilation wants it undone.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Elvis Costello” (9 p.m. on Sundance): In this special edition, Elvis Costello slides from the host chair to guest chair for a revealing conversation with actress/music journalist Mary Louise Parker (“Weeds”). While it’s impossible to cover all of Costello’s 30 year plus musical journey in an hour, he performs a wide selection of his material.
◊“Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Betty wants to spend some time apart from Matt, so she finds him something else to keep him occupied. Meanwhile, Hilda has a tough decision to make regarding her baby, and Mark’s fling looks to be heading towards something more serious.

THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2010
◊“Bear Whisperer” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): Every summer, tourits and black bears converge on the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, Calif. “Bear Whisperer” Steve Searles is fearless in his efforts to jeep the peace between man and beast.
◊“Best of the World Music Awards” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This special looks back at over a decade of the most memorable World Music Award moments, including performances by Michael Jackson, Byonce, Britney Spears and Mariah Carey.
◊“Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on VH1): Season 3 will follow the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment at a center in the Los Angeles area.  The show will follow Mackenzie Phillips (“One Day at a Time”), Heidi Fleiss (“Alien 51″), Tom Sizemore (“Crash”), Dennis Rodman (“Celebrity Apprentice”), Mindy McCready (country singer), Lisa D’Amato (“America’s Next Top Model”), Mike Starr (Alice in Chains) and Joey Kovar (“Real World Hollywood”).
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston and Riley are taken hostage during the aftermath of a shootout in a typically calm Las Vegas community. Denzel Whitaker (“The Great Debaters”) guest stars.
◊“Duel in the Sun” (7 p.m. on TCM): Actress Jennifer Jones, who was born in Tulsa, earned an Oscar nomination for this 1946 Western about an American Indian woman caught between two brothers. It is the first of a four-film tribute to Jones, who died Dec. 17 at age 90. The other films are “1954′s ◊“Beat the Devil” (9:30 p.m.), 1949′s “Madame Bovary” (11:15 p.m.) and 1954′s “Indiscretion of an American Wife” (1:15 a.m.).
◊“The Newlywed Game” (8 p.m. on GSN): Game show host Bob Eubanks, who first began hosting “The Newlywed Game” more than 40 years ago, returns as guest host of the new version. This special episode features current host Carnie Wilson and her family as the celebrity contestants. Competing against Wilson and her husband, Rob Bonfiglio, are Wilson’s sister Wendy Wilson and her husband Dan Knutson, and Wilson’s mother, former singer Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford, and her husband, Daniel Rutherford.
◊“Planet of the Apps: A Handheld Revolution” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special looks at the recent “app” explosion and how they have changed the way we live. It introduces viewers to some of the creators who are designing applications and striking it rich and explains just how the big business of apps really works.

FRIDAY, JAN. 8, 2010
◊“Bartender Wars” (9:30 p.m. on FLN): Three bartenders pair drinks with flavored popcorn, try to send psychic messages to their patrons and play a game of catch—with olives.  Guest judge Dan Aykroyd (“Ghostbusters”) asks them to impress him with their bartending skills and create a drink they’d be proud to put on their headstones.
◊“Big Band Blues” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This program presents performances from the Motor City Blues & Boogie Woogie Festival. It also features commentary from the artists about the relationship between blues, boogie woogie, jazz and swing music.
◊“Big, Bigger, Biggest” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): This series follows the evolutionary engineering leaps that enable iconic structures to grow in size. The Season 2 premiere focuses on the largest submarine ever constructed by the U.S. Navy.
◊“Elvis on Tour” (7 p.m. on TCM): In honor of the 75th celebration of Elvis Presley, TCM host Robert Osborne is joined by Priscilla Presley and Jerry Schilling to introduce the 1972 concert documentary. They also comment on the 2001 re-edited version of the 1970 film “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” (9 p.m.) and the 1957 film “Jailhouse Rock” (11 p.m.).
◊“John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): John Oliver (“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”) hosts this new series that features some of Oliver’s favorite comedians. In the premiere episode, Oliver ditches the suit to discuss his surprising affection for America, the upside-down Australians and the effects of voting under the influence. The episode also features sets from Maria Bamford, Nick Kroll, Greg Fitzsimmons and Eugene Mirman.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team try their luck at investigating the theft of scratch-off lottery tickets, but the stakes are raised when one of the culprits killed at a botched robbery turns out to be a former lottery winner. Guest stars include Michael O’Neill (“Transformers”) as California Lottery security supervisor Boyd Keene; Nicole Sullivan (“Rita Rocks”) as eccentric lottery agent Nancy Hackett; and Allison Smith (“Kate & Allie”) as Sara Lewis, a financial advisor working with lottery winners.
◊“Operation Wild” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows the officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In the premiere episode, the officers are busy patrolling the annual Lobster Mini-Season as thousands of people put their lobster-catching skills to the test over a 48-hour period.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): This series, back for Season 2, gives budding entrepreneurs a chance to make their business dreams come true and make them successful and possibly wealthy people. But first, the entrepreneurs must convince a panel of five ruthless, multi-millionaire tycoons – known as Sharks — to part with their own hard-earned cash to give them the funding they need to jumpstart their breakthrough business concepts, products, properties and services. The five Sharks are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, “infomercial” industry pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O’Leary.

SATURDAY, JAN. 9, 2010
◊“Renovation Realities Best Freakin’ Moments” (8 p.m. on DIY): This special looks as some of the most compelling moments from the home renovation show — from big mistakes and injuries to major fights and meltdowns.
◊“The View Special Edition — All My Children: Moving Pine Valley” (5 p.m. on SoapNet): This encore presentation pays tribute to the daytime drama that is relocating to Los Angeles. The one-hour celebration features the show’s creator, Agnes Nixon, and cast members Susan Lucci, Debbi Morgan, Rebecca Budig, Cameron Mathison, Michael E. Knight and Vincent Irizarry.
◊“The Wishing Well” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a city-bred journalist (Jordan Ladd, “Death Proof”) heads to small-town Illinois for a story, her one-day visit turns into a much longer stay with the toss of a coin. Sally Kellerman (“Open House”), Jason London (“All Roads Lead Home”), Tempestt Bledsoe (“The Cosby Show”) and Charles Shaughnessy (“The Nanny”) costar in the time-twisting story about finding answers in the most unexpected of places.
◊“World’s Greenest Homes” (5 p.m. on Planet Green): The Season 2 premiere spotlights a dome home in upstate New York. It has a spaceship-like exterior that rotates to make the most of the sun’s rays.

–Penny TV

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TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 2010

  
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Dec. 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.
 
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

BEGINNINGS
••“Everest: Beyond the Limit,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (third-season premiere).
••“Motor City Motors,” 9 p.m. Monday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“One Big Happy Family,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on TLC (series premiere).
••“The Imploders,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TLC (series premiere).
••“The Real World: D.C.,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on MTV (season premiere).
••“Curb Appeal: The Block,” 1 p.m. Friday on HGTV (fourth-season premiere).
••“First Time Design,” 2 p.m. Friday on HGTV (series premiere).
••“Design Interns,” 3 p.m. Friday on HGTV (series premiere).
••“DocTalk,” 7 p.m. Friday on Documentary Channel (series premiere).
••“The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie,” 9 p.m. Friday on HGTV (series premiere).
••“The Squeeze,” 9 p.m. Friday on MSNBC (series premiere).
••“The Antonio Treatment,” 9:30 p.m. Friday on HGTV (sneak peek).
••“How Do I Look?” 7 p.m. Saturday on Style Network (ninth-season premiere).
••“What I Hate About Me,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Style Network (series premiere).
••“Underdog to Wonderdog,” 7 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“It’s Me or the Dog” (8 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“Demons,” 9 p.m. Saturday on BBC America (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Brothers,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Fox (first-season finale).
••“Outer Space Astronauts,” 10 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy (first-season finale).

MARATHONS
••“Royal Pains,” 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday on Sleuth.
••“Ghost Lab,” 9 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on Discovery.
••“How Do They Do It?” 11 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday on Science Channel.
••“South Park,” 8 p.m. to midnight Thursday on Comedy Central.
••“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” 5 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday on USA Network.
••“Disaster House,” 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday on DIY.
••“Mythbusters,” 8 a.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday on Discovery.
••“How It’s Made” 11 a.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Friday on Science Channel.
••“The Virginian,” 11 p.m. Thursday to 11 p.m. Friday on Encore Westerns.
••“The Biggest Loser 8,” 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday on FLN.
••“NCIS” 8 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Jan. 3 on USA Network.
••“Have Gun-Will Travel,” 11 p.m. Friday to 11 p.m. Saturday on Encore Westerns.

Pictured above: Demons – (l to r) Ruby (Holliday Grainger), Luke (Christian Cooke), Rupert (Phillip Glenister) and Mina (Zoe Tapper). Photo Credit: Sony

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