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

SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2010
••”BBC Earth” (2 p.m. on BBC America): Sir David Attenborough (“The Blue Planet”) narrates five back-to-back documentaries from “The Life of Mammals” series that introduce viewers to the most diverse group of animals on Earth and tells their epic tale of survival.
••”Breaking Bad” (9 p.m. on AMC): Series star Bryan Cranston (Walt White) directs the Season 3 premiere episode titled “No Mas.” This season will explore the heightened battle and repercussions of Walt’s ruthless swirl of drugs, murder, mayhem and family.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Vera goes missing, and his team members hope that a new twist to a 2006 arson case, which Vera was secretly obsessing about, might supply some quick leads to his whereabouts. Glenn Morshower (“24″) plays a fire marshal who partnered with Vera on the arson/homicide case in 2006, and Patrick Gallagher (“Glee”) portrays a bartender at a bar where Vera’s recently become a regular. Several songs by rock group Pink Floyd will be featured throughout the episode.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Angie’s ex-boyfriend, Patrick (John Barrowman, “Torchwood”), emerges after her trip to New York. Meanwhile it’s game on between Gaby and Susan, as they go to shameless lengths to top each other’s kids. Julie Benz (“Dexter”) also guest stars.
••”Dora the Explorer” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the 10th anniversary special “”Swiper the Explorer,” Swiper attempts to swipe Dora and Boots’ ball and ends up helping them with a lost baby fox. The adventure is a big success and Swiper learns to say “thank you.” 
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Christian Slater (“The Forgotten”) joins the “Extreme” team in Hattiesburg, Miss., to help build a new home for an Army National Guard hero and his family. Celine Dion and the Jonas Brothers also make special guest appearances.
••”Gene Simmons Family Jewels” (8 p.m. on A&E): Season 5 begins with a terrifying moment for rock star Gene Simmons and his non-traditional family. Shannon has a health scare that makes the family rally and Gene is caught between two worlds – being there for the mother of his two children and being on tour with KISS.
••”Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Get a sneak peak at this new series in which chef Jamie Oliver starts a new cooking initiate that he hopes will change the way Americans eat. The series moves into its regular time period at 8 p.m. Friday, March 26.
••”Kirstie Alley’s Big Life” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new reality series chronicles the life of Golden Globe and two-time Emmy winner Kirstie Alley from her journey with her weight loss program to her life as a single mother trying to raise two normal teenagers in the Hollywood spotlight.
••”Life” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Oprah Winfrey narrates this 11-part wildlife series. The first episode titled “Challenges of Life” spotlights the ways in which animals have adapted to secure the food they need to survive.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): Part 2 in this 10-part series finds Basilone (Jon Seda) and the 7th Marines arriving on Guadalcanal to reinforce Leckie (James Badge Dale) and the rest of the 1st Marine Division as they continue to defend the crucial airstrip.
••”Thin Ice” (6 p.m. on ABC): This competition for the world’s top professional figure skaters concludes. Hosts Elisabeth Hasselbeck (“The View”) and Kurt Browning (Canadian skating champion) announce the winners of the event decided by viewer votes (50 percent) and a panel of judges.
••“Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): When Joy’s mother (Lainie Kazan, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) pays her daughter a visit, she drives Joy up the wall with her constant criticism, and Eddie makes a valiant attempt to ease the tension.

MONDAY MARCH 22, 2010
••”Be Good Johnny Weir” (9:30 p.m. on Sundance Channel): The final installment of this eight-part documentary series culminates with the U.S. Men’s National Figure Skating Championships in January, as Johnny Weir attempts to secure what may be his last chance at a place on the Olympic team.
••”The Big Sleep” (7 p.m. on TCM): This 1946 film stars Humphrey Bogart as Raymond Chandler’s classic detective Philip Marlowe, who becomes involved with a socialite, played by Lauren Bacall. Former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar discusses the film with TCM host Robert Osborne during breaks. He also shares his thoughts on 1941’s “The Maltese Falcon” (9 p.m.), 1976’s “The Shootist” (11 p.m.) and 1939’s “Stagecoach” (1 a.m.).
••”Castle” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): In this two-part episode that concludes March 29, Dana Delany (“Desperate Housewives”) guest stars as Federal Agent Jordan Shaw, an insightful and accomplished Federal Investigator who teams with Richard Castle and Detective Beckett to hunt down an elusive serial killer.
••”Dancing With the Stars” (7 p.m. on ABC): A new cast of celebrities and their professional dance partners hit the floor for with two hours of dancing. Season 10 contenders are Buzz Aldrin, Pamela Anderson, Erin Andrews, Shannen Doherty, Kate Gosselin, Evan Lysacek, Niecy Nash, Chad Ochocinco, Jake Pavelka, Nicole Scherzinger and Aiden Turner.
••”CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio’s son, Kyle, returns from combat and promptly turns to his father for help in solving a murder.
••”Hardwood” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows the journey of Hubert Davis, the son of former Harlem Globetrotter Mel Davis, as he sets out to answer questions about his life. He uses personal interviews, archival footage and home movies to delve into his father’s past in the hope of finding a new direction for his own.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted ruins Lily’s birthday dinner celebration by bringing a date, Lily goes to great lengths to keep her out of the traditional photo she takes every year of the gang. Laura Prepon (“That ’70s Show”) returns as Karen, Ted’s ex-girlfriend and Anne Dudek (“Big Love”) guest stars as Natalie, one of Ted’s dates.
••”Let’s Make a Deal” (2 p.m. on CBS): Monty Hall makes television history with a sixth decade of appearances on the game show. He will appear with host Wayne Brady every day this week and play one game on his own with audience members of his choosing. Hall originally teamed with writer-producer Stefan Hatos in 1963 to create “Let’s Make a Deal,” which ran until August 1986.  In 1990, he returned to do the game show for another cycle.
••”Nurse Jackie” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Edie Falco returns for a second season as a New York nurse who struggles to balance her demanding job with a family and long-hidden secrets that could cost her both.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Jeff and Audrey get into an argument when she discovers he does not believe her claim that she saw her grandmother’s ghost.
••”Three Sheets” (9 p.m. on FLN): Host Zane Lamprey travels around the world in search of the world’s best drinks and bar scenes, and then he tests out the local hangover cures the next morning. Wacky hangover remedies featured in this week-long marathon include sucker-fish boiled in wine (today), acupressure foot massage (Tuesday), “Star Trek” wedding vow renewal (Wednesday), 300-foot canyon swing (Thursday) and deep-fried pizza (Friday).
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy, Richard and James attempt to save the planet by building their own electric car out ogf TVR chassis and milk float batteries. Michael Sheen (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”) is featured in the star in a reasonably price car segment.
••”Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie has a return engagement with Chelsea’s best friend, while Alan has an unexpected effect on a new female patient. Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”) returns as Chelsea’s best friend and Francis Fisher (“Titanic”) guest stars as Alan’s chiropractic patient.
••”United States of Tara” (9:30 p.m. on Showtime): Toni Collette returns for a second season as a suburban wife and mother who struggles to handle the pressures of everyday suburban life while dealing with multiple personalities.
••”Unsung” (8 p.m. on TV One): Back with four new episosodes is this biographical series that celebrates the lives and careers of artists who, despite great talent, have been under-appreciated. Today’s installment focuses on Rose Royce, one of the top-selling groups of the 1970s. Upcoming episodes feature Sylvester (March 29), Stacy Lattisaw (April 12) and the Bar-Kays (April 19).

TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2010
••“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Debbie confides in Kai (Greg Vaughan, “General Hospital”), her yoga instructor, about the arrival of Dixon’s birthmother. Meanwhile, Gia (Rumer Willis, “Sorority Row”) encourages Adrianna to audition for a new band.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The contestants return to their hometowns to visit family and friends. But with those happy reunions come the challenge of continuing to eat right and exercise despite all the distractions and temptations away from the ranch.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a judge overturns a straightforward plea deal arranged by Alicia, she and Kalinda delve into the jurist’s record in an effort to understand his motivation.
••”How Much is Your Dead Body Worth?” (9 p.m. on CNBC): The medical industry’s demand for human tissue has created a lucrative black market, and some people will do anything to get their hands on your dead body. This special looks at the value of each part and uncovers the story of Michael Mastromarino, a dentist turned body snatcher, who makes millions from stolen corpses, including the body of a legendary broadcaster.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A murder investigation prompts Gibbs and the team to play family counselor to his former mentor, Mike Franks, in the hopes of preventing a bloody international conflict. Robert Patrick (“The Unit”) guest stars.
••”NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): Forensic scientist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette, “NCIS”) joins the Los Angeles NCIS team when a murder case resembles the pattern for a serial killer she has been tracking.
••”V: The Arrival” (9:06 p.m. on ABC): Catch up on the visitors and their plan for the himan race in this special clip show from the first four episodes. The series returns March 30.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 24, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Sheryl Crow guest stars as Sara, a confident wine representative who sets her sights on Grayson. Meanwhile, when Ellie tells Jules she can’t change past a certain age, Jules is determined to prove her wrong by giving up wine for a month.
••”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit follows a trail of murders that seems to align with the tour schedule of a rock star. Gavin Rossdale (“Little Black Book”) plays a Goth performer who has become lost in the frightening alter-ego that he portrays on stage — an alter-ego the BAU team suspects may be a brutal serial killer.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): After a body falls from the 59th Street Bridge, the CSI team finds a compass near the body pointing east and realizes it’s the third victim of the “Compass Killer.” Skeet Ulrich (“Jericho”) returns as the “Compass Killer.”  Nelly (“The Longest Yard”) returns as an informant who helps Detective Flack.
••”Fly Girls” (8 p.m. on CW): This new series follows five Virgin America flight attendants as they jet from one glamorous location to the next, including Las Vegas, South Beach and New York City, while pursuing good times, great parties, adventure and love. 
••”Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The “Dance in America” production titled “NY Export: Opus Jazz” is a new adaptation of Jerome Robbins’ 1958 ballet in sneakers that was filmed on location all over the five boroughs of New York. The 16 characters are updated for modern times, but the story still embodies the same theme of being young in the Big Apple.
••“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chance is knocked out when he meets the beautiful daughter of a former heavyweight champ in Vienna and must jump in the ring to protect a prize fighter on the run from a ruthless businessman. Grace Park (“Battlestar Galactica”) guest stars.
••”Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Veronia begins the difficult process of confronting her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with her therapist (Mary Stuart Masterson, “Kate Brasher”). But she finds herself at odds with Dr. Sands over a patient’s treatment.
••”The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie fears her job at the car dealership may be on the line when hardcore motivational consultant Abby (Amy Sedaris, “Strangers with Candy”) is hired to whip the sales staff into shape.  Meanwhile, with Frankie putting in extra hours at work, Mike has to deal with issues at home.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies (Chazz Palminteri, “The Usual Suspects”)might be secretly gay.
••”Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Betty is thrilled to get her braces off, courtesy of her chatty new orthodontist, Dr. Frankel (Kathy Najimy, “Sister Act”). But before this can happen, she gets knocked unconscious at a photo shoot of the “Million Dollar Bra” at the Guggenheim, spinning her into a dream sequence. Donna Murphy (“Trust Me”) also guest stars.

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010
••“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Hodgins, Sweets and Jeffersonian intern Colin Fischer (Joel David Moore, “Avatar”) take turns camping out for tickets to a movie premiere in “The Gamer in the Grease.”
••”FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Aaron delves deeper into why the black-ops Jericho unit is after his daughter and Mark continues to question Lloyd about a phone conversation that took place during their flashforwards. Tim “Timbaland Mosley (“Boogie”) guest stars.
••”The Real Housewives of New York City” (9 p.m. on Bravo): At a show during New York Fashion Week, LuAnn makes a snide remark to Bethenny, who launches into a verbal attack. Later, Bethenny hosts an event for a designer, and both Alex and Kelly show up to support her.
••”The Tiger Next Door” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special spotlights a man in Indiana who has been keeping, breeding and selling Bengal tigetrs from his backyard for more than 15 years. He claims to know exactly what they are thinking by the look in their eyes.
••“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): Matt and Caroline are surprised by the sudden reappearance of Matt’s mother Kelly (Melinda Clarke, “The O.C.”).

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010
••”Chandon Pictures” (8 p.m. on Sundance Channel): This Australian comedy series follows a deluded documentary filmmaker, whose portfolio doesnt extend much beyond weddings and children’s birthday parties. But with the help of his loyal cameraman and producer, he manages to twist each client’s brief to match his creative dreams of making “films that matter.”
••”Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars” (7 p.m. on Disney): Based on the popular books by Louise Fitzhugh, this movie is a contemporary twist on the iconic character as Harriet “The Spy” Welsch (Jennifer Stone, “Wizards of Waverly Place”) vies to become the official blogger of her high school class. 
••”Imagination Movers” (8:30 a.m. on Disney): The Movers help famed blues musician T-Bone Crosby when, after years of writing songs, he seems to be out of ideas. Grammy Award-winning blues artist and actor Chris Thomas King (“Ray”) guest stars.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Counting Crows, Melody GArdot and Hockey.
••”Top Yam: The Louisiana Yambilee Queen Pageant” (9 p.m.on TLC): Take a behind-the-scenes look at this five-day festival in Opelousas, La. Every year, the town gathers to celebrate their main crop, the yam, by holding yam cook-offs, a Yam-i-mal contest, a carnival and the pageant featuring girls competing for $500 and the opportunity to be the community’s spokesperson.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Matthew Broderick (“The Producers”) discovers that his grandmother, Mary Martindale, was a descendant from a Civil War hero, Robert Martindale, who fought at Gettysburg and joined the historic march through Georgia.

SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2010
••”Believe in Oklahoma: Gone Country” (6:30 p.m. on KOCO-5): This special features music and interviews with several of the state’s top country music stars, including Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Black Shelton, Shauna Russell and Miranda Lambert.
••”Nickelodeon’s 23rd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Kevin James (“The King of Queens”) hosts the event live from UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. The slime will flow for the no-holds-barred kudo/mess-fest on the night kids rule and get to honor their favorites from the worlds of film, music, sports and television. First time Kids’ Choice nominees President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will compete in the new cutest couple category.
••”Paranormal Court” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special follows Robert Hansen, a renowned psychic medium who steps in to help families get the answers they need because the death of a loved one has left them with questions and a lack of closure. It Hansen’s psychic abilities in solving disputes when two parties come together and agree to be bound by the ruling enlisted from the other side.
••“Victorious” (8:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new comedy series follows Tori Vega (Victoria Justice, “Spectacular!”) as she unexpectedly finds herself navigating life at an elite performing arts high school. It features an ensemble cast of teens who act, sing, dance and perform to original music. The series will move into its regular 7 p.m. Sunday timeslot on April 11.

–Penny TV

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010
••The 82nd Annual Academy Awards (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin co-host the annual ceremonies honoring achievements in film. In the crowded field of 10 best picture nominees, vying for the top award are ‘‘Avatar,” ‘‘The Blind Side,” ‘‘District 9,” ‘‘An Education,” ‘‘The Hurt Locker,” ‘‘Inglourious Basterds,” ‘‘Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” ‘‘A Serious Man,” ‘‘Up” and ‘‘Up in the Air.”
••”The Barbara Walters Special” (6 p.m. on ABC): Barbara Walters’ final Oscar night special will feature Academy Award Best Actress nominee Sandra Bullock and Academy Award Best Supporting Actress nominee Mo’Nique, along with a comprehensive retrospective of the special that has become an Oscar tradition.
••”Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): With the State Senate election only days away, Bill puts the squeeze on Paley (Perry King, “Melrose Place”) in an attempt to protect his candidacy. But Marilyn (Sissy Spacek, “Carrie”) has an ace up her sleeve that threatens to wreck Bill’s chances.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team delves into the 1970 murder of a musician who tried to keep his involvement with the Philadelphia Soul scene a secret from his strict preacher father for whom he was an organist.Guest stars include Wesley Jonathan (“What I Like About You”), Loretta Devine (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Jamie Hector (“The Wire”) and Steven Williams (“The X-Files”).
••”Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): In part one of a two-part Season 3 cliffhanger, Miley Stewart faces the biggest decision of her life. It concludes March 14.
••”Live at the Academy Awards With Carrie Ann & Chris” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor”) interview nominees on the Red Carpet. The network’s coverage begins at 2 p.m. with “Countdown to the Academy Awards.”
••”Nick News” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Host Linda Ellerbee explores how kids view classroom cheating in the new installment “Cheaters Never Win: True or False?” Many kids say they cheat because they feel pushed to succeed. And while it has become increasingly difficult to detect cheating, schools are finding new ways to prevent it, including the use of plagiarism prevention websites.
••“Oscars Red Carpet 2010” (7 p.m. on ABC): Sherri Shepherd (“The View”) will co-host the 82nd Academy Awards pre-show along with Kathy Ireland (“Once Upon a Christmas”) and Jess Cagle (Entertainment Weekly managing editor).
••“Rick Steves’ Mediterranean Mosaic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In his latest pledge event, travel expert Rick Steves shares his knowledge of European history and culture as he winds his way through southern Greece, Turkey and Croatia. The two-hour special consists of two episodes from the fifth season and one from the upcoming sixth season of “Rick Steves’ Europe.”
••”Running With Wolves” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Biologist, mother and cancer survivor Gudrun Pflueger returns to the mountain terrain of Western Canada to research the world’s most elusive wolves. “Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards” (11:05 p.m. on ABC): This marks the fifth consecutive post-Academy Awards special for late night talk host Jimmy Kimmel. It will be packed with comedy bits and a house band led by Jimmy’s childhood best friend.
••”Superswarm” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This 2-hour special looks at massive animal gatherings to find out what a swam really is and to see how the animals are able to act and think as they do.
••”Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): Series star Joely Fisher (Joy Stark) makes her directorial debut in this episode in which Eddie tries to get a raise so he and Joy can go on vacation. Mayim Bialik (“Blossom”) and Martin Mull (“Roseanne”) guest star.
••”What Would Brian Boitano Make?” (noon on Food Network): Olympic figure skater-turned-cook Brian Boitano returns for a second season with new entertaining ideas. In the premiere episode, he offers all of his friends with children a kid-free dinner by not only cooking, but babysitting as well.

MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010
••“5 Browns: In Concert” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): These Julliard-trained siblings perform inventive interpretations of classical, jazz and other show-stopping standards.
••”24″ (8 p.m. on Fox): The clock races into the middle of the night when the threat of a devastating nuclear attack accelerates as Jack tracks an informed terror suspect who has an explosive strategy. Stephen Root (“Office Space”) guest stars.
••”The Bachelor: Jason and Molly’s Wedding” (7 p.m. on ABC): Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney, the first “Bachelor” couple to walk down the aisle, will share a dramatic new chapter of their love story. The couple, who announced their engagement in October, will let viewers in on all the exciting festivities – from Molly’s dress fitting to their bachelor and bachelorette parties to the wedding ceremony. Past “Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” participants will be on the guest list.
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): Fred Savage (“The Wonder Years”) directed this episode in which everyone at Cyprus Rhodes is preparing for Mardi Gras festivities. All but Casey, that is, as she must prepare for the biggest test of her life – the LSAT.
••”House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dr. House and the team take on the case of an avid blogger (Lauren Prepon, “That ’70s Show”) admitted with sudden bruising and bleeding. From her hospital bed, the patient blogs about her symptoms, doctors and prospective diagnoses to her dedicated band of followers and solicits their advice on a course of treatment.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Robin confesses that she is still angry with Barney for the way he handled their break-up, she enlists the help of Anita (Jennifer Lopez, “Monster-in-Law”), a self-help author who plans to beat Barney at his own game.
••”Law & Order” (9 p.m. on NBC): When the murder of a young woman is traced back to a medical school research project, it becomes clear that more than just lab rats are in danger. Timothy Busfield (“The West Wing”) guest stars.
••”Make It or Break It” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): Everything is put on the line as the girls go up against the Chinese team to prove once and for all that they’re the best. But the Rock girls are anything but ready.
••”NFL Full Contact” (9 p.m. on truTV): This episode goes behind the scenes at Super Bowl XLIV, where the New Orleans Saints take on the Indianapolis Colts. The pressure is on to stage a great show in front of the largest TV audience of the year.
••”Phineas and Ferb” (8 p.m. on Disney XD): A super villain (Ben Stiller, “Tropic Thunder”) arrives in Danville to challenge Phineas and Ferb after the boys are mistaken as a superhero (while wearing an indestructible suit they designed to safely conquer their newly built extreme skate-track) known as The Beak.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 13 finale, Jeremy and James try to create a memorable commercial for Volkswagon. Jay Leno (“The Tonight Show”) is featured in the “star in a reasonably priced car” segment.
••”Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie and Chelsea have a post-breakup one-night stand. Stacy Keach (“Titus”) returns as Chelsea’s dad, John Amos (“The West Wing”) returns as her dad’s boyfriend and Steven Eckholdt (“The L Word”) returns as her new boyfriend.
••”Turf War” (8 p.m. on DIY): Get a sneak peek at this new series in which two neighbors overhaul their yards in just two days using surprise building materials and a lot of help from their friends. The series premieres April 5.
••”Yard Crashers: Top 10″ (9 p.m. on DIY): In this new special, licensed landscape contractor Ahmed Hassan counts down the top 10 ways he transforms a yard — from water features to super-size decks to outdoor spaces for entertaining.
••”Yo Gabba Gabba” (9:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon): In the Season 3 premiere, Weird Al Yankovic (“Halloween II”) plays the circus ringmaster; Sarah Silverman (“The Sarah Silverman Program”) teaches the “Time to Mime” dancey dance and Black Kids sing the original song, “We Love Clowns.” Other musical guests this week include Weezer (Tuesday) and Devo (Thursday).

TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010
••“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Adrianna and Gia (Rumer Willis, “Sorority Row”) bond during an AA meeting and establish a support system for each other.
••”Brian Regan: The Epitome of Hyperbole” (9 p.m. on CMT): In this stand-up special, Brian Regan exposes the truth behind psychics, discusses the stupidest crimes and offers his suggestions on how to imprve the opera.
••”Desperate Landscapes: Top 10″ (9 p.m. on DIY): In this new special, licensed contractor Jason Cameron shares his landscaping tips and tricks, counting down 10 ways to transform your yard from worst to first.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Peter strategizes on how to handle his retrial and the next steps in his public rehabilitation, Alicia and Will defend an attorney arrested for murder. Alan Cumming (“The L Word”) and Ana Gasteyer (“Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
••”Food Wars” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): New host Camille Ford takes viewers on a coast-to-coast adventure to find the country’s ultimate food showdowns. In the series premiere, she visits New York City for the battle of the buffalo wings.
••“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): Amanda puts Ella in charge of a lavish party at her house to celebrate the arrival of her billionaire boyfriend Ben (Billy Campbell, “The 4400”).
••”Ron White: You Can’t Fix Stupid” (8 p.m. on CMT): In this stand-up special, Ron White introduces the character “Squirrel Man” and aims his sights at those little thibgs in life that tick him off, including picking a spouse and the pitfalls of marriage.
••”Scott Hamilton: Return to the Ice” (8 p.m. on BIO): This two-hour special chronicles the gold medal Olympian’s return to skating after beating a life-threatening brain tumor. The 51-year-old is training harder than ever to make a comeback, and the special culminates with his first public performance on the ice in five years.
••“Straight No Chase — Live in New York” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This a cappella group of 10 vocalists mixes their perfect harmony with the perfect amount of humor in this concert special.
••”White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): In the first-season finale, Neal and Alex try to get their hands on a music box while Peter seeks help to get rid of Fowler.
••”Yo Gabba Gabba” (9:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon): Weezer performs the original song “My Friends Are All Insects” and Mark Mothersbaugh is featured in his “Mark’s Magic Pictures” segment.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2010
••”America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW and 6 p.m. Saturday on KOCB): Thirteen new hopefuls are given the chance to prove they can make it in the high-stakes world of supermodeling Season 14 kicks off with a 90-minute premiere. They will receive mentoring by supermodel Tyra Banks, and they are shocked in the premiere episode when special guest Perez Hilton (celebrity blogger) reveals their first challenge is to undergo makeovers.
••”Billy the Exterminator” (9:30 p.m. on A&E): Back for a second season, this series follows Billy Bretherton and his family who make up Vexcon, one of Louisiana’s busiest pest removal companies, as they balance family life with the drama of running a successful business together.
••“Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Taped in May 1987 in Nashville, this concert special includes performances by Chet Atkins, the Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Eriq La Salle (“ER”) directed this episode in which the CSIs must find the clue to a double homicide involving two young journalists who are investigating a story about gold fraud. Mädchen Amick (“Gossip Girl”) and Ian Ziering (“Beverly Hills, 90210″) guest star.
••”First Love, Second Chance” (9 p.m. on TV Land): This new series gives viewers a candid look at former sweethearts – some separated more than 20 years ago – who have a chance to reignite the passion and love they once shared or to see if their break-up was truly meant to be.
••”Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Mitch returns home from overseas, Gary tries to help him figure out what he’ll do for a living. Meanwhile, Curtis and Charleen (Niecy Nash, “G-Force”) hire Allison as their wedding planner. Los Angeles Dodger manager Joe Torre guest stars as himself.
••”High Society” (8:30 p.m. on CW and 7:30 p.m. Saturday on KOCB): This new series follows Tinsley Mortimer, New York’s most talked-about “Park Avenue Princess,” as she and her circle of often-controversial friends circulate through New York’s most prestigious black-tie affairs, outrageous parties and fashion exclusives, with never-before-seen access from behind the velvet rope.
••”Jim Gaffigan: Behind the Pale” (8 p.m. on CMT): In this stand-up special, Jim Gaffigan takes a look at American eating habits, religion, holiday traditions and Hot Pockets.
••”The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie and Mike are excited to discover that Axl has found the perfect girlfriend, Morgan (Alexa Vega, “Spy Kids”), and that he’s in love. But just as they start to get used to his new, sunny outlook on life, Morgan does the unthinkable and breaks up with him, leaving Axl completely heartbroken.
••”Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): After reconnecting on Facebook, Phil invites his old high school girlfriend (Judy Greer, “27 Dresses”) to drop by the house, but this friendly visit quickly turns into trouble.
••”The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Drew Carey will celebrate his 500th episode of hosting television’s longest-running game show. To celebrate this milestone, every contestant who makes it on stage will receive $500. In addition, all games will have a “500″ theme.
••”Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): A killer targets Shawn using scenarios from classic Alfred Hitchcock films. Ally Sheedy (“The Breakfast Club”) guest stars.
••”The Real Housewives of Orange County” (8 p.m. on Bravo): This two-part reunion special, which concludes Wednesday, features new interviews with Housewives Tamra Barney, Alexis Bellino, Lynne Curtin, Vicki Gunvalson and Gretchen Rossi, significant others Jim Bellino, Frank Curtin, Donn Gunvalson and Slade Smiley and a special visit by former Housewife Jeana Keough.
••”Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Wilhemina tries to prove to Don, an old flame from her past (Brian Stokes Mitchell, “One Last Thing”), that she’s just “Wanda from the block.” Meanwhile, Hilda meets Bobby’s parents for the first time. Lainie Kazan (“My Big Fat Greek Life”) and Nestor Serrano (“24″) also guest star.
••”Yo Gabba Gabba” (9:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon): Anthony Bourdain plays the doctor when Toodee gets sick. Of Montreal performs the original song “Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast!” and Biz Markie is featured in the “Biz’s Beat of the Day” segment.

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2010
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a young boy is found murdered, the CSI team uncovers evidence that may link his death to an old case that recently resurfaced. Faith Prince (“Huff”) guest stars as high-powered attorney Lynn Stagner, who clashes with Captain Jim Brass.
••“Ed Sullivan’s Rock and Roll Classic” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special features classic song performances from 1963 to 1968 that aired on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” It includes full-length musi performances by the Beatles, the Doors, the Rollins Stones and more.
••”Grey’s Anatomy” (7 p.m. on ABC): When Owen recruits his fellow Iraqi War vet, Dr. Teddy Altman, as the new cardiothoracic surgeon, Cristina questions Teddy’s abilities in the operating room and the nature of their past relationship. Joel Grey (“Cabaret”) guest stars.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Larry David (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Ricky Gervais (“The Ricky Gervais Show”) and Madonna (“Evita”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael struggles to please the new boss (Kathy Bates, “The Blindside”). Meanwhile. Dwight makes trouble on Jim’s first day back from paternity leave.
••”Sober House With Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on VH1): This series chronicles the transitional period beyond the safety of rehab when the real work begins and patients initiate their move back into society. The Season 2 cast includes Tom Sizemore, Heidi Fleiss, Dennis Rodman, Jennifer Ketcham, Seth “Shifty” Binzer, Kendra Jade Rossi, Mike Starr and Kari Ann Peniche.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this new series journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones conducts her own investigations into some of the most infamous court cases in American history and gets to the truth behind what drives people to violence. The premiere episode focuses on Scott Peterson, who was convicted of killing his wife, Laci, in San Francisco.
••”The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Elton John (“Tommy”) will partake in the “Hot Topics” discussion with co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd. This marks Sir Elton John’s fifth appearance on “The View” and his first time at the signature “Hot Topics” table.
••”Yo Gabba Gabba” (9:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon): Mos Def plays a superhero; Devo performs their song “Watch Us Work It;” Biz Markie is featured in the “Biz’s Beat of the Day” segment and The Aquabats perform a “Numbers” segment.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010
••”Car Toons” (7:55 p.m. on Disney): In this animated short, a routine towing assignment lands Mater in Tokyo where he is challenged to a drift-style race against a nefarious gang leader and his posse of ninjas.
••”Famous Crime Scene” (8 p.m. on VH1): This installment takes an in-depth look at the untimely death of Selena (“Don Juan DeMarco”). Using expert interviews and true-to-life reenactments, viewers will tour virtual crime scenes to learn the science behind the investigators’ findings.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Fleet Foxes, Manchester Orchestra and P.J. Harvey & John Parish.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison and Joe’s wedding is revisited, and as they prepare for their big day, she must also cope with the increasing strength of her “gift” and what these glimpses into her possible future could mean for her and her life with Joe. Bruce Gray (“Playmakers”) and Kathy Baker (“Boston Public”) reprise their roles as Joe’s parents.
••”Melissa Peterman: Am I the Only One?” (9 p.m. on CMT): Filmed in Nashville, Melissa Peterman (“The Singing Bee” host) performs her one-woman stand-up comedy show.
••”NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): After Charlie and Amita get married and begin preparations for their London adventure, they put a slight hold on their wedded bliss when they assist the team in helping Don track down the whereabouts of his gun after it goes missing. Lou Diamond Phillips (“SGU: Stargate Universe”) guest stars in the Season 6 finale.
••“Rounder Records 40th Anniversary Concert” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Minnie Driver (“The Riches”) hosts this variety concert that features stars from the Rounder Records roster. Performers include Steve Martin, Alison Krauss & Union Station and Robert Plant.
••”Supernanny” (8 p.m. on ABC): She’s crisscrossed America in her six seasons as the voice of reason for parents worldwide. Now Supernanny Jo Frost revisits some of her most memorable families in celebration of her 100th episode to find out how they’re doing today.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Former Dallas Cowboys football player Emmitt Smith is intrigued by a family rumor that his paternal grandmother, Erma Lee Watson, had white ancestry. As he travels deep into rural Alabama to colonial Virginia and beyond on the trail of Erma’s great grandmother Mariah, Smith uncovers a story more dramatic than he ever could have imagined.

SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2010
••”Blue Collar Comedy: Ten Tears of Funny” (8 p.m. on CMT): Jaime Pressly (“My Name is Earl”) hosts this special in which Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy reunite onstage in front of a live audience to tell it like it was. They will recall their favorite moments from Blue Collar tours and recreate their signature finale where they improvise together onstage.
••”CNN Presents: Her Name Was Steven” (7 p.m. on CNN): Steven Stanton had a family and an influential job as City Manager of Largo, Florida. Then the local newspaper revealed the decision he was considering – living life as a woman. This two-hour film follows Stanton’s two-year transition through self-discovery, pain, joy, and challenges.
••”Dinoshark” (8 p.m. on Syfy): A lush Mexico vacation spot is terrorized by a mysterious prehistoric creature no one believes exists, except a young fishing boat captain (Eric Balfour, “24″). To prevent a bloodbath, the captain must stop “Dinoshark” before it invades an inland waterway full of pleasure boats and swimmers.
••“GoGreener” (11:30 a.m. on OETA-13): This hour-long motivational special provides simple, practical ways to become a more mindful consumer and save money.
••”The Guard” (8 p.m. on ION, KOPX): This new series focuses on the lives of an imperfect, offbeat and sometimes, difficult rescue team. Led by Duty Captain Miro Da Silva (Steve Bacic), these heroic Coast Guard rescue specialists put their lives in danger as they dangle from helicopters and plunge into seas in order to rescue those in peril. Off-duty, rough waters still plague the team as they deal with their own personal issues.
••”The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): A mom asks Suze Orman to give her son a smack down for his spending, but Orman turns the tables and the mother gets more than she bargained for.
••”True Blue: Ten Years of Blue Collar Comedy” (7 p.m. on CMT): This special chronicles the Blue Collar sensation – its origin, personalities, behind-the-scenes players, successes, set-backs, conflicts and triumphs – and reveals why Blue Collar Comedy has become so popular.
••”Who Is Clark Rockefeller?” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”) stars in this fact-based movie that explores the inconceivable life of a con artist who, for years, called himself Clark Rockefeller and claimed to be a member of the powerful Rockefeller family.Sherry Stringfield (‘‘ER”) also stars.

–Penny TV

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

SUNDAY, FEB. 28, 2010
••”Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): Barb shocks Nicki with news about Joey. Bill looks for clues about J.J. (Zeljko Ivanek, “Damages”) in Kansas.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team decides to kill time at a work acquaintance’s wedding by looking into wther his bride (Rachel Miner, “Californication”) was responsible for killing her former fiance (Noah Bean, “Damages”), who died mere hours after he canceled their nuptials. Sean Maguire (“The Class”) guest stars as the former fiance’s best friend.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Celia comes down with the chicken pox, Gaby must keep her distance. Having never had the chicken pox herself, Gaby stays with Tuc and Bob and is reminded of what it’s like to be single again. Julie Benz (“Dexter”) guest stars.
••”Disease Detectives” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special follows a real-life “Dr. House” and his team of experts inside the Undiagnosed Disease Program at the National Institutes for Health as they attempt to solve real medical mysteries and help desperate patients in just five days.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Country singer Trace Adkins (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) helps the team rebuild the home of a wounded police officer in Lancaster, Texas, who lost most of his mobility and all of his hearing after being shot while leading a Dallas Police Department SWAT team.
••”Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): When Gladys, the new and slightly bumbling Tooth Fairy, has trouble doing her job without waking up the kids, the Movers help show her how to get the job done. Cheri Oteri (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
••”The Marriage Ref” (9:30 p.m. on NBC): Jerry Seinfeld (“Seinfeld”), Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”) and Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) weigh in on a special sneak preview of this new comedy panel series about the unpredictable and hilarious institution commonly known as marriage. Tom Papa (“Come to Papa”) is the “Ref” on the show, which premieres Thursday.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This adaptation of John Buchan’s World War I adventure novel “The 39 Steps” follows the fortunes of Richard Hannay (Rupert Penry-Jones), a mining engineer who gets caught up in a conspiracy after a British spy is found dead in his apartment.
••”The Providence Effect” (11 a.m. on TV One): This documentary film that tells the story of a school on Chicago’s impoverished West Side that has been sending 100 percent of its high school graduates to four-year colleges for 30 years.
••”Undercover Boss” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dave Rife, the owner of White Castle, goes undercover in his own company where he accidentally ruins thousands of hamburger buns after mishandling equipment in one of his bakeries. He also discovers low morale among his employees at a local factory.
••”Weather Proof” (8 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Co-hosts Stephanie Abrams and Newton Wimer test everything from windows and mobile homes to see if they hold up against a powerful hurricane simulator – a jet engine.  And see how to escape from a stranded vehicle with only seconds to act as dangerous waters rise in a flash flood.

MONDAY, MARCH 1
••”The Bachelor” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the two-hour Season 14 finale, Jake must choose between Tenley and Vienna. Throughout the episode, Tom Bergeron will announce the new cast of “Dancing With the Stars” that premieres March 22.
••”Bewitched” (4 p.m. on TV Land): The Emmy award-winning series that aired on ABC from 1964-1972 joins the network’s weekday lineup. The series follows Samantha Stevens (Elizabeth Montgomery), a stay-at-home wife with a secret.  After marrying her husband, ad-exec Darrin Stevens (Dick York, then played by Dick Sargent), she reveals to him that she is a witch.
••”CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Filmmaker and musician Rob Zombie directs this new episode in which the CSI team discovers that a listening device has been covertly planted at a crime scene. Guest stars include Zombie’s wife Sheri Moon (“Halloween”), Malcolm McDowell (“Heroes”) and William Forsythe (“John Doe”).
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): Professor Hilgendorf and his family has moved in next door to the Kappa Tau house, and their presence is putting a damper on the KTs’ festivities. Sam Page (“Mad Men”) guest stars.
••”House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Wilson puts himself on the case when an old friend (Joshua Malina, “The West Wing”) and former patient experiences paralysis in his right arm. House suspects the man’s cancer has returned, but Wilson works overtime to find an alternative diagnosis.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the gang tries to convince Ted that he is being strung along by Tiffany (Carrie Underwood, “American Idol”), they reflect about relationships where each of them has been in the same situation.
••“Inside the Actors Studio” (6 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton welcomes award-winning director, producer, editor and writer James Cameron to the stage. Cameron’s career trajectory has skyrocketed this small-town Canadian boy to one of the biggest names in Hollywood. He has directed two of the highest-grossing films to date  —  “Titanic” and “Avatar.”
••”NFL Full Contact” (9 p.m. on truTV): The Pro Bowl honors the NFL’s best players.  For the first time, the event is moving to the site of the Super Bowl, with the game being played the Sunday before the NFL championship.   But whether this first Pro Bowl of its kind will go off without a hitch remains to be seen.
••”Paralyzed and Pregnant with Twins” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special presents the story of Claudia, a woman who was paralyzed from the armpits down following a car accident that killed her infant son. Claudia hoped that one day she could have more children and, despite doctors’ skepticism, her dream came true.
••”The Real Housewives Top 25: The Early Years” (9 p.m. on Bravo): This special features the 25 favorite moments from the first seasons of New York, Atlanta and New Jersey and the first two seasons of Orange County, as chosen by Andy Cohen (Bravo’s SVP of Original Programming and Development and host of “Watch What Happens”).
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 4 premiere, Jeff takes Russell’s advice and reciprocates a female colleague’s flirting. Adhir Kalyan, who plays Russell’s assistant Timmy, joins the cast as a series regular.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy, Ricgard and James immerse themselves in the world of classic cars to find out if they really are more fun than modern machinery. Also, Jeremy interviews AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson in the studio.
••”Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie runs off to Vegas and returns with a new wife, but she’s not Chelsea. Stacy Keach (“Titus” ) and John Amos (“Men In Trees”) guest star.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2
••”20/20: Before They Were Famous” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): This special Oscars-themed edition features stories of how some nominees got their big breaks. George Clooney’s father, Nick Clooney, takes ABC cameras inside the actor’s childhood home in Kentucky. Sandra Bullock’s childhood friend shares stories and photos of the first-time nominee as a high school cheerleader in Virginia. Actor Beau Bridges, the brother of five-time Oscar nominee Jeff Bridges, talks about his brother’s early years. And Mo’Nique’s husband, Sidney Hicks, talks about the early years with the talented comedienne turned actress.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): After viewers learn who was eliminated after the Olympic challenge cliffhanger (Cheryl George from Ardmore or Darrell Hough from Michigan), host Alison Sweeney tells all the contestants they are switching to blue vs. black teams.
••”Frontline” (midnight on OETA-13): The new documentary “The Suicide Tourist” explores the topic of whether we have the right to end our lives in the last stages of painful terminal illness or if life becomes unbearable for other reasons. It includes access to Dignitas, the Swiss nonprofit group that helps people with terminal illnesses to end their lives.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): While Peter gets acclimated to life at home and works on a comeback strategy with his political team, including Eli Gold (Alan Cumming, “The L Word”), Alicia and Diane wrestle with spousal privilege laws in a murder case that hinges on their ability to get a wife to testify against her husband. Gary Cole (“The West Wing”) guest stars as Kurt McVeigh, a rugged ballistics expert who Diane finds herself attracted to.
••”Madman of the Sea” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new six-part series follows the adventures of Australian fisherman Matt Watson, He is dubbed the “fish whisperer” by his peers for his ability to lure the biggest, fastest, baddest sea creatures that lurk beneath the surface. He feeds off adrenaline and travels the uncharted seas looking for that next great catch, and he’s willing to do anything to find it.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): This new dramedy views contemporary family life as reflected by the large and colorful Braverman clan. In the series premiere, Sarah (Lauren Graham, ‘‘Gilmore Girls”), a single mom, returns to Berkeley, Calif., to be closer to her family, while brother Adam (Peter Krause) learns that his son (Max Burkholder) has Asperger’s syndrome.
••”Players” (9:30 p.m. on SPIKE): This new series follows two brothers with conflicting personalities trying to run a successful sports bar. Matt Walsh plays Bruce Fitzgerald, a free-spirited, fun-loving guy who bets on games and dates the cocktail waitresses. Ian Robert plays Ken, his older, uptight brother who tries to keep the focus on turning a profit while avoiding lawsuits and health code violations.
••”Postpartum Nightmares” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special spotlights women who have had a range of postpartum experiences — from depressions to severe anxiety and event psychosis.Viewers will see how these devastating cpnditions can create turmoil during what is supposed to be one of life’s happiest moments — the addition of a new baby to the family.
••”Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 premiere, Nate and Sammy investigate a freeway shooting and wind up threatening the integrity of a major undercover operation.  And Chickie finds herself in the middle of a mini-riot after her new partner shoots at a 13-year-old boy.
••”White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): When the daughter of a man from his past goes missing Neal volunteers to help find her. Little does anyone realize the kidnapper is an old enemy of Neal’s who is leading him right into a trap. Diahann Carroll (“Julia”) guest stars.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Laurie needs a co-signer to buy her first condo and finds her less than stellar, absentee mother (Beverly D’Angelo, “Entourage”) no help at all. Meanwhile, Bobby is mugged by a woman and Travis comes to Barb’s aid after her latest cosmetic surgery procedure.
••”Faces of America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. demonstrates how to pick up the search for ancestors where the historical record leaves off, linking the distinctive family histories of such guests as Elizabeth Alexander, Meryl Streep, Mike Nichols, Yo-Yo Ma and Eva Longoria Parker to the broader history of ‘‘the family of man.”
••”Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary’s plan to help Tom land a spot on the wrestling team backfires, he challenges the coach, a former high school nemesis, to a wrestling rematch in an attempt to settle their score. David Koechner (“Anchorman”) guest stars as Soup, Gary’s high school nemesis.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a woman from a growing lesbian community is found dead, detectives Benson and Stabler must work with a local activist (Kathy Griffin, “My Life on the D-List”) to uncover the truth behind the woman’s death.
••”The Locator” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Enid native Troy Dunn returns for a fourth season of granting wishes to people wanting to reconnect with loved ones. In the one-hour season premiere, a daughter searches for the father who disappeared from her life and a young woman searches for the sister she didn’t know existed.
••”Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Following the donut shop shooting, Veronica takes off unexpectedly, leaving everyone to worry about her whereabouts. Back at Mercy, the victims of a bus bombing inundate the emergency room. Alison Sweeney (“The Biggest Loser”) guest stars.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Gloria is less than pleased with Jay’s reaction to the arrival of Javier (Benjamin Bratt, “Miss Congeniality”), Manny’s infamously unreliable dad. Meanwhile, Phil is suffering from kidney stones and his dramatics leave Claire no other choice but to call for the hot firemen to rush him to the hospital.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Christine and Barb find their business unexpectedly profitable, Christine must decide whether to spend her share of the newfound money on herself or follow Barb’s lead and give it to charity. Ed Begley Jr. (“Gary Unmarried”) and Ashley Williams (“Side Order of Life”) guest star.
••”The Oprah Winfrey Oscar Special” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Oprah Winfrey brings together some of Hollywood’s biggest stars to interview each other. The revealing and intimate interviews include Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball”) and Penelope Cruz (“Vicky Cristina Barcelona”); “Avatar” director James Cameron and three stars from the film; Ben Affleck (“Good Will Hunting”) and Jeremy Renner (“The Hurt Locker”); and “Fatal Attraction” stars Glenn Close and Michael Douglas.
••”Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): After Lassiter takes a page out of Shawn’s book and claims a shark attack victim was actually murdered, the guys must then scramble to find the fish and prove him right. Jeri Ryan (“Leverage”) guest stars.
••”Radical Parenting” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special explores what some might consider to be extreme forms of parenting — from potty training a newborn baby to breast-feeding beyond the age of two. Find out how they came to these parenting decisions and hear from experts about the pros and cons of their choices.
••”Web Soup” (7 p.m. on G4): The series returns for a second season that captures the “best of the worst” moments on the web and brings viewers a no-holds-barred look at the week’s Internet mayhem. In each episode, comedian and host Chris Hardwick presents a selection of crashes, bloopers, accidents and more, along with his wry commentary, signature sketches and side-splitting reenactments.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2010
••”Burn Notice” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Michael’s worst fears come to life when a world-class terrorist is unleased on Miami, threatening to detonate a bomb if Michael doesn’t give him what he wants. With the FBI hot on his trail, Michael will need every advantage and every friend on his side to defeat this madman in the Season 3 finale.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a band member of Rascal Flatts is electrocuted by his own guitar during a concert, the CSI team investigates if it was a case of foul play. Actor Will Patton (“24″) guest stars as CIA Associate Director Craig Halliday.  
••”Instant Recall” (7:30 p.m. on GSN): This new game show first tests players’ patience, then tests their memory as unsuspecting participants are caught on hidden camera in unbelievable situations—and are then quizzed on the experience for cash and prizes. Wink Martindale (“Tic-Tac-Dough”) and Angela Daun (“Entourage”) host the competition and award the prizes.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Tina Fey (“30 Rock”) and Eva Longoria-Parker (“Desperate Housewives”) are on the celebrity panel for the premiere episode of the series that features couples facing off to settle their marital tiffs. The rotating panel of “experts” will offer their own wit, wisdom and unique opinions.
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): In this special hour-long episode, Pam’s contractions begin but she and Jim are determined to wait it out as long as possible so they can have more time at the hospital. Meanwhile the rest of the office tries to distract Pam from the pain with food and entertainment. Linda Purl (“Bones”) guest stars. 
••”Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Things get too close for comfort when Addison, Pete and Sam must come together on a complicated case involving a dad-to-be who comes down with tuberculosis and threatens the future of his new family. Meanwhile, with Violet still gone on her Costa Rican escape, Sheldon takes over helping one of her patients, Natasha (Clea Duvall, “Carnivale”), to get over her crippling fear of flying.
••”The Real Housewives of Orange County” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 5 ends with a bombshell, as the tension between Tamra Barney and her husband, Simon, reaches the breaking point at the final party of the summer. Meanwhile, Vicki Gunvalson and her husband, Donn, revel in the newfound strength of their marriage and Lynne Curtin tries to reign in her teenage daughters wild behavior at the party.
••”The Real Housewives of New York City” (10 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 3 premiere, the ladies are spending their remaining summer days together in the Hamptons, but friendships and alliances have shifted significantly.  Ramona, Jill, LuAnn and Alex enjoy a sun-filled day on a yacht that Ramona has commissioned for the day – until nasty comments and tears break loose. Jill shares that she is angry with Bethenny and that the two haven’t spoken in months.
••”Tom Brokaw Reports: Boomer$!” (8 p.m. on CNBC): In this two-hour documentary, Tom Brokaw chronicles the impact 78 million baby boomers have had on American society over the past six decades and explores the challenges they face as they begin to approach the age of retirement.
••”Too Many Babies?” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): One year ago, the Jones family thought just one more baby would make life complete. Instead, they got the surprise of their lives — quintuplets. This special focuses on how they’re learning the ropes all over again in a life that includes their four-year-old daughter and five newborn babies.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2010
••The 8th Annual Visual Effects Society Awards (9 p.m. on ReelzChannel): Director James Cameron (“Avatar”) will be honored with the VES Lifetime Achievement Award at thyis year’s event that celebrates a monumental year in movie visual effects.
••The 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards (10 p.m. on IFC): Eddie Izzard (“The Riches”) serves as Master of Ceremonies for the event that recognizes the achievements of independent filmmakers.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Seal, Imelda May and Sugarland.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): After Allison is mugged, she decides to take charge by enrolling in self-defense classes.  Also, Devalos investigates a teenager’s rape and an undercover cop’s possible murder. Laura Prepon (“That ’70s Show”) and Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad”) guest star.
••”NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star Rob Morrow (Don) directed this episode in which the team investigates the deaths of two men who were part of a group of friends that had been suxually abused as children by one of their teachers. Moira kelly (“One Tree Hill”) and Alan Ruck (“Spin City”) guest star.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this new series, celebrities embark on personal journeys of self-discovery as each searches for the roots to his family tree, uncovering stories of love, betrayal, intrigue, heroism and tragedy. The premiere episode spotlights the search of Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City”).

SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2010
••”America’s Most Wanted” (8 p.m. on Fox): After nearly 22 years of tracking down the nation’s most notorious criminals, the series will celebrate its milestone 1000th episode with a special broadcast. Hosted by John Walsh, the series has helped capture 1100 criminals, including 17 on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, and reunited 43 missing children with their families, which is Walsh’s proudest achievement.
••”Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): Castle is wrestling with how to repair his relationship with Beckett while struggling to finish his soon-to-be-published bestseller, “Heat Wave.” Authors Stephen J. Cannell and Michael Connelly guest star as themselves.
••”CNN Presents: Scream Bloody Murder” (7 p.m. on CNN): CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour reports from the killing fields of the world where genocide has raged. She takes viewers back in time to witness again the places now synonymous with horror:  Auschwitz, Cambodia, Darfur, Iraq, Rwanda and Bosnia. In recognition that her journalism in 1992 to 1995 brought much-needed attention to the human rights crisis in Bosnia during the war there, Amanpour was named an Honorary Citizen by the City of Sarajevo for her coverage. 
••”Destination Design” (12:30 p.m. on HGTV): In this new series, designer Taniya Nayak helps homeowners who love to travel but seem to miss the boat on good design. In each episode, she sends homeowners on all-expense-paid luxury vacations to discover colors, textures, images and moments that will inspire them. Upon their return, Taniya will formulate a design plan based on the homeowners’ photos, experiences and inspirational souvenirs.
••“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): Activities to enjoy during spring break include a walk on the wild side at the zoo, indoor swimming in Kingfisher and a spin around an Oklahoma City raceway.
••”Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals” (7 p.m. on HBO): This special traces the history of the competition between Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers and Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics. Their rivalry began 30 years ago when they led their midwest universities to the 1979 NCAA Championship game, through a decade of dominance, when the two won three NBA MVP awards apiece and a combined eight NBA titles.
••”Pirate for the Sea” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This is a biographical film of Captain Paul Watson, the youngest founding member of Greenpeace Canada. He organized early campaigns protesting the killing of seals, whales and dolphins.
••”The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Financial advisor Suze Orman celebrates eight years on CNBC and heads into Season 9 with a new mission to help America become healthier and wealthier.
••”Uncorked” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When business as usual takes a vacation, Johnny (Julie Benz, “Dexter”) must find something, or someone, else to occupy her time. JoBeth Williams (“In the Land of Women”), Elliott Gould (“Ocean’s Eleven”) and Scott Elrod (“Men in Trees”) also star in this romantic comedy about finding a passion that isn’t a paycheck.
–Penny TV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Penny TV

BEGINNINGS
••“Camp Woodward,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (third-season premiere).
••“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” 8 p.m. Monday on Logo (second-season premiere).
••“Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts,” 9 p.m. Monday on Planet Green (series premiere).
••“Kell on Earth,” 9 p.m. Monday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“The Secret Diary of a Call Girl,” 9 p.m. Monday on Showtime (third-season premiere).
••“Kitchen Impossible,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on DIY (third-season premiere).
••“Lost,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (sixth-season premiere).
••“Austin Stevens Adventures,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on HDNet (series premiere).
••“The Woman Who Stops Traffic,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Planet Green (series premiere).
••“American Greed,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CNBC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Shear Genius,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••“Underbelly,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on DirecTV’s 101 Network (series premiere).
••“Important Things With Demetri Martin,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Comedy Central (second-season premiere).
••“The Sarah Silverman Program,” 9:30 p.m. Thursday on Comedy Central (third-season premiere).
••“America’s Small Town Secrets,” 8 p.m. Friday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Living With the Dead,” 9 p.m. Friday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Down Home With the Neelys,” 10 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (seventh-season premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Worst Cooks in America,” 9 p.m. Monday on Food Network (first-season finale).
••“Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (second-season finale).
••“Launch My Line,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (first-season finale).
••“Living With Ed,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Planet Green (third-season finale).
••“Steven Seagal Lawman,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on A&E (first-season finale).
••“Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox (winter finale).
••“Fringe,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox (winter finale).

Pictured above: “The Sarah Silverman Show” (Comedy Central Photo).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Penny TV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Penny TV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Penny TV

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

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

TUESDAY, DEC. 22, 2009
◊“The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this encore presentation, viewers can catch up with contestants from the previous seven seasons. Danny Cahill from Broken Arrow won Season 8.
◊“Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special” (7 p.m. on Fox): In this encore presentation, the Grammy-winning and multiplatinum country singer performs holiday songs and selections from her albums. Performers joining Underwood onstage include Kristin Chenoweth, David Cook, Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley.
◊“Chelsea Lately Bloopers” (9:30 p.m. on E!): This is the first of three comedy specials highlighting hilarious outtakes and never-before-seen moments from Cheslea Handler’s latenight series.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia and Will have only 72 hours to find the smoking gun that proves the train company, and not the three engineers, is responsible for the crash, thus securing the widows their pensions the company is holding back. Martha Plimpton (“Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars as the train company’s very pregnant attorney.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): While stuck working on a case over Christmas, the team searches for a suspect presumed dead…and begins to discover some startling personal revelations. Peter Coyote (“The 4400″) guest stars.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): Departing from the show’s regular format, host Bryant Gumbel leads correspondents Mary Carillo, Frank Deford, Jon Frankel, Bernard Goldberg and Andrea Kremer in a spirited roundtable discussion of 2009, touching on everything from favorite stories of the year to the interviews and pieces that had the greatest impact on them.

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

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

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

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

–Penny TV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Penny TV