Top 55 TV Programs for Sept. 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 Sept. 13:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, 2009
◊“2009 MTV Video Music Awards” (8 p.m. on MTV): Russell Brand (”Forgetting Sarah Marshall”) returns as host of the 26th annual event. Beyonce and Lady Gaga, who earned nine nominations each, are scheduled to perform along with Taylor Swift, Green Day, Jay-Z and P!nk.
◊“Defying Gravity” (9 p.m. on ABC): An impending solar flare threatens the crew of the Antares with dangerous radiation, while the strange force in Pod 4 finally sends out a siren call that proves utterly irresistible.
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Jane is determined to see if she can get a boutique to drop its refusal to sell plus sized clothing after being told the store doesn’t sell that kind of clothing. Paula Abdul (”American Idol”) guest stars.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): The guys step up their security following a suspicious break-in. And Drama follows up on an insider tip on Vince’s suspected stalker.
◊“Hung” (9 p.m. on HBO): In the first-season finale, Tanya ends up battling Lenore for control of Ray, who is worried about his future after hearing rumors from Mike about layoffs at school.
◊“HGTV Design Star” (9 p.m. on HGTV): The final two designers go head to head in making over an entire home for a deserving family. Even with the help of a crew of carpenters, it’s a daunting task that takes everything they’ve got. When the dust settles, the final two designers stand before the judges one last time, and a new Design Star is chosen.
◊“King of the Hill” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the series finale, Bobby becomes quite the ladies’ man when several girls in his class consider him a potential date for the Homecoming dance. And Hank is shocked when his mother announces she is marrying a man she has only known for a few weeks.
◊“Life After” (9 p.m. on TV One): Omarosa (”The Apprentice”), Daryl “Chill” Mitchell (”Brothers”) and Al Reynolds (Star Jones’ ex) participate in this new series that explores the turning points in celebrities’ lives.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Life Born of Fire,” Lewis learns about a religious group that seems to be targeted by a serial killer.
◊“Mega Beasts” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Each episode of this new six-part series is a detective story, bringing back to life some of the biggest and most ferocious dinosaurs ever to roam the earth. Through fossil clues and modern analogues (animals with similar traits used to suggest the mega beasts’ behavior), scientists piece together what these mysterious creatures looked like, how they behaved, how they fought, what they ate…and what ate them.
◊“One Year Later: The Week That Shook Wall Street” (9 p.m. on CNBC): A look at the unprecedented events of last September that included the 158-year-old investment bank Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy, the unexpected union of Bank of America and Merrill Lynch and insurance giant AIG on the brink of collapse before a government bailout.
◊“Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins” (6 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new live-action movie reveals the never-before-told story of how the Mystery Inc. gang first joined forces. The cast features Robbie Amell (”True Jackson”) as Fred, Kate Melton as Daphne, Hayley Kiyoko as Velma and Nick Palatas as Shaggy. Frank Welker, a member of the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! voice-cast, provides the voice of Scooby-Doo.
◊“True Blood” (8 p.m. on HBO): On the second-season finale, the mayhem in Bon Temps reaches a fever pitch as Maryann prepares for her ultimate bestial sacrifice, conscripting Sookie to be maid of honor at the bloody nuptials.
MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2009
◊“Amazing Wedding Cakes” (9 p.m. on WEtv): In the second-season finale, the CakeGirls get an order for a simple white wedding cake. But what seemed like an easy cake ends up challenging Brenda when she starts to paint a quilted design.
◊“America’s Got Talent” (7 p.m. on NBC): The eight finalists perform live one last time for a chance at the $1 million prize and the title of most talented person in America. The Season 4 winner is revealed live Wednesday.
◊“Design Inc.” (11 a.m. on FLN): Host and designer Sarah Richardson is back for Season 3 of the show that offers an insider’s view into the hectic workings of an interior fine design firm.
◊“The Dr. Oz Show” (11 a.m. on KOCO-5): After five years and 55 episodes as an “Oprah” show regular, Dr. Mehmet Oz launches his own series in syndication.
◊“Dr. Phil” (3 p.m. Monday on KOCO-5): Dr. Phil McGraw will kick off Season 8 from New York City. He met with viewers in taxi cabs and at the famous Carnegie Deli.
◊“Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke” (9 p.m. on VH1): The comedian has eight children, five exes and an entourage of family and friends who make his life complete. Problem is, he is supporting them all. This new series will give viewers a chance to go along for the rollercoaster ride with Eddie as he struggles to manage it all.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): As the summer is drawing to a close, Blair and Chuck are madly in love and adjusting to their new “in a relationship” status, breaking all traditional rules of dating as would be expected.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): As Rusty and Jordan are awkwardly deciding when to take their relationship to the next level, the Gotcha Game comes between them as the final two players left in the game. Nora Kirkpatrick (“Dorm Life”) guest stars as the Panhellenic President, Katherine.
◊“Have Fork Will Travel” (4 p.m. on FLN): Food lover and comedian Zane Lamprey travels the globe and tries to broaden his American sensibilities as he encounters a world of strange foods and customs.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio” (7 p.m. on Bravo): Join Peter, Lois, Brian the Dog and Stewie as they recount the years they’ve spent together on the Emmy-nominated animated series “Family Guy.” The actors who provide their voices — Seth McFarlane, Alex Borstein, Mike Henry and Seth Green — are interviewed by host James Lipton.
◊“Intervention” (8 p.m. on A&E): This episode titled “Intervention in Depth: Addiction in Uniform” focuses on three Iraq veterans who have fallen into substance abuse as a result of their wartime experiences.
◊“The Jay Leno Show” (9 p.m. on NBC): Former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno moves to prime time for this weeknight talk-variety hour. His first guests are comic Jerry Seinfeld and musical artists Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna.
◊“Lincoln Heights” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In Season 4 of the NAACP Image Award-winning family drama, the Suttons find themselves dealing with the aftermath of a major earthquake that rattled the town in last season’s finale and destroyed parts of their home. Lincoln Heights has always been a community in need of nurturing, but now with the devastation brought on by the massive quake, their community is struggling to come together.
◊“Martha Speaks” (1 p.m. on OETA-13): Season 2 starts with Martha putting a value on decor by dog when her beloved napping chair winds up on the set of “Antiques Roadshow.”
◊“The Martha Stewart Show” (2 p.m. on KSBI-52): For Season 5, homemaking icon Martha Stewart launches a new monthly segment, “American Treasures.” This unprecedented look at landmark locations across the country acts as an on-air companion to print stories that will appear in Martha Stewart Living magazine throughout the year. Skylands, Martha’s home in Maine, marks the first stop of the new series. Viewers will get Martha’s personal tour of this extraordinary home, whose previous owners were Edsel and Eleanor Ford.
◊“Monday Night Football” (6 p.m. on ESPN): Season 40 kicks off with two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady and the New England Patriots taking on wide receiver Terrell Owens and the Buffalo Bills. The commentator team of Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and analysts Ron Jaworski and Tony Kornheiser will call the game.
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): Nathan learns of a shocking accusation that could threaten his career, much to the chagrin of his sports agent Clay (new series regular Robert Buckley, “Lipstick Jungle”).
◊“The Oprah Winfrey Show” (4 p.m. on KOCO-5): Oprah launches her 24th season with what she calls “the most anticipated music interview of the decade,” a must-see television event with singing icon Whitney Houston. This marks Houston’s first interview in nearly seven years and follows the release of her highly touted new album, “I Look To You” on Aug. 31.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on KOCO-5): Today and Tuesday, Kate Gosselin (”Jon & Kate Plus 8″) sits in for Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who is on maternity leave until mid-October.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 2009
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): Naomi is still furious with Annie from prom night and contemplates sending out a sexually explicit text message of Annie as payback. John Schneider (”Smallville”) and Rumer Willis (”Sorority Row”) guest star.
◊“Big Brother” (8:01 p.m. on CBS): The series will cap its 11th season with a live two-hour broadcast where the winner will be revealed and the houseguests will then tell-all about their explosive summer for a special season-ending event.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Host Alison Sweeney and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels return for an eighth season of the hit weight-loss show, this time built around “second chances” for the 16 contestants which include Oklahomans Danny Cahill and Sean Algaier.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): William tries to help an old friend (Richard Lewis, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) commit to getting clean and kicking a habit that is jeopardizing his life with his wife and two kids. PK (Whoopi Goldberg, “The View”) tries to plan a surprise party in honor of William’s seven-years-sober anniversary.
◊“Eyes” (9 p.m. on DirectTV): This 2005 series, which which was canceled by ABC after five episodes, returns via DirecTV’s 101 Network, and all 12 episodes produced will air uncut, commercial free and in HD.
◊“More to Love” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 1 finale, Luke has his final one-on-one dates with the two remaining women and is forced to make a difficult decision.
◊“P.O.V.” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Principal Story,” elementary school principals Tresa Dunbar and Kerry Purcell face similar challenges at their Chicago and Springfield, Ill., schools.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): This installment looks at the deadly consequences of high school football concussions, the relationship between blacks and swimming and the decline of the sports section in U.S. newspapers.
◊“Retirement Revolution” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Paula Zahn (”Paula Zahn Now”) hosts this special in which experts analyze the financial problems of retirement and demonstrate ways to richer, healthier retirement years.
◊“Ruby & the Rockits” (7:30 p.m. on ABC Family): Shirley Jones (”The Partridge Family”) guest stars as David and Patrick’s mother, Shirley, visiting from Pittsburgh. Ruby and Shirley are off to a rocky start when Shirley insists Ruby call her Mrs. Gallagher instead of Grandma.
◊“Shaq VS” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, Shaquille O’Neal challenges 14-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps to a series of swimming races. Leading up to the challenge, Shaq learns the basics and get swimming tips from Michael Phelps’ swimming coach Bob Bowman.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16, 2009
◊“The Beautiful Life: TBL” (8 p.m. on CW): In this new series, modeling hopefuls quickly learn that behind the beautiful facade is a world of insecurity and cut-throat competition.
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 1 final, Carter is the prime suspect in the killing of an undercover DEA officer, with Jaimie, Ty and Dean as witnesses to the shooting. But Carter’s recollection of the event involves a third person in a blue car, something none of the others remember seeing. Andrea Roth (”Rescue Me”) guest stars
◊“Full Color Football: The History of the American Football League” (7 p.m. on Showtime): This five-part documentary follows the birth of the only league to successfully rival the NFL from its innovative and wild beginnings to the most stunning upset in pro football history and the eventual powerhouse merger.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Will forms the Acafellas, an all-male acapella vocal group, and spends more time building his own confidence than he does with the glee club. In Will’s absence, the glee club decides to hire a well-known choreographer to help coach them to Nationals. Victor Garber (”Alias”) and Josh Groban (musical artist) guest star.
◊“Great Performances” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In the special “Vienna Philharmonic Summer Concert 2009,” conductor Daniel Barenboim leads the Vienna Philharmonic in an open-air performance that includes Mozart’s “A Little Night Music” Johann Strauss’ ‘‘1001 Nights Waltz.”
◊“Truth Be Told” (8 p.m. on TLC): Three different families reveal their innermost thoughts and moments as they let the cameras witness daily life coping with Autism, Down’s syndrome and Epidermolysis Bullose (a terminal disease that causes skin to blister and detach).
◊“The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): Rampage Jackson and Rashad Evans coach the best up-and-coming mixed martial artists in the heavyweights division.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 17
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): A psychic (Cyndi Lauper, “Vibes”) leads Brennan and Booth to an unmarked grave in the Season 5 premiere.
◊“Community” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): This new comedy focuses on a group of misfits at Greendale Community College. They form a study group and eventually learn more about themselves than their course work.
◊“Extreme Cuisine With Jeff Corwin” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Renowned for his expertise in wildlife and conservation, Jeff Corwin explores human culture through regional cuisine in this new series. With an open mind (and mouth), Jeff enjoys endless surprises as he learns from the natives and samples the exotic foods and local customs that mold each community.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): Season Two opens with Olivia’s shocking return from a parallel universe, while Peter, unknowingly in a race against time with an ominous mobile force, pursues information about Olivia’s visit.
◊“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (9 p.m. on FX): In Season 5, Dennis, Mac, and Frank go into real estate, while Dee sets out to be a surrogate for a wealthy couple.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael feels left out as the rest of the office gossips about the summer interns. While Michael searched for the next juicy rumor to share, Andy struggles with heterosexuality.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): When Leslie decides to marry two penguins to promote the local zoo, she inadvertently causes an uproar when both penguins turn out to be male.
◊“Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update Thursday” (7 p.m. on NBC): For the first two episodes of this new series, Amy Poehler (”Parks and Recreation”) reunites with ◊“Saturday Night Live” star Seth Meyers behind the anchor desk that they shared on “SNL.” They will skewer today’s top stories in primetime.
◊“Survivor: Samoa” (7 p.m. on CBS): In one of the most beautiful “Survivor” locations yet, 20 castaways will be left to fend for themselves among Samoa’s white sand beaches, lush green valleys and towering waterfalls. Despite the picturesque landscape, the castaways will face exposure to elements and wildlife living in the mysterious rainforests that cover rugged volcanic mountain peaks as they try to outwit, outplay and outlast one another to win $1 million.
◊“Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo” (6 p.m. on Cinemax): This documentary follows the lives of the Eddie Warrior Correctional Center women’s team from Taft and their journey as they prepare to compete in the Oklahoma Prison Rodeo against inmates from nine other male penitentiaries.
◊“VH1 Divas” (8 p.m. on VH1): Paula Abdul (”American Idol”) hosts this live concert event featuring singers Adele, Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Miley Cyrus. The special will raise funds for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 18, 2009
◊“The 2009 Alma Awards” (7 p.m. on ABC): Eva Longoria Parker (”Desperate Housewives”) and George Lopez (”The Spy Next Door”) co-host the event that celebrates outstanding achievements of Latinos in entertainment. For the first time in the history of the show, the ALMA Awards will broadcast during National Hispanic Heritage Month, a month in which all Americans learn about the Latino community and celebrate the contributions that Latinos have made to this country throughout its history.
◊“The 2009 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards” (noon on E!): Kathy Griffin (”My Life on the D-List”) hosts the event where Emmys are handed out for technical and artistic achievement in television.
◊“Crash” (9 p.m. on Starz): Dennis Hopper (”Speed”) returns for a second season as record producer Ben Cendars, just out of rehab and searching for clues surrounding a personal mysterious death. Joining the cast this season are Eric Roberts (“Heroes”) as Seth, a billionaire entrepreneur who plans to give Los Angeles a long desired new professional football team; and Linda Park (“Star Trek: Enterprise”) as Maggie, a children’s book author who writes of a joyful life but has trouble living it.
◊“Diego’s Arctic Rescue” (9 a.m. on Nickelodeon): In this new hourlong episode, Diego and Baby Jaguar are visiting the Arctic Wildlife Rescue Center playing with the polar bears when they suddenly hear a cry for help from a Mommy Polar Bear.
◊“Guiding Light” (2 p.m. on CBS): This daytime drama, which has spanned 72 years and more than 15,700 episodes, broadcasts its final episode. Throughout its run, the show has won 69 Daytime Emmy Awards, including three for outstanding daytime drama series.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): To woo the lone holdout on the reinstatement committee, Monk accompanies Lt. Disher on a scouting trip with the man’s troublesome son where nature isn’t the only thing the troop has to fear. Alex Wolff (”The Naked Brothers Band”) and Wade Williams (”Prison Break”) guest star.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Greta Garbo was born on this day in 1905, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1940’s “I Take This Woman” (12:15 p.m.) and 1939’s “Dust Be My Destiny” (3:30 p.m.).
◊“The Troop” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new series created by Oklahomans Max Burnett and Greg Coolidge centers on three ordinary high school students who are members of a secret society and faced with the extraordinary task of managing their town’s paranormal population.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 19, 2009
◊“Busytown Mysteries” (8 a.m. on CBS): Inspired by the beloved works of best-selling children’s author Richard Scarry, this new series brings the popular adventures of Busytown to preschoolers with an educational, problem-solving twist. Children can follow classic characters such as Huckle, Sally, Lowly, Hilda, Pig Will and Pig Won’t while they scour around Busytown on fun-filled adventures looking for answers to life’s puzzles.
◊“Georgia O’Keeffe” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Joan Allen (”The Contender”) stars in the title role and also serves as producer for this new movie that not only looks at the artist’s provocative, ground-breaking art-work but also delves into her relationship with art dealer/editor Alfred Stieglitz (Jeremy Irons, “Reversal of Fortune”).
◊“Noonbory & the Super 7″ (8:30 a.m. on CBS): When trouble is brewing or super silly villainy is taking place in the whimsical world of Toobalooba, Noonbory and his sensational team of super-sensing problem solvers save the day. Each superhero “bory “has a super sense, including sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, and of course a little common sense and nonsense never hurts.
◊“Reel Impact: The 11th Hour” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): Leonardo DeCaprio (”Revolutionary Road”) narrates this documentary that explores how humanity has arrived at this moment, how we impact the Earth’s ecosystems and what we can do to change our course.
◊“Rollbots” (8 a.m. on CW): In the premiere episode of this new animated series about futuristic robots, Spin and the rest of the Flip City Police Department must deal with a bank robbery on Spin’s first day on the job.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Aug. 9-15, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Aug. 9:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, AUG. 9
◊“At Sea” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): This three-part miniseries airing today through Tuesday focuses on the new responsibilities of the Navy, as well as new technologies and training necessary to achieve success on the seas.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star John Finn (John Stillman) directed this episode in which Rush and the team investigate the 1964 murder case of a young white woman who secretly travelled to Mississippi during Freedom Summer.
◊“Comedy Central Roast of Joan Rivers” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Kathy Griffin (”My Life on the D-List”) will serve as roast master for this event that pays homage to the career of comedienne Joan Rivers. Roasters include Brad Garrett (”Everybody Loves Raymond”), Carl Reiner (“The Dick Van Dyke Show”), Gilbert Gottfried (“Clerks”), Lily Tomlin (“Nine to Five”) and Richard Belzer (“Law & Order”).
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): At a charity golf tournament, Vince and Drama up the stakes with teammates Mark Wahlberg (“Rock Star”) and Tom Brady (New England Patriots quarterback).
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): The three remaining families take a detour off Route 66 to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas where they get a special performance by Penn and Teller. This leg of the journey also includes a trip to one of the man made wonders of the world – the Hoover Dam – where the families compete in The King of the Road challenge.
◊“Jesse James Is a Dead Man” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): Modern-day daredevil Jesse James takes on another death-defying challenge in the show’s first-season finale.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on USA): In the Season 8 finale, detectives Nichols and Eams pursue a surviving member of the radical Baader-Meinhof gang as he stages a revolutionary terrorist campaign. An eight-hour marathon of the season’s episodes begins at 9 a.m.
◊“Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d’Arabian” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): Last week, stay-at-home mom and home cook Melissa d’Araboan was crowned the Season 5 winner of “The Next Food Network Star.” In her new series, she will show viewers how to incorporate creative and tasty meals into their budgets by sharing her tried-and-true recipes. And she keeps her $10 promise in every episode.
◊“Raging Planet” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This new series takes viewers right into the heart of the planet’s most amazing forces, revealing the speed of a twister, the lethal force of a lightning bolt, the power of a hurricane and the instant devastation of a flood.
◊“Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew” (8 p.m. on MTV): Mario Lopez (”Saved By the Bell”) hosts Season 4 of the series in which dance crews of five to seven members perform their hottest moves for dance supremacy and a $100,000 cash prize. Each week, viewers will choose their favorite crews via text messaging and online voting (http://dancecrew.mtv.com). The two crews with the least number of votes will be up for elimination with the judges – JC Chasez, Lil Mama and Shane Sparks – making the final call on which crew will be sent home.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): In this new reality series, budding entrepreneurs try to persuade five tycoons to invest in their business proposals in return for part equity in the company. On the panel of “sharks” are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, infomercial pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O’Leary.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Cary Grant is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1964’s “Father Goose” (3 p.m.) and 1950’s “Crisis” (11 p.m.).
◊“There Goes the Neighborhood” (8 p.m. on CBS): In this new reality competition series, eight families in a suburban neighborhood in Georgia are enclosed by a massive 20-foot wall as they compete in family-friendly games for the grand prize of $250,000. Matt Rogers (”American Idol”) hosts.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Regis Philbin returns as host as the game show returns to primetime for a two-week, 11-night event celebrating the show’s 10th anniversary. The game show will air Sunday through Thursday, and finale on Aug. 23 will feature a visit from the show’s first woman to win $1 million — Nancy Christy of Tulsa.
◊“Z Rock” (10 p.m. on IFC): The band ZO2 gets the gig of a lifetime: a Bar Mitzvah. Technically speaking, it’s actually a “B-iz-ar Mitzvah” for a well-known black rapper, and it’s being filmed as the pilot episode of a highly anticipated reality series about crazy Bar Mitzvahs. Guest stars include Joan Rivers (”The Celebrity Apprentice”) and Gary Dell’Abate (“Howard Stern”).
MONDAY, AUG. 10
◊“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Morgan Fairchild guest stars as a Beverly Hills socialite friend of Stephanie Forrester (Susan Flannery), who prompts a dueling fashion show between rival fashion houses Forrester Creations and Jackie M. Her character will appear in the Tuesday, Thursday and Friday episodes, as well.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): A large box with a body stuffed inside leads Brenda in search of suspects, and she winds up with several: a scripture-thumping stepfather, a disgruntled ex-girfriend, a buddy who was constantly being hit up for money and a landlord who simply hated the victim’s guts.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include an instrument that may have been recovered from the Hindenburg, a book that may have beem a gift from President John Adams to his son and a home in the Bronx that may have been the birthplace of hip hop.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted tells the gang Stella’s intimate secret, he must face the consequences of breaking her trust. Sarah Chalke (”Scrubs”) and Will Forte (”Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
◊“Jon & Kate Plus 8” (8 p.m. on TLC): While Jon overseas the installation of new cabinets in the kitchen, Kate and the kids get some fun in the sun at the beach. She allows them to body paint with pudding yet again, despite her natural desire for cleanliness and order.
◊“Lord of the Revolution” (7 p.m. on VH1): Richard Belzer narrates this five-part series airing today through Friday. Each hour-long episode celebrates the counterculture icons of the ‘60s and ‘70s – the legends who defied the social, political and cultural mores of their time — from the Black Panthers and Andy Warhol to Harvard professor turned psychedelic advisor Timothy Leary.
◊“The Nine Lives of Marion Barry” (8 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary profiles the controversial Washington, D.C. politician, viewed by some as a philandering, drug-addled disaster, and by others as a folk hero. It tells Barry’s improbable personal history through a wealth of archival footage of him as a young activist in the 1960s, a rising African-American political star in the 1970s, and his resurgence into D.C. politics with his most recent campaign in 2004.
◊“Obsessed” (9 p.m. on A&E): The Season 1 finale focuses on an extreme hoarder who can’t throw away anything that belonged to his deceased mother and a woman who pulls her hair out when she feels anxious.
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): When Peyton’s pregnancy is threatened, Lucas struggles to pick up the pieces. Victoria (Daphne Zuniga, “American Dreams”) returns to lure Brooke back to Clothes Over Bro’s.
◊“Popular Science’s Future Of” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Author and comedian Baratunde Thurston hosts this new series that gives viewers a glimpse of the unbelievable scientific and technological innovations destined to shape our lives in five, ten, 15 or 25 years. Through in-depth interviews with maverick scientists and hands-on experience with breakthrough research and extraordinary prototypes, each episode examines how one important characteristic of human life will fundamentally change within our lifetimes.
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): Bobbi defends a young woman accused of trying to smuggle a brick of cocaine, but her client’s appearance proves to be an issue. Michelle, who is prosecuting the case, has to rely on testimony by her cop boyfriend, but there’s something a little too coincidental about his involvement.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Dirk Bogarde is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1957’s “Doctor at Large” (2 p.m.) and 1950’s “The Blue Lamp” (7 p.m.).
◊“Teen Choice 2009″ (7 p.m. on Fox): The Jonas Brothers host and perform during the 11th annual awards show honoring the year’s hottest teen icons for contributions to television, music, film, sports and fashion. “Twilight” and its cast lead the pack with 12 nominations, followed by “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” and its cast, Miley Cyrus and “Gossip Girl” and its cast with 10 nods each.
◊“Twilight Weekly: Spotlight” (9 p.m. on REELZ, channel 238 on DirecTV, 299 on Dish Network): Correspondent Naibe Reynoso hosts this new series that gives viewers the most buzzed-about news, behind-the-scenes coverage of the “Twilight” sequels “New Moon” and “Eclipse,” as well as interviews with key cast members.
TUESDAY, AUG. 11
◊“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): In an attempt to get close to Liam (Matt Lanter, “Commander in Chief”), Naomi offers to be his math tutor, but she gets more than she bargains for when he takes her out for a wild night.
◊“America’s Got Talent” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the second week of live performance shows, 10 of the top 40 contestants perform for a chance to win $1 million and be named the most talented person in America. Judging is turned over to the American viewing audience.
◊“Better Off Ted” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, a new Veridian invention accidentally reveals buttoned-up Veronica’s surprising “secret” life. Meanwhile, Linda decides that if Ted won’t date her, she’s going to fix him up with her old roommate.
◊“Chain Gang Girls 2” (8 p.m. on WE): This two-hour special focuses on America’s only female chain gang. The women have all committed crimes as varied as their backgrounds, but all are bound together by one thing — a 30-foot steel chain. This month-long rotation, part of an intense military-style reform program, forces the women to work together and come to terms with inner issues.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): Christine Lahti (“Chicago Hope”) guest stars as a mother who asks William and Swenton to retrieve her drug-addled son from jail in the Inland Empire. Whoopi Goldberg (”The View”) reprises her role as PK, William’s former sponsor.
◊“Daddy’s Girls” (9 p.m. on MTV): Season 2, which opens with back-to-back episodes, showcases Angela and Vanessa’s new life in Los Angeles and how they’ve adjusted to the West Coast — especially how their father, Rev Run, has dealt with giving his daughters room to grow.
◊“Great American Seafood Cook-Off” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special highlights the fifth annual event held last August in New Orleans. Overcooked fish and other culinary calamities cause major stress for the contestants as they attempt to create a masterpiece in three hours.
◊“Hawthorne” (8 p.m. on TNT): Christina leaves Bobbie in charge of the entire hospital nursing staff while she goes into budget battles with Morrissey, who gives Christina until the end of the day to lay off six nurses. The order couldn’t come at a worse time for Kelly, who gets into trouble when she refutes Dr. Marshall’s treatment for a stroke patient.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on CBS): Allison is visited again by the ghost of FBI Agent Cooper (Kurtwood Smith, “That ’70s Show), who helps her investigate who the real killer is in a series of questionable murders, but she starts to question Cooper’s motives and wonders if she can trust his advice.
◊“NYC Prep” (8 p.m. on Bravo): In the first-season finale, the school year comes to a close and seniors PC and Jessie give their parting goodbyes — but not without a good fight.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Made in L.A.” chronicles the remarkable and tireless efforts of three Latina garment workers in Los Angeles to secure better working conditions in factories that bear an uncomfortable resemblance to early 20th-century New York sweatshops. The women waged a three-year battle to bring a major clothing retailer to the negotiating table.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): The squad investigates the death of a parole officer with secrets, while Grace and her brother Johnny finally track down Neely, the young addict who shares visions of Earl.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Audrey Hepburn is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1952’s “Secret People” (7 a.m.) and 1953’s “Roman Holiday” (9:30 p.m.).
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12
◊“Acid Test: The Global Challenge of Ocean Acidification” (9:30 p.m. on Planet Green): Sigourney Weaver (“Aliens”) narrates this documentary produced by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) that explores the startling phenomenon of ocean acidification, which may soon challenge the survival of thousands of marine species.
◊“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Appearing in the next three episodes as celebrity judges at a fashion show will be Jim J. Bullock (“Too Close for Comfort”), who reprises his role as Sergei; Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”), who returns as Rich Ginger; and Melissa Rivers (“The Celebrity Apprentice”), who plays herself.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): A serial killer who disguises his victims’ demise by creating car accidents to mask their earlier deaths is the subject of a BAU manhunt. William Mapother (”Lost”) and Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) guest star.
◊“Criss Angel Mindfreak” (9 p.m. on A&E): Illusionist Criss Angel returns for a fifth season of putting himself to the ultimate life or death test. Each week, he will perform a variety of different illusions and end with a never-before-seen demonstration (in the premiere episode, he is being buried alive in ice and snow).
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the shooting of a man in an empty theater, Stella realizes that the crime scene is oddly familiar and staged. Katherine McPhee (”American Idol”) guest stars.
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): Carter’s unit races against the clock to save a kidnapped woman, and it’s up to Ty as a gangbanger, Dean as a security guard and Jaimie as a potential victim to track down the woman’s whereabouts. But the situation is not helped by the fact that the FBI are involved in the case, dredging up a deeply personal grudge Carter has against the feds.
◊“Dinner: Impossible” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Robert Irvine and his team try to overcome culinary obstacles in this series, which returns for its seventh season. In the premiere episode, they cater a utensil-free meal for 250 Roller Derby women and their families.
◊“Ghost Hunters International” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The team investigates Chile’s famed El Bosque City Hall, which was once a retirement home for Catholic priests and doubled as a house of detention for the secret police during the reign of Augusto Pinochet.
◊“Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Cincinnati Bengals” (9 p.m. on HBO): HBO Sports, NFL Films and the Cincinnati Bengals will team up for an all-access look at what it takes to make it in the National Football League in this sports-based reality series, which returns for its fifth season. The five-episode series will focus on the daily lives and routines of players and coaches as the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for the 2009 NFL season.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): The crew dives into the paranoid world of government conspiracies to expose a heartless tabloid newscaster as a fraud.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The 200th anniversaries of Franz Joseph Haydn’s death and Felix Mendelssohn’s birth are commemorated with performances by violinist Joshua Bell and the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra. The program includes Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and his popular concert work “The Hebrides”; Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 in D Major (”London”); and Mozart’s Rondo for Violin and Orchestra in C Major and Adagio for Violin and Orchestra in E Major.
◊“Man vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In the Season 4 premiere, host and survival expert Bear Grylls navigates through the icy Arctic Circle where he tackles a frozen waterfall, hunts wild reindeer and battles against some of the coldest conditions on the planet.
◊“Meet the Browns” (8 p.m. on TBS): Attractive principal Mr. Hughes gives Cora a full-time job teaching at the high school, but she immediately runs into problems when a student shows up to class drunk. And the Colonel tries to find a job after losing his nest egg.
◊“The Philanthropist” (9 p.m. on NBC): Teddy has come to the impoverished Caribbean nation of Haiti with his partner, Philip, to try and solve an almost-hopeless food shortage. Philip, who was born in Haiti but left as a teenager, is locking horns with a powerful island senator named Jean Beauvais who also happens to be Philip’s estranged brother.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Clark Gable is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1954’s “Betrayed” (noon) and 1932’s “Red Dust” (7 p.m.).
◊“Truth Be Told” (8 p.m. on TLC): This new series focuses on compulsive hoarders who hold onto worthless possessions to the point where clutter makes their homes unlivable.
◊“TV’s 50 Funniest Phrases, Part 2” (7 p.m. on NBC): Host Jane Krakowski (”30 Rock”) celebrates the humor and history of television’s funniest phrases with this special, that will begin with the 24th most popular catchphrase from TV and will countdown all the way to No. 1. Also featured are the top three phrases of popular genres including science fiction and action adventure.
THURSDAY, AUG. 13
◊“30 Rock” (7 p.m. on NBC): C.C. (Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”) wants to go public with her relationship with Jack, but Jack is still very reluctant. Meanwhile, Liz continues to appease both Tracy and Jenna as stars of “TGS with Tracy Jordan.”
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (7:59 p.m. on CBS): Nick’s case of a deceased skydiver takes an interesting turn when Catherine discovers there may be a connection
between the skydiver and a mysterious double murder case. Charisma Carpenter (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Greg Germann (”Ally McBeal”) guest star.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Bailey heads up a team of surgeons performing a “domino procedure” in which each surgery hinges on the one preceding it; Derek gets sole credit for the brain tumor study he did with Meredith; Lexie goes to great lengths to have George notice her romantically, and Sloan counsels a desperate Callie on the ways of love. Carl Lumbly (”Alias”) and Kevin McKidd (”Rome”) guest stars.
◊“Into the Pride” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): In this five-part series, large predator expert Dave Salmoni heads deep into the African bush on a double mission – to return to his wild roots and save a rogue pride of lions from elimination.
◊“Special Ops Mission” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): In each episode of this new series, special forces operator Wil Willis must complete a nearly impossible mission. Each episode introduces a new “Op-For” team that will employ the latest military tactics to stop Willis.
◊“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment titled “Buffalo Soldiers” takes viewers back into the past in order to recognize some of those who secured Oklahoma’s future. Native Oklahomans nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers” protected Indians from white settlers and white settlers from hostile Indians. They also built forts, railroads, ran telegraph lines and mapped much of Oklahoma and Indian Territories. Many were eventually awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for various acts of heroism.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Gloria Grahame is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1953’s “The Glass Wall” (2 p.m.) and 1953’s “The Big Heat” (8:45 p.m.).
FRIDAY, AUG. 14
◊“Degrassi Goes Hollywood” (7 p.m. on The N): Old friends, flames and rivals reunite as the Degrassi gang takes over Tinseltown in the network’s first original two-hour movie. The only thing bigger than their dreams is the drama when they venture to Hollywood to score parts in a film, Mewesical High, directed by Jason Mewes (“Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”). The movie also features guest appearances by Kevin Smith (“Clerks”), Perez Hilton (celebrity blogger), Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy), Vivica A. Fox (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Kelly Carlson (“Nip/Tuck”) and Cassadee Pope (“Hey Monday”).
◊“The Doors: Live in Europe” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special features performances from the American rock band’s 1969 European tour, including the songs “Light My Fire,” “Hello, I Love You” and “The Unknown Soldier.” It also offers a glimpse of life on the road for band members Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore.
◊“Gown Crazy” (9 p.m. on TLC): Norman designer Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie, who finished fifth in Season 3 of “Project Runway,” is featured in this new special, which was taped as a pilot for a possible series. He has four days to design and sew five outfits for the Miss Oklahoma Pageant, put on a charity fashion show and design and complete a custom evening gown and wedding gown.
◊“Kai-Lan’s Great Trip to China” (9 a.m. on Nickelodeon): This new one-hour special takes Kai-lan, Yeye and friends on a trip to China to visit Kai-lan’s great aunt and attend the naming ceremony of a baby panda. Along the way, viewers will be asked to help Rintoo, Tolee, Hoho and the baby panda overcome their fears of trying something new so they don’t miss the special naming ceremony at sundown. Ming-Na (“ER”) guest stars as the voice of Kai-lan’s Great Aunt Gu Nai Nai.
◊“Kung Fu Panda” (7:15 p.m. on Cinemax): The title character doesn’t know martial arts when the movie begins, but that changes fast in this fun, animated comedy-adventure featuring the voice of Jack Black in the main role. The voice cast also includes Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu and Ian McShane.
◊“The Mom Show” (9 a.m. on WE): In the season finale, resident doctor Dave Greenberg joins the moms to talk about a growing epidemic — stress.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA): While investigating the high-profile murder of a maid whose assailant apparently tried to treat her wounds, Monk finds himself drawn to another case involving a visiting African man investigating his wife’s hit-and-run death.
◊“Neil Diamond — Hot August Night: NYC” (7 p.m. on CBS): This new concert special features performances from Neil Diamond’s latest sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York. He sings several of his classics, including “America,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “I Am…I Said,” “Cherry, Cherry” and “Sweet Caroline.” In addition, Diamond reflects on a recent visit to his hometown, as he takes the audience on his journey from Brooklyn to Madison Square Garden.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When Robin’s seemingly strong case against a weapons smuggler falls apart, the team decides to look into the jury who heard the case. James Marsters (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Ray Wise (”Reaper”) guest star.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Sidney Poitier is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1967’s “To Sir, With Love” (5 p.m.) and 1963’s “Lilies of the Field” (9:15 p.m.).
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): Alex opts to plan a zombie-themed anti-prom, but she is unprepared for the real zombies that arrive for the ultimate prom dance-off.
◊“Woodstock: Now & Then” (8 p.m. on VH1): This documentary directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple (“American Dream”) examines the 1969 three-day music festival from the perspectives of not only the musicians who graced the stage, but the fans who gathered in mass and the concert promoters who risked everything. History Channel will air the 2-hour documentary on Aug. 17.
SATURDAY, AUG. 15
◊“The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): When Bill refuses to shave his beard after a fishing trip, Susan decides to teach him a lesson, and Paul winds up in the crossfire. Meanwhile, Bryan tries to join Trent in tormenting Lauren, but it’s unclear he has what it takes to be a prankster.
◊“Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a missing plastic surgeon who is found dead in the front seat of his car after a week of being parked curbside. As they delve into the twisted world of surgery obsessed patients and secret operations, Castle experiences a fatherly rite of passage as Alexis attends her first prom.
◊“Househusbands of Hollywood” (8 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): This new series follows the lives of five men and their high-powered, successful wives. The men live under a different set of circumstances, but they all have one thing in common –their wives are bringing home the bacon. The Hollywood husbands include former Los Angeles Dodger Billy Ashley (married to celebrity makeup artist Lisa Ashley), actor Darryl M. Bell (married to actress Tempestt Bledsoe) and former Marine Corps sniper Grant Reynolds (married to ‘Good Day LA” host Jillian Reynolds).
◊“My Sinatra: A Musical Tribute” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): New York crooner Cary Hoffman celebrates Frank Sinatra’s classic period from 1953 to the early ‘60s with his renditions of “Luck Be a Lady,” Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way” and others classics.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Deborah Kerr is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are
1942’s “The Avengers” (9:30 a.m.) and 1957’s “An Affair to Remember” (7 p.m.).
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for June 28-July 4, 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 June 28:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
◊The BET Awards ’09 (7 p.m. on BET): Jamie Foxx (“Ray”) will host the ninth annual event that celebrates the achievements in music, sports and entertainment. The O’Jays will be honored with a lifetime achievement award.
◊“Built to Shred” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): In Season 2 of this build-and-ride sports show featuring top skateboarders, BMXers and surfers, host Jeff King works with pros to design, build and try out a new obstacle.
◊“Celebrity Rides: Hollywood Speeding Bullitt” (6 p.m. on DIY): Chad McQueen, son of actor Steve McQueen, helps build a 1968 GT Fastvack Mustang made famous by the movie “Bullitt.”
◊“Comedy You Can Believe In With David Alan Grier” (9 p.m. on TBS): David Alan Grier (“Chocolate News”) will perform his own stand-up and introduce comedians Bruce Bruce, Jo Koy, Mark Curry, Aries Spears and Marina Franklin.
◊“Gene Simmons Family Jewels” (8:30 p.m. on A&E): While Gene Simmons rings the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and spreads the word about investing in America, Shannon does some spending of her own when she gets addicted to late-night infomercials.
◊“HGTV Showdown” (9 p.m. on HGTV): A new line-up of challengers and celebrity guests take the design stage for Season 3 of the show. Host Jamie Durie will guide viewers through the action as two teams of expert designers and builders compete to design and execute a winning room makeover for one lucky homeowner. The homeowner also will win a professional design plan and $10,000 toward the redesign of a room in their home.
◊“Hung” (9 p.m. Sunday on HBO): In this new and very adult comedy, Thomas Jane stars as Ray Drucker, a high school basketball coach and divorced dad who sets out to change his fortune.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Mrs. McGinty’s Dead,” crime novelist Ariadne Oliver (Zoe Wanamaker, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”) joins Poirot (David Suchet, “Henry VIII”) to save a man who has been sentenced to hang for the murder of his landlady.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): The witch Nimueh casts a spell with a monster that poisons Camelot’s drinking water, spreading a sickness throughout the city. When Gwen’s father falls ill, Merlin disobeys Gaius’ orders and tries to help.
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Bobby Flay tests the remaining seven finalists by having them out their culinary point of view on a classic American dish — the burger. Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) surprises the finalists and challenges them to create a dish using a basket of international ingredients for a group of returning American soldiers.
◊“Prehistoric New York” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Travel back in time through the lost worlds of New York City’s past, when mammoths once trampled down Fifth Avenue and some of the world’s first dinosaurs roamed where the New York Giants now play.
◊“Waging War on Cancer With Paula Zahn: The Future” (1:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This program seeks to demystify cancer by explaining where it comes from. In many cases, it has to do with chronic injury to tissue.
MONDAY, JUNE 29
◊“Blood, Sweat + Gears: Racing Clean to the Tour de France” (9:30 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary follows the journey of an American cycling team seeking to compete in its first Tour de France, the French bicycle race that covers over 3,500 kilometers in 22 grueling days. The 2009 Tour de France runs from July 4-July 26.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Brenda and her squad are temporarily deputized into the FBI when a missing person case turns into a full-blown murder investigation involving drug trafficking at gay dance parties. The case gives Brenda and Fritz the chance to work together again, but her investigative tactics don’t exactly fit FBI protocol.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a murderer kidnaps an innocent baby, Horatio and the team must find him before the child becomes his next victim. Teri Polo (”Meet the Parents”) guest stars in this of the show’s 150th episode.
◊“Dance Your … Off” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): Marissa Jaret Winokur (“Hairspray”) hosts this new dance/weight-loss competition series featuring full-figured contestants who struggle with their weight and dance to unleash their inner thin.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment focuses on an invention that may have been used in the atomic bomb, a 23-pound block of beeswax with strange markings and a French manuscript kept by an American family for 160 years.
◊“JoMoPro 2009″ (7 p.m. on Fuel TV, 265 on Cox Digital Cable, 536 on U-verse, 618 on DirecTV): This BMX event in Joplin, Mo., offers a $20,000 prize purse and features a best-trick contest that awards the winning rider a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
◊“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Kathy seeks out Paris Hilton. The new BFFs spend the day buying trendy clothes on Robertson Blvd., pose for hundreds of photographers trailing their every move and make a call to Snoop Dog.
◊“NewsHour With Jim Lehrer” (5 p.m. on OETA-13): The segment “A Future That is Bright and Green” features Nathan Wright and Casey Wenzel, who are among the first students at Oklahoma State University to participate in a new degree program in wind turbine technology. They are hopeful about finding jobs that are not only close to home, but that are safer, cleaner and more stable than those in the oil and gas industry.
◊“Operation Emeril” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In this special, chef Emeril Lagasse visits the Army Center of Excellence Subsistence (ACES) at Fort Lee in Richmond, VA, and meets service men and women training to become military cooks. He shows the soldiers how to mix new combinations of food while in the kitchen and prepare healthy and delicious meals for the masses.
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): When an innocent picture of a little boy in a bathtub winds up on a child pornographer’s Web site, Jerry has his hands full defending the father against Balco’s aggressive prosecution.
◊“Shouting Fire: Stories From the Edge of Free Speech” (8 p.m. on HBO): In collaboration with her father, First Amendment attorney Martin Garbus, Oscar nominated filmmaker Liz Garbus explores the social and political trends that have shaped America’s attitudes about free speech and how they can threaten the very tenets upon which the country was built.
◊“Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This film looks at the life and music of Arthur Russell, a little-known composer, producer, cellist, singer and songwriter who died of AIDS in 1992.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30
◊“18 Kids and Counting” (8 p.m. on TLC): Josh and Anna Duggar don’t know if their first child will be a boy or girl — but the “Today” show does. Watch as the Duggars are kept in the dark until it’s revealed live on national television via a special cake from the “Cake Boss.”
◊“The Best Thing I Ever Ate” (8:30 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network stars Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”), Duff Goldman (“Ace of Cakes”) and Aida Mollenkamp (“Ask Aida”) talk about their favorite foods made with bacon.
◊“HawthoRNe” (8 p.m. on TNT): Christina scrambles to create a makeshift ICU bed for a woman whose son isn’t ready to let her go. And Camille spends the day sneaking around the hospital when she’s supposed to be working on an English essay.
◊“NOVA” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Musical Minds” investigates the impact music can have on the human brain through case studies from neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks’ book “Musicophilia.”
◊“NOVA scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Neil deGrasse Tyson returns for Season 4, which is packed with provocative new stories from the frontlines of science, technology, and medicine. In the premiere episode, a blindfolded Tyson is led to a top-secret “diamond farm” to investigate breakthroughs in the engineering of artificial diamonds. Indistinguishable from the real thing, these glittering creations may one day replace silicon transistors in everything from super computers to high-speed electric trains.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The family of a French gay man who was brutally murdered by three neo-Nazi skinheads undergoes an astonishing personal journey as its members struggle to seek justice while coming to terms with their unthinkable loss in ‘‘Beyond Hatred.”
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Matthew (F. Murray Abraham, “Amadeus”), one of Earl’s fellow angels, hits a rough patch when it comes to winning souls, and he starts honing in on Earl’s territory.
◊“Stager Invasion” (7 p.m. on TLC): In this new series, professional stager Lisa Lynch visits houses that are on the market by homeowners but aren’t getting much interest. Lynch and a staging team help transform the homes – using mostly items already part of the decor – while battling 8-hour timelines to get everything ready for showings.
◊“Wake Steady” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV, 265 on Cox Digital Cable, 536 on U-verse, 618 on DirecTV): Catch wakeboarding and wakeskating champions attacking still waters worldwide.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
◊“10 Grand in Your Hand” (8:30 p.m. on DIY, 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on Direct TV, 454 on U-verse): This series shows homeowners how to cut up to $10,000 from their renovation and remodeling projects. It offers advice on new materials and technologies, as well as how-to info on doing some of the basic work themselves.
◊“American Masters” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new 90-minute episode goes behind the scenes of the radio show ‘‘A Prairie Home Companion,” created by humorist and commentator Garrison Keillor. It follows Keillor and his crew of actors and misicians as they travel across the country broadcasting and recording shows.
◊“Clean House: Search for the Messiest Home in the Country” (8 p.m. on Style Network): In the first-season finale host Niecy Nash (”Reno 911!”) unveils 2009’s messiest home in the country and documents its full makeover. The home belongs to a detective, and it is crammed with suff in every room.
◊“Monsters Inside Me” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series explores the shocking, gruesome and sometimes deadly details of a parasitic infection. Every episode is a constant battle for life as doctors and scientists attempt to unravel each case.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine and Barb are informed by the parent company of their gym franchise that they’ve broken a contractual clause and may lose the gym. Megan Mullally (”Will & Grace”) guest stars as the corporate representative from the gym’s parent company.
THURSDAY, JULY 2
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (7 p.m. on CBS): When a series of victims are found deceased seemingly in the middle of everyday activities, the CSIs must determine what is causing them to remain upright after death. Alex Kingston (”ER”), Jeffrey Tambor (”Arrested Development”) and Will McCormack (”Dirt”) guest star.
◊“The Listener” (9 p.m. on NBC): After witnessing a fatal shooting in Chinatown, Toby uses his telepathic gift to help a blind woman solve the murder of her brother. He discovers a cover-up involving a Chinese crime boss who has a lot to hide from the police.
◊“Moments of Impact” (8 p.m. on Discovery): From terrifyingly close calls on the jet way to a sudden avalanche to unexpected animal attacks, this new series provides a spectacular tour de force of real life spills and chills.
◊“Science of the Movies” (9 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): This installment goes behind the scenes of Sony Pictures Animation’s 3D feature “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.”
◊“Soundstage” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Sugarland presents a versatile set that includes pop songs, country sounds and soulful ballads.
◊“Twilight Zone” marathon: (7 a.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. July 5 on SCI FI): The network’s annual event, running Thursday through Saturday, features episodes from the 1980s version of the series, as well as the classic 1960s show.
◊“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic” (6 p.m. on TCM): This special was made in 1989, as it has actually been 70 years since ‘‘Oz” came out. Like the movie, though, it’s still enjoyable and will enhance your appreciation of the film, as actress Angela Lansbury (”Murder, She Wrote”) takes a look back at the production of the 1939 classic.
FRIDAY, JULY 3
◊“According to Jim” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Jim convinces Andy to play snow football even though Andy’s girlfriend, Mandy, warns him against it. Now injured, Andy has to hide his injury from Mandy, so Jim stages a freak accident for Andy in his home. Garry Marshall (“Race to Witch Mountain”) guest stars.
◊“Alex Haley’s Queen” (9 a.m. on TV One, 157 on U-verse, 167 on Cox Digital Cable, 328 on DirecTV): Halle Berry stars in the six-hour miniseries that chronicles the tale of Alex Haley’s paternal grandmother, Queen, who was the daughter of a black slave and a white plantation owner.
◊“Bathtastic” (8 p.m. on DIY, 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on Direct TV, 454 on U-verse): Host Matt Muenster shares design tips, information on cutting-edge materials and know-how that will revitalize any bathroom, great or small.
◊“Good Evening Ev’rybody: In Celebration of Louis Armstrong” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This is a presentation of a never-before-released concert performance of Louis Armstrong and other musical greats at the 1970 Newport Jazz Festival in celebration of Armstrong’s 70th birthday. Armstrong performs several of his greatest hits throughout the concert and rehearsals, including ‘Pennies From Heaven” and “Wonderful World.”
◊“Invitation Only” (10 p.m. on CMT): In this installment of the concert series, Darius Rucker performs before a small studio audience in Nashville, takes questions from fans and delivers revealing and candid answers.
◊“Margaret Cho: Beautiful” (10 p.m. on Showtime): Returning to her stand-up roots, Margaret Cho examines the nature of beauty and the importance society has placed on appearance.
◊“The Ultimate Power Lunch: 50 Years of The Four Seasons” (11 a.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Bill Griffeth will speak one-on-one with the most powerful people in finance, media and fashion, asking them about the economy, the markets and their power lunches at the restaurant over the years.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
◊“Apollo 13″ (6:30 p.m. on Cinemax): Ron Howard, who was born in Duncan, directed this 1995 movie about the near-disastrous 1970 Apollo 13 mission. Headed for the moon, Cmdr. Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) and his crew, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert (Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon), experience an on-board explosion.
◊“Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular” (9 p.m. on CBS): Talk show host Craig Ferguson (”The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”) returns for his third year as host of the special broadcast live from the Charles River Esplanade in Boston. Grammy winner Neil Diamond will perform some of his classic hits with The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra under the direction of conductor Keith Lockhart. The final 21 minutes of the broadcast, featuring the spectacular fireworks display, will be presented commercial free.
◊“Burn After Reading” (7 p.m. on HBO): Brad Pitt, who was born in Shawnee, stars as a gym worker in this movie directed by Oscar-winners Joel and Ethan Coen (”No Country for Old Men”). John Malkovich plays a newly resigned CIA agent whose secrets are swiped by his divorce-seeking wife (Tilda Swinton) and ultimately land in the hands of gym workers.
◊“A Capitol Fourth” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits returns to host this spe3cial live from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol. Barry Manilow will open and close the broadcast with a medley of hits and patriotic classics along with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Choral Arts Society of Washington. Others scheduled to appear are Aretha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, Michael Feinstein, Andrew von Oeyen, the Tony Award-winning cast of “Jersey Boys” and the “Sesame Street” gang.
◊“Choking Man” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This film explores the immigrant experience, as it follows a near-mute dishwasher from Ecuador who is quietly nursing a crush on a radiant fellow immigrant in Queens.
◊“Detonators” (7 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): This series focuses on a specialized team that demolishes skyscrapers, blows up helicopters on movie sets and detonates 50-gallon drums of explosives to quell deadly oil well fires.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): King Silas sends David on a quest to recover a national treasure, the Charter of Gilboa. While on the mission, David discovers shocking information about his father’s death. Leslie Bibb (Confessions of a Shopaholic”) guest stars as Katrina, who is engaged to Jack.
◊“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” (8 p.m. on NBC): “Today” correspondents Natalie Morales and Tiki Barber co-host the special live from New York City. The nation’s 233rd birthday extravaganza will include performances by rock singer Rob Thomas country singer Jewel and the cast from the 2009 revival of “West Side Story.” The fireworks display featuring more than 40,000 shells will be set of from six barges positioned between 24th and 50th Streets on the Hudson River.
◊“Mantracker” marathon (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): Terry Grant is an expert outdoorsman trained to track and retrieve missing persons in the deep wilderness. His mission in each episode is to track two contestants through rough country and capture them before they can reach the finish line.
◊“Sweet Land of Liberty” (5 p.m. on OETA-13): Music selections include “America the Beautiful,” “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “God Bless America.”
◊“Tribute to Liberty” (5:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Music selections include “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “This Is My Country.”
–Penny TV
And the 2009 NAMIC Vision Awards go to …
Never heard of the NAMIC Awards? The event’s been around for 15 years. And it is the entertainment industry’s way to recognize quality multi-ethnic and cross-cultural television programming.
The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Commincations (NAMIC) singled out 35 networks for achievements in programming diversity. BET received the most nominations with six.
Here are the nominees for the 15th Anniversary NAMIC Vision Awards that will be presented April 17 at a luncheon ceremony hosted by Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson.
ANIMATION
“Handy Manny” (Disney Channel)
“Soy Mono: Words” (MTV TR3S)
El Tigre “The Grave Escape” (Nickelodeon)
BEST PERFORMANCE – COMEDY
Tracy Morgan – “30 Rock” (NBC)
LaVan Davis – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
Demetria McKinney – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
Keshia Knight Pulliam – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
Larramie Doc Shaw – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
BEST PERFORMANCE – DRAMA
Benito Martinez – “The Shield” (FX)
Felicia Pearson – “The Wire” (HBO)
Tristan Wilds – “The Wire” (HBO)
Raymond Cruz – “The Closer” (TNT)
Robert Gossett – “The Closer” (TNT)
CHILDREN’S
“Wizards of Waverly Place” (Disney Channel)
“Ni Hao, Kai-Lan” (Nickelodeon)
“Go, Diego, Go” (Nickelodeon)
“Dora The Explorer” (Nickelodeon)
“Degrassi: The Next Generation” (The N)
COMEDY
“Ugly Betty” (ABC)
“Somebodies” (BET)
“The Game” (CBS)
“Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger” (HBO)
“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
DIGITAL MEDIA – LONG FORM
“Americlef” (MTV On-Air Promotions)
“Time Warner Cable’s Futbol Mania” (Time Warner Cable)
DIGITAL MEDIA – SHORT FORM
“Ugly Betty Presents: Mode After Hours” (ABC.com)
“MTVU’s Stand In: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf” (MTVU)
“DIG: Lyrics Born” (MYX-ABS CBN International)
“Extra on Essence” (Telepictures Productions)
“Yes We Can,” Essence Election ‘08 (Telepictures Productions)
DOCUMENTARY
“Nanking” (Cinemax Reel Life)
“CNN Presents: Black in America” (CNN)
“Fuga De Las FARC” (Discovery Latin America)
“Joe Louis: America’s Hero (HBO)
“VH1 Rock Doc: The Night James Brown Saved Boston” (VH1)
DRAMA
“Lincoln Heights” (ABC Family)
“Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
“Lost” (ABC)
“Private Practice” (ABC)
“In Plain Sight” (USA Network)
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
“Futbol Mania” (Time Warner Cable)
“Sucker Free Latino Unscripted: Wisin y Yandel” (MTV TR3S)
“Asi Paso” (ESPN)
LIFESTYLE
“Fashion Blackout” (BET News)
“National Body Challenge: Twins Edition” (Discovery Health Channel)
“World in America” (Ebru TV)
Down Home With The Neelys – “Pass It On” (Food Network)
HGTV “Deserving Design” (HGTV)
NEWS / INFORMATIONAL
“Black in America: Suicide Survivor” (CNN)
“Anderson Cooper 360: Race in America” (CNN)
“CNN Special Projects: To The Top” (CNN)
“Showbiz Tonight: Black in Hollywood” (CNN)
“In Conversation: The Michelle Obama Interview” (TV One)
ORIGINAL MOVIE OR SPECIAL
“The Best Shorts” (BET J)
“Cheetah Girls: One World” (Disney Channel)
“The Africa Channel Presents: A Night of Tribute” (The Africa Channel)
REALITY
“College Hill: Interns” (BET)
“Spring Break Diaries: Spelman College” (BET News)
“The mun2 Hook Up: Frankie J” (mun2)
“Student Body” (The N)
“VH1’s The Cho Show” (VH1)
SPORTS
“C. Vivian Stringer’s Big Ten Legacy” (Big Ten Network)
“ESPN Outside the Lines: Dodgertown” (ESPN)
“The Secret Game” (ESPN)
“Our Heroes: A Black History Month Special” (Fox Sports North)
“Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” (HBO)
VARIETY / TALK SHOW
“The BET Honors” (BET)
“Harlem to Hollywood: Diddy” (BET)
“Hip Hop vs. America” (BET)
“Sunday Best” (BET)
“TV One on One: Tyler Perry” (TV One)
