The latest television news from NewsOK.com

Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 2010

  Friday is when The Oklahoman
posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Jan. 31.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

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

GUEST STARS
••Rosanna Arquette (“Desperately Seeking Susan”) on “Private Practice,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Diedrich Bader (“The Drew Carey Show”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Kathy Bates (“The Blind Side”) on “The Office,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Victoria Beckham (“Spice World”) on “American Idol,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
••Julie Benz (“Dexter”) on “Desperate Housewives,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Diahann Carroll (“Julia”) on “White Collar,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on USA Network.
••Minnie Driver (“The Riches”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••David Eigenberg (“Sex and the City”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Steven Eckholdt (“The L Word”) on “Two and a Half Men,” 8 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Stephen Fry (“Kingdom”) on “Top Gear,” 7 p.m. Monday on BBC America.
••Annabeth Gish (“The West Wing”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Michael Graziadei (“The Young and the Restless”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Pam Grier (“The L Word”) on “Smallville,” 7 p.m. Friday on CW.
••Mamie Gummer (“John Adams”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Anthony Michel Hall (“The Dead Zone”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Marilu Henner (“Taxi”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Jan Hooks (“Designing Women”) on “30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Kelly Hu (“Army Wives”) on “The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CW.
••Finola Hughes (“General Hospital” on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Jewel (“Nashville Star”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) on “Ugly Betty,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Orlando Jones (“Mad TV”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••William Katt (“The Greatest American Hero”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Stacey Keibler (“Dancing With the Stars”) on “Psych,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on USA Network.
••Kristin Kreuk (“Smallville”) on “Chuck,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Lorenzo Lamas (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) on “Big Time Rush,” 7:30 p.m. Friday on Nickelodeon.
••Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”) on “Greek,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Joshua Malina (“The West Wing”) on “Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox.
••Ty Murray (“Dancing With the Stars”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Jim Nantz (CBS Sports broadcaster) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Luke Perry (“Jeremiah”) on “Leverage,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT.
••Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••James Remar ( “Dexter”) on “The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CW.
••Elizabeth Rohm (“Law & Order”) on “Heroes,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Sarah Shahi (“The L Word”) on “Psych,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on USA Network.
••Rena Sofer (“General Hospital”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Nick Swisher (New York Yankee) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Justin Theroux (“Tropic Thunder”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”) on “Mercy,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.

Pictured above: Luke Perry arrives to an ESPY award pre party at the Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Branimir Kvartuc)

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TV Premieres and Finales airing Jan. 24-30, 2010

   
   Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Jan. 24.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

BEGINNINGS
••“Cantore Stories,” 9 p.m. Sunday on The Weather Channel (series premiere).
••“Handy Manny School For Tools,” 7:25 a.m. Monday on Disney (series premiere).
••“Top Gear,” 7 p.m. Monday on BBC America (13th-season premiere).
••“The Inbetweeners,” 8 p.m. Monday on BBC America (series premiere).
••“Damages,” 9 p.m. Monday on FX (third-season premiere).
••“Greek,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (third-season resumes).
••“Sound Tracks: Music Without Borders,” 9 p.m. Monday on OETA-13 (series premiere).
••“The Electric Company,” 4:30 p.m. Monday on OETA-13 (second-season premiere).
••“Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on Showtime (third-season premiere).
••“Kitchen Nightmares,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (second-season premiere).
••“24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on HBO (series premiere).
••“Psych,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on USA Network (mid-season premiere).
••“America’s Best Dance Crew,” 9 p.m. Thursday on MTV (fifth-season premiere).
••“Seducing Cindy,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Fox Reality Channel (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Big Chef Takes on Little Chef,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Planet Green (first-season finale).
••“Launch My Line,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (first episode in two-part season finale).
••“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Sundance (second-season finale).
••“Sports Jobs With Junior Seau,” 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on Versus (first-season finale).
••“Dollhouse,” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox (series finale).

 Pictured above: DOLLHOUSE:  Echo (Eliza Dushku, R) and Paul (Tahmoh Penikett, L) attempt to restore order to a devastated future world in the DOLLHOUSE series finale episode “Epitaph Two:  Return” airing Friday,  Jan. 29 on FOX.  Cr:  Michael Yarish/FOX

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Penny TV

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TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Jan. 17-23, 2010

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

BEGINNINGS
••“Human Target,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox (series preview, premieres Wednesday).
••“24,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Fox (eighth-season premiere).
••“I’m in the Band,” 6 p.m. Monday on Disney XD (series premiere).
••“Big Time Rush,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (series premiere). 
••“Life UneXpected,” 8 p.m. Monday on CW (series premiere).
••“The Buried Life,” 9 p.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Be Good Johnny Weir,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on Sundance (series premiere).
••“The Millionaire Matchmaker,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••“White Collar,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on USA Network (winter premiere).
••“Paranormal Cops,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (series premiere).
••“Meteorite Men,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel (series premiere).
••“Being Erica,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (second-season premiere).
••“Mantracker,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel (second-season premiere).
••“The Deep End,” 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC (series premiere).
••“Food Tech,” 8 p.m. Thursday on History (series premiere).
••“Burn Notice,” 9 p.m. Thursday on USA Network (winter premiere).
••“Caprica,” 8 p.m. Friday on Syfy (series premiere).
••“Friday Night With Jonathan Ross,” 8 p.m. Friday on BBC America (18th-season premiere).
••“Man Caves,” 8 p.m. Friday on DIY (fourth season resumes).
••“Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” 9 p.m. Friday on Starz (series premiere).
••“Mexican Made Easy,” 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“The Shift,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Investigation Discovery (second-season finale).
••“Dollhouse,” 8 p.m. Friday on Fox (series finale).

MARATHONS
••“The Unit,” 5 a.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday on Sleuth.
••“Hot Winter Projects,” 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday on DIY.
••“Burn Notice,” 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday on USA Network.
••“Psych,” 5 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Jan. 24 on Sleuth.

 Pictured above: HUMAN TARGET: Christopher Chance (Mark Valley) is a unique private contractor hired to protect his clients from dangerous and imminent threats in the new action-drama HUMAN TARGET airing with a special preview event Sunday,  Jan. 17 on FOX.  CR: Justin Stephens/FOX

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Penny TV

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

  
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Dec. 27.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

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

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

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

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

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Top 55 TV Programs for Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 2010

 Sunday’s Oklahoman,
which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Dec. 27:

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

SUNDAY, DEC. 27
◊“Augustus Saint-Gaudens: Master of American Sculpture” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Victor Garber (“Alias”) narrates this documentary that tells the story of the sculpture’s life. It also offers in-depth studies of five of his major works of art including the Standing Lincoln in Lincoln Park, Chicago.
◊“Brothers” (6 p.m. on Fox): Season 1 concludes with back-to-back episodes. In “Girls, Girls, Girls,” Adele sets Chill up on a blind date with a social worker from her school. In “Follow the Story,” a writer from a sports magazine comes to Houston for a story about Mike and spends time getting to know the Trainors.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team tries to determine if a homeless and severely delusional  paranoid schizophrenic killed his former psychiatrist by arson in 2004 before he dropped out of college and fully lost his grip of reality. Billy Lush (“The Black Donnellys”) and Jacqueline Obradors (“NYPD Blue”) guest star. Songs recorded by John Lennon are featured throughout the episode.
◊“Everest: Beyond the Limit” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Follow climbers in their quest to make it to the top of the world’s highest mountain in this series, which returns for its third season with three back-to-back episodes.
◊“Jesse Stone: Thin Ice” (7 p.m. on CBS): In this 2009 mystery, Jesse Stone (Tom Selleck), police chief in the little town of Paradise, Mass., accidentally becomes involved in a shootout on a Boston street that leaves a friend and fellow cop seriously wounded and causes him to be away from paradise for extended periods of time.
◊“Nick News: Kids to the Rescue” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This installment features stories of children and celebrities who are trying to save abandoned pets. Celebrities doing something about the hundreds of thousands of cats and dogs left at shelters due to economic problems include Lance Bass, Sophia Bush, Tony Hawk, Bonnie Hunt and Tiffani Thiessen.
◊“Three Sheets: New Year’s Eve in London” (9 p.m. on FLN): Host Zane Lamprey explores London’s bar scene on a New Year’s Eve adventure full of British classics and international delights. He learns how to make a “true” martini at Ian Fleming’s favorite bar, then downs a $100 tequila shot and a “bunny with a gun” – a rum and absinthe drink served in a fishbowl.
◊“The Sound of Music” (6 p.m. on ABC): Julie Andrews’ voice fills the hills in this Oscar winning musical based on the true story of Austria’s singing Von Trapp family. Her character, Maria, governess to a wealthy naval officer’s (Christopher Plummer) children, captures all their hearts, brings music into their lives and helps them flee the Nazis.
◊“Witness: The Kidnapping of Patty Hearst” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This two-hour documentary will chronicle the 1974 capture and holding of Patricia Hearst, heiress to the Hearst media empire, by the Symbionese Liberation Army, a radical left-wing terrorist group with a violent past.

MONDAY, DEC. 28, 2009
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): “Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind ‘Little Women’” is a film biography about the celebrated author that stars Elizabeth Marvel (three-time Obie winner) as Alcott and Jane Alexander (Tony winner) as Alcott’s first biographer, Ednah Dow Cheney. Interwoven with dramatic scenes are interviews with Alcott scholars.
◊“Anjelah Johnson: That’s How We Do It” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Filmed on location at the Verizon Wireless Theater in Houston, Texas, the comedienne reminisces about sneaking into night clubs at 14, never getting past the white belt in Karate and killing people with kindness.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): A train trip to San Francisco takes a major detour when Leonard, Sheldon, Wolowitz and Raj discover that actress Summer Glau (“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) is onboard. Nobel Laureate Dr. George Smoot, father of the Big Bang Theory of Creation, makes a cameo appearance.
◊“Broken Noses” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary by fashion photographer Bruce Weber follows former Golden Gloves boxing champion Andy Minsker as he mentors teens as a boxing club in Portland and reveals troublesome aspects of his youth.
◊“Motor City Motors” (9 p.m. Monday on Discovery): This new series focuses on Dave and Jamie Kaye, founders of Detroit Bros. Custom Cycles. With dad John, the brothers tap into other Detroit-based talent to assemble builders and specialists to push the boundaries of automotive engineering and create one-of-a-kind vehicles.  
◊“Olivia! The Munn-der Years” (6 p.m. on G4): Actress Olivia Munn, who was born in Oklahoma City and stars in “Greek.”,  exposes the truth about her costume addiction, the hot sauce scandal and her first music video appearance.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): One of Charlie’s old partners in crime dies, leaving Charlie to reevaluate his own reckless lifestyle. Emilio Estevez (“The Breakfast Club”) and James Earl Jones (“The Great White Hope”) guest star.

TUESDAY, DEC. 29, 2009
◊“The 32nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors” (8 p.m. on CBS): Filmmaker Mel Brooks, composer Dave Brubeck, opera singer Grace Bumbry, actor Robert De Niro and singer Bruce Springsteen are honored in a star-studded gala from Washington, D.C., as performers from Hollywood and the arts capitals of the world pay tribute.
◊“Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmed over four years, “Scenes From a Parish” opens as the Rev. Paul O’Brien arrives at St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence, Mass. The young priest finds ethnic tensions churning in a working-class community. The story unfolds as both Father O’Brien and his flock struggle to hold fast to their faith in the face of dire circumstances.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the death of a Marine, the team finds themselves intertwined in an inner city gang war. Muse Watson (“Prison Break”) guest stars.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): On the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species,” this installment reveals answers to the riddles that Darwin couldn’t explain.
◊“One Big Happy Family” (8 p.m. on TLC): This new series follows the Coles family. Mom, dad, daughter and son are each over 300 pounds. But as big as they are, their love for each other is bigger.
◊“Outer Space Astronauts” (10 p.m. on Syfy): In the fall finale, a younger Amos arrives on the ship and the crew becomes plagued by equipment problems, oxygen depletion and radioactive teeth.
◊“Rudolph’s Shiny New Year” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this 1976 animated special, Father Time (voiced by narrator Red Skelton) asks the most famous reindeer of all, Rudolph, to find the next Baby New Year before midnight on New Year’s Eve. The baby, named Happy, ran away because he was ridiculed by everyone he met due to his large ears.
◊“Web Soup: 2009 Golden Download Awards” (6 p.m. on G4): Chris Hardwick (“Halloween II”) hosts this special that honor the year’s most hilarious and insane viral videos in an array of categories such as finest achievement in webcam ranting and finest achievement in almost killing yourself. Viewers can also expect hilarious comedy skits and lots of exciting guest stars. 
 
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 30, 2009
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): In this rebroadcast of the show’s 100th episode, the team tackles their most unusual case yet: two murder victims within two weeks, both named “Mac Taylor.”  Now, Det. Mac Taylor, and 15 others with the same moniker, must determine the killer’s motive before they strike again. Guest stars include Chris Daughtry (“American Idol”), Julia Ormond (“Beach Girls”) and Rumer Willis (“Sorority Row”).
◊“Eastwick” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): When the ladies make a pact never to reveal what they did to Jamie, they realize they must go their separate ways. And sparks fly between Kat and her hot new neighbor, single dad Colin (Jerry O’Connell, “Crossing Jordan”), who has come to Eastwick with his young son Gene and a dark secret.
◊“Happy New Year, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this animated special, the Peanuts gang is ringing in 1986 and Marcie and Peppermint Patty are throwing a big New Year’s Eve bash. Charlie Brown plans to celebrate the holiday by curling up with a big book that weighs nearly as much as he does: Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.”
◊“The Imploders” (9 p.m. on TLC): In this new series, Eric and Lisa travel to Phoenix to bring down the 10-story Qwest Tower. There are hazards everywhere and Eric risks his life to bring it down safely using 235 pounds of explosive.
◊“P.O.V.” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new documentary “Patti Smith: Dream of Life” offers an intimate portrait of the singer, poet and artist. It features rare performances clips and is narrated by Smith, who celebrates her 63rd birthday today. The film was shot over the course of 11 years by fashion photographer Steven Sebring.
◊“The Real World: D.C.” (9 p.m. on MTV): This season brings together eight strangers in the nation’s capital. They are driven by their passions to make a change both personally and professionally while having their voices heard.

THURSDAY, DEC. 31, 2009
◊“10 Years in the Making” (7 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Carl Quintanilla hosts this special that takes a look at the major achievements, innovations, staggering numbers, technological advancements, highlights, heroes and zeroes over the last 10 years. It will look at how far we’ve come over the last 10 years and how we continue to grow and achieve.
◊“Billboard’s New Year’s Eve Live” (11 p.m. on Fox): This special will capture electrifying moments from Las Vegas and New York City,  showcase memorable performances from the historic Billboard Music Awards and count down the Top 5 of the year in music, movies and television. Joining the celebration will be Eva Longoria Parker (“Desperate Housewives”), who invites viewers inside the grand opening of her new Las Vegas Latin steakhouse, Beso, and nightclub, Eve; and Carmen Electra (“Baywatch”), who is hosting a New Year’s Eve beach party in Las Vegas.
◊“Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Years Eve With Ryan Seacrest” (9 p.m. on ABC): The 38th annual event hosted by Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest includes 3-and-a-half hours of special performances and reports on New Year’s celebrations from around the globe. Jennifer Lopez and Daughtry will perform live from Time Square while The Black Eyed Peas, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber and Colbie Caillat will perform from the new Aria at City Center in Las Vegas.  Fergie (“Nine”) hosts the party segments from Las Vegas and “Good Morning America” correspondent Melissa Rycroft will report from Time Square.
◊“Edwin San Juan’s Pacific Rim Comedy” (7 p.m. on Showtime): Filipino comedian Edwin San Juan hosts this special featuring several of the best Asian comedians, including Joey Guila, from San Francisco, Bernadette Balagtas from the Philippines, Ron Josol from Canada, Dan Gabriel from Los Angeles and Paul Ogata from Hawaii.
◊“Goin’ Native: The Indian Comedy Slam” (9:05 p.m. on Showtime): Hosted by Native American comedian Charlie Hill, this special showcases some of the world’s best Native American Indian comedians — Charlie Hill, Larry Omaha, Howie Miller, as well as four up-and-comers making their mark on the Native American comedy scene: Marc Yaffee, Jim Rule, Vaughn Eagle Bear and JR Redwater.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Baritone Thomas Hampson helps new music director Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic usher in the new year with an all-American program that includes George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” and Aaron Copland’s “Old American Songs,” along with numbers from several Broadway musicals. Alec Baldwin hosts.
◊“Maz Jobrani: Brown & Friendly” (8 p.m. on Showtime): Maz Jobrani, an Iranian-American actor, writer and comedian, takes pride in breaking down stereotypes about Iranians and the Middle East in general and tackles everything from politics, race, religion, and stereotypes.
◊“Medium” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Allison begins having visions of strange symbols, she thinks it could be the after-effects from her brain surgery, but those symbols might
hold the key to discovering the identity of a notorious serial killer. Fisher Stevens (“Early Edition”) guest stars as Neal Greybridge, Allison’s Acquaintance from Physical Therapy.
◊“NBC’s New Year’s Eve With Carson Daly” (9 p.m. on NBC): Carson Daly (“Last Call With Carson Daly”) will host this two-hour special beginning in primetime and continuing at 10:30 p.m. with the countdown to 2010. Grammy winners Rihanna and Green Day are scheduled to perform live, and will perform live from New York City, and Natalie Morales (“Today”) and Alison Stewart (“As the World Turns”) will help Daly’s coverage of the celebration with live reports from Times Square.
◊“New Year. No Limits” (10 p.m. on ESPN): Action sports star Travis Pastrana, who has won four consecutive Rally America championships and nine X Games gold medals, attempts to shatter the car distance jump record of 171 feet by jumping his rally car off the Pine Street Pier onto a floating barge anchored in Long Beach, Calif’s Rainbow Harbor.
◊“New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin” (10 p.m. on CNN): Anderson Cooper (“Anderson Cooper 360″) will host live coverage of the New Year’s Eve celebration in New York City’s Times Square, while Kathy Griffin (“My Life on the D-List”) reports live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas with singer Lance Bass. Also helping with the coverage will be CNN anchor Don Lemon and CNNMoney.com’s Poppy Harlow in Time Square, correspondent Gary Tuchman at the annual Midnight Run in New York City’s Central Park, senior White House correspondent Ed Henry in Honolulu and correspondent John Zarrella in Key West, Florida.
◊“Rebels With a Cause: The Story of the American Football League” (6 p.m. on HBO): Hall of Fame member John Madden, who coached the Oakland Raiders to their Super Bowl XI victory, served as creative consultant for this 1995 documentary. It offers a retrospective look at the league that changed the face of pro football during its 10-year history.
◊“Top 9 on ’09″ (10 p.m. on MTV): When a major moment happened in 2009, people hit the web for continual story updates.  Nine stories drew interest to the internet more than any others. Host Adrienne Bailon, along with co-hosts Shailene Woodley (“The Secret Life of the American Teenager”), Josi Loren (“Make It or Break It”) and the cast of “Jersey Shore” and “The Buried Life,” take viewers through a one-hour countdown of the nine biggest stories of 2009.
◊“Top 10 Performances of 2009″ (7 p.m. on MTV): Hosts will guide viewers through a 30-minute countdown  featuring highlights from the MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Movie Awards, Ulalume Festival, Woodie Awards, MTV Spring Break and more.

FRIDAY JANUARY 1, 2010
◊“The 121st Tournament of Roses Parade” (10 a.m. on NBC, ABC, Travel, HGTV and Hallmark Channel): Al Roker (“Today”) and Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”) reunite for the ninth year to co-host NBC’s live, high-definition coverage of the parade from Pasadena, Calif. Hosting Hallmark Channel’s commercial-free coverage are Bob Eubanks (“The Newlywed Game”) and Stephanie Edwards (“The Girl With Something Extra”). With a 2010 theme of “A Cut Above The Rest,” the parade will pay tribute to everyday heroes and those who strive to make every effort better than the last.  Serving as this year’s Grand Marshal will be Captain Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III, the heroic pilot who masterfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 on New York City’s Hudson River after its two engines lost thrust following a bird strike.
◊“The Antonio Treatment” (9:30 p.m. on HGTV): Antonio Ballatore, the 2009 HGTV “Design Star” winner, brings his unabashed personality and rock n’ roll infused perspective to spaces that are in desperate need of stylistic salvation. This is a sneak peek at the new series that is scheduled to premiere in March.
◊“Brian Boitano Skating Spectacular” (3 p.m. on NBC): Olympic gold metal figure skater Brian Boitano presents a theatrically charged two-hour special backed by a live performance from musical guest Chicago. Featured skaters include Michael Weiss, Yuka Sato, Kimmie Meissner, Alissa Czisny, Steven Cousins, and pairs Elena Leonova and Andrei Khvalko and Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon.
◊“Curb Appeal: The Block” (1 p.m. on HGTV):  Designer John Gidding, contractor Chip Wade and project manager Kimberly Lacy head to Atlanta for Season 4. In each episode they will  overhaul one home’s exterior with a makeover so dramatic it is no longer considered the neighborhood eyesore. They will also make their way up and down the street to repaint front doors, add window boxes and provide smaller-scale makeovers that create instant impact and increase the value of the entire block. The show will air in its regular time slot swtarting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
◊“Design Interns” (3 p.m. on HGTV): This new series gives 12 recent interior design graduates the chance to compete for a coveted year-long internship at a renowned interior design firm in Toronto, Canada. While challenges focus on real projects for real clients, each candidate will have to prove their worth at the firm in order to jumpstart their career in the real world of design. It will air in its regular tine slot starting at 9 p.m. Saturday.
◊“Disaster House” (11 a.m. on DIY): In the first of five new episodes airing during the network’s all-day “Disaster House” marathon, a car drives through a front doore, animals create havoc in an attic and a hosue is swept away by an avalanche. Other new episodes will air at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
◊“DocTalk” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This new series will feature in-depth looks into the world of documentary film, featuring one on one interviews with the
filmmakers and scenes from their films. The premiere episode will showcase Michael Jackson’s “This Is It,” Michael Moore’s “Capitalism: A Love Story,” Rock Guitar Saga “It Might Get Loud” and “Zombie Girl: The Movie.”
◊“First Time Design” (2 p.m. on HGTV): This new series offers viewers the opportunity to bring their design vision to life for a real client. Along the way, a popular HGTV designer, such as Vern Yip, David Bromstad, and Lisa LaPorta, will offer professional advice to each amateur designer as he or she deals with client demands, time management and budget constraints. It will air in its regular time slot starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Melinda and Sam go on a road trip into his past and end up in trouble, from bar fights to disruptive ghosts, and Melinda comes face-to-face with the biggest threat yet to her romantic hopes. Terri Polo (“Meet the Parents”) and Dan Castellenata (“The Simpsons”) guest star.
◊“Great Performances” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Julie Andrews hosts “From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2010,” the 26th annual gala with the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of conductor Georges Pretre. The program features a festive collection of waltzes by the Strauss family.
◊“Hatin’ on ’09″ (1 p.m. on MTV): This 30-minute pop culture comedy clip show executive produced by Nick Cannon (“All That”) features a diverse group of today’s funniest comedians sharing their outspoken views on 2009’s biggest stories. The comedians, known as haters, will look back on the biggest celebrity gossip, television, movie, music, and web stories of the year, sometimes alone, and sometimes in heated debates.  The haters Donnell Rawlings, Red Grant, Michelle Buteau, Eric Andre, Ali Wong, Maronzio Vance, Nore Davis, Tiffany Haddish and Charlemagne the God & Lil Duval.
◊“HGTV Dream Home 2010″ (8 p.m. on HGTV): Get an insider’s peek at the fully furnished custom-designed home that will be awarded to one lucky viewer in March. Located in Sandia Park along the Turquoise Trail between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico, the 3,900 square-foot home mixes Southwestern architecture with modern design.
◊“Jake Johannsen: I Love You” (8:30 p.m. on Showtime): Self-professed king of weird stories, Jake Johannsen, brings his hilarious insight and unique delivery to this new stand-up comedy special. The Iowa native waxes about everything from the hand sanitizer generation to the right approach to sneezing to the unique tax issues facing traveling comedians to “tapping out” during fights with your spouse. 
◊“MTV’s Top 20 Under 25″ (noon on MTV): Miranda Cosgrove (“iCarly”) hosts this special that looks at 20 young stars under age 25 who should be watched in 2010. It includes entertainment stars from music, television, movies and sports and focuses on the young celebrities’ achievements, struggles and other happenings in 2009.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The investigation into a professor’s death takes a dangerous turn when the team finds that their lead suspect has ties to a radical animal rights group. Polly Walker (“Rome”) and Michael Stahl-David (“Cloverfield”) guest star.
◊“The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie” (9 p.m. on HGTV): This stand-alone half hour makeover show is hosted by popular Aussie landscape expert and author Jamie Durie, who transforms one lucky homeowner’s uninspired backyard into a spectacular and sophisticated outdoor room using the world’s most amazing gardens and architectural elements as his inspiration. It will air in its regular time slot starting at 8 p.m. Saturday.
◊“The Squeeze” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This new law enforcement documentary series examines how America’s biggest jail (Cook County in Illinois) is also a key weapon in fighting crime on Chicago’s streets.

SATURDAY, JAN. 2, 2010
◊2010 Under Armour All-America High School Football Game (2 p.m. on ESPNU): A total of 89 players, including wide receiver Demarco Cobbs from Tulsa Central, were selected to play in the second annual game that will air live from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. Joining Cobbs on Team Blur being coached by former NFL coach Ted Marchibroda, will be linebacker Shaun Lewis from Texas, who is going to OSU, and quarterback Blake Bell from Kansas, who is going to OU.
◊“Demons” (9 p.m. on BBC America): This new series that takes a contemporary spin on the legacy of Bram Stoker’s Dracula witnesses the rise of the dark underworld of half-lives, monsters and in-humans that lie deep beneath the streets of modern-day London. Philip Glenister (“Life on Mars”) stars as the straight-talking American Rupert Galvin mandated to inspire the last descendent of Van Helsing (Christian Cooke, “Doctor Who”) to join forces and commit to living a double life.
◊“Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two” (7 p.m. on BBC America): The Doctor faces the end of his life as the Master’s plans hurtle out of control. With the sound of drums growing louder and an ancient trap closing around the Earth, the Doctor and Wilf must fight alone.
◊“How Do I Look?” (7 p.m. on Style Network): Fashion expert Jeannie Mai returns for a new season of helping guide the fashion flawed toward a brand new look and brighter outlook on life.
◊“I Get That A Lot” (7 p.m. on CBS): This special that originally aired on April Fool’s Day features celebrities pulling pranks on everyday people. Celebrities working ordinary jobs to confuse customers are Jessica Simpson (“The Dukes of Hazzard”), Heidi Klum (“Project Runway”), Jeff Probst (“Survivor”), Ice-T (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), Mario Lopez (“Extra”) and Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes.
◊“It’s Me or the Dog” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell returns for a second season of helping families overcome mind-boggling bad behavior.
◊“Underdog to Wonderdog” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): The Wonder Team takes their dramatic canine rescues to a new level for Season 2. Led by rescue coordinator Ryan Smith, the team invests themselves into the rescue and rehabilitation of shelter dogs as they attempt to match them with the perfect family. Smith is joined by professional dog trainer and author Andrea Arden; grooming and styling extraordinaire Ali McLennan; and the show’s canine carpenter, David Leon, who builds dream homes for the lucky new adoptees.
◊“What I Hate About Me” (8 p.m. on Style Network): Lisa Arch (“Clean House”) hosts this new makeover series that helps women tackle the 10 things they dislike most about themselves. After each confession, Arch is joined by a specialized expert and the pair work together to present the participant with an easy solution in a thoughtful and constructive way.

–Penny TV

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Top 55 TV Programs for Dec. 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 Dec. 20:
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)

SUNDAY, DEC. 20, 2009
◊“Addicted to Psychics” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special focuses on people who cannot eat, sleep of move without consulting a psychic. In the premiere episode, discover the secret world of Gabby, the psychic hotline addict who can not find peace until she gets her regular psychic fix. And watch as self-confessed psychic junkie Susie consults her readers on matters from real estate deals to what designer shoes to buy.
◊“Christmas in Washington” (7 p.m. on TNT): George Lopez hosts the 28th holiday event that is annually attended by the President and First Lady and benefits the National Children’s Medical Center. Scheduled performers include Mary J. Blige, Neil Diamond, Sugarland, Rob Thomas and Usher. This marks the 28th event overall and 11th broadcast on TNT.
◊“Future 2025″ (9 p.m. on MSNBC): The third installment of MSNBC’s four-part environmental series will focus on the most desperate — but rarely discussed — crisis currently facing our global landscape: the severe threat to our water supply due to global warming and vast population growth. 
◊“The Gigantic World of Epics” (7 p.m. on TCM): This special looks at Hollywood’s biggest screen spectaculars from all sides, including the genre’s beginnings, literary adaptations, great epic directors and actors, the challenges of making big-budget movies, classic set-pieces and epic music scores.
◊“History in HD: The Last Bomb” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This special documents one of the 21st Bomber Command’s long distance, low altitude, daylight strikes over Tokyo during the spring and summer of 1945. This rare Technicolor film, transferred to stunning HD, covers the mission in its entirety – from General Curtis Lemay’s initial planning stage, through fighter action and “bomb’s away,” and finally to final touchdown back at the base on Iwo Jima.
◊“Kendra: Here Comes Baby” (8 p.m. on E!): This holiday special follows reality star Kendra Wilkinson (“Kendra”) who is expecting her first child with her new husband, Indianapolis Colts football player Hank Baskett. They are busy trying to settle into their new life before becoming parents.  The baby is coming quickly, but the nursery is still in shambles, and the couple can’t seem to decide between baby blue and Colt blue for their future wide receiver.
◊“Nature: Christmas in Yellowstone” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other.
◊“She Survived That … Pregnant?” (8 p.m. on TLC): Four pregnant women face the most harrowing moment of their lives and leave their unborn babies hanging in the balance.
◊“Two Weeks in Hell” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This two-hour special reveals the grueling Green Beret Special Forces selection process. Over 14 days, a candidate’s true character is exposed through physical and mental challenges. Sixty percent of the candidates will not last the two weeks — and passing this test is just for the opportunity to start real Green Beret training.
◊“White House Christmas” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Designer Genevieve Gorder offers viewers an insider’s look at how dozens of volunteers find inspiration in this year’s decor theme, “Reflect, Rejoice, Renew,” to give the White House a traditional yet fresh and eco-friendly transformation for the holidays. During the one-hour special, President Barack Obama and his family light the National Christmas Tree in a special ceremony.
◊“With All Due Respect” (9 p.m. on HLN): This roundtable discussion on the biggest stories of 2009 is hosted by HLN anchor Robin Meade and features TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley, TBS MLB analyst Dennis Eckersley and TNT NASCAR analyst Kyle Petty giving their opinions on topics ranging from sports to world news, entertainment and current events.

MONDAY, DEC. 21, 2009
◊“ABC World News” (5:30 p.m. on ABC): Diane Sawyer (“Good Morning America”) anchors the newscast today and Tuesday. She is replacing former anchor Charles Gibson, who has retired. Sawyer will permanently take over the anchor spot in January.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): In this episode directed by series creator James Duff, Mary McDonnell reprises her guest role as Capt. Raydor, with whom Brenda forms an unlikely partnership to close an emotional murder case.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs make a shocking discovery about their murder victim, while Horatio tries to save his son from Julia’s erratic behavior. Elizabeth Berkley (“The L Word”) guest stars as Julia.
◊“Find My Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, the search team lends a helping hand to a grieving daughter in search of her birth mother after losing her adoptive mother to ovarian cancer. The team gives her news she never could have expected.
◊“Great Performances: Nutcracker” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi hosts this broadcast of the San Francisco Ballet’s production of “Nutcracker.” It s reset during the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exhibition.
◊“I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!” (7 p.m. on ABC): This 2003 animated special reunites the updated Peanuts gang and the yuletide season. It centers on ReRun, the younger brother of Linus and Lucy, who asks Snoopy to invite his canine brother Spike to come for a visit during Christmas break.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio: Kate Hudson” (6 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton interviews Kate Hudson, who without relying on her personal role as the daughter of Goldie Hawn has become a notable presence on the big screen over the past 10 years.
◊“Little Chocolatiers” (8 p.m. on TLC): Meet the Hatches, little people who own a chocolate shop in Salt Lake City. Watch as Steve and Katie attempt to produce 600 chocolate dice for a casino night party and build a life-sized all-chocolate flower garden for a couples’s fifth anniversary.
◊“Make My Day” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Each episode of this laugh-filled hidden camera series follows a clueless participant who is enjoying a day filled with lucky coincidences and even chance encounters with favorite celebrities, never guessing for a second the whole thing is set up by the show’s production team.
◊“Rufus Wainwright: Prima Donna” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This special chronicles the career of musician Rufus Wainwright as he tackles his grandest project yet: mounting his first classical opera “Prima Donna.”
◊“Search for the Star of Bethlehem” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This special unveils how modern science is re-examining the mystery behind the Star of Bethehem. Recent developments in computer technology are allowing astronomers, historians and scientists to map the ancient world’s star with exceptional accuracy.
◊“The Sing-Off” (7 p.m. on NBC): Nick Lachey (“Charmed”) hosts this live finale in which viewer votes decide which a cappella group wins the $100,000 prize and an Epic Records/Sony recording contract.
◊“Top Gear Polar Special” (7 p.m. on BBC America): In this special, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond set out on a 450 mile land race in the the vehicles of their choice from the town of Resolute in Northern Canada to the magnetic North Pole.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Jake disappears with the daughter of Charlie’s neighbor, a former NFL player, and Charlie is left to cover his back. Meanwhile, Alan scores a hot date with the help of Charlie’s Mercedes. Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) guest stars.
◊“Unlikely Angel” (2 p.m. on ABC Family): This 1996 movie stars Dolly Parton as a brassy lounge singer who accidentally drives her car off a cliff. She meets St. Peter (Roddy McDowell) at the Pearly Gates, and he sends her back because she hasn’t earned her wings.
◊“World Chocolate Championship” (9 p.m. on TLC): Nineteen of the best chocolatiers in the world assemble in Paris to compete for the title of World Chocolate Master. These elite pastry chefs must use all their skills, creativity and cunning to impress judges in five mouthweatering categories.

TUESDAY, DEC. 22, 2009
◊“The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this encore presentation, viewers can catch up with contestants from the previous seven seasons. Danny Cahill from Broken Arrow won Season 8.
◊“Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special” (7 p.m. on Fox): In this encore presentation, the Grammy-winning and multiplatinum country singer performs holiday songs and selections from her albums. Performers joining Underwood onstage include Kristin Chenoweth, David Cook, Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley.
◊“Chelsea Lately Bloopers” (9:30 p.m. on E!): This is the first of three comedy specials highlighting hilarious outtakes and never-before-seen moments from Cheslea Handler’s latenight series.
◊“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 (“Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars as the train company’s very pregnant attorney.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): While stuck working on a case over Christmas, the team searches for a suspect presumed dead…and begins to discover some startling personal revelations. Peter Coyote (“The 4400″) guest stars.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): Departing from the show’s regular format, host Bryant Gumbel leads correspondents Mary Carillo, Frank Deford, Jon Frankel, Bernard Goldberg and Andrea Kremer in a spirited roundtable discussion of 2009, touching on everything from favorite stories of the year to the interviews and pieces that had the greatest impact on them.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23, 2009
◊“The 11th Annual A Home for the Holidays With Faith Hill” (7 p.m. on CBS): Grammy and Country Music Association Award winner Faith Hill headlines this holiday special that celebrates the joys of adoption from the perspectives of the adoptive families and the children who finally have found stable homes. Joining Hill are musicians Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Mary J. Blige, Michael Franti and Shakira. Jenna Elfman (“Accidentally on Purpose”) and Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) are among the celebrities presenting inspirational stories about adoption.
◊“Christmas at Belmont” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Country music singer Trisha Yearwood hosts this annual concert at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The three-time Grammy winner will be joined by Belmont University’s 10-voice, pop, R&B, rock, and alternative ensemble, Phoenix;  female a cappella ensemble, Session;  12-voice, Blues, Swing, Bebop and contemporary jazz group, Jazzmin;  and Women’s Choir.  Yearwood graduated from Belmont in 1987 and now lives in Owasso with husband Garth Brooks.
◊“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC): The 1966 animated holiday story based on the classic children’s book by Dr. Seuss takes viewers inside a snowflake to Whoville, the magical land of the Whos. But high above this holiday-loving town resides the Grinch, a hateful creature with a heart three sizes too small, who despises Christmas and plots to steal it from the Whos.
◊“E! Entertainment Special: Jonas Brothers” (9 p.m. on E!): Through intimate interviews with brothers Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas, as well as those who know them best, this special uncovers the phenomenon surrounding these gifted performers.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Will thinks the glee club desperately needs more of an edge, so he brings in his former classmate, April Rhodes (Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies”), to spice things up. Will’s plan seems to be going smoothly until he realizes he may be losing a key member of the club.
◊“Mega-Tsunami: 5 Years Later” (7 p.m. on TLC): This special about the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami is told almost entirely through amateur archive footage that delivers a powerful story of confusion and panic, heartbreak and heroism, death and survival.
◊“Mercy” (8 p.m. on NBC): As her secret affair with Dr. Sands becomes less and less a secret, Veronica takes a cue from a cancer patient and contemplates coming clean to her husband. Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men”), Ann Meara (“The King of Queens”) and Jerry Stiller (“The King of Queens”) guest star.
◊“Sports Jobs With Junior Seau” (9 p.m. on Versus): The pressure is on as Junior learns how to jack up the car, fill it with gas and change the tires — and do it all to have Scott Dixon’s car back on track in seven seconds.

THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 2009
◊“2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This encore presentation features floats, marching bands and Santa Claus coming down the Tinseltown parade route. Susan Lucci (“”) is the 2009 Grand Marshal.
◊“American Story” (7 p.m. on MSNBC): Journalist Bob Dotson (former KFOR-4 reporter and producer) hosts this special that highlights the extraordinary lives of ordinary Americans throughout the United States. For more than three decades, Bob Dotson has been traveling this country uncovering the stories of people who are practically invisible, the ones who quietly change our lives, but who don’t seek fame or fortune.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Angela’s psychic, Avalon Harmonia (Cyndi Lauper, “Vibes”), reveals while reading Angela’s tarot cards that there are multiple bodies buried under a Washington, D.C. fountain. Angela shares the information with Brennan and Booth, but they’re both a little skeptical considering the source.
◊“Christmas at The Cathedral – Beacon of Hope” (12:05 a.m. on CBS): This special features highlights from the concert series at St. Joseph Cathedral, the seat of the diocese which covers 35,000 square miles east of the Missouri River. The event filled with music and song focuses on the universal story of the Prince of Peace.  A prayerful message and Christmas blessing will be lead by the Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, The Most Reverend Paul J. Swain.
◊“Courgar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): A very wealthy potential home buyer (Scott Foley, “Felicity”) feigns interest in an overpriced home in order to get Jules’ attention.  Meanwhile, Ellie begrudgingly leaves the baby with Andy for a day to prove to herself that she trusts her husband.
◊“CSI: NY” (7 p.m. on CBS): Mac informs an ex-con that he served time for a crime he didn’t commit, and Anna tells Danny “it’s time” for the first CSI baby to be born. Charles S. Dutton (“Threshold”) and Mare Winningham (“Clubhouse”) guest star.
◊“Faith Hill, Joy to the World: A Soundstage Special Event” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Singer Faith Hill, backed by an orchestra led by conductor David Campbell, presents favorites from her holiday album “Joy to the World.”
◊“The Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special” (9 p.m. on BBC America): Last season ended with Gavin and Stacey reuniting after a difficult separation and happily celebrating the birth of Smithy and Nessa’s baby. Now it’s Christmas Eve and Stacey’s family decide to join Gavin’s for one of his dad’s famous turkey dinners. The British series returns for Season 3 next year.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (9 p.m. on ABC): As Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s pass, Miranda is visited by her father, who disapproves of her choices in life; meanwhile, Mark and Lexie must cope with the shocking arrival of a woman from his past, and Thatcher Grey questions the Chief’s recent behavior as Meredith comes to his defense. Frankie Faison (“Silence of the Lambs”) and Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest star.
◊“It’s a Wonderful Life” (7 p.m. on NBC): This special presentation of director Frank Capra’s 1946 film will be described for the blind and visually impaired by former President George Bush. His descriptions will inform the viewer of what is occurring on the screen, filling in blanks where no dialogue or other sounds tell viewers what is happening.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Christmas is in full swing at the Dunphy house until the kids get in some trouble and Phil and Claire threaten to take away Christmas until one of them fesses up. Meanwhile, Jay struggles with wanting to stick to his holiday traditions while Gloria and Manny want to incorporate some of their Colombian practices. Fred Willard (“Best in Show”) guest stars as Phil’s dad.
◊“Raising the Bar” (7 p.m. on TNT): The canceled legal drama will conclude its two season run with a three-episode marathon.

FRIDAY, DEC. 25, 2009
◊“America’s Children’s Holiday Parade” (8 a.m. on OETA-13): Mark Curry (“Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper”) hosts the 2009 parade featuring children’s favorites appearing as giant ballons and characters waiving from floats. This event in downtown Oakland, Calif., is produced by renowned parade professionals and has a complete focus on children.
◊“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Encore presentation of a classic episode from Christmas 2007.
“Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” (9 a.m. on ABC): The 26th annual parade hosted by Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) at Walt Disney World and Ryan Seacrest (“American Idol”) at Disneyland will feature performances by the Jonas Brothers (“Jonas”), Demi Lovato (“Sonny With a Chance”), Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”), Kris Allen (“American Idol:) and Grammy winners Celine Dion and Stevie Wonder.
◊“Don’t You Forget About Me” (5:40 p.m. on Encore): This documentary follows a group of young filmmakers searching for director John Hughes. It was filmed a year before his untimely death and includes appearances by Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Andrew McCarthy, Kevin Smith, Alan Ruck, Kelly LeBrock, Justin Henry, Roger Ebert, Jason Reitman and Richard Roeper.
◊“Forbes’ Most Bankable Stars” (7:30 p.m. on E!): The experts at Forbes came up with a formula that determined how much money, on average, an actor/actress earned for every $1 he/she was paid. And this special counts down the 10 men and 10 women Hollywood can count on to rake in the big bucks at the box office without breaking the bank.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Melinda helps a family in turmoil after a freak accident.  Meanwhile, Delia has her first haunting and discovers why sometimes it’s easier to be a skeptic than a believer. Sharon Lawrence (“NYPD Blue”) guest star.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison works on a seemingly routine missing persons case, but her dreams lead her to suspect that the missing woman’s children may have something to do with her disappearance.  Also, Joe’s sister moves in when she thinks her husband is cheating. Guest stars include James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”), Morena Baccarin (“V”) and Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team has only hours to investigate a last-minute tip that could exonerate a dangerous mob boss on the eve of his execution. Meanwhile, Charlie’s attempt to help the CalSci basketball team break their incredible losing streak leads to some interesting outside help. Gina Gershon (“Face/Off”) and Los Angeles Lakers players Pau Gasol and Jordan Farmar guest star.
◊“The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Encore presentation of a Christmas 2008 episode.
◊“Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas” (7 p.m. on NBC): This encore presentation features guest appearances by Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, as well as sketches with troublemaker Gilly (played by Kristen Wiig) and holiday-themed sketches from the show’s 35-year history.
◊“Til Death” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): When Eddie and Joy pay a visit to his parents in Florida, Eddie discovers that his parents are planning to divorce in order to qualify for medical insurance. Eddie refuses to accept the idea and tries to convince his mother (Valerie Harper, “Valerie”) that it’s a bad decision to put his father (Jerry Adler, “Rescue Me”) back on the market .
◊“The Young and the Restless” (11:30 a.m. on CBS): Encore presentation of a classic episode from Christmas 2003.

SATURDAY, DEC. 26, 2009
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): In the Season 3 premiere, host Claire Robinson cooks up a no-fuss cocktail party menue perfect for any gathering. She prepares bite-sized Beef Wellington, sweet and spicy cocktail nuts, shortbread and a classy cocktail.
◊“Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part One” (8 p.m. on BBC America): It’s the Tenth Doctor’s final journey, but his psychotic nemesis the Master has been reborn on Christmas Eve. With both determined to cheat death, the battle ranges from the wastelands of London to the mysterious Immortality Gate. Meanwhile, the alien race Ood warn of an even greater danger approaching.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Detectives Benson and Stabler arrive on the scene of a single murder, they discover two more dead bodies in the apartment next door. Carol Burnett (“The Carol Burnett Show”) and Matthew Lillard (“The Pool Boys”) guest star.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Host Suze Orman celebrates with a new “best calls you’ve never heard,” plus a look back at her year in jackets.
◊“Three Sheets: New Year’s Eve in New York” (8 p.m. on FLN): This special introduces viewers to the premier bar scenes in the city that never sleeps, so drink and be merry with host Zane Lamprey who takes being “spirited” to a whole new level.

–Penny TV

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Top 55 TV Programs for Dec. 13-19, 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 Dec. 13:

(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)

SUNDAY, DEC. 13, 2009
◊“Brothers” (6 p.m. on Fox): With the help of cousin Kenny’s (Snoop Dogg, “Old School”) legal aid, Coach’s brother Maurice is released from jail and arrives at the Trainors’ home to spend time with the family. And Jimmy Johnson (former OSU and Dallas Cowboys football coach) stops by the restaurant to talk football.
◊“Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special” (9 p.m. on ABC): Oprah Winfrey will usher in the holidays at the White House, visiting President Obama and the First Lady as they prepare for their family’s first Christmas there. The special will include a one-on-one conversation with the president and will showcase behind-the-scenes preparations as the White House gets ready for the holiday season.
◊“The Christmas Hope” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): This new holiday movie stars Madeleine Stowe (“The Last of the Mohicans”) and James Remar (“Dexter”) as a couple in a troubled marriage. When Patricia, a social worker, brings home a foster child who has no place to go on Christmas, they set aside their differences to give the young girl a special holiday.
◊“Christmas With the Annie Moses Band” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): The Annie Moses band, an all-sibling group that plays an eclectic blend of classical, jazz and pop music, will perform a mix of holiday classics.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team tries to determine who murdered a minor league ice hockey player on the memorable night that the U.S. hockey team beat the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics. Jude Ciccolella (“24″) and Brian Scannell (“Brotherhood”) guest star in the episode, which features the music of Grammy winner Bob Seger.
◊“Dexter” (8 p.m. on Showtime): In the Season 4 finale, the final challenge between Dexter and Arthur comes. Debra finds out a long hidden truth. Rita admits that her marriage is troubled. Batista’s and LaGuerta’s relationship must face consequences.
◊“A Golden Christmas” (8 p.m. on ION): This new holiday film stars Andrea Roth (“Rescue Me”) as a recently widowed woman who  decides she needs to start over and moves back home with her son. She hopes to buy the old house as a Christmas surprise, however, her plan goes awry when she discovers that her parents have already sold it.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Six-time Grammy winner Mary J. Blige traveled with the team to Erie, Pa., to help build a new home for Clara Ward, who has cast the adversity of her health and surroundings aside to run a nonprofit youth development and family center from her home.
◊“I Dreamed a Dream: The Susan Boyle Story” (8 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Piers Morgan (“America’s Got Talent”) will host this special that chronicles Susan Boyle’s journey from the small Scottish village of Blackburn to superstardom following her audition on “Britain’s Got Talent.” Her story will be told alongside performances and exclusive interviews with Susan, friends and celebrity fans.
◊“The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty” (8 p.m. on A&E): This new real-life series chronicles the personal and professional lives of Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon as they prepare for a Jackson Five reunion, while also coming to terms with Michael’s tragic loss.
◊“Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In this new sequel to the 2006 movie “Santa Baby,” Jenny McCarthy returns as Mary Class, Santa’s business-minded daughter. She is forced to step in to help save Christmas when Santa (Paul Sorvino) decides he is tired of the responsibilities of the job.
◊“Life After Film School” (6:30 p.m. on Fox Movie Channel): Film students interview Jon Landau, producer of the upcoming film “Avatar.” He discusses his ongoing partnership with James Cameron and delivering James’ unique vision to the screen using newly developed 3-D technology that realistically bring the characters to life.
◊“Talhotblond” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This film tells the true story of a tumultuous online romance turned chilling real-life murder. During a chance encounter in an online-gaming chatroom, Thomas Montgomery, a lonely husband and father of two, meets a 17-year-old girl named Jessi and convinces her that he is a young marine named Tommy. But his love for Jessi turns to jealous obsession as she flaunts another lover—a co-worker of his — and the love triangle saga ends with a twist that Montgomery never saw coming.

MONDAY, DEC. 14
◊“The 2009 WWE Slammy Awards” (7 p.m. on USA Network): Dennis Miller (“Saturday Night Live”) will host the 15th annual event that is World Wrestling Entertainment’s version of the Oscars. Award categories include WWE superstar of the year, WWE match of the year, and WWE diva of the year. 
◊“Anatomy of a Pandemic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Ray Suarez (“PBS NewsHour”) reports from the front lines of the efforts to combat the H1N1 swine flu pandemic, including the vaccination program. The special also surveys the current health crisis in the context of earlier pandemics, such as the 1918 influenza outbreak that caused between 50 and 100 million deaths worldwide.
◊“Bank of Hollywood” (9 p.m. on E!): This new series hosted by comedian Bryan Callen unites a panel of celebrities to dish out money to people with the most compelling needs for cash. The panelists include best-selling author and entrepreneur Candy Spelling, international poker phenomenon Vanessa Rousso, Wilhelmina Models President Sean Patterson and Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton who determine which hopefuls are truly deserving of their riches.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): A visit from Leonard’s mother (Christine Baranski, “The Good Wife”) delights Sheldon and horrifies Leonard.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): The discrediting of a crime lab frequently used by the LAPD brings several old cases up for review, including one Provenza closed seven years ago with his former partner, Det. Andrews (Beau Bridges, “Stargate: Continuum”)  Andrews comes out of retirement to help with the case, but he isn’t exactly prepared to testify in the new trial, throwing a wrench into a case that is already interrupting Brenda and Fritz’s vacation plans.
◊“Every F—ing Day of My Life” (9 p.m. on HBO): This documentaty records the final days of freedom for one woman as she prepares to be incarcerated for the murder of her abusive husband. In the early-morning hours of May 1, 2005, Wendy Maldonado, a mother of four in Grant Pass, Ore., called 911 in hysterics. “I just killed my husband,” she confessed, adding, “I just want my kids to be safe.”  When the operator asked how long her husband had abused her, Maldonado replied, “Every f—ing day of my life.”
◊“Healthy Minds: Bipolar Disorder” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Broadcast journalist Jane Pauley speaks candidly about living with bipolar disorder while she was co-host of the national TV morning show “Today.” She discusses the diagnosis, symptoms and treatment of her manic depression.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): House and the team encounter a teenager who collapsed during her high school Christmas program. They soon find the troubled teen dealt with more than her share of bullying at school, and as her condition continues to deteriorate, the team must delve deeper to get to the bottom of her mysterious illness. Lori Petty (“The Cleaner”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): The gang struggles to quit smoking while Robin clashes with her new jaded co-worker. Harvey Fierstein (“Hairspray”) guest stars as Lily’s smoking voice. 
◊“Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home for Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this one-hour special, the Academy Award-winning singer and actress (“Dreamgirls”) heads back to her hometown of Chicago to share childhood memories of the music, people and places that set the stage for her success. Joining Hudson in her first holiday music special is Grammy winner Michael Buble.
◊“Lie to Me” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): During a political protest in Washington, D.C., a disgruntled farmer parks his explosives-packed tractor near the Treasury Department building, forcing Lightman and his team to make some crucial life-or-death decisions.
◊“Picturing the President: George Washington” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Today is the anniversary of Washington’s death (1799), and this documentary tells the story of the most famous American portrait – Gilbert Stuart’s painting of George Washington. The portrait captures the spirit of this victorious general, stalwart leader and pioneering president of the United States.
◊“The Sing-Off” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this new competitive reality series hosted by Nick Lachey (“Clash of the Choirs”), a cappella groups from across the United States vie for a recording contract with Sony. Each week, one group will be eliminated, and the series culminates Dec. 21 in a live finale where the winners will be decided by viewers.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie coaches Jake on the art of infidelity while his girlfriend is away for Christmas. Carl Reiner (“Life With Bonnie”) guest stars as Marty Pepper, a legendary TV Producer, whom Evelyn invites to Charlie’s for Christmas dinner.
◊“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): This week-long marathon offers viewers the opportunity to relive the saga from the start. It begins with the first two episodes, and two more will follow each night through Friday.
◊“What Would Jesus Buy?” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary looks at the commercialization of Christmas as it follows the adventures of Reverend Billy Talen and the congregation of the Church of Stop Shopping. Their itinerary includes college campuses, shopping malls, suburban streets and Disneyland.
◊“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” (2 p.m. on Nick Jr.): Widget and Wubbzy are hanging out with their friend, Ty Ty the Tool Guy (Ty Pennington, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”), when a nearby family lose their home due to the sneezes of a pet elephant.  Ty Ty proposes that everybody band together to build the family a new house.

TUESDAY, DEC. 15, 2009
◊“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC): This hour will include the digitally-remastered 1965 special, as well as a series of Christmas-themed animated stories entitled “Charlie Brown Christmas Tales” in which each of the beloved PEANUTS characters – Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and Sally – star in his or her own charming animated vignette.
◊“The Forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): The case of a John Doe (Jarrod Bunch, former New York Giants football player), left beaten on the street and ravaged by past injuries, leads The Forgotten Network into the world of professional football.
◊“Funniest Commercials of the Year” (9 p.m. on TBS): Kevin Nealon (“Weeds”) and Fred Willard (“Best in Show”) count down the cleverest commercials from around the world. The special features up to 50 spots, 10 of which are voted on by the public in advance to determine the funniest commercial of the year.
◊“Gordon Ramsay: Cookalong Live” (8 p.m. on Fox): Chef Gordon Ramsay (“Hell’s Kitchen”) will be giving America a one-on-one cooking lesson, providing viewers with a real-time demonstration and step-by-step instructions on how to cook a three-course meal in just 60 minutes. For a shopping list of ingredients to prepare the angel hair pasta with shrimp appetizer, Steak Diane with sauteed potatoes and peas main course and Quick Tiramisu dessert, go to http://blog.newsok.com/television.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the enlisted son of retired Colonel-turned-preacher is found dead, the team believes he may be the victim of a hate crime. Meanwhile, Gibbs’ father (Ralph Waite, “The Waltons”) comes for a holiday visit. Joe Regalbuto (“Murphy Brown”) and Corey Reynolds (“The Closer”) also guest star.
◊“Paranormal State” (9 p.m. on A&E): Season 4 continues to chronicle the case files of the Paranormal Research Society (PRS), a renowned group that began with Penn State University College Students. The team uses a cache of resources, including Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) recordings, client interviews, video documentation, cutting-edge technologies and old-fashioned research.
◊“Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal” (8 p.m. on A&E): Season 2 spotlights even more children who live with psychic abilities. Helping them uncover the truths and managing their abilities are psychic/mediums Chip Coffey, Chris Fleming and Kim Russo — who themselves grew up with these senses — and licensed therapist Edy Nathan.
◊“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” (2 p.m. on Nick Jr.): Wubbzy and Daizy need to round out their footy-football card collections with the very rare Touchdown Tiki (Tiki Barber, “NFL Monday Night Football”) card.  So when Earl gets it, they both try to become Earl’s best friend hoping he will give one of them his coveted card. 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16, 2009
◊“Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell and Edward Hermann” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell joins the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for an hour of favorite seasonal songs. The special also features actor Ed Hermann (“Gilmore Girls”) reading “The Christmas Story.”
◊“CNBC Investigates: Illegal Gambling” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This special takes an inside look at the multi-billion dollar business of illegal gambling. Millions are cashing in. Some get rich, while others pay the ultimate price.
◊“CSY: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A reformed drug addict with everything to live for is found dead in an alley.  The CSI’s discover he was the victim of a premeditated plot. Kim Kardashian (“Keeping Up With the Kardashians”) guest stars as a fiance of a recovered addict musician and musician Pat Monahan (“Train”) guest stars as the recovered addict.  Vanessa Minnillo (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) and Lala Vazquez (“Charm School With Ricki Lake”) also guest star.
◊“Eastwick” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Max asks a reluctant Joanna to help him crack a famous unsolved Eastwick murder, but their snooping leads them to a perilous situation with Eleanor (Cybill Shepherd, “The L Word”).
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary and Allison worry that Tom is hanging out with the wrong crowd at school, they take it upon themselves to probe into Tom’s personal life. Real-life husband and wife and professional athletes, Laird Hamilton (professional surfer) and Gabrielle Reece (professional volleyball player), guest star as themselves. 
◊“Maxim’s Hottest Moments of 2009″ (9 p.m. on E!): Maxim Magazine counts down the most unforgettable moments — from scandalous proposals to outrageous outbursts.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine reluctantly attends her neighbor’s holiday block party where she discovers a juicy secret. Molly Shannon (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars as Christine’s neighbor, Jeannie, and Michaela Watkins (“Saturday Night Live”) returns as Matthew’s girlfriend, Lucy.
◊“So You Think You Can Dance” (7 p.m. on Fox): Host Cat Deeley will reveal who has been chosen as America’s favorite dancer on the two-hour season finale.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas — Watch What Happens Reunion” (8 p.m. on Bravo): Host Padma Lakshmi, hed judge Tom Colicchio and judges Gail Simmons and Toby Young join Season 6′s chef’testants to answer questions from viewers and dish on the good, bad and overcooked.

THURSDAY, DEC. 17, 2009
◊“Biography: Dave Thomas” (9 p.m. on CNBC): The installment “Dave Thomas: Made to Order” tells the inspirational story of the creator of Wendy’s, one of the most famous food chains in the United States.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): The half-eaten body of a doctor is found in the tiger cage at the zoo following a hospital charity event, and Booth and Brennan determine the death was no accident. They question the suspects, including Brandon Casey (Chad Lowe, “24”), who must be hypnotize in order to jog his memory about what he saw the night of the gala.
◊“Christmas in Connecticut” (7 p.m. on TCM): Barbara Stanwyck stars in this 1945 romatic comedy as a lifestyle journalist who is lauded by her readers as the most efficient homemaker in the countryside but who lives in a city apartment. But when her boss suggests she host a soldier on leave for the holidays, she needs to come up with a home, child and cooking skills fast.
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mark, Demetri, Gough and MI6 agent Fiona Banks (Alex Kingston, “ER”) investigate a Blue Hand club and its possible connection to some recent suicides.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Everyone’s struggling after losing one of their own and turning to any distraction they can find. Meredith and Derek seem to be consummating their marriage anywhere and everywhere, while Cristina and Owen have been instructed to abstain from sex by Dr. Wyatt. Jessica Capshaw (“The Practice”) guest stars.
◊“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 Measures”).
◊“Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas” (7 p.m. on NBC): This holiday special will include guest appearances by Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, brand-new sketches with the infamous troublemaker “Gilly” (played by Kristen Wiig), and favorite holiday-themed sketches from SNL’s 35-year history.
◊“The Truth About Online Anorexia” (7 p.m. on BBC America): British TV and radio personality Fearne Cotton examines the ongoing trend for super-slim women and immerses herself in the worrying world of “pro-ana” websites that encourage anorexia and starvation as a life choice.
◊“The Will: Family Secrets Revealed” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The pilot episode of this potential series examines the compelling stories of family dynamics as the final wishes of their deceased loved ones are revealed.

FRIDAY, DEC. 18, 2009
◊“ABC World News” (5:30 p.m. on ABC): Anchor Charles Gibson, who announced his retirement several months ago, will officially depart from the nightly newscast today. Replacement Diane Sawyer, who will anchor the Dec. 21 and 22 broadcasts, will permanently take over the anchor spot in January.
◊“Dollhouse” (7 p.m. on Fox): As his contract with the Dollhouse expires, Victor is released back into the world, where his military past threatens his future with Sierra. Meanwhile, Echo is deemed too dangerous and is sent into her worst nightmare.
◊“Four Weddings” (9 p.m. on TLC): Get a sneak peek at this new series in which four brides agree to be guests at each other’s weddings and then judge which one was the best. The 10-episode series premieres Jan. 30.
◊“Frosty the Snowman” (7 p.m. on CBS): Adapted from a popular Christmas song, this 1969 animated musical features the voice of Jackie Vernon as the happy-go-lucky snowman who comes alive when a youngster places a magic hat on his head.
◊“Frosty Returns” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): This animated 1992 special stars John Goodman as the voice of Frosty the Snowman, who arrives in the town of Beansborough following the first snowstorm. But his visit may have to be cut short when a new invention, a snow-removal spray called Summer Wheeze, is introduced.
◊“Law & Order” (7 p.m. on NBC): Detectives Cyrus Lupo and Kevin Bernard investigate the murder of an environmentalist’s wife. Ned Beatty (“Homicide: Life on the Street”) and Sherry Stringfield (“ER”) guest star.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a super computer is the prime suspect in the death of cutting-edge scientist, the team must use new means to crack the case. Nancy Travis (“The Bill Engvall Show”) guest stars.
◊“Oxygen’s 25iest: Hollywood’s Most Outrageous Holiday Gifts” (10 p.m. on Oxygen): This special takes a close look inside the holiday gifting habits of celebrities, including Johnny Depp, Lauren Conrad and Lady Gaga. From a romantic over the top Christmas engagement in an igloo to stuffed animals and fake eyelashes, the gifts range from extravagant to just plain bizarre.

SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2009
◊“Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In the one of the last three episodes starring David Tennant in the title role, all will be revealed as the Doctor and his companion Adelaide (Lindsay Duncan, “Rome”) face terror on the Red Planet in one of the scariest adventures yet. The remaining episodes starring Tennant will air over the holiday season as a two-part special.
◊“Elf” (7 p.m. on CBS): This 2003 comedy stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human who was adopted by elves as an infant and grows up thinking he’s just a large version of his adoptive father (Bob Newhart). When Buddy finds out the truth about his parentage, he is crushed and goes out into the real world to find his dad (James Caan). Unfortunately, Dad has his own family and isn’t interested in rehashing the past.
◊“Sandra Lee Celebrates: Winter Wonderland Party” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Vy Higginsen, the leader of an organization that provides musical training to underprivileged youth, works with Sandra lee to throw an over-the-top holiday party for her neighborhood. With a classic holiday menu that will feed a large crowd – along with festive, budget-friendly décor ideas – viewers will see Sandra transform Vy’s traditional New York dwelling into the ultimate winter wonderland party.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): James Franco makes his second appearance as host of show, and the British rock trio Muse is the musical guest.
◊“Thomas Kinkade’s Christmas Cottage” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Peter O’Toole and Marcia Gay Harden star in this 2008 movie that looks at the inspiration nehind Thomas Kinkade’s painting The Christmas Cottage and how the artist was motivated to begin his career after discovering his mother was in danger of losing their family home.
◊“The Three Gifts” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Dean Cain (“Out of Time”) stars in the spirited story as Jack Green, a toymaker who, along with his wife (Jean Louisa Kelly, “Yes Dear”), temporarily takes in three unruly orphans during the holiday season.  The troublemakers soon turn their act around when they think that the Greens are considering adopting one of them, and do their best to get off the Naughty List.
◊“WWE Tribute to the Troops” (8 p.m. on NBC): WWE Superstars and Divas will head to Iraq this holiday season to put a smile on the faces of the troops serving in the U.S. military and to give thanks for their commitment to our country.  This trip marks the seventh consecutive year that WWE will make its annual pilgrimage to the front lines.

–Penny TV

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Top 55 TV Programs for Dec. 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 Dec. 6:

(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)

SUNDAY, DEC. 6, 2009
◊“Alice” (8 p.m. today and Monday on Syfy): This modern day spin on the classic stories by Lewis Carroll stars Oscar winner Kathy Bates (“Misery”) as the Queen of Hearts and Caterina Scorsone (“Crash”) as Alice.
◊“The Amazing Race” (7 p.m. on CBS): Season 15’s final three teams race home from Prague to the United States, with the finish line holding a $1 million prize for the first to cross it.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): As the wedding grows closer, Justin’s resolve to stay sober is weakened as he and Rebecca harbor secrets that could make or break their relationship for good. Series star Matthew Rhys (Kevin Walker) makes his directorial debut.
◊“Burn Up” (8 p.m. today and Monday on Planet Green): Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing”), Neve Campbell (“The Philanthropist”) and Rupert Penry-Jones (“Spooks”) star in this British miniseries. It is a high-stakes conspiracy thriller in which two friends – power players in the international oil industry – face a series of violent events and shocking revelations that could tear apart their friendship, their business, even civilization as we know it.
◊“Chainsaw Ice Sculptors” (9 p.m. on TLC): Enter the world of ice sculpting through three distinct personalities facing similar challenges. With chainsaws and chisels, these ice sages pour their heart, sweat and soul into creating works of art.
◊“Clash of the Dinosaurs” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This four-hour special, which concludes Dec. 13, combines cinematic photo-real 3D graphics and leading-edge anatomy and paleontology to show how dinosaurs survived in such a violent world.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for the killer of a champion debater who was wrongly believed to have committed suicide after losing his first debate three months into his scholarship-funded schooling at a competitive top private high school. Reed Diamond (“Dollhouse”) guest stars as the debate team coach at the victim’s new school.
◊“Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this new special, Dora and Swiper explore the past, present and future of Christmas. It includes a special holiday version of the “Dora the Explorer” theme song recorded by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteers Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”) and Usher (“Moesha”) travel with the team to Clarksville, Tenn., to give Trina Scott and her three daughters the good news that their problem-ridden home would be rebuilt in just seven days.
◊“I Survived …” (8 p.m. on Biography): Season 4 features all-new first person accounts from ordinary people catapulted into extraordinary situations who found the strength and courage to survive.
◊“Invasion of the Christmas Lights” (8 p.m. on TLC): This holiday special criss-crosses the United States to chronicle families of extreme Christmas lighting enthusiasts and document their glorious, outrageous and elaborate displays.
◊“Jonas” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): Kevin is thrilled when he learns that Anya, his friend and president of the Scandinavian JONAS fan club, is going to be an exchange student at their school. Madison Riley (“Hatching Pete”) guest stars.
◊“Robin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction” (8 p.m. on HBO): The comic performs at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., in an act that tackles a variety of political topics but also includes candid riffs on Williams’ own life.
◊“Sexpo Australia” (9 p.m. on G4): Sasha Grey (“Girlfriend Experience”) hosts this two-hour special that offers unprecedented access to the world’s largest adukt expo. The annual four-day event in Australia covers all aspects of health, adult entertainment, sexuality and adult lifestyles for the curious consumer.
◊“Shatner’s Raw Nerve” (9 p.m. on Biography): Rush Limbaugh and Regis Philbin are the first two guests for the second season of William Shatner’s unique talk show. Every interview, Shatner attempts to probe his guest’s most fascinating and sensitive subjects and touch upon a “raw nerve.”

MONDAY, DEC. 7, 2009
◊“Born Again” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary uncovers filmmaker Markie Hancock’s slow and painful break with her faith and devout Christian family as she experiences new directions for her life, including her sexual awakening as a lesbian.
◊“Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special” (7 p.m. on Fox): The Grammy-winning and multiplatinum country singer performs holiday songs in addition to selections from her albums. Performers joining Underwood in this two-hour variety special include Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Tony and Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth, and “American Idol” winner David Cook.
◊“Circumcise Me: The Comedy of Yisrael Campbell” (9:30 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary chronicles the life journey of Christopher Campbell, a stand-up comedian who humorously recounts his tale of converting to Judaism three different times.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): The squad investigates the death of a 12-year-old boy whose father and brother are both gang members. The boy is found dead in a known gang party house, but soon the case includes two more bodies at a different house related to the same crime.
◊“Handy Manny” (8 a.m. on Disney): Manny and the tools are enjoying a day at the beach when a marine biologist (voiced by Rosario Dawson, “Rent”) approaches them with an emergency – an orca whale has washed up on the shore.
◊“Healthy Minds” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installlment “Helping Our Troops,” experts in the military and mental health industry unite efforts and expertise to help soldiers who suffer from post-tramatic stress disorder.
◊“Holiday Celebration on Ice” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): REO Speedwagon and Rick Springfield perform as a star-studded cast of Olympic, world and national figure skating champions celebrate the wonders of the holiday season.
◊“Men of a Certain Age” (9 p.m. on TNT): Ray Romano (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), Scott Bakula (“Quantum Leap”) and Andre Braugher (“Thief”) star in this new series as three longtime friends. Between daily lunches at a local diner and hikes in the hills overlooking Los Angeles, they do their best to support each other through the challenges mid-life throws at them.
◊“Million Dollar Listing” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 3 finale, a broker invites Chad, Madison and Josh to help him with charity work, but egos clash as the agents try and work together.
◊“Moises Rules!” (4 p.m. today through Thursday on Disney XD): This new sports series invites youngsters to challenge Moises Arias (Rico in “Hannah Montana”) in fun sports competitions such as foam tetherball and finger football.
◊“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this 1970 animated special, Fred Astaire narrates this timeless tale of Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), a young boy with an immense desire to do good things for others.

TUESDAY, DEC. 8, 2009
◊“Better Off Ted” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 2 premiere, Veridian Dynamics tries matchmaking employees based on their genetic compatibility in hopes of saving on health insurance bills from imperfectly bred children. Taye Diggs (‘‘Private Practice”) guest stars.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): All of the Season 8 contestants return for the live finale and for a chance to weigh in one last time. And one of the three finalists will win $250,000 and the “Biggest Loser” title.
◊“Handy Manny” (8 a.m. on Disney): When the automatic pizza rolling machine at Paulette’s Pizza Palace breaks, Manny and the tools must repair the machine so that Paulette (voiced by Giada De Laurentiis, “Everyday Italian”) is able to fulfill all the orders for her pizza special of the day.
◊“ID Investigates: The Madoff Mystery” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new special hosted by former CBS anchor Thalia Assuras focuses on the Bernard Madoff financial scandal one year after it was first revealed. It examines more than the greed and deception of Madoff’s fraud by exploring the dire human consequences of Madoff’s crimes, beyond the financial ruin.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Between the Folds” profiles theoretical scientists and fine artists who have become modern-day paper folders, mastering the ancient art of origami and reinterpreting the world in paper as they create an offbeat combo of sensibilities toward art, creativity, science and meaning.
◊“National Christmas Tree Lighting 2009” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The 86th annual event took place Dec. 3 in Washington D.C., but this marks the first time PBS stations nationwide will broadcast the ceremony.
◊“Outer Space Astronauts” (8:30 p.m. on Syfy): This new comedy series follows eight vaguely courageous military personnel on board the O.S.S. Oklahoma who journey to the far reaches of the galaxy for knowledge and adventure. Five of the eight cast members in this series that melds live-action with 3D animation are from Oklahoma, including creator Russell Barrett (Captain Bruce Ripley).
◊“Prep & Landing” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This new holiday special reveals the never-before-told tale of a high-tech organization of elves that ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared for the yearly visit from The Big Guy, their code name for Santa Claus. The voice cast includes Dave Foley (“NewsRadio”) as Wayne, Sarah Chalke (“Scrubs”) as Magee and Derek Richardson (“Men In Trees”) as Lanny.
◊“Scare Tactics” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the fall finale, a receptionist at a doctor’s office is caught in the middle when a patient comes in demanding to be reattached to his former conjoined twin.
◊“Teen Mom” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new docu-series catches up with Maci, Amber, Catelynn and Farrah from the first season of “16 And Pregnant” to give viewers a deeper look at the lives of teenage parents.  Told by each girl first hand, the series will depict the varied challenges young mothers face — from marriage or relationships, to high school or college, to new babies or life after adoption.

WEDNESDAY. DEC. 9, 2009
◊“Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009” (9 p.m. on ABC): Host Barbara Walters interviews some of the year’s most prominent people in entertainment, sports, politics and pop culture, including Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert, Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Tyler Perry.
◊“Campus PD” (10 p.m. on G4): This new reality series heads to five college towns across the country — Tallahassee, Fla.; San Marcos, Texas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Chico, Calif.; and Greenville, NC — and goes behind the scenes with police officers to give viewers an authentic glimpse at campus life and the measures they take to keep students safe.
◊“Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): A very wealthy potential home buyer (Scott Foley, Felicity”) feigns interest in an overpriced home in order to get Jules’ attention.  Meanwhile, Ellie begrudgingly leaves the baby with Andy for a day to prove to herself that she trusts her husband.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): While Agent Hotchner takes a leave of absence from the Behavioural Analysis Unit, the team must regroup to solve a home invasion case. Rena Sofer (“24″) guest stars as home invasion victim, Erika Silverman.
◊“L.A. Holiday Celebration 2009″ (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This hourlong special presents highlights of the festive six-hour performance at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center last Christmas Eve. More than 1,000 performers participate in the free holiday-themed show, which has been sponsored annually since 1960 by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as a gift to local residents.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Veronica tries to get help for unresolved battle scars while everything else in her life falls apart. Jason Ritter (“Joan of Arcadia”) guest stars.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Christmas is in full swing at the Dunphy house until the kids get in some trouble and Phil and Claire threaten to take away Christmas until one of them fesses up. Fred Willard (“Best in Show:) guest stars as Phil’s dad.
◊“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (7 p.m. on Disney): This 1993 animated fantasy from Tim Burton (‘‘Edward Scissorhands”) takes the overlapping holiday scenario to the extreme. The Pumpkin King, ruler of Halloween Town, hatches a plan to kidnap Santa Claus and put his own ghostly spin on the yuletide season.
◊“Oklahomans” (7 p.m. on KWTV-9): University of Oklahoma football player Sam Bradford is interviewed on this locally-produced special. Host Becky Dixon also talks to Tony Award nominee Kelli O’Hara and Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson.
◊“Psychic Hollywood: The Search for Truth” (7 p.m. on E!): In this special, five celebrities with very personal issues search for help from four very different psychics. Alana Stewart turns to medium James Van Praagh to try to contact her friend, the late Farrah Fawcett; Trista and Ryan Sutter implore Derek Ogilvie to find out why their toddler is hitting and kicking Trista; Mark Curry calls on Shaman Durek to break free from an intangible force that’s holding him back; and Perla Hudson enlists psychic profiler Carla Baron to find her brother, who is missing and presumed dead.
◊“Secret Lives of Women” (10 p.m. on WEtv): The Season 1 finale takes viewers to The Moonlight Bunny Ranch, a legal brothel in Carson City, Nev., that employs women from all walks of life. From mothers to former teachers, nurses and members of the military, women work at Bunny Ranch to male a better life for themselves and their families. 
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This music and talk show lets viewers in on intimate conversation and performance with host Elsi Costello and his guests, which for Season 2 include Bono, The Edge, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, John Prine, Ron Sexsmith, Neko Case, Jesse Winchester, Ray LaMontagne, Nick Lowe, Levon Helm, Richard Thompson and Allen Toussaint. The show is taped in front of a live audience at Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater in New York City and The Masonic Temple in Toronto, Canada.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 6 finale, the remaining three contestants vie for the title as they cook the best meal they’ve ever made.

THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): Jack’s interest in a new social networking site unexpectedly reconnects him with a high school crush (Julianne Moore, “Blindness”).
◊“The 2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): For the first time in its 80-plus year history, the Hollywood Christmas Parade will air nationally as a two-hour television primetime event. The holiday festivities will include celebrities from film, television and stage, including the 2009 Grand Marshal Susan Lucci (“All My Children”).
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Brennan makes plans to spend Christmas in El Salvador, but her father (Ryan O’Neal, “Miss Match”) convinces her to spend the holidays with him and Margaret Whitesell (Zooey Deschanel, sister of series star Emily Deschanel), a newly discovered distant relative.
◊“The Bubble Decade” (9 p.m. on CNBC): Correspondent David Faber reports on one of the most dramatic periods in the history of America’s financial markets. As the first decade of the 21st century draws to a close, Faber looks back at the tumultuous era, one marked by ambition and innovation, avarice and excess, and record highs – and lows – on Wall Street. 
◊“Community” (7 p.m. on NBC): Anthony Michael Hall (“The Breakfast Club”) haunts the halls of Greendale Community College as a campus bully who challenges Jeff to a fight.
◊“Egypt’s Animal Mummies” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): The remains of more than four million mummies have been hidden within Egypt’s tombs. They are remnants not of the ancient pharaohs, but the perfectly preserved remains of animals. Using modern science, an international team of experts discovers how and why the Ancient Egyptians preserved their animals just like their kings.
◊“Michael McDonald — This Christmas: A Soundstage Special Event” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Singer Michael McDonald celebrates the holidays with yuletide favorites and some of his signature hits, performing such songs as ‘‘White Christmas,” ‘‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and ‘‘What Christmas Means to Me.”
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Leslie designs the Pawnee Winter Wonderland Festival but has to hide from the press when a meeting with a disgraced counsilman lands her in the middle of a sex scandal. Louis C.K. (“Lucky Louis”) guest stars.
◊“Pedigree Dogs Exposed” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This documentary lifts the lid on the true extent of health and welfare problems in pedigree dogs. With international perspectives and testimony from top experts including The British Kennel Club, it unravels the historical, social and cultural reasons why purebred dogs today are in so much trouble.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): After Pete discovers Violet dying on the floor of her home, having barely survived a violent attack from her patient, Katie (Amanda Foreman, “Felicity”), he rushes her to the hospital where Addison and Naomi fight to save her life.
◊“Viva Nelson Mandela: A Hero for All Seasons” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary helps celebrate 90 years of Nelson Mandela’s life by telling his complete story. A life of struggle, humanity, destiny and greatness is recalled and celebrated by those who knew him best and who worked with him in the quest to break the chains of oppression, taking us beyond the political and into the personal. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2009
◊“Epitafios” (9 p.m. on HBO Latino): A prisoner of his past, Renzo begins hunting for the murderer alone.  Ultimately, however, everything will end as it started in the Season 2 finale.
◊“Law & Order” (7 p.m. on NBC): A campaign volunteer is murdered in the midst of an election and the detectives become trapped in a haze of danger and political scandals. Benjamin Bratt (“The Cleaner”) guest stars.
◊“Straight No Chaser — Live in New York Holiday Edition” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special featuring the men’s a cappella group includes new material, holiday favorites and the song that launched the Straight No Chaser’s success, “The 12 Days of Christmas.”
◊“TeenNick HALO Awards” (7 p.m. on TeenNick): This new concept in awards show is hosted and executive produced by Nick Cannon and features four celebrities — LeBron James, Alicia Keys, Hayden Panettiere and Justin Timberlake. They don’t receive the awards, but will they give them out to deserving teens in support of their philanthropic causes.  
◊“Yes, Virginia” (7 p.m. on CBS): This new animated Christmas special is based on the 1897 true story of Virginia O’Hanlon, an 8-year-old girl who inspired the most famous newspaper editorial of all time by asking, “Is there a Santa Claus?”  It features the voices of Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”), Jennifer Love Hewitt (“Ghost Whisperer”) and Alfred Molina (“Spider-Man 2″).

SATURDAY, DEC. 12, 2009
◊“30 for 30″ (8 p.m. on ESPN): The ESPN Film series concludes with “The U,” a two-hour documentary about the dramatic rise of the University of Miami football program in the 1980s. It looks at the program’s sudden and jolting transformation into a football powerhouse that essentially changed the rules of the game as told by the players, coaches, students and administrators who were there.
◊“Annihilation Earth” (8 p.m. on Syfy): With the world on the brink of both economic and ecological disaster, a physicist (Luke Goss, “Hellyboy II”) must discern whether the destruction of a cutting-edge super collider facility was the work of terrorists or his own miscalculation.
◊“Christmas in Canaan” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Billy Ray Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”) stars in this story based on the book by Grammy Award winner Kenny Rogers and Donald Davenport. Cyrus plays widower Daniel Burton, who is doing his best to raise his three children on a limited income. But living in Canaan, Texas, during the Civil Rights Movement, he soon faces more than just financial difficulties.
◊“The Flight Before Christmas” (8:01 p.m. on CBS): A flying squirrel shows a young reindeer, who believes his long-lost father was part of Santa’s airborne sleigh team, how to soar into the sky in this holiday special featuring the voices of Emma Roberts (‘‘Nancy Drew”) and Norm MacDonald (‘‘Saturday Night Live”).
◊“Ghost Invervention” (8 p.m. on TLC): This new docu-series chronicles a case manager and a team of women with psychic abilities as they try to help different families who are struggling with paranormal activity in their homes.
◊“It’s a Wonderful Life” (7 p.m. on NBC): This marks the 60th anniversary of Frank Capra’s holiday classic starring James Stewart as small-town guy George Bailey, who defers one big dream after another to stay home, marry a local girl and run the family business. Facing financial ruin, he’s pulled from suicidal despair by an angel who shows him what a terrible place the world would be if he’d never lived.
◊“The Polar Express” (6 p.m. on Disney): An animated movie unlike any other, director Robert Zemeckis’ interpretation of Chris Van Allsburg’s holiday story features Tom Hanks in multiple roles through a technique called ‘‘motion capture,” which creates a pseudo-real look. Hanks is most recognizable as the conductor of a train that takes a youngster on a wild ride to the North Pole.
◊“Posse: The Young Guns on PBR” (7 p.m. on CMT): This special follows eight up and coming professional bull riders on their journey across America trying to become the next PBR champion. Among the hopefuls are Ryan Dirteater, 20, from Hulbert (won the Dickies Invitational in Dallas in January 2009) and Austin Meier, 22, from Kinta (won the first ever PBR Team Shootout).
◊“Sandra Lee Celebrates: Season of Surprise” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Last year, the Morgner family’s newborn triplets were barely well enough to be brought home for the holidays. This season, as the family gets ready for the holidays with three active one-year-olds, Sandra will show them creative ways to preserve lifelong family memories, incorporate heirloom party décor and prepare unforgettable holiday recipes. HGTV Design Star finalist Dan Vickery makes a special guest appearance and uses his carpentry skills to help Sandra create unique décor items for each child.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): “Twilight” and “New Moon” star Taylor Lautner will make his hosting debut. “New Moon” made box office history with the biggest single opening day. The musical guest is Bon Jovi which will be making its fifth appearance on the show. The Grammy Award-winning band has sold more than 120 million albums and performed more than 2,600 concerts in over 50 countries.
◊“Video Game Awards 2009″ (7 p.m. on SPIKE): The live event will celebrate the year’s best video games, as well as offer a glimpse at the future of gaming in 2010 and beyond.

–Penny TV

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