Top 55 TV Programs for March 15-21, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 8:
SUNDAY, NOV. 8, 2009
◊“Bored to Death” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 1 finale, George, Jonathan and Ray accept a challenge from George’s publishing rival, Richard, and agree to a tripleheader boxing match — the guys from Edition against the GQ crew.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates the murder of an accomplished 45-year-old Mexican-born jockey who “disappeared” within hours of losing a race he’d long planned as his last before retirement. The music of Santana will play exclusively throughout the episode. Jacob Vargas (”Traffic”) guest stars as the slain jockey’s apprentice.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Susan believes Katherine may be Julie’s assailant while Angie confronts Nick about the secret he’s withholding from her. Kathy Najimy (”Sister Act”) guest stars.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Kellie Pickler travels with the team to Beavercreek, Ohio, to tell James Terpenning, a wheelchair sports champion and mentor to disabled Iraqi War veterans, that he and his family will have a newly rebuilt home in seven days.
◊“Gabriel Iglesias: I’m Not Fat … I’m Fluffy” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): This all-new stand-up special features the comedian’s perfect blend of impeccable voice skills and an uncanny knack for hilarious storytelling. Iglesias’s high-caliber performance was filmed in front of a packed house at the historic Plaza Theatre in El Paso, Texas.
◊“Jonas” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): Joe discovers Stella is going on a date with the star jock Van Dyke Tosh (Chuck Hittinger, “ER”), so he has a date, as well.
◊“Keeping Up With the Kardashians: The Wedding” (7 p.m. on E!): After a whirlwind romance, Khloe Kardashian takes a magical journey down the aisle with Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom. Join Kim, Kourtney and the whole Kardashian clan along with Hollywood’s elite for an insider’s look at this star-studded event.
◊“Legend of the Seeker” (4 p.m. on KOCB-34): In Season 2, Richard, Kahlan and Zedd will encounter an array of new characters, both good and evil, and they will be tested in ways that they never could have imagined. The trio will discover that in defeating the bloodthirsty tyrant Darken Rahl, their victory is short-lived as they inadvertently unleashed an even greater evil on the world. Charisma Carpenter (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) guest stars as a wicked Mord’Sith named Triana.
◊“Mad Men” (9 p.m. on AMC): As Don has a meeting with Connie, Pete has a chat with his clients, and Betty receives an interesting piece of advice in the Season 3 finale.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The black mamba hasn’t been studied in the wild much, because most people who encounter this large, deadly snake kill it on sight. But in this new episode, a team of snake handlers in Swaziland braves the danger to conduct a six-week study of the deadly reptile.
◊“The Prince & Me: Holiday Honeymoon” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In this sequel to “The Prince & Me: The Royal Wedding,” newlyweds Queen Paige (Kam Heskin) and King Edvard (Chris Geere) try to escape the spotlight by honeymooning in Belavia. But instead they end up uncovering a plot against the Danish monarchy.
◊“Stacked: CMA Nominees 2009″ (9:30 a.m. on CMT): This special features the CMA Awards nominees in the video of the year category — Randy Houser’s “Boots On,” Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” Bill Currington’s “People Are Crazy,” Brad Paisley’s “Start a Band” duet with Keith Urban and Geirge Strait’s “Troubadour.” The 43rd annual CMA Awards ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): Reed Timmer aims to step up from aggressive chaser to extreme scientist with his new military-grade radar capable of measuring wind speeds inside a twister. And he gets his vehicle inside the circulation of an EF3 for the intercept of a lifetime.
◊“Surviving 2012″ (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special explores the most plausible planetary disasters that 2012 may bring to determine whether or not the end of life on Earth really is lurking just around the corner.
◊“The Time I …” (6:55 p.m. on Disney): This new short-form series features young viewers sharing milestones in ther lives. The 1-2 minute segments include the stories “The Time I…Became a Big Sister” by 12-year-old Jasmine, “The Time I….Rode an Elephant” by 12-year-old Tiana, “The Time I….Flew By Myself” by 8-year-old Reese and “The Time I…Won a Blue Ribbon at the Country Fair” by 10-year-old cousins Hope and Logan.
MONDAY, NOV. 9, 2009
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on CMT): Host Jeff Foxworthy welcomes Bert, Grover, Prairie Dawn, Zoe and Cookie Monster for a week-long event celebrating the 40th anniversary of “Sesame Street.” A different co-host will be featured each day of the week as contestants test there knowledge of grade-school level questions on the fast-paced game show.
◊“BBC World News America” (6 p.m. on BBC America): A special edition of the show broadcasts live from Berlin on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. German-born Matt Frei, who reported from Berlin on the day the Wall fell 20 years ago, returns to his native country to anchor the program from the historic Brandenburg Gate.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio Caine calls Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) 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.
◊“Garage Mahal” (9:30 p.m. on DIY): Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) throws down his carving knife and picks up a hammer to help the DIY Network crew and host Brian Corsetti build a vintage diner style garage, complete with rolling car and custom back bars, diamond plate wainscoting and chair rail, black and white murals and a half-ton of classic auto parts.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Not satisfied with just being Queen of Constance Billard, Jenny sets her sights on becoming Queen of all the Upper East Side. Leighton Meester;s new single “Somebody to Love” is featured, along with a guest performance from all-girl rock band Plastiscines.
◊“How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmmaker Leslie Woodhead, who first met the Beatles in 1962 when he worked on a film in the Liverpool Cavern Club, talks to Russians who grew up listening to the Beatles and found hope and inspiration in their music and their message of rebellion.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barney and Robin hit a rough patch in their relationship, Lily devises the perfect plan to break them up, calling in help from Robin’s famous friend, Alan Thicke.
◊“Lincoln Heights” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Cassie tells Charles she wants to apply to school in New York, and Lizzie gets into trouble at school.
◊“Lopez Tonight” (10 p.m. on TBS): Comedian and actor George Lopez headlines this new late-night talk show that will feature a street-party feel with pumped-up music, audience interaction and a format that is open to change each day. His prmeiere-night guests include Ellen DeGeneres (”Ellen”), Eva Longoria-Parker (”Desperate Housewives”) and Kobe Bryant (NBA player).
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): Series star Sophia Bush (Brooke) directed this episode in which devastating news threatenes to derrail Brook and Julian’s fairytale romance.
◊“Rita Rocks” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Swoosie Kurtz (”Pushing Daisies”) guest stars as Rita’s overly judgmental mother, Marilyn. Rita scrubs down the house and hides all the junk food to prepare for a visit from Marilyn, who decides to stay a couple weeks longer to spend more quality time with Rita and the family.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (noon on KOCB-34): Meredith Vieira won’t be the only person asking questions on the game show. Starting today, she will get assistance from celebrities such as Senator John McCain, Vanessa Williams (”Ugly Betty”), Jane Lynch (”Glee”), Joe Mantegna (”Criminal Minds”) and Robin Roberts (”Good Morning America”). Monday is also the first day of the “Million Dollar Tournament of Ten” that will feature the season’s top 10 contestants who will get a shot at a $1 million question.
TUESDAY, NOV. 10, 2009
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): Playing the game for charity are celebrities Nick Lachey (“Charmed”) and Drew Lachey (“The Comebacks”).
◊“Disaster House” (9 p.m. on DIY): Host Josh Temple and his team drop a 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis from nearly 100 feet to replicate years of damage a normal driveway can endure and what homeowners can do to repair common problems. He also uses a Pumpkin Cannon to shoot a variety of fruits at a home mailbox to show viewers how to repair theirs.
◊“Full Throttle Saloon” (9 p.m. on truTV): This new series takes viewers behind-the-scenes at The Throttle, a biker bar in Sturgis, S.D. The 30-acre indoor/outdoor bar features several large stages, a burn-out pit, a tattoo parlor, zip lines, a wrestling ring, restaurants, dozens of stores, hundreds of cabins for rent and parking for thousands of bikes. It is only open two weeks a year during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): While representing the daughter of one of the partner’s 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.
◊“In the Spotlight With Robin Roberts: Bright Lights. Big Stars. All Access Nashville” (9 p.m. on ABC): Take a backstage tour of the country music scene with Robin Roberts (”Good Morning America”) as she goes home with Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood and Nashville residents Tim McGraw and Martina McBride. Also on the itinerary are interviews with Vince Gill, Loretta Lynn and Rosanne Cash.
◊“Independent Lens” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): In “D Tour,” documentarian Jim Granato tells the story of Pat Spurgeon, an aspiring indie rocker whose life and career suffer a setback when one of his kidneys begins to fail. The film follows him as he searches for a donor while on tour with his band Rogue Wave.
◊“James May on the Moon” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Driven by his passion for technology, “Top Gear” presenter James May seeks out both the astronauts and the men who built the space vehicles. And through manipulation of archive footage, May buckles up with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, lands the Eahle and takes a space walk.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): With the team’s help, Vance faces his demons while uncovering a complex relationship with a killer that puts his whole family in danger. Kelly Hu (”Martial Law”), Penny Johnson Jerald (”24″) and Paula Newsome (”Women’s Murder Club”) guest star.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): The world’s largest informal children’s educator celebrates its 40th birthday today, which is the exact day the series debuted on television four decades ago. The new season will feature a new show opening, a new nature curriculum and the new First Lady Michelle Obama, who appears in the premiere epusode and teaches “the street’s” residents about the many benefits of planting a garden and healthy eating.
◊“Starz Inside: Sex and the Cinema” (9 p.m. on Starz): This special explores how sexually charged films reflect out own sexual liberation. It also looks at many films that push the boundary, from mainstream studio films to producyt that comes from the porn industry.
◊“The Will: Families Divided” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special explores the intrigue, legal wrangling and high emotions surrounding real-life stories of family inheritance — whether there is a valid will or not.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009
◊“The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” (7 p.m. on ABC): Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, the reigning CMA female and male vocalists of the year, co-host the event for the second consecutive year. Both are also nominees and are scheduled to perform, along with Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift and George Strait.
◊“Apocalypse: The Second World War” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Martin Sheen (”The West Wing”) narrates this six-part series featuring footage filmed by those who witnessed the war first-hand. This footage was deemed ‘unfit’ for civilians to see. Until now. It has been restored, colorized and transferred to high definition. The series will air over six consecutive nights.
◊“Change the World: American Heroes” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Craftsman Carter Oosterhouse and designer Monica Pedersen transform homes in Philadelphia and St. Louis into comfortable and welcoming places for veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.
◊“Coca-Cola: The Real Story Behind the Real Thing” (8 p.m. on CNBC): With unprecedented access, CNBC pulls back the curtain on Coca-Cola, revealing never-before-seen labs, secret archives and high-tech product testing. Cameras follow Coke’s urgent campaign to reinvent itself after years of losing ground to arch-rival Pepsi in the race to develop new beverages.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit follows a trail of murders that seems to align with the tour schedule of a rock star. Gavin Rossdale plays a Goth performer who has become lost in the frightening alter-ego he portrays on stage — an alter-ego the BAU team suspects may be a brutal serial killer.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) rushes to New York when Det. Mac Taylor and his team identify a woman hidden in a big rig following an accident as someone he interviewed in Miami related to his missing person’s case. Though the woman disappears after the accident, Langston and Mac discover they’re onto an interstate trucking ring that specializes in human cargo and black market organ harvesting.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Allison is jilted when her new “friend,” Sophia (Nadine Valezquez, “My Name Is Earl”), prefers Gary’s company over hers.
◊“Ghost Hunters Academy” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In this new spinoff of “Ghost Hunters,” two members of The Atlantic Paranormal Society — technical manager Steve Gonsalves and evidence analyst Dave Tango — show a group of college students how to investigate reports of paranormal activity.
◊“POV” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new documentary “The Way We Get By” tells the stories behind a group of retired and elderly citizens in Maine who have taken it upon themselves to greet every troop plane arriving or departing Bangor, which is the last and first piece of U.S. soil many soldiers see before and after their deployments.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Max (Eric McCormack, “Will & Grace”) points out to Christine that she quits anything that gets too hard, including relationships, which is one of the reasons he chose to be her therapist rather than her boyfriend.
◊“Return to Duty” (8 p.m. on MTV): Viewers of “The Real World: Brooklyn” may remember the emotional moment when cast member and Army vet Ryan Conklin was unexpectedly recalled for a second tour of duty in Iraq. In this documentary, Conklin takes viewers through the year since that day, offering a soldier’s view of America’s changing military presence in the long war in Iraq.
◊“Secrets of the Dead” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new episode “Airmen and the Headhunters” recounts the rescue of a U.S. bomber crew shot down over the jungles of Japanese-occupied Borneo during World War II. Dayak tribesmen, known for taking the heads of their enemies, fed and protected the airmen.
THURSDAY, NOV. 12, 2009
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) continues the search for the young girl taken hostage as part of the human trafficking operation. It leads him to investigate a prostitution ring in Las Vegas that may harbor the missing woman.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Owen recruits his fellow Iraqi War vet, Dr. Teddy Altman, as the new cardiothoracic surgeon, Cristina questions Teddy’s abilities in the operating room and the nature of their past relationship. Joel Grey (”Cabaret”) and Kim Raver (”24″) guest star.
◊“The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): While Jane and the team examine the crime scene where a baseball scout is found murdered, Jane is clocked in the head by a ball and flashes back to his childhood with his overbearing father (Nick Chinlund, “Desperate Housewives”).
◊“Stateline: Behind the Curtain” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of OETA’s award-winning documentary series unveils what it takes to maintain Oklahoma’s world class museums and attractions. Attractions featured include the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, home to thousands of varieties of sea life; the J.M. Davis Gun Museum in Claremore that could outfit an army; and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, which prepares for performances days in advance of the curtain.
◊“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): A mysterious new history teacher (Matt Davis, “Legally Blonde”) arrives at the high school. And when Elena, Bonnie and Caroline hold a seance, the results are stranger than any of them expected.
FRIDAY, NOV. 13, 2009
◊“Great Performances” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Motown Records, “Stevie Wonder: Live At Last” features the American musician in a concert performance at London’s O2 Arena.
◊“Invitation Only: Tim McGraw” (8 p.m. on CMT): Country music artist Tim McGraw returns to the stage to perform his biggest hits and music from his latest album “Southern Voice.” He also takes questions from fans and gives revealing and candid answers.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison fears the worst about Ariel’s new boyfriend when she suspects him of murdering a man. Also, Bridgette posts embarrassing videos of a man on the Internet and gets into trouble. Amy Pietz (”Caroline in the City”) guest stars as the mother of Ariel’s boyfriend in this episode directed by David Arquette (“Scream”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): While tracking down a felon running a heroin ring inside a prison, Agent Ian Edgerton (Lou Diamond Phillips, “La Bamba”) becomes a murder suspect when the informant he meets with ends up dead, sending a desperate Edgerton over the edge when he takes a member of Don’s team hostage.
◊“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): DC Comics’ “The Wonder Twins” Jayna and Zan (David Gallagher, 7th Heaven) show up in Metroplolis to help The Blur fight crime. But they end of botching several rescues.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Hilda’s bad-boy high school flame and Betty’s schoolgirl crush — Bobby Talercio (Adam Rodriguez, “CSI: Miami”) — teaches at Justin’s school, causing the sisters to both doubt their feelings for “nice guys” — such as Archie (Ralph Macchio, “The Karate Kid”), in Hilda’s case.
SATURDAY, NOV. 14, 2009
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): Host Claire Robinson prepares all her Thanksgiving recipes with five or fewer ingredients. She cooks up roasted turkey breast with gravy, cornbread dressing and a ginger pumpkin tart.
◊“Ask Aida” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Create a Thanksgiving feast with host Aida Mollenkamp’s crowd-pleasing menu. She fixes an apple-sage roast turkey, whole wheat stuffing and a pecan pumpkin crunch. She also shares her simple recipe for hearty pan gravy.
◊“Cougar Town” (4 p.m. on SoapNet): This two-hour marathon includes the first three episodes (as well as the fifth episode) of the ABC series starring Courteney Cox as a recently divorced single mother exploring the truths about dating and aging.
◊“Everything She Ever Wanted” (7 p.m on Lifetime Movie Network): This two-part miniseries, which concludes Nov. 15, stars Gina Gershon (”Bound”) as a Southern woman whose storybook wedding signals the beginning of a nightmare marriage that is ultimately upended by greed and violence. It is inspired by a true story.
◊“Flower Girl” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Marla Sokoloff (”The Practice”) stars in this new romance as Laurel, a florist who can’t seem to find the man of her dreams. But when her grandmother (Marion Ross) tries to fix Laurel up with the perfect man, before she knows it, she has not one but two potential suitors on her hands and must decide if its time to follow her heart or her head.
◊“Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): In the episode “A Fairy Tale Ending,” the Movers must convince Cinderella to go home and back to her story so she can have her fairy tale ending with Prince Charming. The episode features the debut of the new original song “When You Grow Up.” Nicole Anderson (”Jonas”) and Jason Dolley (”Good Luck Charlie”) guest star as Cinderella and Prince Charming.
◊“Oklahoma Hall of Fame” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The 2009 Oklahoma Hall of Fame class of 2009 is inducted. The seven Oklahoma honorees are: C. Kendric Fergeson, Altus; Marlin G. “Ike” Glass, Jr., Newkirk; V. Burns Hargis, Stillwater; Polly A. Nichols, Oklahoma City; Lee Roy Selmon, Eufaula; Steven W. Taylor, McAlester; and Wayman Lawrence Tisdale, Tulsa, who will be inducted posthumously.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): January Jones (”Mad Men”) makes her “SNL” debut as host. Back for their second appearance are musical guests The Black Eyed Peas, three-time Grammy Award winners.
◊“Super Dave’s Spike-Tacular” (10 p.m. on SPIKE): Emmy winner Bob Einstein returns as Super Dave Osbourne, self-described as the greatest daredevil superstar entertainer of all time, as he prepares for a weekly death-defying stunt. Stunts he will attempt in the four-part special event include trying to break the NASCAR speed record on a track loaded with explosives, breaking the speed record in the Guinness Book of World Records for a hybrid vehicle, challenging the world’s six greatest paintball players and stepping into the Octagon with former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): The five warning signs that your financial advisor doesn’t have your best interest at heart.
◊“True Jackson, VP” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the Season 2 premiere, True is determined to save her school’s design department from budget cuts and decides to hold a fundraising concert. Making special celebrity appearances are teen pop singer Justin Bieber and Brooklyn tween punk rock band Care Bears on Fire.
–Penny TV
And the nominees for the 2009 awards shows are … (could be Oklahoma artists)
‘Tis the season for awards shows, and artists with Oklahoma ties are in the running.
On Tuesday (Oct. 13), ABC announced nominees for the 2009 American Music Awards that will air live Nov. 22. Rascal Flatts (featuring Joe Don Rooney from Picher) received two nominations, while Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood were both nominated for favorite female country music artist.
And on Thursday, additional performers were added to the lineup for The 43rd Annual CMA Awards that will air live at 7 p.m. Nov. 22 on ABC. Among them were Oklahoma City native Vince Gill, who will duet with rock band Daughtry, and Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert.
Here is a list of upcoming awards shows, and additional info will be added when nominees are announced. So stay tuned.
••Oct. 27: Scream 2009 (9 p.m. on SPIKE) — Fourth annual event honoring the best in horor, science fiction, fantasy and comics. Top nominee is “Star Trek” (17).
••Oct 27: Fourth Annual BET Hip Hop Awards (7 p.m. on BET) — Mike Epps hosts. Top nominees are Kanye West (9), Lil’ Wayne (7), Jay Z (7), T.I. (6).
••Nov. 11: The 43rd Annual CMA Awards (7 p.m. on ABC) — Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley co-host. Top nominees are Brad Paisley (6), Taylor Swift (4), Keith Urban (4), Jamey Johnson (4), George Strait (4), Zac Brown (4). Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Miranda Lambert (female vocalist of the year, single of the year), Carrie Underwood (female vocalist of the year, album of the year), Rascal Flatts (vocal group of the year), Brooks & Dunn (vocal due of the year, album of the year), Trisha Yearwood (musical event of the year). Performers with Oklahoma ties are Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood.
••Nov. 5: The 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards (7 p.m. on Univision) — Top nominee is Calle 13 (5).
••Nov. 22: 2009 American Music Awards (7 p.m. on ABC) — Top nominees are Taylor Swift (6), Michael Jackson (5), Eminem (4). Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Rascal Flatts (favorite band, duo or group, favorite album), Reba McEntire (favorite female artist), Carrie Underwood (favorite female artist).
••Jan. 6: The 36th Annual People’s Choice Awards (8 p.m. on CBS) — Queen Latifah hosts. Nominees announced in November.
••Jan. 17: The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards (7 p.m. on NBC) — Nominees announced Dec. 15.
••Jan. 23: The 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (7 p.m. on TNT and TBS) — Nominees announced Dec. 17.
••Jan. 31: The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards (7 p.m. on CBS) — Nominees announced Dec. 2.
••Feb. 21: 2010 Orange British Academy Film Awards (usually broadcast on BBC America) — Nominees announced Jan. 21.
••March 5: The 25th Annual Independent Spirit Awards (7 p.m. on IFC) – Nominees announced in January.
••March 7: The 81st Annual Academy Awards (7 p.m. on ABC) — Nominees announced Feb. 2.
Top 55 TV Programs for Oct. 18-24, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Oct. 18:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, OCT. 18, 2009
◊“Alex’s Day Off” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Alexandra Guarnaschelli, professional chef, working mom and passionate home cook, invites viewers to share her down-to-earth recipes. She shows how cooking her personal and playful style of American, French and Italian fare can be elegant and approachable, with a side of sass.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Having just returned from France, Sarah distracts Kitty through chemo treatments with tales of her intense romance with a French artist (Gilles Marini, “Sex and the City”).
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team delves into the 1970 murder of a musician who tried to keep his involvement with the Philadelphia Soul scene a secret from his strict preacher father for whom he was an organist. Loretta Devine (”Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry learns to embrace the upside of disability without actually being disabled, and looks to disprove the rumor that Rosie O’Donnell can kick his butt.
◊“An Engtlishman in New York” (9 p.m. on Logo): This film follows the life of famed writer and performer Quentin Crisp at the peak of his career in the late 1970’s. Upon the recent success of Crisp’s famous autobiography-turned-film, “The Naked Civil Servant,” Quentin (John Hurt) leaves the U.K. to offer lectures and performances in New York City. The film explores Quentin’s psyche as he faces the consequences of his casual quip stating that AIDS was “a fad,” leading to social rejection and obscurity.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team travels to Lancaster, Texas, to rebuild the home of Carlton Marshall, who lost most of his mobility and all of his hearing after being shot while leading a Dallas Police Department SWAT team. Country singer Trace Adkins is the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Halloween Block Party” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Three families join forces with lifestyle experts and event planners Michael Russo, Kelley Moore and Eddie Ross to create a Halloween neighborhood bash. The special will offer up design tricks and treats on decor, food, pumpkin carving, floral arrangements, tablescapes and entertainment to help viewers get their haunt on this Halloween.
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): Hannah fills in for Kara DioGuardi (”American Idol”) alongside judges Andy and Byron on reality show “America’s Top Talent.” Her stint as a guest judge turns complicated when Oliver auditions and delivers a knock-out performance.
◊“I Am a Champion” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary follows three athletes in their quest to compete in the 40th annual Special Olympics Oklahoma Summer Games held May 13-15 in Stillwater.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The murder of a small-time criminal leads Lewis and Hathaway to a prominent Oxford don-turned-celebrity athiest in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: The Point of Vanishing.”
◊“Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut)” (8 p.m. on IFC): This six-part documentary series airing today through Friday will feature interviews with the surviving Python troupe members, who tell their life story and reveal deeper truths alongside the more tried and tested Python history lessons.
◊“Occupation” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This new drama captures the lives of three British soldiers caught physically and emotionally in the cross-fire of the Iraq war. Amid growing sectarian conflict and a boom time fuelled by billions of dollars from the U.S., their dreams of riches, love and making a difference come to define not just their lives but also the occupation itself.
◊“On the Case With Paula Zahn” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this new weekly newsmagazine, Paula Zahn steps away from the traditional anchor chair and into the field to interview the pivotal figures shaping stories. Her interviews, including several exclusives where people are speaking for the first time, lift the secrecy on acts of deceit, malice and revenge.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): “Treehouse of Horror XX” features three new tales of the strange, spooky and supernatural. It begins with a homage to classic Alfred Hitchcock movies, followed by a parody of the horror film “28 Days Later” and a nod to the Broadway musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In Season 3, University of Oklahoma graduate Reed Timmer and his team return with their newly armored chase vehicle “The Dominator,” racing to be first on the storm scene ahead of IMAX filmmaker Sean Casey and his monster tank-like TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle).
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): In order to save his life, Andy tries a risky new procedure on his wife’s partner who suffers from an aortic aneurism. Lennie James (”Jericho”) guest stars as Dr. Timothy Maguire, a cardiologist.
◊“Timewatch: The Rebel Pharaoh’s Lost City” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Archaeologosts in the central Egyptian desert make an extraordinary discovery of an ancient cemetery whee 1,000 people from the Pharaoh’s lost capital of Amarna are buried. The 3,500-year-old bones tell a remarkable new story about these peoplke and their city.
◊“Witness to Waco” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This new documentary provides an in-depth look into the Branch Davidians, a religious cult led by David Koresh in the late 1980s and early 1990s that ultimately met with a tragic end. Featured are interviews with survivors of the tragedy and rarely-seen footage of David Koresh and other members of the group inside the compound throughout the siege of the property.
MONDAY, OCT. 19, 2009
◊“American Carny: True Tales from the Circus Side Show” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Magician Penn Jillette narrates this special that explores the world of American circus entertainers and features behind-the-scenes footage with some of the world’s most interesting acts.
◊“Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): When Lakewood Elementary’s lunch lady Mrs. MacGrady is diagnosed with cancer, Arthur and his friends all react differently to the news. Lance Armstrong (seven-time Tour De France winner) makes a special appearance to show Francine and the Elwood City residents how they can take a stand, or ride a bike, for cancer survivors.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): While Sheldon settles a score with his nemesis, Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Wolowitz begs Leonard to get Penny to set him up with one of her friends.
◊“Bud Greenspan Presents: Beijing 2008 — America’s Olympic Glory” (6 p.m. on Showtime): With behind-the-scenes footage and a poignant narrative, this film features six American stories. Among those profiled are gymnast Nastia Liukin, swim team captain Jason Lezak and fencers Keeth and Erinn Smart.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alexx Woods (Khandi Alexander) and Eric Delko return to help the CSIs stop a deadly outbreak in Miami.
◊“Dr. G: America’s Most Shocking Cases” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): Medical examiner Jan “Dr. G” Garavaglia opens the files on astonishing forensic investigations. She demonstrates how the impact of these deaths extends far beyond the morgues of their investigators.
◊“Extreme Paranormal: New Mexico State Penitentiary” (9 p.m. on A&E): Paranormal investigators Shaun, Nathan and Jason explore an abandoned maximum security lockup where visitors claim the tortured souls of inmates, who were violently murdered in the worst prison riot in U.S. history, still linger. The investigators want to see if there is any truth behind the legend in this potentially volatile paranormal environment and go as far as recreating moments of this horrific event, shedding their own blood, to provoke the violent spirits to show themselves to the cameras.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Dan invites Olivia (Hilary Duff, “Lizzie McGuire”) to meet Rufus and Lily, which leads to all sorts of problems for the new couple.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): The team takes on the case of a reckless police detective who has a family history of sudden heart failure that killed his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all at age 40. Jon Seda (“Close to Home”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): While Barney tries to convince Robin to become an American citizen, Ted and Marshall’s fabled road trip takes a wrong turn when Marshall invites Lily. Kenny Rogers (“The Gambler”) narrates the audio book played on Marshall and ted’s road trip.
◊“Latin Music USA” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The final two installments of this four-hour series focus on Mexican-Americans in California, Texas and elsewhere in the Southwest creating their own musical voice during the latter half of the 20th century, as well as the Latin pop explosion at the turn of the 21st century that introduced artists such as Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and Shakira to the English-language market.
◊“Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags” (8 p.m. on HBO): For generations, New York City’s Garment District was the lifeblood of the city. But in recent years, with the increased globalization of clothing manufacturing, this once-thriving district has continued to shrink. This documentary tells the story of this vanishing industry through the voices of the people who experienced its highs and lows.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who has been on maternity leave since Aug. 7, returns. “The View” creator, executive producer and co-host Barbara Walters said, “We’ve missed Elisabeth both on and off the air. We’ve missed her opinions and her good humor. I am so happy she is coming back.”
TUESDAY, OCT. 20, 2009
◊“18 Kids and Counting” (8 p.m. on TLC): The Duggars take a trip to Oklahoma to see what life is like working on a farm.
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): It’s Halloween at the Beverly Hills Beach Club and Adrianna channels Marilyn Monroe to help her deal with the end of her relationship with Navid. Silver and Kelly (Jennie Garth, “Beverly Hills, 90210″) continue to have differing opinions about caring for Jackie (Ann Gillespie, , “Beverly Hills, 90210″).
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Contestants on today’s show are “Deal or No Deal” models Leyla Milani, Patricia Kara and Marisa Petroro.
◊“Eyes” (9 p.m. on DirecTV): In the first of seven never-before-seen episodes, Harlan works with a former colleague to uncover a counterfeiting scheme and with a reluctant Las Vegas detective (Stephen Baldwin, “The Usual Suspects”) to stop a burglary ring. The detective drama starring Tim Daly premiered on ABC in 2005 but was canceled after five episodes.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Warning,” producer-director Michael Kirk sifts through the ashes of the economic meltdown in search of pivotal moments when things might have gone much differently.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia and Will have only 72 hours to find the smoking gun that proves the train company, and not the three engineers, is responsible for the crash, thus securing the widows their pensions the company is holding back. Martha Plimpton (”Parenthood”) guest stars as the train company’s very pregnant attorney.
◊“Shark Tank” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the season finale, an entrepreneur who sells customized Bobble Heads wants an investment from the sharks to create an extension of his already lucrative business. But it becomes a battle of wills when the Sharks won’t bite unless he gives up a stake in his successful business.
◊“Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?” (7 p.m. on ESPN): This documentary showcases the remarkable influence the United States Football League (USFL) had on football history and looks at what forced the league out of business.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): The girls put their interviewing skills to the test as they interview Jessica Lowndes from “90210″ on the set of “The Insider.” Kim Kardashian is this week’s guest judge.
◊“CNN Presents: Latino in America” (8 p.m. on CNN): Soledad O’Brien anchors this two-part documentary that examines the growing diversity of America, revealing insight into a changing nation on the eve of the U.S. census that is expected to officially confirm that Latino Americans are the largest minority group within the country. It concludes Thursday.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team hunts a suspect who impregnates young women and has them give birth before murdering them.
Max Gail (”Barney Miller”), Hallee Hirsh (“ER”), Diana Scarwid (“Wonderfalls”) and Mae Whitman (“Acceptance”) guest star.
◊“Dodsworth” (7 p.m. on TCM): Walter Huston reprises his Broadway performance in this 1936 adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ novel. This is the firsy of four classic films picked by guest programmer Dennis Miller The other films Miller presents along with TCM host Robert Osborne are 1949’s “The Third Man” (9 p.m.), 1941’s “Suspicion” (11 p.m.) and 1948’s “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” (1 a.m.).
◊“Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Join the opening night festivities for conductor Gustavo Dudamel’s inaugural gala concert with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
◊“Living With Ed” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): This series chronicles chronicles the lives of eco-activist/actor Ed Begley. Jr. and his frequently exasperated wife Rachelle Carson Begley. The third season will follow the couple as they embark on an unlikely trip to Vegas, a wedding anniversary getaway only Ed could organize and a major home renovation.
◊“Lock ‘N Load” (7 p.m. on Showtime): This new reality series offers viewers a fly-on-the-wall look at “The Shootist” gun store in Englewood, Colo., where expert gunslinger Josh T. Ryan interacts with customers. The hidden camera, revealed after the transaction is completed, insures a particularly candid and revealing take on why we buy guns.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine begins seeing a therapist who shares office space with Matthew, although it’s unclear to both whether to pursue therapy or romance. Eric McCormack (”Will & Grace”) guest stars as Dr. Max Kershaw, the therapist/love interest.
THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 2009
◊“American Chopper” (8 p.m. on TLC): Life at Orange County Choppers is forever changed now that Jr. and Mikey have been squeezed out of the business. Even with all the drama, the guys in the shop must forge ahead as they build a bike for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Host Alfonso Ribeiro welcomes three of his former castmates from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” to the show as contestants. Taking part in the challenge are James Avery, Tatyanna Ali and Karyn Parsons.
◊“The Jeff Dunham Show” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comic-ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his suitcase posse of comedic cohorts — including Walter, Peanut, Bubba J, Jose Jalapeno on a Stick and Achmed the Dead Terrorist — to this new series featuring Dunham and puppets in performance before a live studio audience as well as interacting with people around Los Angeles.
◊“Nitro Circus” (8:30 on MTV): The cast put on the brakes long enough to spill their guts about all the jaw-dropping makes and laughter-inducing misfires from their risk-fuelled second season.
◊“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” (8 p.m. on MTV): In Season 2 of the show, where fantasies come alive inside, the adventures have been bigger and the action wilder.
◊“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The lawless black gold boomtowns of early 20th century Oklahoma were a fertile field for the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan’s power faded with the dust bowl but never completely disappeared from Oklahoma. Secret groups survive and operate in towns all over the state to this day.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Joan Fontaine was born on this day in 1917, and TCM celebrates by airing three of her films — 1938’s “Blond Cheat” (10 a.m.), 1952’s “Ivanhoe” (11:15 a.m.) and 1953’s “The Bigamist” (1:15 p.m.).
FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 2009
◊“Brothers” (7 p.m. on Fox):Trainor’s newest hostess spreads some juicy rumors to help attract customers to Trainor’s, but when her gossip attracts Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”), Kim Kardashian (“Keeping Up With the Kardashians”) stops by the restaurant to set the record straight.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Sierra is forced to face her past as her connection to the Rossum Corporation leads to obsession and murder. Keith Carradine (“Complete Savages”) guest stars.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): On the show’s 100th episode, Allison investigates an infant’s kidnapping. But Joe worries when she becomes too attached to the little boy. Also, Bridgette and Joe are amazed when Marie plays the clarinet perfectly without one lesson while Bridgette struggles to learn to play.
◊“My Super Psycho Sweet 16″ (9 p.m. on MTV): This new original movie produced by MTV tells the story of Madison Penrose (Juliana Guill, “Friday the 13th”), a spoiled high school queen bee, and Skye Rotter (Lauren McKnight, “House of Fear”), the class outcast whose father committed a series of grisly murders. Madison’s plans for the ultimate birthday bash are ruined when Skye’s dad crashes the party.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): When recording artist Jordin Sparks (”American Idol”) comes aboard the S.S. Tipton for a concert, Zack, Cody and Marcus write a song for her to sing.
◊“Supernanny” (7 p.m. on ABC): A dad at odds with his teenage daughter brings his family to the brink on the Season 5 premiere. Supernanny Jo Frost pushes the parents to closely examine their marriage.
◊“Til Death” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): When Doug’s father gives him and Ally a large sum of money, they struggle with the decision to keep it or give it back. Barry Bostwick (“Spin City”) and Richard Lewis (“Anything But Love”) guest star.
◊“Trading the Globe” (7 p.m. on CNBC): This special will teach viewers how to think about emerging markets as a source of returns, how to access these markets and how to incorporate trading them into the formula for success in the coming years.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Betty fires on all cylinders to get a big scoop with Gucci’s new designer, Evan York (Hamish Linklater, “The New Adventures of Old Christine”). Meanwhile Daniel begins to attend a bereavement group, where he meets Natalie (Jamie-Lynn Sigler, “The Sopranos”), a sexy girl who takes him out for an interesting night on the town.
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Matthew Bomer (”Chuck”) and Tim DeKay (”Carnivale”) wstar in the new drama about an unlikely partnership between a con artist and an FBI agent. In the series premiere, they hunt an elusive and vicious counterfeiter known as the “Dutchman.”
SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 2009
◊“24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto” (9:15 p.m. on HBO): This four-episode, all-access series follows Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, two of boxing’s brightest stars, as they prepare for their Nov. 14 pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas. Pacquiao seeks to continue his reign as the sport’s pound-for-pound king, while Cotto looks to prove that his ring skills are ideal for derailing the Pacquiao express.
◊“The Academy: Orange County Fire” (8 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): This new series will take viewers on a journey with 28 recruits of differing backgrounds as they endure 18 weeks of intense physical training for the Orange County Fire Authority in California.
◊“Always and Forever” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Rena Sofer (”24″) and Dean McDermott (”Tori and Dean”) star in this new original movie about high school sweethearts who reunite at their high school reunion. As they reminisce over old times, the memories and laughs lead to rekindled feelings from their abandoned relationship.
◊“America’s Cutest Dog” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special counts down the most cuddly and aww-inspiring canine moments caught on camera.
◊“Blackboards and Bullies: Are Your Kids Safe?” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special explores the roots of violent incidents in America’s school systems and tangible ways for communities to improve child safety. Using case studies and interviews with leading experts, it shows the consequences of American adolescent violence and provides information to families on how to protect their children.
◊“Extreme Sweets” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Adam Gertler (“Will Work For Food”) goes in search of America’s most unusual sweets, including worm-covered caramel apples and a treat so spicy that he has to sign a waiver to eat it.
◊“Ghost Town” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Gil Gerard (“Buck Rogers in the 25th Century”) and Billy Drago (“Charmed”) star in this film about a busload of college students that takes a wrong turn on a back road and ends up in a town inhabited by the ghosts of outlaws who return to earth every 13 years to refight a shoot-out.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Oct. 11-17, 2009
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Oct. 11-17.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“Girls Next Door,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on E! (sixth-season premiere).
••“Leave it to Lamas,” 10 p.m. Sunday on E! (series premiere).
••“The Newlywed Game,” 5 p.m. Monday on GSN (second-season premiere).
••“Catch 21,” 5:30 p.m. Monday on GSN (third-season premiere).
••“Little People, Big World,” 7 p.m. Monday on TLC (fifth-season premiere).
••“Gone Too Far,” 9 p.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere.
••“Million Dollar Listing,” 10 p.m. Monday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••“Frontline,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on OETA-13 (28th-season premiere).
••“Nature, Inc.,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Planet Green (series premiere).
••“Mary Queen of Shops,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on BBC America (series premiere).
••“Nip/Tuck,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on FX (sixth-season premiere).
••“30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Bartender Wars,” 9:30 p.m. Friday on Fine Living Network (series premiere).
••“Live at Gotham,” 10 p.m. Friday on Comedy Central (fourth-season premiere).
••“Head Games,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Science Channel (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Drop Dead Diva,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime (first-season finale).
••“Army Wives,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime (third-season finale).
••“The Rachel Zoe Project,” 9 p.m. Monday on Bravo (second-season finale).
••“Hell’s Kitchen,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (sixth-season finale).
••“Bully Beatdown,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on MTV (second-season finale).
••“Nitro Circus,” 9 p.m. Thursday on MTV (second-season finale).
••“Pranked,” 9:30 p.m. Thursday on MTV (first-season finale).
••“Psych,” 9 p.m. Friday on USA Network (summer finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Pictured above:
Top 55 TV Programs for Oct. 11-17, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Oct. 11:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, OCT. 11, 2009
◊“Army Wives” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): In the Season 3 finale, Michael and Claudia Joy prepare for Michael’s promotion ceremony although General Ludwig’s visit to Ft. Marshall could mean a big change that will significantly affect the lives of the entire tribe.
◊“Bored to Death” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): Jonathan falls for his latest client (Parker Posey, “The Return of Jezebel James”), the mother of a boy whose skateboard was stolen by a neighborhood bully. Bebe Neuwirth (“Frasier”) also guest stars.
◊“Breast Cancer Examined: An African American Perspective” (6 p.m. on TV One): This documentary probes into the areas of prevention, detection, treatment and empowerment for survivors, their families and friends. Celebrities interviewed include Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”), Diahann Carroll (“Dynasty”) and Alaina Reed Hall (“227”).
◊“Bridezillas” (8 p.m. on WEtv): Lacey Jordan insists on having an outdoor wedding ceremony during tornado season in Oklahoma and refuses to come up with a back-up plan. When the big day arrives, so does a major storm, but the bride still refuses to move the ceremony indoors.
◊“Californication” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Hank attends a university mixer hosted by Dean Koons and Felicia (Peter Gallagher, Embeth Davidtz) and consoles his jilted assistant, Jill, the best way he knows how. Charlie celebrates his first talent
signing and winds up in the arms of his new boss (Kathleen Turner).
◊“Cold Case” (9 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. Steven Culp (”JAG”), Adina Porter (”True Blood”) and Cress Williams (”Prison Break”) guest star as employees of the faciloity where the victim was killed.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry rats out Christian Slater at Ted (Ted Danson) and Mary’s (Mary Steenburgen) anniversary party, but later gets his payback at a restaurant rendezvous with an old flame (Sherry Stringfield).
◊“Discovering Ardi” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special documents the find and study of a 4.4 million-year-old female partial skeleton nicknamed “Ardi.” The scientific investigation that began in the Ethiopian desert 17 years ago opens a new chapter on human evolution, revealing the first evolutionary steps our ancestors took after we diverged from a common ancestor we once shared with living chimpanzees. “Ardi’s” centerpiece skeleton, the other hominids she lived with, and the rocks, soils, plants and animals that made up her world were analyzed in laboratories around the globe. The scientists have now published their findings in the prestigious journal Science.
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): In the season finale entitled “Grayson’s Anatomy,” everyone at the firm is up in arms when they anticipate Parker is going to make an announcement of the newest partner. Jane finally decides to move on with her life, but when she receives an unexpected visit from a man from her past, she has to rethink all she knows about life and love. Paula Abdul (”American Idol”) guest stars.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Ty Pennington and his team travel to Suffield, Conn., to rebuild the small, fire-damaged and deteriorating home of the musical Hill family, who give the gifts of song and inspiration to their community. Xzibit (“Gridiron Gang”) will be the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Girls Next Door” (9:30 p.m. on E!): A new season of this reality series takes viewers behind closed doors of the Playboy Mansion to reveal the world of Hugh Hefner through the eyes of the women who live, play and party with him. Last season’s shocking break-ups send Hef on a search for love in all new places with current girlfriends identical twins Karissa and Kristina and Crystal Harris by his side.
◊“Leave it to Lamas” (10 p.m. on E!): This new series follows the antics of “The Bachelor” winner Shayne Lamas as she works, plays and navigates life in Los Angeles with her close-knit family. From her always meddling mother Michele Smith, to her famous father Lorenzo Lamas, to her opinionated siblings A.J. and Dakota, there’s never a shortage of fun, excitement or drama for this family.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Not all the melodrama is on the stage as Lewis and Hathaway sift through the motives of many suspects who may have murdered a young actor in a student production of “The Merchant of Venice” and subsequently strangled a campus critic in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Quality of Mercy.”
◊“Unbelievable Flying Objects” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Network): This special highlights some ideas in the history of aviation that didn’t quite work — from the vertical “Pogo” plane to the disastrous Gobin nicknamed the “Flying Egg” to the efforts to build a submarine that flies.
MONDAY, OCT. 12, 2009
◊“The 100 Mile Challenge” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): This six-part series follows six families in Mission, British Columbia, as they take on the challenge to eat food grown and produced within a 100 mile radius for 100 days. As the kitchen cupboards are stripped bare, the families begin to panic as they soon discover it is not going to be as easy as it first appeared.
◊“Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Capote”) lends his voice as director Will Toffman in the 13th season premiere “No Acting Please.” When Fern lands a role in the Elwood City community production of “It Began With a Whistle,” she fears she’s not talented enough to be a star actress. But Will Toffman teaches Fern how to have fun, be herself and truly shine.
◊“Broke: The New American Dream” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film by director and author Michael Covel brings America’s 2007-09 economic crisis into the forefront through interviews with Nobel Prize winners Dr. Harry Markowitz and Dr. Vernon Smith, Bill Miller of Legg Mason, David Harding of Winton Capital, and dozens of other Wall Street pros, real estate agents, professional poker players, reporters, athletes and ordinary citizens. The investigation breaks new ground in the field of behavioral finance and dispels the belief that government can solve personal money woes.
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Season 3 of the game show hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro will feature a number of celebrity guest episodes, including appearances by Ribeiro’s former castmates on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and stars from “The Biggest Loser.”
◊“Gone Too Far” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new documentary series hosted and created by Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein chronicles young addicts between the ages of 20-25 in the grip of addiction who are offered a chance at recovery. Goldstein died Aug. 28 of an accidental drug overdose.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): A wealthy businessman brings his teenage son, who is suffering from inexplicable stomach pains, to Princeton Plainsboro and insists on having Dr. House handle the case. The father of the patient believes the karmic penalty of his financial success is that he is victim to personal tragedy, and that the answer to his son’s medical mystery lies in a reverse of fate rather than medical treatment. Lee Tergesen (“Oz”) guest stars.
◊“Latin Music USA” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Jimmy Smits (“The West Wing”) narrates this survey of American music that was forged from strong Latin roots. The first hour, “Bridges,” traces the rise of Latin jazz and the surging popularity of the mambo and the cha-cha. The second hour, “The Salsa Revolution” explores how New York Latinos reinvented traditional Puerto Rican styles by adding soul and jazz elements to create salsa.
◊“Little People, Big World” (7 p.m. on TLC): Season 5 features more heart-warming moments and real-life challenges for the Roloff family, which is comprised of both little and average height people. Matt and Amy start to explore new territory as their oldest children are ready to start their own lives. They are left with different ideas on how to fill their time and have to figure out what will be their next chapter in life.
◊“Million Dollar Listing” (10 p.m. on Bravo): Season 3 of this series takes viewers inside the high-stakes, cutthroat world of real estate, where Josh Flagg, Madison Hildebrand and Chad Rogers struggle to ink their million dollar deals during this economic downturn.
◊“The Rachel Zoe Project” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 2 finale, Rachel is juggling a high fashion editorial photo shoot and the launch of the Rachel Zoe brand. But when Taylor threatens to walk out the door, the stress causes a relapse of Rachel’s vertigo.
TUESDAY, OCT. 13, 2009
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the Season 28 premiere “Obama’s War,” correspondent Martin Smith travels across Afghanistan and Pakistan to see how the president’s new strategy is taking shape.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): The documentary series kicks off a new season with “Herb and Dorothy,” a profile of Herb and Dorothy Vogel, a postal clerk and a librarian who built one of the most important contemporary art collections in history, proving that you “don’t have to be a Rockefeller” to collect art.
◊“The Newlywed Game” (5 p.m. on GSN): Today’s episode of the game show hosted by Carnie Wilson will feature George Takei (”Star Trek”) and his spouse Brad Altman, the first same-sex couple in the show’s history. Joining them are newlywed couples Christopher Knight (“The Brady Bunch”) and Adrianne Curry (“American’s Next Top Model”) and Damien Gurganius and Nicole Brewer (”The Biggest Loser: Couples 2″).
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): The three remaining chefs have to create one dish from various parts of the world in the Season 6 finale. At the end, one chef is crowned the winner and will receive a head chef position at Araxi Restaurant in Vancouver, Canada.
◊“NOVA: Hubble’s Amazing Rescue” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special takes viewers on board the telescope for spacewalks and in depth behind the scenes coverage in. The five days in space were just the tip of the iceberg in a 7-year effort by a cast of thousands (instructors, designers and engineers) who made it possible for seven astronauts to risk their lives in a dangerous mission to save the world’s “eye on the universe.”
◊“Planet Mechanics” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): Engineers Dick Strawbridge and Jem Stansfield tame a fuel-guzzling grain dryer by turning cow manure into natural gas. But storing a vast amount of this gas is dangerous.
◊“ReCreating America” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The first installment of this three-part documentary series explores the importance of creativity in education. The four schools visited are a preschool in Tulsa, Flower Mound Elementary School in Lawton, Piedmont Middle School and Santa Fe South High School.
◊“Starz Inside: Zombiemania” (9 p.m. on Starz): Richard Roeper (”Ebert & Roeper”) hosts this special that traces the evolution of the Zombie from its roots in African folklore and Haitian Voodoo to its current role as pop culture icon. It uncovers what it is about these flesh-eating ghouls that appeals to millions of horror enthusiasts.
◊“VH1 Hip Hop Honors 2009″ (8 p.m. on VH1): Tracy Morgan (”30 Rock”) hosts the sixth annual event that commemorates the 25th anniversary of Def Jam Records, one of the most celebrated hip hop labels in the music industry. Performances and presenters include Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, Kid Rock, Ludacris, Ashanti, Public Enemy, DMX, Redman, Method Man and Ja Rule.
◊“Yo Gabba Gabba” (noon on Nick Jr.): Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”) teaches the Gabba gang the “Alligator Chomp” during the “Dancey Dance” segment.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14, 2009
◊“American Masters” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): “Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound” is the first comprehensive documentary to chronicle both the private life and the public career of the recording artist and political activist. Filmed during her 2008-09 world tour, it includes footage of Baez in concert, as well appearances by Bob Dylan, David Crosby, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt.
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): This week’s photo shoot has a martial arts-inspired theme that has the girls hanging by a wire. Supermodel Jessica White appears as a guest judge.
◊“Mary Queen of Shops” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Sassy and straight-talking retail guru Mary Portas gives the ultimate insider’s guide on how to get the most out of shops and shopping and troubleshoots her way around the United Kingdom on a mission to help turn around struggling fashion boutiques – one shop at a time.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Claire and Mitchell’s mother, Dede (Shelley Long, “Cheers”), drops in for a surprise visit and is determined to make amends with everyone she offended during what has been deemed “the incident” at Jay and Gloria’s wedding. Needless to say, no one is thrilled to see her and everything comes to a head when the whole family shows up to dinner at Claire’s house.
◊“Nature, Inc.” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series explores the question of “what if?” and the ripple effect of a world without coral reefs, honeybees and other key species.
“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barb has her lawyer send over divorce papers, Christine hires an aggressive divorce attorney (Corbin Bernsen, “Psych”) who convinces her that Barb owes her alimony.
◊“Nip/Tuck” (9 p.m. on FX): In the Season 6 premiere, Sean and Christian struggle to keep McNamara/Troy successful in this declining economy. Meanwhile, Matt and Kimber have mixed results in their career paths, as Sean keeps himself distant from Teddy.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Lillian Gish was born on this day in 1893, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1923’s “The White Sister” (6 a.m.), 1926’s “The Scarlet Letter” (10 a.m.) and 1946’s “Duel in the Sun” (4:30 p.m.).
◊“Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak” (6 p.m. on HBO): This documentary explores the life and works of celebrated children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, who does not believe in sugarcoating the truth when it comes to communicating with kids.
THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): In the Season 4 premiere, Jack informs Liz, Tracy and Jenna that “TGS” needs to make immediate adjustments to become more relatable. Steve Buscemi (“Fargo”) guest stars.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a policeman kills another officer, the CSIs must look to the evidence to determine if the shooting was premeditated or an accident. Enrique Murciano (”Without a Trace”) guest stars.
◊“E! Investigates: Little Girl Gone” (8 p.m. p.m. on E!): This special tells the story of Riley Fox. 3, who was abused and strangled before her body was dumped in a river. In a shocking turn, Riley’s father, kevin, initially confessed to killing his daughter, but DNA evidence turned the case upside down.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): The Fringe team travels to Seattle after learning of a mysterious incident involving a man who attacked his boss because he believed he was an evil ram-horned creature. Ravi Kapoor (“Crossing Jordan”) guest stars.
◊“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.
◊“Los Premios MTV Latin America 2009″ (9 p.m. on MTV Tr3s): The eighth-annual event will feature artists performing in cities throughout Latin American and the United States. Scheduled performers include Alejandro Sanz, Cobra Starship, Fall Out Boy, Miranda!, Nelly Furtado, Paulina Rubio and Wisin & Yandel.
◊“Mall Cops: Mall of America” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special features an action-packed day in the life of the Mall of America as seen through the eyes of the men and women assigned to guard its stores and shoppers.
◊“Nitro Circus” (9 p.m. on MTV): The Circus heads home to Utah to wrap up Season 2. Erik and some skydiving friends strap on their wings and engage in a down and dirty sky-scraping dogfight. The Utah Jazz Bear and his mountain bike take a mean hit on a colossal ski ramp. And a base jump from a 600-foot bridge turns into a near-epic disaster for some of the Nitro cast.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Leslie plays host to the Parks and Recreation department from Pawnee’s sister city, Boraqua, Venezuela, and is shocked at the cultural differences. Fred Armisen (”Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
◊“Pranked” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): This finale showcases the best pranks ever caught on camera and posted online. College Humor.com’s Streeter Seidell & Amir Blumenfeld provide commentary.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy”) brings a kidney transplant patient to Los Angeles, and Addison isn’t the only Oceanside Wellness doctor pleased to see her.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Kara DioGuardi (”American Idol” judge) will be seated alongside Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd during her second appearance on the show, but her first as a guest co-host. DioGuardi, who joined “American Idol” during the show’s eighth season, is a well-renowned singer/songwriter, record producer, music publisher and A&R executive.
FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 2009
◊“Bartender Wars” (9:30 p.m. on Fine Living Network): In each episode of this new competition series, three bartenders face off in a series of challenges. Host Egypt Sherrod rallies these contestants as they challenge each other from seeing who can get the biggest tips to the most phone numbers to creating the most unusual and delicious cocktails.
◊“Live at Gotham” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): This series, back for Season 4, tapes at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City and features six up-and-coming comedians and one all-star host each episode. The premiere is hosted by Jo Koy and showcases the talent of Deb DiGiovanni, Cory Fernandez, Andy Ritchie, Taylor Williamson, Reese Waters and Wil Sylvince.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): To woo the lone holdout on the reinstatement committee, Monk accompanies Lt. Disher on a scouting trip with the man’s troublesome son. Wade Williams (”Prison Break”) and Alex Wolff (”The Naked Brothers Band”) guest star.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team investigate a series of murders which they realize are being copied from scenes out of a soon-to-be-released movie. Adam Goldberg (”Entourage”) guest stars.
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): While working on a case involving an ice cream truck, Shawn stumbles onto something bigger and more deadly. It is up to Gus, Lassiter, Henry and Juliet to find Shawn when they discover he’s been kidnapped.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Angela Lansbury was born on this day in 1925, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1944’s “Gaslight” (6 a.m.), 1946’s “The Harvey Girls” (10 a.m.) and 1966’s “Mister Buddwing” (5:15 p.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 4 premiere, which was delayed from last week, Betty finds that everything is changing as she begins her new job as associate features editor. Lynn Redgrave (“Teachers Only”) and Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest star.
SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 2009
◊“2009 Really Awards” (9 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): Vivica A. Fox (”Curb Your Enthusiasm”) hosts the fourth annual event that celebrates the best in reality television.
“Head Games” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This new trivia series hosted by Greg Proops (“True Jackson, VP”) and executive produced by Whoopi Goldberg (”The View”) uses humor and fascinating science facts to challenge the intellect of contestants and viewers and test their knowledge about peculiar, unexpected information from the natural and scientific world. Contestants go brain-to-brain to determine who knows more funky facts and in the end, the winner walks away with some cold hard cash.
◊“Jon Reep: Metro Jethro” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Jon Reed, the redheaded redneck who won Season 5 of “Last Comic Standing,” brings his energy, non-stop characters and clever writing to the stage in this new stand-up special.
◊“Phineas and Ferb” (7 a.m. on Disney XD): Baljeet takes a break from his intense studying to go around town inside a giant bubble with Phineas and Ferb. And Isabella, Adyson and the rest of the Fireside Girls go on an adventure to obtain a patch for sap collecting. Jane Leeves (“Frasier”)and Judd Nelson (“Suddenly Susan”) guest star.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Gerard Butler (”300″) makes his SNL debut as host. Musical guest is Shakira, who boasts a string of chart-topping hits in both English and Spanish and sales of over 50 million records.
◊“Sorority Wars” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): This original movie follows Katie (Lucy Hale, “Privileged”), a college freshman who has been groomed from birth to continue her mother’s (Courtney Thorne-Smith, “According to Jim”) legacy with the Deltas. An all out sorority war begins when Katie has doubts about the Deltas and pledges another house.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Oct. 4-10, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Oct. 4:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, OCT. 4, 2009
◊“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (6 p.m. on ABC): The show hosted by Tom Bergeron begins its 20th season with all-new footage of what happens when adults, children and even inanimate objects are at their spontaneous best.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates the 1995 murder of a 17-year-old boy who left his dysfunctional home for the streets, where he started to make his mark as a skateboarding prodigy. Kevin Chapman (”Brotherhood”) plays a police officer who recalls the victim — and the citation he gave him for skateboarding on city property.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry resists Jeff’s suggestion to do a “Seinfeld” reunion special – until he figures out a compelling personal reason to do so. “Seinfeld” cast members Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia-Louis Dreyfuss and Michael Richard guest star.
◊“Dallas Divas & Daughters” (7 p.m. on Style): This new docu-series follows mothers and daughters from Dallas’ wealthiest neighborhoods where being rich is a way of life, designer fashion is mandatory and staying on the top of the social ladder is critical. And when money is no object, the relationship between mother and daughter is anything but ordinary.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Matt Damon (“The Bourne Ultimatum”), with help from Lebron James (NBA player), strong arms Vince to get involved in his charity before Vince leaves for Italy.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team travels to Green County, Mo., to tell the eight members of the Hampton family – all living in a cramped one-bedroom, one-bath cottage, 792 sq. ft. total – that they’ll have a new home in seven days. Ashley Tisdale (“High School Musical”) will be the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Farm Aid 2009″ (4 p.m. on DirectTV’s 101 Network): Musical artists Gretchen Wilson, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews are among the performers during this six-hour broadcast airing live from St. Louis. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised nearly $36 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.
◊“Handy Manny” (6 p.m. on Disney): Manny and his tools take viewers along on an eventful road trip to Manny’s family reunion. Renowned East Los Angeles rockers Los Lobos and series star Wilmer Valderrama (Manny) each perform new songs in the special. Kris Kristofferson (“A Star is Born”) and Donny Osmond (“Dancing With the Stars”) guest star.
◊“I Love Lucy” (10 a.m. on Hallmark Channel): Catch 16 hours of the series that won five Emmy awards and ranked second on TV Guide’s Top 50 television shows list.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Literary whimsy becomes murderous reality with the death of a Czech hotel worker. Lewis and Hathaway find two clues that may help them find the connection between the victim and an Oxford professor in the new episode “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Allegory of Love.”
◊“My Monkey Baby” (8 p.m. on TLC): With her pink bedroom, a designer wardrobe, the latest toys, games and makeup, Jessica Marie is like any spoiled little girl — except that she’s a monkey. This special looks at couples who haven taken on 40-year commitments to parent monkeys.
◊“The Next Iron Chef” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Hosted by Alton Brown (”Good Eats”), this reality competition will challenge 10 top chefs from around the country in a series of demanding situations, testing their culinary skills and mental toughness.
◊“The Supreme Court: Home to America’s Highest Court” (8 p.m. on C-Span): This 80-minute documentary offers rarely-seen video of areas accessible only to the Justices and their staffs, including the Justices’ “Robing Room” and Private Dining Room. Viewers will also get extensive views of the Courtroom and visit some of the Justices’ offices, known as “chambers.”
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Andy Yablonski (Alex O’Loughlin, “Moonlight”) leads a dedicated team of surgeons at the country’s leading transplant facility in this new medical drama. In the premiere episode, Dr. Yablonski tells a young pregnant woman that in order to save her and her unborn child, she must get a heart transplant.
MONDAY, OCT. 5, 2009
◊“Being Lincoln: Men With Hats” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film delves into a subculture of Abraham Lincoln impersonators and explores why over 180 Lincoln presenters in the country do what they do.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Three volleyball players mysteriously drop dead on the court while Calleigh’s testimony against Delko threatens his future as a CSI. Cheryl Ladd (”Charlie’s Angels”) and Tia Carrere (”Dancing With the Stars”) guest star.
◊“The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price” (9 p.m. on Logo): In this new reality series, the Canadian-born contestant of HGTV’s 2006 Designer Superstar Challenge will repair, restore and re-upholster his way to the top in attempt to accomplish his decorating and designing dreams.
◊“Gone Too Far” (9 p.m. on MTV): Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein hosts this new series that documents young adults between the ages of 18-25 as they struggle with substance abuse and the devastating addictions that threaten to destroy them and the people who love them most.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): It‘s Founders Weekend at the ZBZ house and the girls decide to keep the house’s decline in the rankings a secret in hopes they can hustle enough donations to meet their goals. Olivia Munn (”Attack of the Show”) guest stars.
◊“Healthy Minds” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Each episode in this new series humanizes a specific mental health condition through personal stories and interviews with researchers and experts. The premiere episode is “Autism — Part One: Discovery and Diagnosis.”
◊“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): As Hiro’s life continues to hang in the balance, he distracts himself with saving the lives of others. Bruce Boxleitner (“Young Blades”) and Swoosie Kurtz (“Pushing Daisies”) guest star.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): When a controversial African politician (James Earl Jones, “Star Wars”) falls ill, he is brought to Princeton Plainsboro for treatment. The team struggles with whether to help a merciless dictator being subpoenaed for crimes against humanity in his country.
◊“Imus in the Morning” (8 a.m. on Fox Business Network): The nationally syndicated radio program hosted by Don Imus will be simulcast in HD Monday through Friday and feature interviews with top newsmakers and discussions on current affairs, politics, business, sports and entertainment news.
◊“Inventing LA: The Chandlers and Their Times” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Liev Schreiber (“Taking Woodstock”) narrates this two-hour documentary that chronicles how, for four generations, members of the Chandler family pursued both personal agendas and lofty civic ideals as they used their newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, to influence many in the Southern California area.
◊“Jungle Junction” (9 a.m. on Disney): This new animated series for preschoolers follows a group of fun-loving animals on wheels as they explore a unique jungle. The fast-paced adventure emphasizes an appreciation of the environment while highlighting pre-literacy skills through the use of road signs and symbols.
◊“Let’s Make a Deal” (2 p.m. on CBS): Wayne Brady (”The Wayne Brady Show”) hosts this new version of the vintage game show in which wildly costumed contestants try to win cash and prizes by making deals. Monty Hall, who hosted the original show from 1963-77, serves as creative consultant.
◊“Lie to Me” (8 p.m. on Fox): Zoe enlists the Lightman Group to investigate a star college football player accused of statutory rape.
◊“Outrage” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary takes a look at the hypocrisy of closeted politicians who continually vote against gay rights and actively campaign against the gay community they covertly belong to. It also probes the ethics of outing closeted politicians and the double standards that the media upholds in its coverage of the sex lives of gay public figures.
◊“Rita Rocks” (6:30 p.m. on Lifetime): Nicole Sullivan (“The King of Queens”) returns for a second season as Rita Clemens, a married working mom, unfulfilled by her harried life, who tries to regain her identity by recreating her glory days as a musician in a garage band.
◊“Sherri” (6 p.m. on Lifetime): Sherri Shepherd (”The View”) moonlights in this new sitcom loosely based on her own life, in which she plays a working mother and part-time entertainer trying to pick up the pieces of her life when she splits from her husband after she discovers his affair.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): American journalist Lisa Ling, a former co-host of “The View” from 1999-2002, will return to co-host live shows today and Tuesday. Also sitting in for co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck (on maternity leave and returning mid-October) this week are Jaclyn Smith (“Charlie’s Angels”) on Wednesday and Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”) on Thursday.
TUESDAY, OCT. 6, 2009
◊“20 Years, 20 Duggars” (8 p.m. on TLC): Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar take a look back at their beginnings as a family, introduce viewers to their 18 kids and strengthen their future by renewing their vows.
◊“The Buffalo Flows” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Ray McKinnon (”The Accountant”) narrates this documentary about Conservation groups protesting a proposed dam on Arkansas’ Buffalo River. It captures the river’s spectacular beauty over the course of four seasons while chronicling the activists’ battle to protect the region.
◊“Conversation With Wanda Jackson” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In April, this music pioneer and native Oklahoman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She regularly sang on an Oklahoma City radio show while in junior high school and had her first hit record by the time she was 17.
◊“Dirty Jobs” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In the continuation of Season 5, host and creator Mike Rowe heads to Miami, Fla., to try out marine salvaging, where he’ll work to remove submerged, abandoned boats from the water. He’ll then go to a recycling center in San Francisco to separate the metal, fabric, padding and wood parts of a mattress so each can be made into a new product.
◊“Disaster House” (9 p.m. on DIY): In this new series, contractor Josh Temple inflicts all kinds of abnormal damage to demonstrate the punishment a normal home takes over the years. The man-made earthquakes, flooded basements and busted roofs are an exaggerated, over-the-top illustration of what it takes to repair the most common and not-so-common household catastrophes.
◊“Dragon’s Den” (8 p.m. on BBC America): The Dragons give would-be entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas in hopes of making their business plans a reality. Ideas pitched during Season 6 include a talking tree and a machine that turns air into water.
◊“the forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): The case of a John Doe (Jarrod Bunch, former NFL Player for the New York Giants), left beaten on the street and ravaged by past injuries, leads The Forgotten Network into the world of professional football.
◊“Ghost Lab” (9 p.m. on Discovery): This new series follows Brad and Barry Klinge, Texas natives who in 2007 founded Everyday Paranormal. They tackle what are thought to be some of America’s most haunted locations with sophisticated equipment housed in a decked-out traveling “ghost lab.” This on-site high-tech lab enables investigators to analyze data on the premises in real time, helping them to more narrowly focus their investigations on suspected “hot spots.”
◊“King’s Ransom” (7 p.m. on ESPN): This documentary explores the shocking trade of hockey player Wayne Gretzky from Edmonton to Los Angeles in 1988. And it kicks off ESPN’s “30 for 30” film project centered on the last 30 years in sports.
◊“Man Caves” (8 p.m. on DIY): Former NFL player Tony “The Goose” Siragusa and contractor Jason Cameron return for a fourth season of offering ideas and do-it-yourself instruction designed to help any guy turn an extra room into the ultimate guys’ hangout.
◊“Parking Wars” (9 p.m. on A&E): The series, which for the past two seasons has followed the men and women on the front lines of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, expands beyond the City of Brotherly Love to hit the road in a new town where cars mean everything — Motor City. The ticket-writers and booters of Detroit’s Municipal Parking Department are called every name in the book, but they have the skills and attitude to get it done.
◊“Weird, True & Freaky” (8:30 p.m. on Animal Planet): This episode features a segment on the world’s deadliest spider — the Brazilian Wandering Spider — that was reportedly found in the produce aisle of a Tulsa grocery store in March.
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2009
◊“Art in the Twenty-First Century” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This series invites viewers to meet 14 of today’s most accomplished artists as they create works that reflect important and timely global issues. Season 5 shows a broad range of artistic practice, technical innovation, and experimentation, from artists tackling large-scale collaborative projects in hangar-like studios, to those working in the quiet of more intimate studio settings.
◊“The Bureau” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series profiles the modern Federal Bureau of Investigation and explores the determination required to solve some of the most mystifying cases of the 21st century.
◊“Clean House” (9 p.m. on Style): Host Niecy Nash (”Reno 911!”) and her no-holds-barred team of experts encounter homes “possessed by possessions” and in dire need of rescue. The Season 8 premiere The season premiere finds the “Clean House” cameras at Niecy’s own house. Her mother has moved in and the belongings she brought with her are cluttering up Niecy’s home.
◊“Craft in America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The Season 2 premiere episode focuses on the origins of the American craft movement and features artists who tie their work to early craft techniques and pass on these techniques to others.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit investigates a case in Rossi’s hometown that involves both his personal and professional life. Cynthia Watros (”Lost”) and D.B. Sweeney (”Jericho”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When two bodies are discovered at the North and South ends of the city, Mac and the team deftly begin to navigate the trail of evidence left behind by the killer. Skeet Ulrich (”Jericho”) guest stars in a recurring role as Hollis Eckhart, a mastermind killer, who takes the CSI team on the ride of their careers. Sarah Carter (”Shark”) returns as Haylen Becall.
◊“Dive to the Bottom of the World” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This new special chronicles the dedication of biologists, engineers, geologists and oceanographers as they collaborate to invent, design, build and deploy a state-of-the-art deep-sea vehicle that is more maneuverable than any other in history. The underwater vehicle’s mission: to provide researchers with an eye on the bottom of the deepest part of the ocean floor, and retrieve invaluable biological and geological samples for further study.
◊“Hollywood Ex-Wives: True Hollywood Story” (9 p.m. on E!): In exclusive new interviews, Gretchen Bonaduce, Sharise Neil, Sandra Carradine and Darcy LaPier – the ex-wives of Danny Bonaduce, Vince Neil, Keith Carradine and Jean-Claude Van Damme – come together to compare notes on their former spouses. No topic is off-limits as these ladies share how they went from rags to riches – and, in some cases, back to rags – and struggled to reinvent themselves without their famous husbands.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a young woman goes missing, her ex-convict neighbor (Stephen Rea, “V for Vendetta”) becomes the primary suspect.
◊“Man Shops Globe” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This new series follows Keith Johnson, the buyer-at-large for the innovative specialty retailer Anthropologie, as he travels the globe in search of fantastic and unusual decorative objects, furniture, and textiles, as well as artists and crafts people.
◊“Mythbusters” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman test the classic physics textbook theory “bullet dropped versus bullet fired.” In a scientifically complex experiment, they ask: If one bullet is fired and the other is dropped simultaneously from the same height, which will hit the ground first?
◊“Secret Girlfriend” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new series makes the viewer the central character in the irreverent life of a 20-something single guy, his two best friends and roommates, Phil and Sam, and the two women in his life he’s trying to keep secret from each other – psycho ex-girlfriend Mandy and new girlfriend Jessica.
THURSDAY, OCT. 8, 2009
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When two office mates plot to rob a casino, their plan ends with the CSIs investigating a murder. Wayne Knight (”Seinfeld”) guest stars.
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mark and Janis travel to Germany to speak with an imprisoned Nazi who claims to have knowledge about the blackouts, and an anonymous tip leads Demetri to believe his deepest fears about his future. Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”) guest stars.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): Recuperating from the traumatic and alarming meeting with Massive Dynamic founder William Bell (Leonard Nimoy, “Star Trek”), Agent Dunham consumes a powerful “fringe” concoction that Dr. Bishop prescribes to stimulate her memory.
◊“Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): Sam and Dean decide to start hunting together again and their first case leads them to a small town whose inhabitants are being killed by famous dead icons like Abraham Lincoln and James Dean’s car. However, after two teenage girls come forward and claim their friend was kidnapped by Paris Hilton (“The Simple Life”), the brothers aren’t sure what they are hunting anymore.
◊“The This Old House Hour” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): For the eighth season, the show’s experts are once again traveling the country to help puzzled homeowners tackle all sorts of common household problems. Submit questions at www.thisoldhouse.com/askaquestion and you may hear the experts knocking on your door.
◊“Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): At a fund-raising car wash, Bonnie is surprised by abilities she didn’t know she possessed and seeks advice from her grandmother (Jasmine Guy, “A Different World”).
FRIDAY, OCT. 9, 2009
◊“Brothers” (7 p.m. on Fox): Mike and Chill hire their cousin Kenny (Snoop Dogg, “Down for Life”), a shady lawyer who specializes in debt and fraud, to recover Mike’s laundered assets. But when Kenny is only able to locate funds donated to a children’s charity, Mike wrestles with a tough decision.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Echo and Victor’s imprints collide when Echo is sent on an assignment as a fun-loving, seductive college student and Victor is imprinted as the psychotic nephew of a Dollhouse shareholder (Michael Hogan, Battlestar Galactica”).
◊“I’m Alive” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series features death-defying and moving stories of people who—regardless of the obstacles or consequences—were determined to survive an animal attack. It combines victim interviews with true-to-life reenactments, giving a replay of the split-second decisions that saved lives.
◊“Sanctuary” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In the Season 2 opener, Ashley remains captured, in the dangerous hands of the Cabal. While searching for her, Magnus, Will, Druitt and Tesla encounter a quick-talking con artist with Cabal connections.
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 4 premiere, Betty finds that everything is changing as she begins her new job as associate features editor, especially since her boss is her ex-boyfriend, Matt Hartley, who is still unhappy about their breakup. Lynn Redgrave (“Teachers Only”) and Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest star.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): In the Season 3 premiere, Justin becomes fed up with Alex constantly going through his stuff and creates a female monster to guard his room and to think like Alex. However Justin’s plan backfires when the monster and Alex become fast friends.
SATURDAY, OCT. 10, 2009
◊“Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team” (8 p.m. on CMT): The new recruits for Season 4 quickly learn that professional cheerleading takes hard work, determination and nerves of steel. Hundreds of girls will fight to make the team, but only 36 will be selected to cheer in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
◊“Good Eats 10th Anniversary” (9 p.m. on Food Network): To celebrate 10 years, host Alton Brown and company put on a variety show full of strange cooking devices, a parade of guest stars and a strange birthday cake.
◊“Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): The Movers help a bicyclist (Willie Garson, “Sex and the City”) overcome his fears in this new episode. The Movers are members of the New Orleans band who introduce preschoolers to the group’s energetic rock and roll style of music while emphasizing creative problem solving skills.
◊“Mega Fault” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Eriq La Salle (“ER”) and Brittany Murphy (“Tribute”) star in this new
movie about an earthquake that triggers a crack in the earth’s crust.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Drew Barrymore (”Grey Gardens”) returns as host for her sixth time. She first hosted the show on Nov. 20, 1982, at seven years old, making history as the youngest host to ever appear on the show.
◊“Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me” (9 p.m. on HBO): Taped in August before a live audience at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., the special features the outspoken comic performing material featured in her current national stand-up tour, where she addresses such topics as having a new “cool” black President, coming out, the real Michelle Obama, being a new mom, getting her first bikini wax, healthcare town halls, pirates and working as an entertainer on a gay cruise.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Sept. 20-26, 2009
Christian Slater in "the forgotten'
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Sept. 20.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (seventh-season premiere).
••“Bored to Death,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO (series premiere).
••“The Last 10 Pounds Boot Camp,” 9 p.m. Sunday on FLN (third-season premiere).
••“Between the Lions,” noon Monday on OETA-13 (ninth-season premiere).
••“The Mighty B!” 4:30 p.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (second-season premiere).
••“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Monday on CMT (syndicated premiere).
••“Dancing With the Stars,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC (ninth-season premiere).
••“Heroes,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC (fourth-season premiere).
••“House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox (sixth-season premiere).
••“How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS (fifth-season premiere).
••“Accidentally on Purpose,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Two and a Half Men,” 8 p.m. Monday on CBS (seventh-season premiere).
••“The Big Bang Theory,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on CBS (third-season premiere).
••“Castle,” 9:01 p.m. Monday on ABC (second-season premiere).
••“CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS (eighth-season premiere).
••“Madventures,” 9 p.m. Monday on Travel Channel (series premiere).
••“NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS (seventh-season premiere).
••“NCIS: Los Angeles,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CBS (series premiere).
••“the forgotten,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS (series premiere).
••“The Naughty Kitchen,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Oxygen (series premiere).
••“Epitafios,” 10 p.m. Tuesday on HBO2 (second-season premiere).
••“Mercy,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on NBC (series premiere).
••“The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS (fifth-season premiere).
••“Gary Unmarried,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS (second-season premiere).
••“Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS (fifth-season premiere).
••“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC (11th-season premiere).
••“Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“Whatever, Martha!” 8 p.m. Wednesday on FLN (second-season premiere).
••“Cougar Town,” 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS (sixth-season premiere).
••“Eastwick,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“FlashForward,” 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC (series premiere).
••“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CBS (10th-season premiere).
••“Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC (sixth-season premiere).
••“The Mentalist,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on CBS (second-season premiere).
••“Brothers,” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox (series premiere).
••“Ghost Whisperer,” 7 p.m. Friday on CBS (fifth-season premiere).
••“Law & Order,” 7 p.m. Friday on NBC (20th-season premiere).
••“Smallville,” 7 p.m. Friday on CW (seventh-season premiere).
••“Dollhouse,” 8 p.m. Friday on Fox (second-season premiere).
••“King of Clubs,” 8 p.m. Friday on Playboy TV (series premiere).
••“Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS (sixth-season premiere).
••“NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS (sixth-season premiere).
••“48 Hours Mystery,” 9 p.m. Saturday on CBS (21st-season premiere).
••“Saturday Night Live,” 10:29 p.m. Saturday on NBC (35th-season premiere).
••“Cheaters,” midnight Saturday on KOCB-34 (10th-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Top Gear,” 7 p.m. Monday on BBC America (seventh-season finale).
••“Warehouse 13,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy (first-season finale).
••“The Colony,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery (first-season finale).
••“Making Over America With Trinny and Susannah,” 7 p.m. Friday on TLC (first-season finale).
••“Masters of Reception,” 9 p.m. Friday on TLC (first-season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for Sept. 20-26, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Sept. 20:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 20, 2009
◊“The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards” (7 p.m. on CBS): From the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Neil Patrick Harris (”How I Met Your Mother”) hosts ceremonies honoring excellence in TV programming. Oklahomans receiving Emmy nominations include Kristin Chenoweth from Broken Arrow (supporting actress in a comedy series for “Pushing Daisies”) and Jeanne Tripplehorn from Tulsa (supporting actress in a miniseries for “Grey Gardens”).
◊“About Our Children …” (6 p.m. on MSNBC): Bill Cosby (”The Cosby Show”) leads this live forum on poverty in America that focuses on the parenting, education and health issues facing the poor in the United States. MSNBC will also take online questions for Cosby and the panel at TheGrio.com and msnbc.com.
◊“The Antonio Project” (9 p.m. on HGTV): Antonio Ballatore, who won Season 4 of “HGTV Design Star” last week, tackles one more challenge: making over his own home and unveiling it to family and friends. The program also features unseen moments of Antonio’s journey to becoming the “HGTV Design Star” winner, and his new series will premiere in January.
◊“BBC Earth” (2 p.m. on BBC America): Sir David Attenborough presents five natural history documentaries airing back-to-back. The lineup includes “Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth,” “Great Natural Wonders of the World,” “The Life of Mammals,” “Grizzly: Nature’s Entrepreneur” and “Lion: Spy in the Den.”
◊“Bored to Death” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): Jas Schwartzman (”Funny People”) stars in this new series created by author Jonathan Ames. It follows the misadventures of a fictional Jonathan Ames as he pursues his dream of emulating his heroes from classic private detective novels.
◊“Countdown to the Emmy Awards” (2 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Marc Istook and Maria Sansone host three hours of live coverage from the Red Carpet, catching all the pre-show hoopla before the celebrity arrivals begin.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Season 7 finds Larry David continuing to cope with the aftermath of Cheryl’s departure, even as his life remains intertwined with the Black family.
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): When Miley and Lilly learn that Oliver has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the misguided pair become the “food police” at Traci’s Sweet 16 party. A prologue directs viewers to learn more about type 1 diabetes at www.JDRF.org.
◊“Holy Grail in America” (7 p.m. on History): This two-hour special investigates the possibility that the Knights Templar, a legendary Christian military order from the 12th century believed by many to be guardians of the Grail, stashed this relic somewhere on American soil – and that they did it more than 100 years before Columbus “discovered” the New World.
◊“The Last 10 Pounds Boot Camp” (9 p.m. on FLN): Trainer Tommy Europe and nutrition coach Nadeen Boman return for a third season of helping people through an intense fitness and nutrition regimen that transforms them physically and mentally in just four weeks.
◊“Live at the Emmy Awards with Carrie Ann and Chris” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing with the Stars”) and Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor”) get up-close and personal with TV’s biggest stars as they make their way down the Red Carpet. In addition, TVGuide.com will bring fans online coverage of celebrity arrivals from the Red Carpet on starting at 4:30 p.m.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Inspector Lewis, Series II: The Great and the Good,” Lewis and Hathaway track down the prime suspect in the assault of a teenage girl, but he has a seemingly watertight alibi.
MONDAY, SEPT. 21, 2009
◊“Accidentally on Purpose” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Golden Globe winner Jenna Elfman (”Dharma & Greg”) returns to series television as Billie, a film critic who breaks up with her commitment-phobic boyfriend, has a fling with a younger guy, ends up pregnant and decides to keep the baby — and the daddy.
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on CMT): Jeff Foxworthy hosts this new, fast-paced half-hour syndicated version of the primetime show. The premiere week features country music artists playing for charity — Big Kenny (today), Heidi Newfield (Tuesday), Bucky Covington (Wednesday), Jack Ingram (Thursday) and Emily West (Friday).
◊“Between the Lions” (noon on OETA-13): In Season 9, the literacy-loving lion pride Theo, Cleo, Lionel, and Leona introduce new books, songs and diverse topics such as jobs, weather, seasons and celebration.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 3 premiere, Sheldon flees back to Texas in disgrace when he learns the guys tampered with his arctic expedition data. That forces the guys to follow him and threatens Leonard’s hopes for a romantic encounter with Penny.
◊“Brick City” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This week-long docu-series takes an in-depth and no-holds-barred look at the challenges facing the city of Newark, NJ, and its outspoken and charismatic mayor, Cory Booker. It focuses on this inner city’s struggles and the resilient community leaders, civil servants and life-long residents committed to making Newark a model for urban renewal in America.
◊“Castle” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): As Season 2 begins, Castle is wrestling with how to repair his relationship with Beckett, while struggling to finish his soon-to-be-published bestseller, Heat Wave. Authors Stephen J. Cannell and Michael Connelly guest star as themselves in the episode.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Delko’s life hangs in the balance, Horatio flashes back 12 years to reveal how Miami’s CSIs first met and became a team. Eddie Cibrian (”Third Watch”) joins the cast for Season 8, playing a police officer from the Hollywood, Calif., Division, who joins Horatio’s team.
◊“Dancing With the Stars” (7 p.m. on ABC): Hosts Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris return along with judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. But the spotlight is on the “stars,” and the Season 9 lineup includes hoofers ranging from former teenage sitcom witch Melissa Joan Hart to Donny Osmond and scandal-prone former U.S. congressman Tom DeLay.
◊“Emmy Awards Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba” (7 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (”Dancing With the Stars”) and a team of fashion experts recount all the fashion highs and lows from the Emmy Red Carpet.
◊“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): This season, “Volume 5: Redemption” begins with our heroes putting their lives back together. Claire is finding that her biggest challenges are forgetting her old life and starting college. Hiro Nakamura goes back to his old life in Japan, but discovers that he has a terminal illness.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 6 premiere, House begins a detox program at Mayfield Psychiatric Hospital to get the vicodin out of his system in an attempt to control his hallucinations. Andre Braugher (“Thief”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the gang finds out that Barney and Robin are hesitant to define their relationship, Lily forces them to confront their biggest fear…becoming boyfriend/girlfriend.
◊“Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In his documentary “Our Disappeared/Nuestros Desaparecidos,” director Juan Mandelbaum investigates what happened to those who were kidnapped during the 1976-1983 military dictatorships in Argentina and never heard from again.
◊“Live With Regis and Kelly” (9 a.m. on KWTV-9): Winners for the 2009 Relly Awards will be revealed all week long. With the elimination of the best host chat category, Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa are not guaranteed the take home an award.
◊“Madventures” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): This new series from Finland features the most outrageous practices found in the most off-the-beaten-path destinations on
earth. With no limits to their daring and imagination, backpackers Riku Rantala and Tuomas “Tunna” Milonoff pair up as the show’s two-man-crew to bring viewers a raw and unscripted definition of extreme travel.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 7 premiere, Charlie must decide between his fiancee, Chelsea, and his old flame, Mia. Rock Superstar Eddie Van Halen makes a cameo appearance as himself.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 22, 2009
◊“Epitafios” (10 p.m. on HBO2): In Season 2 of this series presented in Spanish with English subtitles, Detectives Renzo Marquez and Marina Segal team up to track a killer who replicates previous slayings as if they were works of art, capturing the crimes for posterity in photo sequences.
◊“the forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): In this new drama, a team of dedicated amateurs – The Forgotten Network — work on murder cases involving unidentified victims. After the police have exhausted all leads, a group of volunteers led by Alex Donovan (Christian Slater), must first solve the puzzle of the victim’s identity in order to then help catch the killer.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): This new drama stars Julianna Margulies as a wife and mother who boldly assumes full responsibility for her family and re-enters the workforce after her husband’s very public sex and political corruption scandal lands him in jail. She starts over by pursuing her original career as a defense attorney.
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chef Gordon Ramsay surprises the contenders with a glimpse into what could become their new home when he gives them a tour via satellite of The Araxi in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. The chefs must then use 15 local ingredients that were flown in from Whistler to create three unique dishes. Guest judges for this challenge include Olympic gold medal-winning ice skater Sasha Cohen and skier Jonny Moseley.
◊“Joe Buck Live” (9 p.m. on HBO): Panelists taking part in this new installment of HBO Sports’ quarterly sports series include four of the NFL’s all-time great quarterbacks: Terry Bradshaw (Steelers), Dan Marino (Dolphins), John Elway (Broncos) and Joe Namath (Jets), who collectively made 11 Super Bowl appearances and won seven world championships.
◊“The Naughty Kitchen With Chef Blythe Beck” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): Chef Blythe Beck, a fiery young chef and Texas native, shows off her distinctive sexy American cuisine, her cutting edge Dallas restaurant, Central 214, and her loud and flamboyant staff in this new series.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): As the hunt for Ziva’s replacement begins, Gibbs and his remaining team members must head back to work with the past still weighing heavily on their minds in the seventh season premiere.
◊“NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): Newly located in a Los Angeles mission, the NCIS Office of Special Projects (OSP) welcomes Callen back to the team and races to solve a kidnapping case on the series premiere.
◊“POV” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This new documentary tells a coming-of-age story about a Bronx-bred teenager who rebels against her mother and flees to her father in Ghana.
◊“Ruby & the Rockits” (7:30 p.m. on ABC Family): .Ruby and Jordan compete for the attention of the same girl, Ruby’s best friend, who becomes Jordan’s girlfriend. Lucy Hale (”Privileged”) guest stars.
◊“Starz Inside: Comics on Screen” (9 p.m. on Starz): This special explores how many comedians transitioned from stage to the big screen. Among those interviewed for the special are George Lopez, Joan Rivers, and Harold Ramis.
◊“Stephen Fry in America” (9 p.m. on HDNet): In this six-part documentary series, the British actor drives a London cab through each of the 50 states, visiting landmarks and exploring each state’s unique customs.
◊“Warehouse 13″ (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the first-season finale, the team discovers MacPherson is auctioning artifacts he’s siphoned from the warehouse shelves.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23, 2009
◊“Cougar Town,” 8:30 p.m. on ABC): This new series stars Courteney Cox as Jules, a recently divorced single mother exploring the honest truths about dating and aging in our beauty and youth obsessed culture.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): Hotch’s unexplained absence quickly becomes apparent when the team is called back together to profile a killer who is targeting an emergency room doctor on the Season 5 premiere.
◊“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 the Season 6 premiere.
◊“Eastwick” (9 p.m. on ABC): In the seaside village of Eastwick, three very different women are about to discover some bewitching talents they never knew they had in this new series starring Rebecca Romijn, Lindsay Price and Jaime Ray Newman. It is based on John Updike’s classic and the movie of the same name.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 2 premiere, Gary tries to set an example for his son, Tom, by pursuing his own dream of becoming a radio sportscaster. Keegan-Michael Key (”Mad TV”) and Brooke D’Orsay (”Drop Dead Diva”) join the cast.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Kurt takes center stage when he tries out for the football team in order to impress his dad. Sandy and Sue join forces to carry out their plans for destroying the Glee Club. ◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): Officer Nate Kendall (Wentworth Miller, “Prison Break”) aids a woman in trouble and becomes roped into helping detectives Benson and Stabler solve a series of rape cases.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Taylor Schilling stars in this new series as a nurse who has just returned to work at Mercy Hospital after a tour of service in Iraq. She’s not afraid to bend the rules to save her patients, but her outspoken attitude might wind up costing her her job.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): This new comedy takes an honest and often hilarious look at the complexities of modern day families. Ed O’Neill (”Married With Children”) and Julie Bowen (”Boston Legal”) star.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barb was thrown in jail by immigration during Richard’s and New Christine’s disastrous wedding in the cliffhanger season finale, Christine and Matthew head to the Bahamas to try to get her an illegal visa in the Season 5 premiere.
◊“The NEW Age of Walmart” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This special offers an inside look at how the world’s largest retailer is trying to reinvent itself. CNBC’s David Faber investigates whether new leadership, aggressive green policies and a full-scale store overhaul signify real change for the controversial powerhouse.
◊“Whatever, Martha!” (8 p.m. on FLN): Hosts Alexis Stewart and Jennifer Koppelman return for a second season of dissecting Martha Stewart in her old shows. They comment on Martha’s performance, appearance and projects from old episodes of “Martha Stewart Living.”
THURSDAY, SEPT. 24, 2009
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): The CSI team, with the unexpected but welcome return of Sara, comes together to investigate the death of a famous young actress killed in a dubious traffic collision on the Season 10 premiere.
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this new series, everyone on Earth blacks out for two minutes and 17 seconds and is given a glimpse of their future. It forces everyone to come to grips with whether their destinies can be fulfilled or avoided.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the two-hour Season 6 premiere, the hospital staff is left to deal with the aftermath of George’s passing. Hitting the staff hard, they all find unique ways to get through the various stages of grief.
◊“The Mentalist” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): Jane and Lisbon learn that the Red John case has been reassigned to a new CBI team led by the straight-shooting officer Sam Bosco (new cast member Terry Kinney) on the Season 2 premiere.
◊“Nightline” (10:35 p.m. on ABC): In a new segment, the program’s anchors and correspondents take an in-depth look at the Ten Commandments, looking at what they mean, and how they apply to life in the 21st century. The series launches with Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Leslie holds an all-night stakeout to find out who planted marijuana in the pit. Louis C.K. (”Lucky Louie”) guest stars.
◊“PBS Special Report on Health Care Reform” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The PBS programs “Now on PBS,” “Tavis Smiley” and “Nightly Business Report” are collaborating to provide a timely and much-needed in-depth look at health care reform in America and the latest government proposals to address the issue.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 25, 2009
◊“Brothers” (7 p.m. on Fox): Michael Strahan (”Fox NFL Sunday”) stars in this new sitcom as Mike Trainor, a former NFL star who is forced to make a fresh start under his parents’ roof. Carl Weathers (“Rocky”) and CCH Pounder (“The Shield”) play his parents, and Daryl “Chill” Mitchell (“Ed”) plays his brother.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 2 premiere, Echo weds a wealthy British businessmen tied to one of Agent Ballard’s open FBI cases. Jamie Bamber (“Battlestar Galactica”) guest stars.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): In 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, but with one important difference which will have far-reaching consequences.
◊“Jeff Garlin: Young and Handsome” (11 p.m. on Comedy Central): Best known as Larry David’s manager in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Jeff Garland touches on personal foibles, innermost secrets and heartfelt belief in his youth and handsomeness in this new standup comedy special.
◊“King of Clubs” (8 p.m. on Playboy TV): This new reality series chronicles the non-stop adventures and steamy shenanigans inside a legendary Las Vegas strip club trying to reinvent itself.
◊“Law & Order” (7 p.m. on NBC): When a war veteran is found dead in a parking garage, all signs lead to a law professor whose past work as a lawyer for the Department of Justice unveil torture during wartime.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison and her family deal with the outcome of her brain surgery and its possible lasting effects on the Season 6 premiere. Natalie Zea (”Dirty Sexy Money”) and Pruitt Taylor Vince (”Deadwood”) guest star.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 6 premiere, 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.
◊“Phineas and Ferb” (7 p.m. on Disney): Phineas and Ferb travel to the future to find a tool that hasn’t been invented yet. There they encounter future Candace, who follows them back through time and finally busts her brothers as they’re building their rollercoaster. Guest stars include Jennifer Stone (”Wizards of Waverly Place”) as future Candace’s daughter, Amanda; Moises Arias (”Hannah Montana”) as future Candace’s son, Fred; and Jennifer Grey (”Dirty Dancing”) as the Librarian.
◊“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): In the Season 9 premiere, Clark tells Jor-El he’s ready to start his training, but Jor-El sends him back to Metropolis to cut ties with Lois before he can begin.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 26, 2009
◊“Cheaters” (midnight on KOCB-34): Host Joey Greco is back for Season 10 of this reality show that delivers more couples in jeopardy.
◊“Children of the Corn” (8 p.m. on Syfy): A couple on the verge of divorce gets stuck in a remote Iowa town where fanatically religious children kill those over 18 so the town can remain pure. David Anders (”Heroes”) and Kandyse McClure (”Battlestar Galactica”) star.
◊“My Neighbor’s Secret” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): When Jason and Casey Hess are befriended by their grieving neighbor, recent widower Brent Cavanaugh, they offer as much support and comfort as possible. But, Brent is far from the innocent widower. Starring in this new movie are Nicholas Brendon (”Criminal Minds”), Chandra West (”90210″) and Vincent Ventresca (”Complete Savages”).
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Megan Fox (“Jennifer’s Body”) hosts the Season 35 premiere, which features musical guest U2. Joining the cast of featured players this season are Nasim Pedrad, who trained with the Los Angeles improv comedy troupe The Groundlings; and Jenny Slate, who is an alumnus of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater.
◊“Sit Down, Shut Up” (11 p.m. on Fox): When a tropical storm threatens the town of Knob Haven, the high school gym is turned into an emergency shelter.
◊“Yearbook Chronicles” (1 p.m. on MTV Tr3s): This documentary that examines the disproportionate rate of young Latinos dropping out of high school. In response to this national increase, the special offers insight into why high school students drop out as well as shows the positive influence that four students have over their fellow classmates.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Sept. 6-12, 2009
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Sept. 6.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“Dinosaur Train,” 7 a.m. Monday on OETA-13 (series premiere).
••“Judge Jeanine Pirro,” 9 a.m. Monday on KOKH-25 (second-season premiere).
••“Judge Mathis,” 11 a.m. Monday on KOKH-25 (11th-season premiere).
••“The People’s Court,” noon Monday on KOKH-25 (13th-season premiere).
••“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” noon Monday on KOCB-34 (eighth-season premiere).
••“The Doctors,” 3 p.m. Monday on KWTV-9 (second-season premiere).
••“The Tyra Banks Show,” 4 p.m. Monday on CW (fifth-season premiere).
••“Durham County,” 9 p.m. Monday on ION (series premiere).
••“The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” 9 a.m. Tuesday on KOCO-5 (seventh-season premiere).
••“Curious George,” 7 a.m. Tuesday on OETA-13 (fourth-season premiere).
••“The View,” 10 a.m. Tuesday on KOCO-5 (13th-season premiere).
••“90210,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CW (second-season premiere).
••“Melrose Place,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CW (series premiere).
••“Sons of Anarchy,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on FX (second-season premiere).
••“America’s Next Top Model,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CW (13th-season premiere).
••“So You Think You Can Dance,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Fox (sixth-season premiere).
••“Glee,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Fox (series premiere).
••“Nostradamus Effect,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on History (series premiere).
••“Destination Truth,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Syfy (third-season premiere).
••“The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CW (series premiere).
••“Supernatural,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CW (sixth-season premiere).
••“Say Yes to the Dress,” 8 p.m. Friday on TLC (fourth-season premiere).
••“20/20,” 9 p.m. Friday on ABC (31st-season premiere).
••“Cops,” 7 p.m. Saturday on Fox (22nd-season premiere).
••“America’s Most Wanted,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Fox (23rd-season premiere).
••“The Locator,” 8 p.m. Saturday on WEtv (third-season premiere).
••“Robin Hood,” 8 p.m. Saturday on BBC America (third-season premiere).
••“Adoption Diaries,” 9 p.m. Saturday on WEtv (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Ruby,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Style Network (second-season finale).
••“The Secret Life of the American Teenager,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (mid-season finale).
••“Solved,” 8 p.m. Monday on Investigation Discovery (second-season finale).
••“Leverage,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (summer finale).
••“Real World: Cancun,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on MTV (season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Pictured above: “Melrose Place” cast (The CW Photo)
Top 55 TV Programs for Sept. 6-12, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Sept. 6:
(NOTE: Times are CST. For EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 6, 2009
◊“2009 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon” (8 p.m. Sunday to 5:30 p.m. Monday on CBS): MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis will be joined on stage by cohosts Jann Carl, Nancy O’Dell, Alison Sweeney, Ace Young and Billy Gilman. The 44th annual event will feature interviews with adults and children with muscular dystrophy and related diseases; medical and scientific research updates; and performances by entertainers, including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Tony Orlando, Charo, Wynonna, Train, Bo Bice, Terry Fator and Lee Greenwood.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): As the team intensifies their quest to find the person behind the 2005 slaying of a female cadet, Rush relives painful memories of when she forged her own difficult path as the first female homicide detective in the Philadelphia Police Department. Joe Penny (”Jake and the Fatman”) and Jessica Tuck (”Judging Amy”) guest star.
◊“Defying Gravity” (9 p.m. on ABC): It’s Halloween aboard the Antares and the forces of darkness are revealed in more ways than one, as feverish hallucinations jeopardize the lives of the crew just as they’re about to embark on a promotional event for which the whole world is waiting.
◊“Friday Night Lights” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): The parent movie of the NBC series came out in 2004 and stars Billy Bob Thornton as the coach determined to make his high school football team the best it can be. Lucas Black, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw and Connie Britton co-star.
◊“HGTV Design Star” (9 p.m. on HGTV): The three remaining designers face off as they decorate a home office for Kathy Griffin, a guest bedroom for Tiffani Thiessen and a baby nursery for Jason Priestley. With 30 hours of work time and a budget of $20,000, only two designers will survive to compete for a 50-50 chance at winning their own show on HGTV.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The worlds of no-rules boxing, Oxford dons and Cold War intrigue surround the death of a prominent don in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Music to Die For.”
◊“Nick News: $tre$$ed Out! The Economic Crisis and You” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Host Linda Ellerbee and psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere listen to a group of children from across the country who represent the spectrum of economic struggles many families face today. They also offer coping strategies to get through this difficult time.
◊“Ruby” (7 p.m. on Style Network): Season 2 concludes Ruby Gettinger visiting a teen weight-loss camp in the Poconos. She goes to share her story and to inspire the campers, but in the end, the young campers inspire her.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): Three of the Sharks go in on a deal together for an innovative internet company with two brothers from Brazil. But just before the deal is sealed, a battle ensues and one of the Sharks is ousted.
◊“Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This new two-part documentary tells the story of the Federal Writer’s Project of the 1930s, which was one of four arts programs under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) of newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
◊“SportsCenter” (10:30 p.m. on ESPN): Mixed into the sports news of the day will be a variety of segments celebrating ESPN’s 30th anniversary. Chris Berman, Bob Ley and John Saunders will host the 90-minute special edition that includes a look back at great moments in sports over three decades and the trio’s careers at ESPN.
◊“Too Fat for 15″ (8 p.m. on Style Network): This documentary follows Georgia Davis, 15, on her quest to lose hundreds of pounds at Wellspring Academy. She spent nine months in the weight loss program where she lost more than 200 pounds, learned how to live a healthy life and turn her life around.
MONDAY, SEPT. 7, 2009
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs investigate the case of a man boiled alive, Julia spirals out of control, and one of the team’s darkest secrets comes to light. Elizabeth Berkley (”The L Word”) guest stars.
◊“Dance Your A– Off Reunion” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): This reunion special is a celebration of the transformation made by the 12 contestants who starred in the network’s first dance/weight-loss competition series. It will catch up with the contestants to see how they have changed, physically and emotionally, since they shook and rattled their rolls away.
◊“Dinosaur Train” (7 a.m. on OETA-13): This new animated preschool series follows Buddy, a preschool age Tyrannosaurus Rex, and his adoptive Pteranodon family on their adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs, creatures and reptiles. Young viewers will join the travelers on a fantastical journey through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans as they learn how to compare and contrast different dinosaurs.
◊“Durham County” (9 p.m. on ION): In this dark Canadian import, Hugh Dillon (”Flashpoint”) stars as Mike Sweeney, a police detective who moves his wife (Helene Joy), a cancer survivor, and their two daughters to the suburbs, where he encounters his former high school nemesis Ray Prager (Justin Louis).
◊“The Electric Company” (4:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This season, the series expands from Fridays to weekdays, giving young viewers a daily dose of literacy superheroes and wily pranksters. Series stars Hector, Jessica, Lisa and Keith outwit their scheming neighborhood prankster-counterparts in a way that reinforces strong literacy skills and teaches kids that reading isn’t just for school—reading is cool.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): When the fathers of ZBZ House members arrive for the Daddy/Daughter weekend, they wind up getting pulled into an explosive sisterhood fight. Tom Amandes (”Everwood”) and Kadeem Hardison (”A Different World”) guest star.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include a penny stamp that may be connected to a landmark civil rights case and meta sheets that look like printing plates for Billy Strayhorn’s “Take the A Train” performed by Duke Ellington.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted breaks Barney and Marshall’s “three days rule” by having a “text” relationship with a girl he just met, they play a cruel joke on him by pretending to be her. Rebecca Budig (”All My Children”) guest stars.
◊“The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary focuses on the final months of a General Motors assembly plant in Moraine, Ohio, which shut its doors on Dec. 23, 2008. The employees share poignant moments, such as the day every worker must remove his or her toolbox and give up their GM ID card. The special closes with footage of the actual “last truck” to be produced at Moraine Assembly.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent ” (7 p.m. on NBC): A hunky posterboy with a million-dollar torso has what others crave: sex appeal. When he shows up dead after a night of sex and drugs with an elusive woman, detectives Goren and Eames uncover the sexual paranoia behind the murder.
◊“Manson” (8 p.m. on History): This two-hour special chronicles the nine months leading up to “Helter Skelter,” as cult leader Charles Manson dubbed his 1969 crime spree in which his young followers committed one of the most horrific mass murders in American history, with pregnant actress Sharon Tate among the victims. Cult member Linda Kasabian, later the star witness for the prosecution, provides an insider’s perspective on the nightmarish event.
◊“Paint Over” (3 p.m. on HGTV): Jennifer Bertrand, the Season 3 champion of “HGTV Design Star,” will reprise her role as host and designer for this five-part series airing today through Friday. She will use her design and paint skills to makeover two rooms for a homeowner who is going through a personal life transition.
“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Anson Williams (“Happy Days”) directed this mid-season finale, in which Anne goes into labor and may not make it to the hospital in time.
“The Water Project: Bahrain” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary examines the shortage of natural water resources in the Kingdom of Bahrain caused by overdevelopment and dredging. The cost, obstacles and debates over how to solve this shortage are explored by interviewing water plant workers and everyday Bahrainis.
“Were the World Mine” (8 p.m. on Logo): This new interpretation of the classic Shakespeare comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” tells the story of Timothy, a bullied gay student at an all-boy private high school struggling to fit in with his peers while helping his mother accept his sexuality. Timothy is cast as “Puck” in the school’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” allowing him to get closer to his crush Jonathan, a straight jock who is cast as one of the play’s lead roles.
“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (noon on KOCB-34): A new addition for Season 8 is “Tournament of Ten,” which will feature the 10 best contestants playing to win the show’s top prize of $1-million. Players earning a spot for the tournament will be seeded, based on how much money they won and how quickly they answered their questions.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 2009
◊“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Summer school is out at West Beverly High School, and the students hit the Beverl Hills Beach Club. Trevor Donovan (“Days of Our Lives”) guest stars.
◊“America’s Got Talent” (7 p.m. on NBC): The votes are in and four acts from the previous night move on to the finals for a chance at the $1 million prize and becoming the most talented person in America.
◊“Celebrity Rides: Jay’s Duesenberg” (8 p.m. on DIY): This six-part series provides an in-depth look at the restoration of Jay Leno’s famed “Last Duesenberg.”
◊“Chopped” (9 p.m. on Food Network): In the first installment of a special four-part series, previous episode winners return to compete again.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): A former client and undercover narc for the FBI calls on William to save his drug-addicted girlfriend, who happens to be the daughter of a powerful Mexican drug dealer. William finds himself in over his head, though, when dealers threaten his family and team as they look for a cache of drugs stolen by the former client.
◊“Curious George,” (7 a.m. on OETA-13): Season 4 of the Emmy Award-winning series finds America’s Favorite Little Monkey introducing preschoolers to the concepts of health and fitness and welcoming a brand new character, Allie Whoops, as his newest partner in curiosity.
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): The chefs are invited to show off their international flair when both teams are asked to create crepes. While the winning team enjoys an afternoon at a French restaurant, the losing team faces a setback when one of their own is injured during preparations for dinner service.
◊“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): The 1992-99 Fox nighttime soap opera gets a reboot on a new network, with Laura Leighton reprising her original role as Sydney Andrews, who now is the landlady of the titular Spanish-style Los Angeles apartment building. Original cast member Thomas Calabro also reprises his role as Dr. Michael Mancini.
◊“POV” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new documentary “The English Surgeon,” celebrated neurosurgeon Dr. Henry Marsh faces obstacles and archaic medical conditions in the Ukraine as he treats desperate patients.
◊“Shaq VS” (8 p.m. on ABC): NBA standout Shaquille O’Neal will challenge championship fighter Oscar de la Hoya to a five-round heavy-hitting matchup exhibition. Leading up to the challenge, Shaq will get boxing tips and be coached by Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, while Oscar “The Golden Boy” de la Hoya gets trained by “the Executioner” Bernard Hopkins for this contest between speed and power.
◊“Sons of Anarchy” (8 p.m. on FX): With the motorcycle club divided in the wake of Donna’s death, Clay sets up a new gun deal with the IRA. Meanwhile, a white separatist group takes root in Charming. Adam Arkin and Henry Rollins join the cast.
◊“Starz Inside: Comics on Screen” (9 p.m. on Starz): Thsi new special explores how many comedians transitioned from stand-up to the big screen. Those interviewed include George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer, Tim Allen, Dane Cook, Rosie O’Donnell, Andrew Dice Clay, Frank Caliendo, Tom Arnold, Judah Friedlander, and actor/director Harold Ramis.
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): “Today’s Search for the Lost Symbol” is a weeklong countdown to the release of bestselling author Dan Brown’s new novel “The Lost Symbol.” The segment concludes with host Matt Lauer’s interview with Brown on Sept. 15.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on KOCO-5): Meghan McCain, daughter of former GOP presidential candidate John McCain, is this week’s featured guest co-host. She is sitting in for Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who is currently on maternity leave and is scheduled to return to the show in mid-October.
◊“Yellowstone: Land to Life” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmed over two years through all seasons, this film presents a lyrical interpretation of the sweeping geologic story of the famous national park.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): Season 13 will features contestants all 5-foot-7 and under. Guest judges this season include Chanel Iman, Lauren Conrad, Jaime Rishar, China Chow, Josie Maran, Jessica White, Kim Kardashian, Kirsty Hume, Marisa Miller and Ann Shoket. The winner will receive a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics, a contract with Wilhelmina Models and a cover and six-page spread in Seventeen Magazine.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star Melina Kanakaredes (Stella) wrote this episode in which Stella discovers that New Yorkers are being murdered over ancient Greek artifacts. She hands over her badge to follow a clue that leads to Greece and, together with Mac, she uncovers one of the greatest mysteries in history.
◊“The Day Before” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This four-part series goes behind-the-scenes in the final hours leading up to major fashion shows — Sonia Rykiel (today), Proenza Schouler (Thursday), Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld (Friday) and Joean Paul Gaultier (Saturday).
◊“Destination Truth” (9 p.m. on Syfy): World traveler and intrepid explorer Josh Gates will return to host nine all-new episodes – each an off-the-map adventure in search of the answers to some of the world’s most intriguing unexplained mysteries.
◊“Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Al Roker (”Today”), Deborah Roberts (Al Roker’s wife) and Elmo (”Sesame Street”) hosts this special that aims to help families with children, ages two to eight, experiencing difficult economic circumstances by offering strategies and tips that can lead to positive outcomes for their children’s physical and emotional well-being during this tough economic climate.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): The Glee Club performs in front of the school for the first time and pushes their performance to the limits. When Quinn realizes Rachel’s realizes her feelings for Finn, she goes to great lengths to keep her man.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Detective Stabler’s daughter is called in to help when a teenager is brutally beaten after her nude photos are spread throughout her high school.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): In the summer finale, the Leverage team helps the director of a charity get her rightful benefit. Jeri Ryan (”Star Trek: Voyager”) guest stars as Tara, a grifter who helps out the team.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine’s plan to prove that she’s comfortable with Richard’s remarriage backfires when the date she’s supposedly “in love with” acts obnoxiously at the rehearsal dinner, and Matthew hooks up with New Christine’s sister. Lee Tergesen (”Oz) guest stars.
◊“Nostradamus Effect” (8 p.m. on History): This new series examines the most chilling prophecies of Nostradamus. The premiere episode “The Third Anti-Christ” explores how believers in the writings of Nostradamus think Napoleon Bonaparte and Adolf Hitler were two of the Antichrists he predicted. Those same believers now are searching for evidence that the third is already here.
◊“Playbooks & Profits: Inside the NFL” (7 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell reports live from Pittsburgh, the site of the NFL season opener, taking viewers inside America’s most popular and profitable game with the sport’s most powerful insiders.
◊“So You Think You Can Dance” (7 p.m. on Fox): It’s time to pop, lock and drop in to Season 6 of the dance show featuring new contestants and the best and worst of auditions. The first audition stop is Los Angeles.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on KOCO-5): Meghan McCain, daughter of former GOP presidential candidate John McCain, is this week’s featured guest co-host. She is sitting in for Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who is currently on maternity leave and is scheduled to return to the show in mid-October.
◊“Your Life, Your Money” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Donald Faison (“Scrubs”) hosts this special that presents a broad range of fundamental financial information for young adults — from basic banking to credit debt.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 2009
◊“The Doctors” (3 p.m. on KWTV-9): Ryan O’ Neill and Alana Stewart are joined by Farah’s oncologist, Dr. Lawrence Piro, to discuss Farah’s courageous battle against anal cancer, her final hours, and the pivotal role of caregiver that Farah’s life-partner Ryan and best friend Alana assumed during Farah’s illness.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): In a rebroadcast of the first season finale. Viewers find out more about the mysterious events surrounding the elusive William Bell (Leonard Nimoy, “Star Trek”). Season 2 premieres Sept. 17.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (7 p.m. on ABC): As preparations continue for Meredith and Derek’s wedding, Izzie receives a surprise hospital visit from her handful-of-a-mother, Robbie (Sharon Lawrence, “NYPD Blue”).
◊“Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): Season 6 opens with Dean and Sam watching as the Devil (Mark Pellegrino, “Lost”) emerges from Hell.
“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): This series is adapted from L.J. Smith’s popular book series about a pair of vampire brothers, one good (Paul Wesley, “Fallen”), one evil (Ian Somerhalder, ‘‘Lost”), as they battle for the soul of a beautiful teenage girl (Nina Dobrev, “Degrassi: The Next Generation”) who recently lost both her parents in a car accident.
◊“Wicked Attraction” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): When teenagers Sarah Edmondson and Ben Barras meet in an Oklahoma commune, a tragic relationship is formed. Together, the two are a violent duo that travels across the country killing anyone in their path. The trail foes cold for nearly a year until the two start to brag about their exploits and investigators catch wind.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 2009
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” (7 p.m. on Fox): Astrophysicist, cosmologist and Nobel Prize winner George F. Smoot III competes for $1 million by testing his elementary school knowledge in subjects ranging from art to geography and math to social studies.
◊“Freedom Songs: The Music of the Civil Rights Movement” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special documents how a few daring musical innovators stood at the vortex of two revolutions — one cultural, the other musical — and forever changed America and the world.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk’s phobias threaten to undermine a big murder case when an aggressive defence attorney targets the detective’s unconventional methods in court. Jay Mohr (“Gary Unmarried”) guest stars.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team investigate a string of copycat bank robberies and zero in on disgraced FBI Agent Roger Bloom (Henry Winkler, “Happy Days”) as a suspect when they discover he has been studying the files of some of the original bank heists.
◊“Southland” (7 p.m. on NBC): The day takes a turn for the worse when officers find a member of Marta’s Avenue gang dead in a trunk outside Dodger Stadium.
◊“20/20″ (9 p.m. on ABC): In the season premiere, La Toya Jackson, who signed Michael Jackson’s death certificate, will discuss her close relationship with her brother and reveal why she believes he was murdered. The no-holds-barred interview with Barbra Walters will cover topics including her impressions of Michael’s children and her insight into the Jackson family.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): The sudden death of a Mode editor leaves Betty and Marc competing for the same job. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina demands that Claire tender her resignation at a big awards ceremony. Christopher Gorham (”Harper’s Island”) guest stars.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 2009
◊“Adoption Diaries” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Each episode of this new series follows a different compelling story from the beginning stages, as a birth mother is faced with the daunting task of choosing her baby’s future family. Viewers follow along as a couple is selected and hear their own unique story, many of which include years of roller coaster emotions surrounding their infertility, the decision to adopt and the overall process itself.
◊“America’s Most Wanted” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 23 premiere, host John Walsh tells the story of an incredibly brave girl who survived a vicious, near fatal attack and who as an adult, still waits for her attacker to be taken off the streets.
◊“Citizen Jane” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Ally Sheedy (“Noise”), and Meat Loaf (“Fight Club”) star on this true story of the lone woman who refused to let a killer escape.
◊“Cops” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the season premiere, an elderly couple leads officers on a dirt road car chase that ends in serious injuries.
◊“Lightning Strikes” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Kevin Sorbo (“Hercules”) stars in this new original movie about a creature that rides lightning bolts to earth and attacks a small town.
◊“The Locator” (8 p.m. on WEtv): Enid native Troy Dunn continues his 19-year personal mission to reunite loved ones and reconnect lives. In Season 3, he helps New Orleans Saints football player Paul Spicer search for the father he has never known, a recovering-alcoholic father search for the daughter he was kept away from and a terminally ill cancer patient search for her father. There are many different outcomes, but at the end of every episode, there will be a much-needed discovery for the people wanting to find a missing piece of their history.
◊“My Nanny’s Secret” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Haylie Duff (”7th Heaven”) stars in this new movie about a home invasion robbery that ends in tragedy when a member of the wealthy Tyrell family is killed. The family’s live-in nanny begins to secretly suspect that her troubled brother may be the murderer, but she is unwilling to share her suspicions until she is certain.
◊“Reel Impact: The Last Beekeeper” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): This special follows the lives of three commercial beekeepers over a year-long period as they struggle to come to terms with a worldwide shrinking of bee populations. The phenomenon threatens crops and the food supply, as well as the livelihoods of beekeepers.
◊“Robin Hood” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Season three kicks off when Robin and his gang of outlaws return from the Holy Land. But now that he’s back, Robin wastes no time – Marian’s murderer, Guy of Gisborne (Armitage), is a marked man. Robin immediately breaks with his followers, and races to Locksley Manor to avenge her death.
◊“Sit Down, Shut Up” (11 p.m. on Fox): The animated show, which came and quickly went, will burn-off its nine remaining episodes. Upcoming talk/variety hour “The Wanda Sykes Show” will inherit the time period on Nov. 7.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Viewers ask if they can afford a tornado shelter. Also an aspiring actress digs deep to find out how she got into over $30,000 of debt.
–Penny TV
