Happy Birthday, Matt Lanter
April 1, 2009 — Matthew Mackendree
Lanter, who plays Liam on “90210″
(8 p.m. Wednesdays on The CW), turns 26 today.
He provides the voice of Anakin Skywalker for the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-09 on Cartoon Network).
His first acting role was as Bobby Jones’ Caddyl in the 2004 movie “Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius.” He was 21.
Best wishes to Matt and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: The CW Photo featuring Matt Lanter as Liam on “90210.”
Top 55 TV Programs for March 15-21, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 15:
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
◊“Au Pair 3: Adventure in Paradise” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): The Caldwell family returns in the third installment of the movie franchise, as the family hits the tropical beaches. Gregory Harrison (“Trapper John, M.D.”) stars.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team members try to curtail their emotions as they search for the person who shot both Jeffries and the elderly long-time owner of the corner convenience store Jeffries had entered on his way home from work.
◊“Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Country music star Toby Keith from Moore will be among the roasters making this event unfor-git-able for Larry the Cable Guy. Other roasters include Drew Carey, Nick DiPaolo, Jeff Foxworthy, Greg Giraldo, Lisa Lampanelli, Dan Marino and Jeffrey Ross.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Susan tries to impress Jessie (Swoosie Kurtz, “Pushing Daisies”), a teacher at work, Jessie comes away with the wrong impression.
◊“Eastbound & Down” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Convinced he’s lost his stuff, Kenny ecides to give up his comeback dreams and move on as a working stiff. But his resolve is tested by arrogant car dealer Ashley Schaeffer (“Will Ferrell, “Semi-Pro”).
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): As a publicity stunt, Hannah pretends to be the girlfriend of fellow celebrity Austin Rain when, in reality, they can’t stand each other. Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”) guest stars.
◊“HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Tune in to find out who wins the Victorian-style home in Sonoma, Ca. It is part of the $2 million grand-prize package that also includes a 2009 GMC Acadia.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): This contemporary retelling of the biblical David and Goliath story follows the adventures of David Shepherd (Chris Egan, “Eragon”), a young soldier who crosses enemy lines to save the life of another soldier who turns out to be the son of King Silas Benjamin (Ian McShane, “Deadwood”).
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A winter storm in northern California caused a private plane with three people on board to crash in Yosemite Park. This episode captures the amazing rescue in blizzard conditions.
◊“Tough Love” (9 p.m. on VH1): In this new series, matchmaker Steven Ward will examine the bad habits of eight women and retrain them on the basics of dating and maintaining a relationship.
MONDAY, MARCH 16
◊“Betty Ford: The Real Deal” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Jane Alexander (“Tell Me You Love Me”) narrates this new documentary profiling the life of an outspoken former First Lady who became a pioneer in substance abuse treatment. It features never-before-seen photos and film footage, plus interviews with Mrs. Ford, her four children and close friends.
◊“Built From Disaster” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Engineers and designers learn hard lessons from tragic disasters at stadium, skyscrapers, bridges and ships. This series investigates the lessons learned since catastrophes such as the Hillsborough stadium disaster, the Minneapolis bridge collapse and the skinging og the Estonia in the Baltic Sea.
◊“Death on a Factory Farm” (9 p.m. on HBO): This documentary chronicles an investigation into alleged abuses that took place at a hog farm in Creston, Ohio.
◊“Dhani Tackles the Globe” (8 p.m. on Travel Channel): Dhani Jones, a linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals, embarks on a global sports odyssey as host of this new series. In each episode, he tries his hand at a new sport, including rugby in England, muay thai in Thailand, hurling in Ireland and dragon boat racing in Singapore.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): The Constance Billard and St. Jude seniors put on a production of “The Age of Innocence” and find their personal lives mirroring conflicts in the play. Sebastian Stan (“Kings”) guest stars.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dr. House and the team take on the case of Morgan (Judy Greer, “27 Dresses”) who works in a nursing home with a pet cat who only sleeps next to people if they are about to die – and does so with alarmingly accuracy.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Ted is shocked to learn that Lily is not only responsible for his breakup with Karen (Laura Prepon, “That ’70s Show”), but many of his former girlfriends, as well.
◊“Kyle XY” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): In the series finale, Kyle learns what Cassidy and Latnok’s true plans are for Adam’s experiment and must stop them at all costs.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Allison’s old car sputters and dies, Joe surprises her with an immaculate used car after being tipped off to a great deal. Unfortunately, the Dubois’ discover that the car is at the center of a horrific, unsolved crime. Kelly Preston (“The Tenth Circle”) guest stars.
◊“The Navigator” (7 p.m. on TCM): Director John Landis (“An American Werewold in London”) is today’s guest programmer on TCM, and this 1924 Buster Keaton comedy is one of the seven films he picked for broadcast. Among his other selections are three shorts featuring Roscoe “Fatty Arbuckle, a classic musical, a cult horror film and a masterful thriller from Alfred Hitchcock.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): Jeff is surprised to learn that his new friend he made at the gym is gay. Orlando Jones (“Men in Trees”) guest stars.
◊“Runnin’ Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers” (6:45 a.m. on Sundance): Peter Bogdanovich directed this film, which recently won the Grammy Award for best long form music video. It focuses on 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and tells a story three decades in the making of a band and its front man.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): While the squad investigates the death of a drug dealer at an apartment complex, Ham and Butch run into Bobby, who is still undercover.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Series guest star John Schneider (“Smallville”) directed this episode in which Amy is in the hospital and slides in and out of sleep as she waits to get her epidural during labor.
◊“Speed Dreams” (9 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton of McLaren Automotive, Porsche factory GT driver Wolf Henzler and drag racing specialist Jason Whitfield of Whitfield Racing discuss personal experiences on and off the track that have propelled him to auto racing success.
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): Meredith Vieira and Al Roker will don Irish green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Emerald Isle. Today, they will broadcast live from Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow, a sprawling country estate known as one of Ireland’s most famous house and gardens. On Tuesday, they will broadcast live from The Dublin Castle in Dublin City Centre and from along the route of the famed St. Patrick’s Festival Parade.
TUESDAY, MARCH 17
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Six-time Emmy winner Carol Burnett (“The Carol Burnett Show”) guest stars as a former dancer caught up in the murder of a young couple.
◊“The Mentalist” (8 p.m. on CBS): After Patrick loses his sight in an explosion, he is forced to rely on his other senses to help him solve the murder of a financial adviser. Gregory Itzin (‘‘24”) guest stars.
◊“Modern Toss” (10 p.m. on IFC): This new series is a partially-animated, distinctly adult British comedy complete with gross-out moments, profanity and inappropriate cartoon characters. It was created by former journalists Mick Bunnage and Jon Link is based on their comic and website also dubbed “Modern Toss.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A boxer’s death leads Vance to start up his own investigation, causing a sparring match with Gibbs, on NCIS, Tuesday, March 17 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Paula Newsome (“Women’s Murder Club”) guest stars.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): March means nonstop basketball action, and this installment serves up three compelling basketball stories, plus a profile of unorthodox skier Bode Miller.
◊“Reaper” (7 p.m. on CW): Ben would like to introduce Nina to Sam and Sock, but he’s concerned they won’t accept her because she’s a demon.
◊“State of Creativity” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment of OETA’s documentary series titled “Pizza boxes and 3-D animation” looks at two ideas that are playing important roles in educating Oklahoma’s workforce.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a missing trial consultant and tries to narrow down the list of suspects involved with his disappearance. Vanessa Marcil (“Las Vegas”) guest stars as a juror on a murder trial on which the victim had recently consulted.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
◊“Better Off Ted” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This new office comedy follows a successful good guy Ted (Jay Harrington) who runs research and development at the morally questionable Veridian Dynamics. No achievement is too far-fetched and no invention too unorthodox for Veridian.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): Agent Hotchner revisits the first case he worked at the Behavioral Analisus Unit when details come forth that one of the deadliest serial killers in New England’s history has struck again after a 10-year hiatus. C. Thomas Howell (‘‘The Outsiders”) guest stars.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a former medical examiner is found murdered, a white powder found at the scene provides the CSIs with a major lead in tracking the killer when it is discovered that the powder is heroin made from human bodies. Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (“7th Heaven”) and Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy bassist) guest star as Bonnie and Clyde wannabes.
◊“General Hospital” (2 p.m. on ABC): NASCAR driver Jeff Burton pays a visit to Port Charles and has a comedic run-in with race-car enthusiast and top neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson), who does not recognize the 21-time winner on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition.
◊“Global Warming: The New Challenge With Tom Brokaw” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In this follow-up piece to his Emmy winning 2006 special, journalist Tom Brokaw interviews some of the world’s leading experts about what Americans should be prepared for in the coming years. The special also takes a close look at the most promising scientific, technological, and economic solutions our nation can offer in the fight against global warming.
◊“Inside the FBI” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Discovery Channel was granted unprecedented access to the inner workings of the San Diego field office. For the first time, viewers will follow along with the agents as they build a case against one of the largest and deadliest gangs in southern California – the Mexican Mafia.
◊“Journey to Planet Earth: The State of the Planet’s Oceans” (10:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Matt Damon (“The Bourne Ultimatum”) hosts this new installment of the award-winning environmental series. It investigates the health and sustainability of the world’s oceans, with a special emphasis on issues affecting marine preserves, fisheries, and coastal ecosystems in the United States and worldwide.
◊“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): When Lightman is hired to find a corporate spy at a pharmaceutical company, he discovers a high-level conspiracy surrounding a new drug that could put thousands of lives at risk. D.W. Moffett (“Friday Night Lights”) guest stars.
◊“Life” (8 p.m. on NBC): With Reese still on loan to the FBI, Crews is assigned a new partner, Detective Jane Seever (new cast member Gabrielle Union, “Night Stalker”).
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): When Detective Sam Tyler poses as a streetwise tough to infiltrate a vicious New York City gang suspected of truck hijackings, he’s pushed to the limit not to blow his cover, and he reveals a much darker side. Paige Turco (“The Agency”) guest stars.
◊“The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Making an appearance during a special Dodger-themed showcase are Los Angeles Dodgers players James Loney, Russell Martin, Delwyn Young, James McDonald, and Mark Loretta, as well as former Dodgers Bobby Castillo, Kenny Landreaux and “Sweet” Lou Johnson.
◊“Toughest Cowboy” (10 p.m. on SPIKE): This reality series tested 12 cowboys in three major disciplines — bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. The winner will receive a ranch in Wyoming.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): As Liz spends more time with her boyfriend Drew, she finds that his handsomeness has allowed him to bypass many of the usual frustrations of daily life. Meredith Vieira (“Today”) guest stars.
◊“Hometown Baghdad” (10:30 p.m. on Sundance): Beginning its account in spring 2006, this documentary knits together the daily experiences and testimonies of three Baghdad university students. It is one of three programs airing on the network today to mark the sixth anniversary of the start of the war with Iraq. The other two are “Heavy Metal in Baghdad” (9 p.m.) and “No End in Sight” (12:15 a.m.).
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): After he apologizes to a crazy witch lady (Betty White, “The Golden Girls”) for all the trouble he caused her as a kid, Earl faces his fears and tries to make it up to her. But when she turns out to be crazier than Earl thought, he and Randy wind up in a life-or-death situation along with a bunch of their friends.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael has big plans for his 15th anniversary party at Dunder Mifflin, but is in for a shock when the new, no-nonsense Vice President (Idris Elba, “The Wire”) has some ideas of his own.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): After Addison discovers that a mentally unbalanced pregnant patient has lost her baby, Violet must convince her that the baby has died and that surgery is necessary. Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) guest stars.
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Echo becomes the perfect wife for a lonely internet mogul (Patton Oswalt, “The King of Queens”).
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode titled “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s Just Frozen,” Keith gets frozen like a statue when he’s zapped by one of Manny’s gadgets. Making guest appearances are rocker Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy bassist) and Tony Award winning composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda.
◊“Head Case” (9 p.m. on Starz): Dr. Elizabeth Goode (Alexandra Wentworth, “In Living Color”) is back in session for Season 2 of this comedy. She plays the judgmental and unconventional “it therapist” to Hollywood’s celebrity elite. Macy Gray (“Lackawanna Blues”) pays a visit in the season premiere.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): Ken Marino (“Veronica Mars”) and Jane Lynch (“Role Models”) star in this new comedy series that follows a Los Angeles catering team – a sextet of Hollywood wannabes stuck working for tips while hoping for their “big break.”
◊“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (8 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In the first-season finale, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s squad of troopers have a new mission – rescuing the small Jedi team from General Grievous on Hypori.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
◊“Cops” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the show’s 750th episode, an officer on the graveyard shift in Sacramento, CA, is called to investigate a traffic stop where the driver has passed off illegal substances to the passenger.
◊“The Locator” (8 p.m. Saturday on Wetv): Troy Dunn, an Enid High School graduate who helps reunite loved ones, returns for Season 2 of his feel-good show. He has been reconnecting people for 20 years, however, and has located more than 40,000 men, women and children.
◊“MADtv” (10 p.m. on Fox): Kathy Griffin (“My Life on the D-List”) hosts a special episode honoring MADtv alum Michael McDonald and his fan-favorite characters, including “Stuart Larkin,” “Mofaz,” “Dr. Phil,” “Hugh Laurie” and “Maury Povich.”
◊“Nora Roberts’ Northern Lights” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): In an attempt to start a new life after the death of his work partner, a former Baltimore policeman (Eddie Cibrian, “Third Watch”) accepts a job as chief of police in a small Alaskan town. But the moment he meets a feisty bush pilot (LeAnn Rimes, “Holiday in Your Heart”), he finds himself falling in love.
–Penny TV
Top 80 TV Programs for Feb. 8-14
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 8:
SUNDAY, FEB. 8
◊The 51st Annual Grammy Awards (7 p.m. on CBS): Rapper Lil Wayne is up for eight trophies at this year’s edition of the music industry’s top awards. Nominees with Oklahoma ties include Trisha Yearwood, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Kings of Leon, MercyMe, Elvin Bishop and Tom Paxton.
◊“1000 Ways to Die” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): This news series showcases true stories about those who succumbed to the grim reaper in the most unorthodox styles.
◊The British Academy Film Awards (7 p.m. on BBC America): Shawnee-born actor Brad Pitt is up for awards in two categories — leading actor for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and supporting actor for “Burn After Reading.” Duncan-born director Ron Howard received a nominations for his film “Frost/Nixon.” The ceremony takes place at the Royal Opera House in London.
◊“The CollegeHumor Show” (8:30 p.m. on MTV): Created by two high school friends to share their crazy photos and stories while in college, CollegeHumor.com has grown into a pop culture phenomenon with six million loyal monthly readers. This new series provides an offbeat look into the company that creates some of today’s most popular Internet comedy.
◊“A Father’s Promise” (7 p.m. on MSNBC): Al Roker (“Today”) hosts this documentary that examines why so many fathers fall out of their children’s lives, particularly in the inner city. It includes a round-table discussion with Tiki Barber (“Today”), Newark, N.J., mayor Cory Booker and Rev. Eugene Rivers, a Boston pastor.
◊“Great Performances” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment “Hit Man: David Foster and Friends” features the songwriter, producer and maestro to the stars on stage in Las Vegas with Blake Shelton, Josh Groban, Celine Dion and others.
◊“HGTV Showdown” (8 p.m. on HGTV): To kickoff the show’s second season, interior designer Genevieve Gorder (“Dear Genevieve”) and carpenter Carter Oosterhouse (“Carter Can”) will take on challengers Monica Pedersen (“Designed to Sell”) and Eric Stromer (“Over Your Head”) in a family room design battle.
◊“How’s Your News” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): This new series focuses on a team of reporters with disabilities who drive across America in a customized tour bus documenting their experiences and laughs along the way.
◊NFL Pro Bowl (3:30 p.m. on NBC): The NFL season comes to an end with the Pro Bowl, being held for the 30th consecutive year in Honolulu. Next year’s game moves to Miami, the host city for Super Bowl XLIV, and will be played the weekend before the NFL championship.
◊“Nick News With Linda Ellerbee” (8 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this installment titled “We Shall Not Be Moved,” youngsters of all races unite to make changes in their neighborhoods, schools and in themselves through political action, poetry and art.
◊“Nitro Circus” (9 p.m. on MTV): Travis Pastrana, a nine-time X Games gold medalist, has built an empire doing things previously thought impossible and always unadvisable. In this new series, he qill play an irrational game of one-upsmanship with his equally insane and entertaining buddies, including professional mountain biker Jim DeChamp and professional female motocross racer Jolene Van Vugt.
◊“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” (8 p.m. on MTV): Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek (“Rob & Big”) continues to try new things in this new reality series. His new place of operation is a 25,000 square foot industrial complex he turnd into the world’s first indoor concrete skate plaza, complete with zip-lines and foam pits.
◊“The Science of Sex Appeal” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This new special looks at every detail of human sex appeal and explores it in terms of its evolution and function.
◊“Sonny With a Chance” (7 p.m. on Disney)(Disney Channel Photo above): Demi Lovato (“Camp Rock”) stars in this new comedy series as Sonny Munroe, a talented girl from the Midwest who relocates to Los Angeles to join the cast of a popular sketch comedy show for teens and tweens.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Anthropology Dept. and include 1982’s ”Poltergeist” (8:15 a.m.), 1953’s “Roman Holiday” (4:45 p.m.) and 1945’s “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (7 p.m.).
◊“XIII” (8 p.m. on NBC): The first femal president of the United States is assassinated during a speech, and the only suspect is a man found wounded in the woods three months later. He has amnesia, and the only clue to his identity is the Roman numeral XIII tattooed on his chest.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State University in women’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on FSOK.
MONDAY, FEB. 9
◊The Second Annual BET Honors” (8 p.m. on BET): Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”) hosts the second annual event that recognizes African-American achievers who have made great strides in their careers while giving back to the community. This year’s honorees include songstress Mary J. Blige, filmmaker Tyler Perry, choreographer Judith Jamison, basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Congressman James E. Clyburn and television host B. Smith.
◊“American Experience” (12:29 a.m. on OETA-13): The new episode “The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln” remembers the 16th president of the United States — born 200 years ago this week — by focusing on the two months following his assassination. Actor Will Patton (“A Mighty Heart”) reads the words of assassin John Wilkes Booth.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio and the team go head-to-head with a defense attorney (Sean Combs, “A Raisin In the Sun”) who may be involved in a murder cover-up.
◊“The Girls of Hedsor Hall” (8 p.m. on MTV): In this new series, 12 of America’s rowdiest girls will be sent to prim-and-proper England for a complete transformation. Former Miss USA Tara Conner serves as the school’s visiting instructor.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): With Chuck missing since his father’s funeral, Uncle Jack (Desmong Harrington, “Dexter”) arrives on the Upper East Side to help Chuck pick up the messy pieces. But first he has to find him.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Following a chain of unexpected events, the Heroes are on the run from, their latest adversary and one of their own, Nathan Petrelli. Dan Byrd (“Aliens in America”) and Zeljko Ivanek (“Damages”) guest star.
◊“Lagerfeld Confidential” (6 p.m. on Sundance): Shot over the course of three years, this new documentary offers an entertaining visit with German-born fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. He is shown photographing Nicole Kidman for an ad campaign, en roite to a lunch with Princess Caroline and in his Paris study sketching dresses for his new collection.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Business Dept. and include 1960’s ”The Apartment” (8:15 a.m.), 1945’s “Mildred Pierce” (2:45 p.m.) and 1951’s “The Man in the White Suit” (9 p.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May return to the U.S., taking three new generation muscle cars on an trip from San Francisco to the heart of Utah.
◊“Trust Me” (9 p.m. on TNT): Mason promises Denise Raynor (Donna Murphy, “Passion”), CEO of Rothman Greene & Mohr, that his group is pinning its awards hopes on their new writer, Sarah. But Sarah is becoming unhappy in her new job and is being wooed by the Mink Group’s nemesis.
◊“Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show” (live from 7-8 p.m. on USA and 8-10 p.m. on CNBC): Twenty-five hundred dogs are entered in the 133rd annual event, but only one will claim the best in show title. Today’s coverage includes the hound, terrier, non-sporting and herding group competition. On Tuesday, the sporting, working, toy and best In show competition will air live from 7-10 p.m. on USA.
TUESDAY, FEB. 10
◊“10 Items or Less” (10 p.m. on TBS): Leslie makes a huge financial error when trying to hold a special sale to celebrate the store’s 150th anniversary.
◊“Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): This 1975 special was taken directly from the late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz’s famed comic strip. It will be followed by the 2002 special “A Charlie Brown Valentine.”
◊“The Biggest Loser 7” (7 p.m. on NBC): On the show’s 100th episode, a balancing competition will bring the winner a coveted prize — a 24-hour visit from a loved one back home.
◊“DEA” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): For Season 2, the network was given exclusive access to follow a group of special agents and task force officers in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s northern New Jersey headquarters. They risk their lives daily in the ongoing battle against illegal drugs.
◊“From G’s to Gents” (9 p.m. on MTV): Fonzworth Bentley returns to take a new group of rowdy bad boys and help them clean up their act. At the end of Season 2, the winner will walk away with $100,000.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): Jonathan Frakes (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) directs this episode in which the team uncovers an attempt to rig a court trial for which Parker happens be serving as a juror. Brent Spiner (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Armin Shimerman (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”) and Lauren Holly (“NCIS”) guest star.
◊“T.I.’s Road to Redemption: 45 Days to Go” (8 p.m. on MTV): This new series chronicles the Grammy winning rapper’s year on probation before serving jail time for an arrest stemming from his earlier life. He completed 1,000 hours of community service to reduce his sentence.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the English Dept. and include 1970’s ”Scrooge” (9:30 a.m.), 1955’s “Richard III” (4:30 p.m.) and 1991’s “Enchanted April” (9 p.m.).
◊“Wingman” (8 p.m. on FLN, channel 113 on Dish Network, 172 on Cox, 232 on DirecTV): Thew new dating reality series follows date-challenged men and women in their search for soul mates. Guiding them alioing their path to success is stand-up comedian and relationship columnist Michael Somerville.
◊Tulsa Washington takes on Tulsa Edison in high school basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on Cox.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KOCB-34.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): The judges decide which hopefuls make the final cit and earn coveted spots in the Top 36.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A Russian tourist is found stabbed to death and the CSIs come face to face with the frightening realities of human trafficking. Julia Ormond (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) guest stars as Deputy Inspector Gillian Whitford.
◊“House of Payne” (9:30 p.m. on TBS): Ella has been exercising and dieting with no results and decides to step up her weight-loss plan by going to a health and wellness ranch.
◊“Important Things With Demetri Martin” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Stand-up comedian Demetri Martin is the creator, executive producer and star of this new sketch comedy series. He mixes stand-up comedy, sketches, animation, studio bits and music to explore one “important thing” per episode. The subject of the first episode is “timing.”
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Death threats targeting rock star Sebastian Grace expose Sam and Chris to the anything-goes rock and roll lifestyle, including Grace’s groupie, “Rocket Girl,” and an FBI agent known as “The Sorcerer” (Wallace Shawn, “The L Word”).
◊“Looking for Lincoln” (12:58 a.m. on OETA-13): Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. (“Oprah’s Roots”) explores the roots of President Lincoln and addresses many of the controversies surrounding the 16th president by interpreting evidence from those who knew him and those who study him today.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with …” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello welcomes indie duo She & Him (comprised of actress Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward) and singer-songwriters Jakob Dyland and Jenny Lewis.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Zoology Dept. and include 1954’s ”20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” (8:30 a.m.), 1963’s “The Birds” (2:30 p.m.) and 1943’s “Lassie Come Home” (9 p.m.).
◊“Uneven Fairways” (8 p.m. on Golf Channel): Samuel L. Jackson (“Lakeview Terrace” hosts this new special that chronicles an era when honor and fair play took a backseat to segregation. It reveals the story of the little-known, but rich history of the African-Americans who had the courage to stand up for their rights and pave the way for future stars of golf.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Iowa State in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KWTV-9.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Baylor in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
THURSDAY, FEB. 12
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Jack prepares for an unconventional Valentine’s Day spent at church with girlfriend Elisa (Salma Hayek, “Frida).
◊The 40th NAACP Image Awards (7 p.m. on Fox): Oscar winner Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball”) and actor-screenwriter Tyler Perry co-host the event that celebrates diversity in the arts. Two Nobel Peace Prize winners, former Vice President Al Gore and Kenyan activist Wangari Muta Maathai, are this year’s recipients of the Chairman’s Award.
◊“Animal Armageddon” (8 p.m on Aninal Planet): This new series sheds light on the evolution of Earth’s creatures and reveals the fragile and perilous nature of our planet.
◊“Cosby” marathon (7 p.m. to 1 a.m. today through Sunday on TV Land): Walk down memory lane as Denise, Theo, Vanessa and Rudy experience the growing pains of approaching adulthood and give Cliff and Clair more than one reason to look forward to an empty nest.
◊“Delocated” (9:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In this new live-action series, “Jon” testifies against the Russian Mafia and is placed undercover with his family in a New York City loft. But rather than live quietly through a witness protection program, “Jon” convinces his family to become ski-masked reality stars and have their adventures chronicled for television audiences.
◊“ER” (9:01 p.m. on NBC): Former cast member Eriq La Salle (Dr. Peter Benton) directs this episode in which a car accident in the ambulance bay leaves a mother severely injured and in need of hip surgery.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Addison (Kate Walsh), Naomi (Audra McDonald) and Sam (Taye Diggs) rush the ailing Archer (Grant Show) to Seattle Grace and reunite with old friends Derek and Mark to help save his life.
◊“Making the Band 4” (8 p.m. on MTV): The new season picks up where it ended, with Danity Kane shattered and Day 26 determined not to suffer the same fate.
◊“The Millionaire Matchmaker” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Patti Stanger is at the top of her game as owner of a Los Angeles-based elite matchmaking service in which she helps wealthy men find the women of their dreams. But there’s a twist for Season 2, as Patti adds female millionairesses and gay millionaire clients to the mix.
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): Adjusting to her new wealthy lifestyle proves difficult when Joy struggles to fit in with her trophy-wife neighbors. Morgan Fairchild (“Falcon Crest”) and Joan Van Ark (“Knots Landing”) guest star.
◊“Survivor: Tocantins” (7 p.m. on CBS): Left stranded in the wilds of Brazil for 39 days, the Season 18 castaways will battle scorching temperatures, torrential downpours, and dangerous wildlife all in an effort to outwit, outplay, and outlast one another in order to win $1 million.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Chemistry Dept. and include 1943’s ”Madame Curie” (9:30 a.m.), 1954’s “The Dam Busters” (2 p.m.) and 1959’s “Bell, Book and Candle” (9 p.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Betty tapes a video tribute for Claire Meade’s 60th birthday that’s very revealing, just not in the way she planned. But the real shocker comes when Betty accidentally leaves the camera on at home and discovers some revealing footage about Ignacio.
◊“Victor Borge: 100 Years of Music & Laughter” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Comedienne Rita Ruder narrates this special that features the Danish-born entertainer’s funniest and most memorable skits.
FRIDAY, FEB. 13
◊“Aaron Stone” (6 p.m. on Disney XD, channel 151 on Cox Digital Cable, 174 on Dish Network, 292 on DirecTV): This new series on Disney XD, which launched today in place of Toon Disney, focuses on Charlie Landers, the reigning world champion in the popular online game “Hero Rising.” When a billionaire recluse tells Charlie that “Hero Rising” is actually a test game for real secret agents, Charlie is recruited to be the real-life crime fighter Aaron Stone.
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Eliza Dushku (“Tru Calling”) stars in this new series about a group of secret operatives called ‘‘Actives” whose personalities are wiped clean after each mission. Then they get a new set for the next job. Also starring are Tahmoh Penikett (‘‘Battlestar Galactica”) and Olivia Williams (‘‘Miss Austen Regrets”).
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA): Series star James Roday (Shawn Spencer) co-wrote and directed this episode, in which Shawn and Gus are hired by a childhood friend to find a missing camp counselor. The counselor disappeared near their old sleep away campgrounds. Justin Bateman (“Family Tues”) guest stars.
◊“Reading Rainbow” (noon on OETA-13): Host Levar Burton (“Roots”) tells a series of stories, asking if they are fact or fiction. A small panel of children offer their opinions on the stories.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Religion Dept. and include 1960’s ”Elmer Gantry” (9 a.m.), 1943’s “A Guy Named Joe” (4:45 p.m.) and 1982’s “Sophie’s Choice” (10:15 p.m.).
◊Norman North takes on Westmoore in high school basketball action airing live at 6:15 p.m. on Cox.
◊“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (7 p.m. on Fox): An injured Sarah is guided by the image of John’s father, Kyle Reese, while Weaver’s move to protect John Henry results in deadly consequences.
SATURDAY, FEB. 14
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): Naomi, comfortable with her new living situation, is meddediately taken by Liam (Matt Lanter, “Heroes”), a hot bartender at her hotel.
◊“Before You Say I Do” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When the love of his life is too afraid to commit to marriage, a desperate man’s wish will send him back 10 years to rework history in order to ensure his future with the woman he wants to marry. David Sutcliffe (“Gilmore Girls”) and Jennifer Westfeldt (“Notes from the Underbelly”) star.
◊“Christopher Titus: Love is Evol” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Christopher Titus (“Titus”) takes the stage and riffs his way to Loverville as he tackles relationships, divorce and the root of all “evol” in this new comedy special.
◊“My Music: Love Songs of the 50s and 60s” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This cross-over pop and R&B special includes never-before-seen performances with archival favorites from the pre-Beatles era. Among the artists featured are Doris Day, Johnny Ray and Perry Como.
◊“Privileged” (8 p.m. on CW): Megan is thrilled when Will tells her that his father is starting a new magazine based on their idea.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Sociology Dept. and include 1951’s ”A Place in the Sun” (9:30 a.m.), 1937’s “The Awful Truth” (3:15 p.m.) and 1955’s “Love is a Many Slendored Thing” (7 p.m.).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Iowa State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 3 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Kansas in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KWTV-9.
–Penny TV
TV Talk: Jan. 18-24
The Oklahoman’s TV Talk personalities Penny Soldan and Heather Warlick tape a weekly video for Newsok.tv that highlights upcoming TV programs worth watching.
They’re not fast talkers, but just in case you didn’t catch all the information for a show of interest, here is their script for the week of Jan. 18:
P: Hi, I’m Penny Soldan, this is Heather Warlick and this is TV Talk, The Oklahoman’s weekly countdown of the Top 10 programs worth watching — or at least setting the DVR or VCR for.
H: No. 10 is “Miss America Live” at 7 p.m. Saturday on TLC. Kelsey Cartwright of Collinsville will represent Oklahoma at the 84th annual event live from the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Nevada. Mario Lopez will host the pageant.
P: “The Powerpuff Girls Rule” is No. 9 our list. This new animated special airs at 7 p.m. Monday on Cartoon Network. But fans will want to tune in beginning at 5 a.m. Monday for ”The Powerpuff Girls” 14-hour marathon.
H: No. 8 is “Gone Country” at 7 p.m. Saturday on CMT. Singer John Rich from Big & Rich returns as host of this series that brings together celebrities hoping to create a hit country music single. Contenders for Season 3 include Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner, The Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz and “American Idol” alum Justin Guarini.
P: Three Sunday premieres share the No. 7 spot on out list. “Big Love” returns for its third season at 8 p.m. on HBO. “The L Word” begins its sixth and final season at 8 p.m. on Showtime. And “Secret Diary of a Call Girl” starts its second season at 9:30 p.m. on Showtime.
H: Also on Sunday is the series premiere of “United States of Tara,” which is our No. 6 pick. It airs at 9 p.m. on Showtime and stars Toni Collette from “Little Miss Sunshine.” She plays a wife and mother who has several alternate personalities, including a promiscuous teenager, a happy homemaker and a biker dude.
P: No. 5 are five guest stars making appearance on four primetime shows. Jolene Blalock from “Enterprise” will be on “10 Items or Less” at 10 p.m. Tuesday on TBS. And appearing on Thursday’s episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” at 8 p.m. on ABC will be Jessica Capshaw from “The Practice” and Eric Stoltz from “Chicago Hope.”
H: Also on Thursday, Courtney B. Vance from “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” will appear with his wife Angela Bassett on “ER” at 9:01 p.m. on NBC. And Teri Polo from “Meet the Parents” will be on “Ghost Whisperer” at 7 p.m. Friday on CBS.
P: No. 4 is “Prayers for Bobby,” a new Lifetime movie premiering at 8 p.m. Saturday. Sigourney Weaver stars as an extremely religious wife and mother who becomes an advocate for gay rights after the suicide of her gay son. It is based on a true story.
H: Tuesday’s coverage of the Presidential Inauguration comes in at No. 3 on Penny’s list and No. 1 on mine. It begins at 9 a.m. on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox News and at 10 a.m. on PBS. Tuesday evening, ABC will also air “The Neighborhood Inaugural Ball” at 7 p.m., PBS will profile Barack Obama at 8 p.m. on “Frontline” and CBS will air the special “Dream Big Dream: The Inauguration” at 8 p.m.
P: No. 2 is the new Fox series “Lie to Me.” It premieres at 8:02 p.m. Wednesday and stars Tim Roth as Dr. Cal Lightman, the foremost deception expert in the country. He oversees a private agency hired to expose the truth behind the lies.
H: And No. 1, if you don’t count the Presidential Inauguration or the University of Oklahoma women’s basketball game against Texas A&M at 3 p.m. Sunday on Fox Sports Oklahoma, is “Lost.”
P: The show’s fifth season premieres at 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC. But tune in at 7 p.m. for the “Lost Clip Show” that will take an in-depth look at the mysteries of the island, its inhabitants and the Oceanic 6.
H: That’s a wrap for this week. For even more TV choices, consult TV Week in Sunday’s Oklahoman or go online to newsok.com/tv. For TV Talk, I’m Penny, this is Heather, thanks for your time.
Program Planner: Jan. 18-24
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. 18:
SUNDAY, JAN. 18
◊“America’s Next Top Model Obsessed” (10 a.m. on Oxygen): In addition to airing a 12-hour marathon of the most current season, this programming block will include vignettes featuring past contestants and judges.
◊“Another Cinderella Story” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This high-energy, comedic twist on the classic fairy tale stars Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”) as downtrodden teen Mary Santiago, Drew Seeley (“High School Musical” concert tour) as pop idol Joey Parker and Jane Lynch (“Talladega Nights”) as Dominique, Mary’s evil legal guardian.
◊“Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): In the face of a do-it-yourself market and a crackdown on polygamists, Bill wants to protect his growing family and his chain of Home Plus superstores by diversifying his business operations and building neighborhood goodwill. And as if his life wasn’t complicated enough already, he wants to take a fourth wife.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the show’s 100th episode, neighborhood handyman Eli Scruggs (Beau Bridges, “Stargate SG-1”) dies, and all the women reminisce about how he touched their lives — from helping Gabrielle (Eva Longoria Parker) make friends when she was new to Wisteria Lane to lending a hand to an overwhelmed Lynette (Felicity Huffman).
◊“Flight of the Conchords” (9 p.m. on HBO): In the show’s second season, transplanted New Zealanders Jemaine and Bret resort to a variety of unconventional strategies in an attempt to jump-start their lives and music careers.
◊“The L Word” (8 p.m. on Showtime): A major character is dead, and the show’s final season will be devoted to flashbacks of the events leading up to the tragedy.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This new adaptation of Emily Bronte’s novel “Wuthering Heights” stars Tom Hardy (‘‘Marie Antoinette”) as Heathcliff, the foundling who is taken in by a wealthy family and falls in love with his adoptive sister, Cathy (Charlotte Riley).
◊“Oklahoma High School Sports Express” (11 p.m. on KOKH-25): This locally-produced sports show hosted by Van Shea Iven will feature plays of the year from football and highlights from several basketball tournaments.
◊“State of Creativity” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The premiere episode of this documentary series focuses on Kyle Bratcher, 7, from Midwest City and his battle against radiation necrosis, a devastating consequence of cancer treatments performed to save his life.
◊“United States of Tara” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Tony Collette (“Little Miss Sunshine”) plays the title character, a wife and mother who has several alternate personalities, including a promiscuous teenage girl, a happy homemaker and a biker dude.
◊“We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial” (6 p.m. on HBO): Scheduled performers for the event that kicks off the inaugural opening festivities are Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas A&M in women’s basketball action airing live at 3 p.m. on FSOK.
MONDAY, JAN. 19
◊“The American Future: A History by Simon Schama” (7 p.m. today and Tuesday on BBC America): This four-part series shot against the backdrop of the U.S. presidential campaign features historian Simon Schama traveling throughout America to dig deep into the conflicts of its history to understand just what is at stake right now. Schama is a Professor of Art History and History at Columbia University.
◊“CSI: NY” marathon (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday on SPIKE): It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and SPIKE celebrates with 10 back-to-back episodes of the CBS crime drama.
◊“Look Around You” (12 a.m. on Cartoon Network): This British comedy series offers parodies of educational programs of the ‘70s and early ‘80s. Series creators Robert Popper and Peter Serafinowicz start in the show and perform the music for the series.
◊“The Powerpuff Girls Rule!!!” (7 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new half-hour animated special follows super-powered sisters Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup as they take to the skies once more for their biggest battle yet. Craig McCracken, who created the Emmy-winning series “The Powerpuff Girls,” selected his favorite episodes for a 14-hour marathon airing from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
◊“Paranormal State” (9 p.m. on A&E): Ryan Buell, the director and founder of the Paranormal Research Society (PRS), returns for a third season of this real-life series. He and his group of Penn State University students delve into other worlds to solve a variety of cases.
◊“The Story of India” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Michael Wood’s “10,000-year epic” concludes with the coming of Islam to the Indian subcontinent and the time of the British occupation of India.
◊“Will Work For Food” (7:30 p.m. on Food Network): Adam Gertner, who was a finalist on Season 4 of “The Next Food Network Star,” pairs his comedic timing with an adventurous spirit in this new series.
TUESDAY, JAN. 20
◊“10 Items of Less” (10 p.m. on TBS): Paramount rejects Leslie’s idea of holding a Star Trek convention at Greens & Grains, so he decides to hold a Star Trok convention instead. And when Jolene Blalock from “Enterprise” shows up for her celebrity appearance, an exploding refrigerator compressor traps her in the store.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): On the night of Barack Obama’s historic inauguration, the series examines the rich personal and political biography of the 44th president of the United States.
◊“The Neighborhood Inaugural Ball” (7 p.m. on ABC): This event airing live from the Washington Convention Center will include the President and First Lady’s first dance of the night and performances by various recording artists.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment titled “The Big Energy Gamble” looks at what’s being done to reduce California’s greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels. Actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. and ‘‘Science Guy” Bill Nye are among the commentators.
◊Presidential Inauguration 2009 (9 a.m. on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox News, 10 a.m. on PBS): Barack Obama takes the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Patricia Neal was born on this day in 1926, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1949′s “John Loves Mary” (8:30 a.m.) and 1968′s “The Subject was Roses” (4:30 p.m.).
◊Norman takes on Westmoore in high school basketball action airing live at 6 p.m. on Cox.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit becomes involved in the case of a family working together to abduct young women. Tim Matheson (“The West Wing”) directs the episode.
◊“Lie to Me” (8:02 p.m. on Fox)(Fox Photo of cast above): This new series stars Tim Roth as superobservant Dr. Cal Lightman, who works with law enforcement. His specialty is lie detecting; he can spot a fib a mile away, and this skill is in demand from more than just the police.
◊“Lost Clip Show” (7 p.m. on ABC): This special will take an in-depth look at the mysteries of the island, its inhabitants, the Oceanic 6, outside influences such as Charles Widmore, and also delve into some of the questions that have been answered, and others that still remain a mystery. The show’s fifth season premieres at 8 p.m.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Missouri in men’s basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Nebraska in men’s basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPNU.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Colorado in women’s basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on Cox.
THURSDAY, JAN. 22
◊The 2009 Academy Awards Nominations (7:30 a.m. on ABC, NBC, CBS, E!): Nominations for the 81st annual Academy Awards will be announced. Oscars will be handed out at the awards ceremony airing live Feb. 22 on ABC.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As time runs out for Bailey’s young patient, Meredith fights to grant a death row inmate’s wish to donate his organs to the boy. Jessica Capshaw (“The Practice”) and Eric Stoltz (“Mask”) guest star.
◊“Living With rhe Tribe” (10 p.m. on Travel): In Season 3, explorers Mark Anstice and Oliver Steeds travel to the Peruvian Amazon to experience life with the remote Machigenga.
◊“The This Old House Hour” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): A Brooklyn brownstone built in 1904 is the show’s latest renovation project. The building used to be a rooming house and will be transformed into a three-family home. Designer Carole Freehauf joins the team for this project.
◊Winter X Games (8 p.m. on ESPN): Coverage of the 13th annual sporting event begins with finals in snowmobiling, SuperPipe skiing and snowboarding. ESPN and ABC will televise 15 hours of live high-definition programming through Jan. 25.
FRIDAY, JAN. 23
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): Smash struggles with his confidence on the field as Coach Taylor preps him for college tryouts.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Series star Jennifer Love Hewitt (Melinda Gordon) makes her directorial debut with this episode, in which Melinda confronts a crisis that grips the whole town — the unearthing of a grave that leads to a mass haunting.
◊“Supernanny” (8 p.m. on ABC): Jo Frost handles two sets of twins at once for the first time when she returns to the United Kingdom on a mission to save a family on the brink.
◊“Wolverine and the X-Men” (7 p.m. Friday on Nicktoons, channel 153 on Cox Digital Cable, 178 on Dish Network): This new animated series based on Marvel Comic’s popular Super Heroes follows Wolverine as he reunites the X-Men in an attempt to save the world.
◊Edmond Memorial takes on Edmond North in high school basketball action airing live at 6 p.m. on Cox.
SATURDAY, JAN. 24
◊“The Diplomat” (6 p.m. on ION): This four-hour miniseries inspired by actual events stars Dougray Scott as Ian Porter, a disillusioned British diplomat who is believed to be doing business with a Russian arms and drugs trafficker. When he refuses to cooperate with Scotland Yard, suspicions mount and Porter must try to complete his secret mission before warring intelligence agencies and incompetent police forces cause irreparable damage to worldwide security.
◊“Gone Country” (7 p.m. on CMT): Singer John Rich (Big & Rich) returns as host of this series that brings together celebrities hoping to create a hit country music single. Contenders for Season 3 are Rock and Roll Hall of Famer George Clinton, Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner; actress Taylor Dayne (“Rude Awakening”), The Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz, percussionist Sheila E., actor Richard Grieco (“Booker”) and “American Idol” alum Justin Guarini.
◊“Miss America Live” (7 p.m. on TLC): Mario Lopez (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) will host the 84th annual event live from the Planet Holllywood Resort and Casino in Nevada. Representing Oklahoma will be Kelsey Cartwright of Collinsville.
◊“Prayers for Bobby” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Sigourney Weaver plays a devout mother who can’t accept her son’s homosexuality and urges him to get more involved in the church. Eventually the young man is overcome with depression and commits suicide, and his guilt-ridden mother reaches out to the gay and lesbian community and becomes a gay rights activist.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas A&M in women’s basketball action airing live at 6 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Nebraska in men’s basketball action airing live at 3 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Baylor in men’s basketball action airing live at 3 p.m. on ESPNU.
◊Games from the Jenks Basketball Tournament will air live at 7 p.m. on Cox.
–Penny TV
