TV Tributes for Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett
Several networks will honor the
memory of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett with special broadcasts.
Fawcett died at 9:28 a.m. Thursday in the intensive care unit of Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., with longtime companion Ryan O’Neal and friend Alana Stewart by her side. She was 62.
Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. Thursday at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 50.
CBS aired an hourlong tribute to Jackson Thursday night. NBC turned Thursday’s “Dateline” into a two-hour tribute to Fawcett and Jackson. CNN’s “Larry King Live” featured the show’s host interviewing colleagues and friends of Jackson live at 8 and 11 p.m. Thursday.
More specials and tributes to these two entertainment icons are in the works. Here is what networks have already announced:
TV Tributes for Michael Jackson
and Farrah Fawcett
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
••5 p.m. on MTV — “A Celebration of Michael Jackson on MTV.” This special will feature Jackson’s greatest moments on MTV, as well as messages from artists expressing their thoughts and memories of Jackson.
••7 p.m. on TV One – “The Michael Jackson Story.” This hour-long documentary celebrates the career of the international superstar, from his start in Gary, Indiana with the Jackson Five to the announcement of his 2009 World Tour. TV One airs on channel 157 on U-verse, 167 on Cox Digital Cable, 328 on DirecTV.
••8 p.m. on ABC — “20/20 – Michael Jackson: The Man and His Music.” Anchored by Elizabeth Vargas, the special will trace Jackson’s career, from his 1968 Motown audition tape to his 18 No. 1 singles and his tremendous influence on music, dance and pop culture.
••8 p.m. on NBC — “Farrah’s Story” (originally aired May 15). This two-hour documentary tells Fawcett’s story in her own words as she explains her battle and her journey with cancer. It was shot with her own video camera over the past two-and-a-half years, and it is her narration that tells this story.
••9 p.m. on NBC — “Michael Jackson — The King of Pop.” NBC News’ Ann Curry will anchor the hour-long look at Jackson’s legacy as a musician and cultural icon.
••9:30 p.m. on VH1 — “Michael Jackson: King Of Videos.” Word is that when this two-hour video tribute originally premiered, Jackson himself called the producers to thank them for their work.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
••9:30 a.m. on E! — “E! News Special: Michael & Farrah: Lost Icons.” This 30-minute special chronicles the lives of two famous American icons that the world lost on Thursday.
••11 a.m. on E! — “True Hollywood Story: Michael Jackson.” This two-hour documentary about the life of Jackson charts his journey from childhood to superstardom. It will air again at noon Sunday (June 28).
••2:30 p.m. on Oxygen — “Farrah’s Story” (originally aired May 15 on NBC). Shot with her own video camera, the intimate and emotional footage served as Fawcett’s video diary in which she shared her thoughts and feelings about her battle with cancer, as well as what treatments she received in the U.S. and Germany.
••8 p.m. on TV Land — “Chasing Farrah” episodes 1 and 2 (originally aired in 2005). TV Land produced seven episodes of this series that gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the actress and her travels, both in and out of the spotlight.
In episode 1, Ryan O’Neal spends the day with Farrah and the show’s director to capture what she’s truly like. In episode 2, Farrah and her actress-friend Alana Stewart go to a party. There she talks to her tennis coach about her controversial appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman” in June 1997.
••8 p.m. on WGN – “Charlie’s Angels” mini-marathon. It begins with the first episode from Season 1 titled “Hellride,” in which Sabrina becomes a race driver while Kelly, Jill (Farrah Fawcett) and Bosley assume unusual disguises to learn why a pretty woman driver lost control of her car and died in a flaming wreck. That episode is followed by No. 4 from Season 1 titled “Angels in Chains.”
••9 p.m. on BIO — “BIO Remembers: Michael Jackson.” This profile covers Jackson’s days as a child star growing up in Indiana, through his formative years at Motown, his emergence as the King of Pop, the difficulties faced more recently and his tragic sudden death. Includes interviews with Jackson’s family, friends and colleagues.
••7 p.m. on CNN — “Michael Jackson – The Man in the Mirror.” CNN’s Don Lemon reports on the extraordinary life and unexpected death of Michael JacksonThe documentary includes new interviews with music artist Usher and producer and close family friend Rodney Jerkins, who collaborated with Jackson on his last finished album.
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
••1 p.m. on TV Land — “The Jacksons: An American Dream.” This 1992 TV miniseries based on the Jackson’s true story takes viewers through five decades of the Jackson Family’s career– from their early beginnings in the mid-western steel town of Gary, Indiana to their quick rise to stardom. Cast includes: Lawrence Hamilton Jacobs, Angela Bassett, Jason Weaver, Jermaine Jackson II, Holly Robinson and special appearances by Billy Dee Williams and Vanessa Williams. Featured music sung by The Jackson 5, Boyz II Men, Jermaine Jackson & Syreeta Wright and Jason Weaver and includes the hits, “Never Can Say Goodbye,” “The Love You Save,” “ABC,” “Beat It,” “Billy Jean,” and “I’ll Be There.”
••5 p.m. on WGN — “Charlie’s Angels” marathon (eight episodes from Season 1). Hosted interstitials recalling highlights of Farrah Fawcett’s career will air in between the episodes. The marathon lineup features “The Killing Kind” (episode 6), “Lady Killer” (episode 8), “Bullseye” (episode 9), “Consenting Adults” (episode 10), “Angels on Wheels” (episode 12), “Terror on Warn One” (episode 18), “Dancing in the Dark” (episode 19) and “Blue Angels (epsiode 22).
MONDAY, JUNE 29
••7 p.m. on Fox — “American Idol: Michael Jackson-themed Performance Show.” In this encore presentation from March, the Top 13 contestants perform music from Michael Jackson’s songbook, including “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Black or White,” “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” “Remember The Time” and “Beat It.”
••9 p.m. on BIO — “BIO Remembers: Farrah Fawcett.” Through archival footage and interviews with family members, friends, journalists and colleagues, this documentary chronicles Fawcett’s rural upbringing in Corpus Christi, Texas, her breakout roll as private detective Jill Munro in “Charlie’s Angels” and her life spent under the public eye.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
••7 p.m. on My Network TV — “2006 World Music Awards.” The event marked one of Michael Jackson’s first public appearances in nine years and one of his last onstage performances. He was also honored with the Diamond Award, presented to him by Beyonce, which is given to artists who have sold over 100 million albums. And Jackson helped close the show with a choir of fans performing “We are The World.”
••9 p.m. on E! — “E!ES Michael Jackson.” This documentary, made with full cooperation from Sony, Michael Jackson and the Jackson organization, charts the life journey of the international superstar. It features personal home videos and interviews with Jackson, his family and friends, including a comment from the choreographer who taught the pop icon how to do his trademarked Moonwalk.
–Penny TV
Pictured above:
Michael Jackson in a Nov. 14, 1996 file photo. He performs during his first Australian concert in Sydney. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, file).
Farrah Fawcett in an Aug. 29, 2004 file photo. She arrives for the MTV Video Music Awards in Miami. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, file).
Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows
airing April 12-18, 2009
Bob Barker revisits "The Price is Right" (CBS Photo)
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
And here are 30 celebrities making special TV appearances the week of April 12.
If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
GUEST STARS
••Scott Bakula (”Quantum Leap”) on “Chuck,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Bob Barker (former “The Price is Right” host) on “The Price is Right,” 10 a.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Steven Bauer (”Traffic”) on “Cold Case,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Elizabeth Berkley (”The L Word”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Kelly Blatz (”Aaron Stone”) on “Sonny With a Chance,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Disney.
••Jordana Brewster (”The Fast and the Furious”) on “Chuck,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Brooke Burns (”Miss Guided”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Lance Burton (magician) on “Head Case,” 9 p.m. Friday on Starz.
••Jessica Capshaw (”The Practice”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Ciara (Grammy winner) on “America’s Next Top Model,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CW.
••Diablo Cody (”Juno”) on “90210,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CW.
••Macaulay Culkin (“Party Monster”) on “Kings,” 7 p.m. Sunday on NBC.
••Elisha Cuthbert (“Are You Afraid of the Dark?”) on “24,” 8 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Johnny Depp (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) on “SpongeBob SquarePants,” 7 p.m. Friday on Nickelodeon.
••Annie Duke (”The Celebrity Apprentice”) on “National Heads-Up Poker Championship,” 11 a.m. Sunday on NBC.
••Nora Dunn (”Saturday Night Live”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Stephen Fry (“Kingdom”) on “Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox.
••Janeane Garofalo (”24″) on “Greek,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Brad Garrett (”Everybody Loves Raymond”) on “National Heads-Up Poker Championship,” 11 a.m. Sunday on NBC.
••Kathie Lee Gifford (”Live With Regis and Kathie Lee”) on “Live With Regis and Kelly,” 9 a.m. Tuesday on KWTV-9.
••Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”) on “The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Julie Hagerty (”Airplane”) on “Cupid,” 9:02 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Cheryl Hines (”In the Motherhood”) on “Hannah Montana,” 6:30 p.m. Friday on Disney.
••Adhir Kalayan (”Aliens in America”) on “Rules of Engagement,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Lisa Leslie (WNBA player) on “WCG Ultimate Gamer,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on SCI FI.
••Vanessa Marcil (”Las Vegas”) on “Without a Trace,” 9:01 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Marlee Matlin (“The L Word”) on “Larry King Live,” 8 p.m. Monday on CNN.
••Darius McCrary (”Family Matters”) on “Cold Case,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Isaac Mizrahi (“Isaac”) on “Head Case,” 9 p.m. Friday on Starz.
••Shalim Ortiz (”Heroes”) on “Cold Case,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Kathleen Quinlan (“Family Law”) on “Prison Break,” 8 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Tori Spelling (”Beverly Hills, 90210″) on “90210,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CW.
••Eric Stoltz (”Mask”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Sharon Stone (“Huff”) on “Larry King Live,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CNN.
••Tabatha Coffey (”Tabatha’s Salon Takeover”) on “The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Lee Tergesen (”Life on Mars”) on “Cupid,” 9:02 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Donald Trump (“The Apprentice”) on “Larry King Live,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CNN.
••Kate Vernon (”Battlestar Galactica”) on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Spud Webb (former NBA player) on “WCG Ultimate Gamer,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on SCI FI.
••Andrew J. West (”Privileged”) on “Greek,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Henry Winkler (”Happy Days”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Stevie Wonder (Grammy-winning artist) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Billy Zane (”Titanic”) on “Samantha Who?” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
And the 2009 NAMIC Vision Awards go to …
Never heard of the NAMIC Awards? The event’s been around for 15 years. And it is the entertainment industry’s way to recognize quality multi-ethnic and cross-cultural television programming.
The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Commincations (NAMIC) singled out 35 networks for achievements in programming diversity. BET received the most nominations with six.
Here are the nominees for the 15th Anniversary NAMIC Vision Awards that will be presented April 17 at a luncheon ceremony hosted by Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson.
ANIMATION
“Handy Manny” (Disney Channel)
“Soy Mono: Words” (MTV TR3S)
El Tigre “The Grave Escape” (Nickelodeon)
BEST PERFORMANCE – COMEDY
Tracy Morgan – “30 Rock” (NBC)
LaVan Davis – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
Demetria McKinney – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
Keshia Knight Pulliam – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
Larramie Doc Shaw – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
BEST PERFORMANCE – DRAMA
Benito Martinez – “The Shield” (FX)
Felicia Pearson – “The Wire” (HBO)
Tristan Wilds – “The Wire” (HBO)
Raymond Cruz – “The Closer” (TNT)
Robert Gossett – “The Closer” (TNT)
CHILDREN’S
“Wizards of Waverly Place” (Disney Channel)
“Ni Hao, Kai-Lan” (Nickelodeon)
“Go, Diego, Go” (Nickelodeon)
“Dora The Explorer” (Nickelodeon)
“Degrassi: The Next Generation” (The N)
COMEDY
“Ugly Betty” (ABC)
“Somebodies” (BET)
“The Game” (CBS)
“Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger” (HBO)
“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
DIGITAL MEDIA – LONG FORM
“Americlef” (MTV On-Air Promotions)
“Time Warner Cable’s Futbol Mania” (Time Warner Cable)
DIGITAL MEDIA – SHORT FORM
“Ugly Betty Presents: Mode After Hours” (ABC.com)
“MTVU’s Stand In: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf” (MTVU)
“DIG: Lyrics Born” (MYX-ABS CBN International)
“Extra on Essence” (Telepictures Productions)
“Yes We Can,” Essence Election ‘08 (Telepictures Productions)
DOCUMENTARY
“Nanking” (Cinemax Reel Life)
“CNN Presents: Black in America” (CNN)
“Fuga De Las FARC” (Discovery Latin America)
“Joe Louis: America’s Hero (HBO)
“VH1 Rock Doc: The Night James Brown Saved Boston” (VH1)
DRAMA
“Lincoln Heights” (ABC Family)
“Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
“Lost” (ABC)
“Private Practice” (ABC)
“In Plain Sight” (USA Network)
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
“Futbol Mania” (Time Warner Cable)
“Sucker Free Latino Unscripted: Wisin y Yandel” (MTV TR3S)
“Asi Paso” (ESPN)
LIFESTYLE
“Fashion Blackout” (BET News)
“National Body Challenge: Twins Edition” (Discovery Health Channel)
“World in America” (Ebru TV)
Down Home With The Neelys – “Pass It On” (Food Network)
HGTV “Deserving Design” (HGTV)
NEWS / INFORMATIONAL
“Black in America: Suicide Survivor” (CNN)
“Anderson Cooper 360: Race in America” (CNN)
“CNN Special Projects: To The Top” (CNN)
“Showbiz Tonight: Black in Hollywood” (CNN)
“In Conversation: The Michelle Obama Interview” (TV One)
ORIGINAL MOVIE OR SPECIAL
“The Best Shorts” (BET J)
“Cheetah Girls: One World” (Disney Channel)
“The Africa Channel Presents: A Night of Tribute” (The Africa Channel)
REALITY
“College Hill: Interns” (BET)
“Spring Break Diaries: Spelman College” (BET News)
“The mun2 Hook Up: Frankie J” (mun2)
“Student Body” (The N)
“VH1’s The Cho Show” (VH1)
SPORTS
“C. Vivian Stringer’s Big Ten Legacy” (Big Ten Network)
“ESPN Outside the Lines: Dodgertown” (ESPN)
“The Secret Game” (ESPN)
“Our Heroes: A Black History Month Special” (Fox Sports North)
“Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” (HBO)
VARIETY / TALK SHOW
“The BET Honors” (BET)
“Harlem to Hollywood: Diddy” (BET)
“Hip Hop vs. America” (BET)
“Sunday Best” (BET)
“TV One on One: Tyler Perry” (TV One)
Program Planner: Dec. 28-Jan. 3
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Dec. 28:
SUNDAY, DEC. 28
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a serial bomber whose latest pipe bomb maimed the wrong target and whose three previous bombings, in 1999, 2001 and 2003, collectively blinded a man and killed two others. Timothy Omundson (”Jericho”) guest stars as the missed targtet of the latest bombing.
◊“Nick News With Linda Ellerbee” (8 p.m. on Nickelodeon): The new installment “Boys and Girls: In a Class of Ther Own?” visits several schools to get the students’ view on whether a single gender education is better.
◊“Summer Heights” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): In the first-season finale, Mr. G revels in the premiere of his musical and Jonah gives a gift to the students and teachers of Summer Heights High as the semester ends.
MONDAY, DEC. 29
◊“100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs” (9 p.m. today through Friday on VH1): In addition to counting down the 100 best guitar-driven, head-banging jams in rock history, this five-night compilation will feature updates on where various rock idols are today.
◊“The City” (9 p.m. on MTV): Whitney Port (“The Hills”) chases big dreams in the Big Apple in this new reality series. She strikes out on her own for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at global design house Diane Von Furstenberg in New York City.
◊“Greatest Holiday Moments: Hilarious Home Video Countdown” (7 p.m. on NBC): This special will rank the best amateur footage America has to offer, from memorable moments to classic Christmas chaos.
◊“Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven” (7 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary tells the story of one of New York’s premier restaurants, which has occupied three different Manhattan locations since opening in 1974.
◊“Momma’s Boys” (9 p.m. on NBC): Food Network chef Tyler Florence presents the women with their next suitability challenge – a cooking competition in which they must make either the boys’ favorite meal or impress them with their own personal recipes.
◊“Ron Howard: 50 Years in Film” (7 p.m. on TCM): Oklahoma-born Ron Howard, who went from child star (”The Andy Griffith Show”) to Oscar-winning director (”"A Beautiful Mind”) sits down with film critic and documentarian Richard Schickel (”Spielberg on Spielberg”) for an in-depth interview. The special will be followed by an airing 1977’s “Grand Theft Auto,” which was Howard’s directorial debut.
TUESDAY, DEC. 30
◊“The 31st Annual Kennedy Center Honors” (8 p.m. on CBS): Caroline Kennedy returns as host of the event that recognizes recipients for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. This year’s recipients are actor Morgan Freeman, country singer George Jones, choreographer Twyla Tharp, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of the Who, and singer-actress-producer-director Barbra Streisand.
◊“Happy New Year, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): Chad Allen (”Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”) provides the voice of Charlie Brown in this 1986 “Peanuts” special. Over Christman break, Charlie Brown has to read “War and Peace” and write a report out it, But holiday distractions keep getting in the way.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): To retrieve the money promised to the family of an innocent man who took the fall for a Mafia boss, the Leverage team poses as the wedding planners for the don’s only daughter on her big day. Dan Lauria (”The Wonder Years”) and Nicole Sullivan (”The King of Queens”) guest star.
◊“One Life to Live” (1 p.m. on ABC): The rock band Puddle of Mud will help the citizens of Llanview ring in the New Year with a performance of their hit single, “We Don’t Have to Look Back Now.” Lead singer Wes Scantlin will also act in scenes with Rex and Gigi.
◊“Rudolph’s Shiny New Year” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): The world’s most famous reindeer must help find Baby New Year before midnight. Red Skelton (“Three Little Words”), Frank Gorshin (“Batman”) and Morey Amsterdam (“The Dick Van Dyke Show”) provide voices for characters.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Arkansas in men’s college basketball airing live at 7 p.m. on KAUT-43.
Games from the boys high school basketball Tournament of Champions will air live at 6:30 p.m. on Cox.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31
◊“NBC’s New Year’s Eve With Carson Daly” (9 p.m. on NBC): The fifth-annual event, which will be broadcast for the first time with one hour airing in primetime and one hour in late night, will feature performances by Elton John, Ludacris, Katy Perry, The Ting Tings and T.I. NBC News correspondent Luke Russert and Saturday “Today” co-anchor Amy Robach will report from various locations.
◊“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest” (9 p.m. on ABC): Co-hosts (and executive producers) Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest will lead America into the New Year with three-and-a-half hours of specials and the famous countdown to midnight from New York City’s Time Square. Kellie Pickler (”American Idol”) will be the Times Square correspondent, Fergie will host the West Coast party. Scheduled performers include Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Natasha Bedingfield, Fall Out Boys, Jesse McCartney, Ne-Yo, Pussycat Dolls, Solange, Lionel Richie, will.i.am and Robin Thicke.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The New York Philmarhomic ushers in 2009 with mezzo-soprano Susan Graham. Renee Fleming hosts the show, which marks Maestro Lori Maazel’s last as music director of the Philharmonic.
◊“Lucy’s New Year’s Eve Countdown” (7 a.m. on TV Land): This 13-hour marathon will feature the top “I Love Lucy” episodes that were voted on by viewers — from from Lucy’s “Vitameatavegamin” commercial to Lucy and Ethel’s candy factory debacle.
◊“New Year’s Eve Live” (11 p.m. on Fox): Spike Feresten (”Talkshow With Spike Feresten”) and Mark Thompson (”Hole in the Wall”) co-host the celebration live from the Mirage in Las Vegas. “American Idol” Season 7 winner David Cook and Grammy-winning musician Scott Sweiland are scheduled to perform, while daredevil Robbie Knievel will attempt a 200-foot motorcycle jump over Mirage’s renovated volcano.
◊New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin” (10 p.m. on CNN): The CNN host and the comedienne will report on celebrations worldwide. Musical guests will include Li’l Wayne, My Morning Jacket, Coolio, 3 Doors Down and the Oklahoma band Hinder.
◊“Red Bull: New Year: New Year. No Limits” (10 p.m. on ESPN): The sports network will air two stunts live from Las Vegas. Rhys Millen will attempt to do a complete back-flip of an off-road truck, while Robbie Maddison will try to land his motorcycle on top of the Arc de Triomphye replica in front of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.
◊“Totally New Year” (5 p.m. on Disney): “Wizards of Waverly Place” cast members Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Jake T. Austin and Jennifer Stone will co-host this 6 1/2-hour programming block that will feature viewers’ favorite Disney Channel episodes, moments and music videos.
THURSDAY, JAN. 1
◊“The 120th Tournament of Roses Parade” (10 a.m. on NBC and HGTV): This year’s theme is ‘‘Hats Off to Entertainment,” and the grand marshal is Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress Cloris Leachman. Al Rocker (”Today”) and Nancy O’Dell (”Access Hollywood”) co-host NBC’s coverage. Gardening expert Paul James from Tulsa will be part of HGTV’s broadcast team.
◊“Cinema’s Exiles: From Hitler to Hollywood” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Sigourney Weaver (“Aliens”) narrates this documentary about the German film professionals who fled Hitler’s Germany and escaped to Hollywood.
◊“Dear Genevieve” (noon on HGTV): Get a sneak peek at the new series featuring popular designer Genevieve Gorder (”Trading Spaces”). She will delve into viewer-submitted emails and demonstrate the answers in-person for a lucky online user who submitted his or her design dilemma to www.HGTV.com/deargenevieve/. The series will air Mondays at 7:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 5.
◊“Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Julie Andrews (”The Sound of Music”) hosts the 25th annual holiday celebration with the Vienna Philharmonic.
◊“Desperate To Buy” (2 p.m. on HGTV): This new docu-drama follows desperate homebuyers and their real estate broker through the high-stress process of finding the perfect home fast. The series will air Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. beginning at Jan. 7.
◊“HGTV Dream Home 2009″ (8 p.m. on HGTV): This special offers a private tour inside this year’s luxurious HGTV Dream Home, located in Sonoma, Calif.
◊“Income Property” (3 p.m. on HGTV): Renovation expert Scott McGillivray hosts this new series that will help homeowners with high mortgage payments and low cash flow create “rental suites” in their homes as a way to help cut monthly expenses. The series will air Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 7.
◊“The Property Shop” (9 p.m. on HGTV): This new series follows Realtor-turned-broker Tatiana Londono as she competes head-to-head with major real estate agencies to rise to the top of the real estate world. The series will air Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 8.
◊“The Unsellables” (1 p.m. on HGTV): In this new series, property guru and British TV personality Sofie Allsopp, along with contractor Anthony Sayers, will show viewers how to tackle cluttered kitchens, messy bedrooms and outdated design to create real estate gems out of homes considered “unsellable.” The series will air Fridays at 9:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 9.
FRIDAY, JAN. 2
◊“Blame It on Fidel” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Set in Paris in 1970, this insightful comedy unfolds from the perspective of Anna, 9, who has to make adjustments when her parents plunge full-time into leftist activism.
◊“Everybody Hates Chris” (7 p.m. on CW): Chris is determined to spend New Year’s Eve in Times Square, but Rochelle says Chris can only go if he finds a responsible adult to accompany him. The only problem is that the only people Chris can find to be his chaperone are two ex-convicts, Peaches (Tisha Campbell-Martin, “Rita Rocks”) and Malvo (Ricky Harris, “Moesha”).
◊“The Game” (8:30 p.m. on CW): Tasha and Malik are totally freaked out when it is accidentally revealed that Tasha’s boyfriend, Rick (Rick Fox, “Dirt”), and Malik’s wife, Robin (Robin Givens, “Courthouse”), have a past together.
◊“Janis Ian Love From Grand Center” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The Grammy winner performs 15 songs from her 40-year career. The special also features archival footage, including Ian singing “Society’s Child” at age 15.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team come under pressure when a former FBI subcontractor (Enrico Colantoni, “Veronica Mars”) shoots an agent inside the FBI headquarters and takes one of their own as a hostage, leaving them with a severely restricted plan of action.
SATURDAY, JAN. 3
◊“Everyday Food” (10 a.m. on OETA-13): Back for a fifth season are the show’s five hosts who present step-by-step instruction of reciped featured in Everyday Food magazine.
◊“Game Show in My Head” (7 p.m. on CBS): Joe Rogan (”Fear Factor”) hosts this new hidden camera game show in which contestants compete for the chance to win $50,000 by completing outrageous challenges in public.
◊“Huntik” (9:30 a.m. on CW): This new animated series focuses on a group of seekers who travel the world in search of an ancient amulet with the power to control monsters.
◊“Nanny Express” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Vanessa Marcil (“Las Vegas”) is a nanny with a knack for healing a hurting family in this new movie that co-stars Dean Stockwell (“Quantum Leap”), Stacy Keach (“Prison Break”) and Brennan Elliott (“Strong Medicine”).
◊“RAH! Paula Abdul’s Cheerleading Bowl” (11 a.m. on MTV): This 90-minute special spotlights five collegiate squads hand-selected by Paula Abdul (former Los Angeles Laker Girl) as they travel to New York City to compete in the ultimate cheerleading competition.
◊“Underdog to Wonderdog” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series follows the Doggie Wonder Team made up of a trainer, groomer, carpenter and host, as they use their canine expertise to revamp down-on-their-luck shelter pups just in time to place them in a good home.
◊“Smother” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): After losing his job, a man (Dax Shepard) deals with pressure from his wife (Liv Tyler), who wants to have a child, and from his mother (Diane Keaton), who moves in.
–Penny TV
Program Planner: Nov. 23-29
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 23:
SUNDAY, NOV. 23
◊2008 American Music Awards (7 p.m. on ABC): Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel returns as host of the 35th annual event. Top nominees are Alicia Keys (5), Coldplay (4), The Eagles (4). Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Garth Brooks (favorite male artist, favorite album), Reba McEntire (favorite female artist), Carrie Underwood (favorite female artist, favorite album), Brooks & Dunn (favorite band, duo or group), Rascal Flatts (favorite band, duo or group, favorite album).
◊“24: Redemption” (7 p.m. on Fox): Here’s a two-hour prequel to the events of Season 7 (scheduled to begin January 11 and 12). Counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is in South Africa dealing with an international crisis as the United States prepares to inaugurate a new president, Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones).
◊“Al Roker Reporting: Armed in America” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): Al Roker (“Today”) teams up with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to find out how this federal agency is working to eliminate gun crimes in the United States.
◊“A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Stephen Colbert (“The Colbert Report”) hosts this holiday special featuring musical guests Toby Keith, Feist, John Legend, Willie Nelson and Elvis Costello, along with former “Daily Show” colleague Jon Stewart.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): Lilly and the team re-open the 1953 case of a pin-up girl when a fan’s crime scene photo provides new evidence in the case. Tania Raymonde (”Lost”) joins the cast as Frankie Rafferty, a smart and feisty lab technician.
◊“Masterpiece Special: The Unseen Alistair Cooke” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): To mark the centenary of Alistair Cooke’s birth in 2008, this documentary traces the brodcaster’s life using his own words, comments from those who knew him and his own home movies dating back to the 1930s.
◊“True Blood” (8 p.m. on HBO): In the first-season finale, Sookie finds a link to the murders in Bon Temps and lands in the killer’s sights. Bill makes a risky move to save her.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): While attending PopCon, Alex reveals to her best friend, Harper, that she and her brothers are wizards-in-training. Lee Meriwether (”Batman”) guest stars as a TV Battle Diva attending the comic book convention.
MONDAY, NOV. 24
◊“The Rape of Europa” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Joan Allen (“The Contender”) narrates this new documentary that chronicles the efforts of scholars, governments and others to locate the millions of pieces of art stolen by Germany’s Third Reich during World War II.
◊“Samantha Who?” (8:32 p.m. on ABC): Sam’s decision to invite boyfriend Owen (James Tupper, “Men in Trees”) for dinner to meet her parents turns into a disaster when Owen’s philosophy about chicken farms rubs chicken farm owner Howard the wrong way.
◊Steven Seagal movie marathon (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on SPIKE): See the action movie actor, who is a 7th-dan black belt in aikido, in four back-to-back films: 2005’s “Today You Die” (8 a.m.), 2007’s “Urban Justice” (10 a.m.), 2003’s “Out for a Kill” (noon) and 2003’s “Belly of the Beast” (2 p.m.).
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Jake disappears with the daughter of Charlie’s neighbor, and Charlie is left to cover his back. Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) guest stars.
TUESDAY, NOV. 25
◊“The Biggest Loser 6” (7 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito (“Dancing With the Stars”) helps the contestants make a healthy version of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
◊“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (7 p.m. on ABC): This classic Peanuts special from 1973 signals the start of the holiday season. It will be followed by another Peanuts cartoon, “This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers.”
◊“Dancing With the Stars” (8 p.m. on ABC)(ABC Photo above features “Dancing With the Stars” contestants Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson): The winner of the seventh season is announced. All the eliminated celebrities return for one last spin across the floor.
◊“Frontline” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The new report “The Hugo Chavez Show” profiles Venezuela’s controversial and outspoken president and the revolution he claims is turning his country into an anti-capitalist beacon for Latin America.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dr. House and Thirteen are taken hostage by a man willing to kill for a diagnosis. Zeljko Ivanek (“Damages”)guest stars.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The team must relay on information from some questionable individuals to stop a criminal bent on stealing government secrets. David Eigenberg (“Sex and the City”) guest stars.
◊“The Real Housewives of Orange County” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Tamra Barney, Vicki Gunvalson, Jeana Keough and Lauri Peterson return for a fourth season that is laced with searing emotion and high drama. Posing an immediate threat is Gretchen Rossi, a new housewife on the block.
◊“The Shield” (9 p.m. on FX): In the series finale, the Barn looks into a woman’s disappearance and the arrival of a major drug shipment.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Ricardo Montalban was born on this day in 1920, and TCM celebrates by airing four of his films, including 1949’s “Neptune’s Daughter” (7 a.m.) and 1952’s “My Man and I” (10:30 a.m.).
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26
◊“The 2008 World Magic Awards” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”) hosts the event that honors today’s best magicians. Scheduled to perform are Lance Burton and The Amazing Jonathan.
◊“Dirty Sexy Money” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): While the Darlings are away for Thanksgiving, Clark the chauffeur offers his version of various Darling family rumors to a persistent reporter. Donna Mills (“Knots Landing”) guest stars.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Allison wants the family to celebrate Thanksgiving at her house, but Gary insists on holding the feast at his place. Jane Curtin (“Kate and Allie”) and Martin Mull (”Roseanne”) guest star as Allison’s parents.
◊“Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the second hour of the miniseries’ finale, Queen Elizabeth II’s children, grandchildren and other relatives talk about their lives and roles in the “family business.”
◊“Private Practice” (8 p.m. on ABC): Addison receives a surprise visit from her brother (Grant Show, “Melrose Place”). His presence not only causes trouble for Addison, but for Naomi and Sam, as well.
◊“Rosie Live” (8 p.m. on NBC): Emmy winner Rosie O’Donnell (“The Rosie O’Donnel Show”) returns to television with a live variety special showcasing a wide array of celebrity guests, musical acts, comedy skits and a giant giveaway for both the in-studio and home audiences.
◊“That Moment! With Jake Steinfeld” (7 p.m. on WGN): Jake Steinfeld, motivational coach, bestselling author, fitness expert and founder of Major League Lacrosse and ExerciseTV, interviews Harrison Ford (“Indiana Jones” movies), Pastor Joel Osteen and The Jonas Brothers.
◊“Top Chef” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The contestants join the Grammy winning rock Band Foo Fighters for a tour stop in Rochester, NY.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Marist in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on Cox.
THURSDAY, NOV. 27
◊“CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” (8 p.m. on CNN): CNN anchor Anderson Cooper hosts the second annual event that spotlights ordinary citizens who accomplished extraordinary deeds. Among the 10 finalists for the Hero of the Year award (which includes a $100,000 cash prize) is Tad Agoglia, founder of First Response Team of America that goes into disaster sites and helps clean up in the immediate aftermath. Agoglia and his team traveled to Picher following the deadly May 10 tornado.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Grissom and his team battle the flu when they are called upon by Deputy District Attorney Madeline Klein (Bonnie Bedelia, “The Division”) to investigate the deaths of several key witnesses for a grand jury case against a Las Vegas gang.
◊“Dirty Jobs” marathon (8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Discovery): Join host and perpetual apprentice Mike Rowe for this 18-hour marathon featuring viewers’ favorite episodes.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8:02 p.m. on ABC): A freak ice storm not only nrings trauma patients to Seattle Grace, it brings a mysterious military doctor as well. Kathy Baker (“Picket Fences”), Mariette Hartley (“One Life to Live”) and Bernadette Peters (“Living Proof”) guest star.
◊“Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” (8 a.m. on NBC): “Today” personalities Meredith Vieira, Matt Lauer and Al Roker co-host the 82nd annual parade in New York City. The trip down Broadway will feature Oklahoma actress Kristin Chenoweth, Miley Cyrus, Trace Adkins, David Archuleta, The Cheetah Girls, James Taylor and Andy Williams, as well as 13 giant character helium balloons, 10 marching bands, 28 floats and more than 1,700 cheerleaders, dancers, singers and performers.
◊“The National Dog Show Presented By Purina” (11 a.m. on NBC): John O’Hurley (“Seinfeld”) returns as host of the purebred canine competition that is expected to feature more than 2,000 of the nation’s leading dogs representing more than 150 breeds.
◊“The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS” (7 a.m. on CBS): “The Early Show” anchors Dave Price and Maggie Rodriguez will cover the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live from New York’s Time Square. Clay Aiken (“American Idol”), Jessica Leccia (”Guiding Light”) and Julie Pinson (”As The World Turns”) will drop by to chat with Price and Rodriguez during the broadcast.
◊“VH1 Storytellers” Kid Rock” (8 p.m. on VH1): Kid Rock performs songs off of his latest double platinum-selling album, Rock ‘N Roll Jesus, in addition to past hits, backed by his Twisted Brown Trucker Band. Kid Rock will also share his inspiration and the stories behind his songs.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Gonzaga in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
FRIDAY, NOV. 28
◊“25 Great Holiday Ideas” (8 p.m. on HGTV): Designers Angelo Surmelis and Erinn Valencich will demonstrate how to recreate 25 decorating and entertaining ideas that were submitted online by viewers.
◊“Abby in Wonderland” (5 a.m. on OETA-13): Follow “Sesame Street” characters Abby and Elmo down the rabbit hole in this re-imagining of Lewis Carrol’s “Alice in Wonderland.” Grover plays the Mad Hatter, the Cookie Monster is the Cheshire Cat and Bert and Ernie are Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.
◊“Deadlist Catch” marathon (8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Discovery): Go on an 18-hour voyage with the captains and crews who do one of the deadliest jobs in the world — crab fishing in the Bering Sea.
◊“Forbes Top 20 Celebrity Cash Couples: Crazy Double Incomes” (7 p.m. on E!): Brad or Angelina? Beyonce or Jay Z? Seal or Heidi? Find out which half of these mega-star duos is making the most money.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA): In the new holiday episode titled “Mr. Monk and the Miracle,” three homeless men seek out Monk’s services. Natalie convinces the private detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder to investigate the death of their friend.
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA): Shawn and Gus help a little girl get a “mall Santa” out of jail in time for Christmas in this new holiday episode. But they soon realize that their clients are con artists who have a big score planned. Phylicia Rashad guest stars as Gus’ mom.
◊“SpongeBob SquarePants” marathon (7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nickelodeon): The day-long marathon concludes with four new episodes: “The Slumber Party/Grooming Gary” (7 p.m.), “Porous Pockets” (7:30 p.m.), “Krusty Krushers/The Card” (8 p.m.) and “Dear Vikings/Ditchin” (8:30 p.m.). Also look for a preview of Nickelodeon’s new series “The Penguins of Madagascar” at approximately 7:45 p.m.
SATURDAY, NOV. 29
◊“The Comedy Festival Presents: Funniest Movies of the Year 2008” (9 p.m. on TBS): Impressionist Frank Caliendo (“Frank TV”) hosts this countdown of the year’s funniest movies. Viewers voted for the Top 10 comedies of 2008 on www.tbs.com.
◊“Ellen’s Even Bigger, Really Big Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): Emmy winner Ellen DeGeneres (“The Ellen DeGeneres Show”) hand-picked the performers appearing in this variety show. As host, Ellen will also perform her own stand-up comedy and take part in several humorous vignettes.
◊“Moonlight & Mistletoe” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Tom Arnold (“Roseanne”) and Candace Cameron Bure (“Full House”) star in this new holiday family film. What begins as a simple effort to pull her dad out of debt ends up rekindling his daughter’s belief in the magic of Christmas.
◊“Sputnik Mania” (9 p.m. on History): On Oct. 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik into space. This new special tells the story of the launch and includes a collection of interviews and recently declassified insights into the high-level decisions that followed the dawn of the space age.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State Univertsity in college football action airing live at either 2:30 or 7 p.m. on ABC.
–Penny TV
Candidates making the talk show rounds
Network News Releases …
◊“Larry King Live” (8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, on CNN): Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain and host Larry King will discuss the election and the quest for the presidency.
◊“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, on Comedy Central): Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama will appear via satellite from Florida where he continues his campaign with less than one week until Election Day.
◊“The Rachel Maddow Show” (8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, on MSNBC): Host Rachel Maddow will interview Barack Obama.
◊“The Situation Room” (3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, on CNN): Host Wolf Blitzer will sit down with Barack Obama, and the interview will air throughout the three-hour telecast. Viewers can submit questions for Obama online at www.iReport.com/Obama.
Guests added to TV talk shows
CNN Media Advisory: First lady Laura Bush and daughter Jenna Bush will appear on “Larry King Live” at 8 p.m. Wednesday (April 23) to discuss their new children’s book, Read All About It.
Set in a school, the book depicts a mischievous little boy who likes to do everything but read. It is loosely based on Laura and Jenna Bushes’ experiences as teachers.
On Thursday’s show (April 24), U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will talk to King in her first interview following the April 22 Pennsylvania primary.
“Larry King Live” airs weekdays a 8 p.m. on CNN, with rebroadcasts at 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. For more information on upcoming shows or to locate past transcripts, go to www.CNN.com/larry king.
CBS Media Advisory: Danica Patrick, who on Sunday made history when she became the first woman to win an Indy Car series race, visits “Late Show With David Letterman” at 10:35 p.m. Wednesday (April 23).
Patrick finished six seconds ahead of her nearest competitor, Helio Castroneves, to win Sunday’s Indy Japan 300, her first win in 50 career starts.
This will be her fourth visit with Letterman, her former Indy Racing League employer. She got her IRL start in 2005 driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, the auto racing team Letterman co-owns.
