And the 61st annual Emmy Awards went to … (complete list of Emmy winners)

   Here is a complete list of winners for the Primetime Emmy Awards telecast.
   I was a perfect 2-for-2 a few minutes into the telecast and ended up 6-for-22. At least the Academy got my first pick right: Broken Arrow native Kristin Chenoweth as outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for “Pushing Daisies.”
   And the evening started out on a high note with a song by host Neil Patrick Harris. But we could’ve done without the set tour — especially if the show was already running 25 behind schedule.
 
Supporting Actress In Comedy Series 
Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock” (NBC)
Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies” (ABC) (Penny’s Pick)
Amy Poehler, “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
Kristen Wiig, “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
Vanessa Williams, “Ugly Betty” (ABC)
Elizabeth Perkins, “Weeds” (Showtime)

Thank you, Academy: Kristin Chenoweth said it nicely while accepting the night’s first Emmy. “Thank you, Academy, for recognizing a show that is no longer on the air,” she said. “I’m unemployed now, so I’d like to be on ‘Mad Men.’ I also like ‘The Office’ and ‘24.’

And Thank you, Amy Poehler: Kristin was the first nominee captured on camera, and she was wearing crazy 2009 glasses. Turns out the other nominees had interesting eyewear, as well (all except Vanessa Williams) and Kristin credited Amy Poehler with the idea. Nice way to begin the show.

Writing for Comedy Series
“30 Rock” Reunion episode (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“30 Rock” Apollo, Apollo (NBC)
“30 Rock” Mamma Mia (NBC)
“30 Rock” Kidney Now! (NBC)
“Flight Of Conchords” Prime Minister (HBO)

Supporting Actor In Comedy Series 
Tracy Morgan, “30 Rock” (NBC)
Jack McBrayer, “30 Rock” (NBC)
Kevin Dillon, “Entourage” (HBO)
Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother” (CBS) (Penny’s Pick)
Rainn Wilson, “The Office” (NBC)
Jon Cryer, “Two And A Half Men” (CBS)
   
Lead Actress In Comedy Series 
Tina Fey, “30 Rock” (NBC) (last year’s winner)
Christina Applegate, “Samantha Who?” (ABC)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “The New Adventures Of Old Christine” (CBS)
Sarah Silverman, “The Sarah Silverman Program” (Comedy Central)
Toni Collette, “United States Of Tara” (Showtime) (Penny’s Pick)
Mary-Louise Parker, “Weeds” (Showtime)
 
Shout out for Landry Jones? Sarah Silverman was sporting a mustache when the camera zoomed in on her during the introductions for lead actress in a comedy series. She must be a University of Oklahoma football fan.

Directing For Comedy Series
“30 Rock” Apollo, Apollo episode (NBC)
“30 Rock” Reunion (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“30 Rock” Generalissimo (NBC)
“Entourage” Tree Trippers (HBO)
“Flight Of Conchords” Tough Brets (HBO)
“The Office” Stress Relief (NBC)

Lead Actor In Comedy Series 
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock” (NBC) (last year’s winner)
Jemaine Clement, “Flight of the Conchords” (HBO)
Tony Shalhoub, “Monk” (USA)
Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)
Steve Carell, “The Office” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
Charlie Sheen, “Two And A Half Men” (CBS)
 
Host For Reality Program 
Ryan Seacrest, “American Idol” (Fox)
Tom Bergeron, “Dancing With The Stars” (ABC)
Heidi Klum, “Project Runway” (Bravo)
Jeff Probst, “Survivor” (CBS) (last year’s winner)(Penny’s Pick)
Phil Keoghan, “The Amazing Race” (CBS)
Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio, “Top Chef” (Bravo)

Win for Wichita native: These days, Jeff Probst is roaming the world as host of “Survivor.” Sunday night, the native from Wichita, Kan., was collecting his second Emmy — and only the second Emmy handed out for outstanding host for a reality program.

Reality/Competition Program 
“American Idol” (Fox)
“Dancing With The Stars” (ABC)
“Project Runway” (Bravo)
“The Amazing Race” (CBS) (winner the last six years) (Penny’s Pick)
“Top Chef” (Bravo)
 
An amazing ride: For the seventh consecutive year, “The Amazing Race” collected the Emmy for outstanding reality/competition program. That’s a perfect record for the race, which has won the category every single year. And making it even more special this season is the fact that Choctaw native Christie Volkmer was a contestant for Season 14.

Supporting Actress in Miniseries/Movie 
Jeanne Tripplehorn, “Grey Gardens” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
Shohreh Aghdashloo, “House Of Saddam” (HBO)
Janet McTeer, “Into The Storm” (HBO)
Cicely Tyson, “Relative Stranger” (Hallmark)
Marcia Gay Harden, “The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler” (CBS)
 
Jeanne Tripplehorn from Tulsa was wonderful as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy in “Grey Gardens.” But she did not win the Emmy.

Supporting Actor In Miniseries/Movie 
Ken Howard, “Grey Gardens” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
Len Cariou, “Into The Storm” (HBO)
Tom Courtenay, “Little Dorrit” (PBS)
Andy Serkis, “Little Dorrit” (PBS)
Bob Newhart, “The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice” (TNT)
 
Lead Actor In Miniseries/Movie 
Kiefer Sutherland, “24: Redemption” (Fox)
Kevin Kline, “Cyrano de Bergerac” (PBS)
Brendan Gleeson, “Into The Storm” (HBO)
Ian McKellen, “King Lear” (PBS)
Kevin Bacon, “Taking Chance” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
Kenneth Branagh, “Wallander: One Step Behind” (PBS)
 
Writing for Miniseries/Movie/Special
“Generation Kill” (HBO)
“Grey Gardens” (HBO)
“Into The Storm” (HBO)
“Little Dorrit” (PBS)
“Taking Chance” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)

Directing For Miniseries/Movie/Special
“Generation Kill” (HBO)
“Grey Gardens” (HBO)
“Into The Storm” (HBO)
“Little Dorrit” (PBS)
“Taking Chance” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
“Wallander: One Step Behind” (PBS)

Waiting for big winners: It’s a shame that winners in a lot of the major categories won’t be announced until the Emmy telecast is in a crunch for time and the acceptance speeches are cut short.

Lead Actress In Miniseries/Movie 
Chandra Wilson, “Accidental Friendship” (Hallmark)
Shirley MacLaine, “Coco Chanel” (Lifetime)
Drew Barrymore, “Grey Gardens” (HBO)
Jessica Lange, “Grey Gardens” (HBO)
Sigourney Weaver, “Prayers For Bobby” (Lifetime) (Penny’s Pick)
 
Made For Television Movie 
“Coco Chanel” (Lifetime)
“Grey Gardens” (HBO)
“Into The Storm” (HBO)
“Prayers For Bobby” (Lifetime)
“Taking Chance” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
 
Miniseries 
“Generation Kill” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
“Little Dorrit” (PBS)

Directing For Variety/Music Series
“American Idol” (Fox)
“Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS)
“Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)

Writing For Variety/Music Series
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien” (NBC)
“Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central) (Last year’s winner)
“Daily Show/Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)

Original Music And Lyrics
“81st Annual Academy Awards” (ABC)
“A Colbert Christmas” (Comedy Central) (Penny’s Pick)
“A Muppets Christmas” (NBC)
“Flight Of The Conchords” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
“The 2008 ESPYS” (ESPN)

Jimmy Fallon’s fall: What an original way to intoduce the original music and lyrics category. The awards show needs more cleaver intros like that.
Oh wait. Here comes Ricky Gervais. He needs to be a presenter for EVERY category.

Variety, Music Or Comedy Series 
“Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS)
“Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central) (Last year’s winner)

Oklahoma connection: “Saturday Night Live,” which was up for outstanding variety, music or comedy series award features Tulsa native Bill Hader in its cast. Since he joined the show in 2005, “SNL” has won three Emmys — but not this one. The wins came for outstanding hairstyling in a multi-camera series or special (2008), outstanding original music and lyrics (2007) and outstanding technical direction, camerawork, video for a series (2007).

Supporting Actor In Drama Series 
William Shatner, “Boston Legal” (ABC)
Christian Clemenson, “Boston Legal” (ABC)
Aaron Paul, “Breaking Bad” (AMC)
William Hurt, “Damages” (FX) (Penny’s Pick)
Michael Emerson, “Lost” (ABC)
John Slattery, “Mad Men” (AMC)

Supporting Actress In Drama Series 
Cherry Jones, “24″ (Fox)
Rose Byrne, “Damages” (FX)
Sandra Oh, “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC) (Penny’s Pick)
Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
Dianne Wiest, “In Treatment” (HBO) (Last year’s winner)
Hope Davis, “In Treatment” (HBO)
 
Directing For A Drama Series
“Battlestar Galactica” Daybreak (Syfy) (Penny’s Pick)
“Boston Legal” Made In China (ABC)
“Damages” Trust Me (FX)
“ER” And In The End (NBC)
“Mad Men” The Jet Set (AMC)

Writing for Drama Series
“Lost” The Incident episode (ABC) (Penny’s Pick)
“Mad Men” A Night To Remember (AMC)
“Mad Men” Six Month Leave (AMC)
“Mad Men” The Jet Set (AMC)
“Mad Men” Meditations Emergency (AMC)

Lead Actress In A Drama Series 
Sally Field, “Brothers & Sisters” (ABC)
Glenn Close, “Damages” (FX) (last year’s winner)
Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC)
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men” (AMC)
Holly Hunter, “Saving Grace” (TNT) (Penny’s Pick)
Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer” (TNT)
 
Glenn again: Last year, her acceptance speech was cut short by music. Not this time. And time is running out for Holly Hunter to be honored for her role as Oklahoma City police detective Grace Hanadarko in “Saving Grace.” She has been nominated for her work on the show every season so far, but the show was canceled after Season 3.

Lead Actor In Drama Series 
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad” (AMC) (last year’s winner)
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter” (Showtime)
Hugh Laurie, “House” (Fox)
Gabriel Byrne, “In Treatment” (HBO)
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men” (AMC)
Simon Baker, “The Mentalist” (CBS) (Penny’s Pick)
 
Comedy Series 
“30 Rock” (NBC) (winner the last two years)
“Entourage” (HBO)
“Family Guy” (Fox)
“Flight Of The Conchords” (HBO)
“How I Met Your Mother” (CBS)
“The Office” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“Weeds” (Showtime)

Drama Series 
“Big Love” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Damages” (FX)
“Dexter” (Showtime)
“House” (Fox)
“Lost” (ABC)
“Mad Men” (AMC) (last year’s winner)
 
–Penny TV


And the 61st annual Emmy Awards go to …

61ST PRIMETIME EMMY® AWARDS   Winners in 28 categories will be revealed during the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards that will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 7 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 20, 2009) on CBS.
   Neil Patrick Harris (”How I Met Your Mother”) will host the ceremonies, and he is also a nominee for supporting actor in a comedy series.
   Nominees with Oklahoma ties include Kristin Chenoweth from Broken Arrow (her second in a row as supporting actress in a comedy series for “Pushing Daisies”); Jeanne Tripplehorn from Tulsa (supporting actress in a miniseries/movie for “Grey Gardens”); and Holly Hunter, whose role as Oklahoma City police detective Grace Hanadarko in “Saving Grace” earned her a second straight lead actress in a drama series nomination.
   Other Oklahoma nominee connections:
   “Big Love,” which is up for outstanding drama series, features two Tulsa natives in its cast. Tripplehorn plays Barb Henrickson (the first wife on the show about Bill Henrickson and his three wives). Mary Kay Place plays Adaleen Grant (mother of second wife, Nicki).
   “The Amazing Race,” which last season featured contestant Christie Volkmer from Choctaw, is up for best reality competition series. The category was added six years ago, and the “Race” won every one.
   “Saturday Night Live,” which is up for outstanding variety, music or comedy series, features Tulsa native Bill Hader in its cast. Since he joined the show in 2005, “SNL” has won three Emmys — for outstanding hairstyling in a multi-camera series or special (2008), outstanding original music and lyrics (2007) and outstanding technical direction, camerawork, video for a series (2007).

   Here is a complete list of nominees for the Primetime Emmy Awards telecast. Fill out a ballot and see if the academy gets it right. Last year, the voters didn’t agree with me. I was 6-for-28.
–Penny TV
 
Supporting Actor In Comedy Series 
Tracy Morgan, “30 Rock” (NBC)
Jack McBrayer, “30 Rock” (NBC)
Kevin Dillon, “Entourage” (HBO)
Neil Patrick Harris, “How I Met Your Mother” (CBS) (Penny’s Pick)
Rainn Wilson, “The Office” (NBC)
Jon Cryer, “Two And A Half Men” (CBS)
 
Supporting Actress In Comedy Series 
Jane Krakowski, “30 Rock” (NBC)
Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies” (ABC) (Penny’s Pick)
Amy Poehler, “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
Kristen Wiig, “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
Vanessa Williams, “Ugly Betty” (ABC)
Elizabeth Perkins, “Weeds” (Showtime)
 
Supporting Actor In Drama Series 
William Shatner, “Boston Legal” (ABC)
Christian Clemenson, “Boston Legal” (ABC)
Aaron Paul, “Breaking Bad” (AMC)
William Hurt, “Damages” (FX) (Penny’s Pick)
Michael Emerson, “Lost” (ABC)
John Slattery, “Mad Men” (AMC)

Directing For Variety/Music Series
“American Idol” (Fox)
“Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS)
“Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)

Supporting Actress In Drama Series 
Cherry Jones, “24″ (Fox)
Rose Byrne, “Damages” (FX)
Sandra Oh, “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC) (Penny’s Pick)
Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
Dianne Wiest, “In Treatment” (HBO) (Last year’s winner)
Hope Davis, “In Treatment” (HBO)
 
Writing For Variety/Music Series
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien” (NBC)
“Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central) (Last year’s winner)
“Daily Show/Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central)

Lead Actress In Miniseries/Movie 
Chandra Wilson, “Accidental Friendship” (Hallmark)
Shirley MacLaine, “Coco Chanel” (Lifetime)
Drew Barrymore, “Grey Gardens” (HBO)
Jessica Lange, “Grey Gardens” (HBO)
Sigourney Weaver, “Prayers For Bobby” (Lifetime) (Penny’s Pick)
 
Variety, Music Or Comedy Series 
“Late Show With David Letterman” (CBS)
“Real Time With Bill Maher” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“The Colbert Report” (Comedy Central)
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” (Comedy Central) (Last year’s winner)

Directing For Comedy Series
“30 Rock” Apollo, Apollo episode (NBC)
“30 Rock” Reunion (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“30 Rock” Generalissimo (NBC)
“Entourage” Tree Trippers (HBO)
“Flight Of Conchords” Tough Brets (HBO)
“The Office” Stress Relief (NBC)

Writing for Comedy Series
“30 Rock” Reunion episode (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“30 Rock” Apollo, Apollo (NBC)
“30 Rock” Mamma Mia (NBC)
“30 Rock” Kidney Now! (NBC)
“Flight Of Conchords” Prime Minister (HBO)

Made For Television Movie 
“Coco Chanel” (Lifetime)
“Grey Gardens” (HBO)
“Into The Storm” (HBO)
“Prayers For Bobby” (Lifetime)
“Taking Chance” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
 
Supporting Actor In Miniseries/Movie 
Ken Howard, “Grey Gardens” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
Len Cariou, “Into The Storm” (HBO)
Tom Courtenay, “Little Dorrit” (PBS)
Andy Serkis, “Little Dorrit” (PBS)
Bob Newhart, “The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice” (TNT)
 
Directing For Miniseries/Movie/Special
“Generation Kill” (HBO)
“Grey Gardens” (HBO)
“Into The Storm” (HBO)
“Little Dorrit” (PBS)
“Taking Chance” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
“Wallander: One Step Behind” (PBS)

Writing for Miniseries/Movie/Special
“Generation Kill” (HBO)
“Grey Gardens” (HBO)
“Into The Storm” (HBO)
“Little Dorrit” (PBS)
“Taking Chance” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)

Supporting Actress in Miniseries/Movie 
Jeanne Tripplehorn, “Grey Gardens” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
Shohreh Aghdashloo, “House Of Saddam” (HBO)
Janet McTeer, “Into The Storm” (HBO)
Cicely Tyson, “Relative Stranger” (Hallmark)
Marcia Gay Harden, “The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler” (CBS)
 
Reality/Competition Program 
“American Idol” (Fox)
“Dancing With The Stars” (ABC)
“Project Runway” (Bravo)
“The Amazing Race” (CBS) (winner the last six years) (Penny’s Pick)
“Top Chef” (Bravo)
 
Miniseries 
“Generation Kill” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
“Little Dorrit” (PBS)

Original Music And Lyrics
“81st Annual Academy Awards” (ABC)
“A Colbert Christmas” (Comedy Central) (Penny’s Pick)
“A Muppets Christmas” (NBC)
“Flight Of The Conchords” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
“The 2008 ESPYS” (ESPN)

Directing For A Drama Series
“Battlestar Galactica” Daybreak (Syfy) (Penny’s Pick)
“Boston Legal” Made In China (ABC)
“Damages” Trust Me (FX)
“ER” And In The End (NBC)
“Mad Men” The Jet Set (AMC)

Writing for Drama Series
“Lost” The Incident episode (ABC) (Penny’s Pick)
“Mad Men” A Night To Remember (AMC)
“Mad Men” Six Month Leave (AMC)
“Mad Men” The Jet Set (AMC)
“Mad Men” Meditations Emergency (AMC)

Lead Actor In Miniseries/Movie 
Kiefer Sutherland, “24: Redemption” (Fox)
Kevin Kline, “Cyrano de Bergerac” (PBS)
Brendan Gleeson, “Into The Storm” (HBO)
Ian McKellen, “King Lear” (PBS)
Kevin Bacon, “Taking Chance” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
Kenneth Branagh, “Wallander: One Step Behind” (PBS)
 
Lead Actor In Comedy Series 
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock” (NBC) (last year’s winner)
Jemaine Clement, “Flight of the Conchords” (HBO)
Tony Shalhoub, “Monk” (USA)
Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)
Steve Carell, “The Office” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
Charlie Sheen, “Two And A Half Men” (CBS)
 
Lead Actress In A Drama Series 
Sally Field, “Brothers & Sisters” (ABC)
Glenn Close, “Damages” (FX) (last year’s winner)
Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC)
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men” (AMC)
Holly Hunter, “Saving Grace” (TNT) (Penny’s Pick)
Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer” (TNT)
 
Lead Actor In Drama Series 
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad” (AMC) (last year’s winner)
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter” (Showtime)
Hugh Laurie, “House” (Fox)
Gabriel Byrne, “In Treatment” (HBO)
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men” (AMC)
Simon Baker, “The Mentalist” (CBS) (Penny’s Pick)
 
Lead Actress In Comedy Series 
Tina Fey, “30 Rock” (NBC) (last year’s winner)
Christina Applegate, “Samantha Who?” (ABC)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “The New Adventures Of Old Christine” (CBS)
Sarah Silverman, “The Sarah Silverman Program” (Comedy Central)
Toni Collette, “United States Of Tara” (Showtime) (Penny’s Pick)
Mary-Louise Parker, “Weeds” (Showtime)
 
Host For Reality Program 
Ryan Seacrest, “American Idol” (Fox)
Tom Bergeron, “Dancing With The Stars” (ABC)
Heidi Klum, “Project Runway” (Bravo)
Jeff Probst, “Survivor” (CBS) (last year’s winner)(Penny’s Pick)
Phil Keoghan, “The Amazing Race” (CBS)
Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio, “Top Chef” (Bravo)

Comedy Series 
“30 Rock” (NBC) (winner the last two years)
“Entourage” (HBO)
“Family Guy” (Fox)
“Flight Of The Conchords” (HBO)
“How I Met Your Mother” (CBS)
“The Office” (NBC) (Penny’s Pick)
“Weeds” (Showtime)

Drama Series 
“Big Love” (HBO) (Penny’s Pick)
“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Damages” (FX)
“Dexter” (Showtime)
“House” (Fox)
“Lost” (ABC)
“Mad Men” (AMC) (last year’s winner)


Top 55 TV Programs for Sept. 20-26, 2009

TV-Sept-13-19-copy Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Sept. 20:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, SEPT. 20, 2009
“The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards” (7 p.m. on CBS): From the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, Neil Patrick Harris (”How I Met Your Mother”) hosts ceremonies honoring excellence in TV programming. Oklahomans receiving Emmy nominations include Kristin Chenoweth from Broken Arrow (supporting actress in a comedy series for “Pushing Daisies”) and Jeanne Tripplehorn from Tulsa (supporting actress in a miniseries for “Grey Gardens”).
“About Our Children …” (6 p.m. on MSNBC): Bill Cosby (”The Cosby Show”) leads this live forum on poverty in America that focuses on the parenting, education and health issues facing the poor in the United States. MSNBC will also take online questions for Cosby and the panel at TheGrio.com and msnbc.com.
“The Antonio Project” (9 p.m. on HGTV): Antonio Ballatore, who won Season 4 of “HGTV Design Star” last week, tackles one more challenge: making over his own home and unveiling it to family and friends. The program also features unseen moments of Antonio’s journey to becoming the “HGTV Design Star” winner, and his new series will premiere in January.
“BBC Earth” (2 p.m. on BBC America): Sir David Attenborough presents five natural history documentaries airing back-to-back. The lineup includes “Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth,” “Great Natural Wonders of the World,” “The Life of Mammals,”  “Grizzly: Nature’s Entrepreneur” and “Lion: Spy in the Den.”
“Bored to Death” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): Jas Schwartzman (”Funny People”) stars in this new series created by author Jonathan Ames. It follows the misadventures of a fictional Jonathan Ames as he pursues his dream of emulating his heroes from classic private detective novels.
“Countdown to the Emmy Awards” (2 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Marc Istook and Maria Sansone host three hours of live coverage from the Red Carpet, catching all the pre-show hoopla before the celebrity arrivals begin.
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Season 7 finds Larry David continuing to cope with the aftermath of Cheryl’s departure, even as his life remains intertwined with the Black family.
“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): When Miley and Lilly learn that Oliver has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the misguided pair become the “food police” at Traci’s Sweet 16 party.  A prologue directs viewers to learn more about type 1 diabetes at www.JDRF.org.
“Holy Grail in America” (7 p.m. on History): This two-hour special investigates the possibility that the Knights Templar, a legendary Christian military order from the 12th century believed by many to be guardians of the Grail, stashed this relic somewhere on American soil – and that they did it more than 100 years before Columbus “discovered” the New World.
“The Last 10 Pounds Boot Camp” (9 p.m. on FLN): Trainer Tommy Europe and nutrition coach Nadeen Boman return for a third season of helping people through an intense fitness and nutrition regimen that transforms them physically and mentally in just four weeks.
“Live at the Emmy Awards with Carrie Ann and Chris” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing with the Stars”) and Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor”) get up-close and personal with TV’s biggest stars as they make their way down the Red Carpet. In addition, TVGuide.com will bring fans online coverage of celebrity arrivals from the Red Carpet on starting at 4:30 p.m.
“Masterpiece Mystery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Inspector Lewis, Series II: The Great and the Good,” Lewis and Hathaway track down the prime suspect in the assault of a teenage girl, but he has a seemingly watertight alibi.

MONDAY, SEPT. 21, 2009
“Accidentally on Purpose” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Golden Globe winner Jenna Elfman (”Dharma & Greg”) returns to series television as Billie, a film critic who breaks up with her commitment-phobic boyfriend, has a fling with a younger guy, ends up pregnant and decides to keep the baby — and the daddy.
“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on CMT): Jeff Foxworthy hosts this new, fast-paced half-hour syndicated version of the primetime show. The premiere week features country music artists playing for charity — Big Kenny (today), Heidi Newfield (Tuesday), Bucky Covington (Wednesday), Jack Ingram (Thursday) and Emily West (Friday).
“Between the Lions” (noon on OETA-13): In Season 9, the literacy-loving lion pride Theo, Cleo, Lionel, and Leona introduce new books, songs and diverse topics such as jobs, weather, seasons and celebration.
“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 3 premiere, Sheldon flees back to Texas in disgrace when he learns the guys tampered with his arctic expedition data. That forces the guys to follow him and threatens Leonard’s hopes for a romantic encounter with Penny.
“Brick City” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This week-long docu-series takes an in-depth and no-holds-barred look at the challenges facing the city of Newark, NJ, and its outspoken and charismatic mayor, Cory Booker. It focuses on this inner city’s struggles and the resilient community leaders, civil servants and life-long residents committed to making Newark a model for urban renewal in America.
“Castle” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): As Season 2 begins, 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 in the episode.
“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Delko’s life hangs in the balance, Horatio flashes back 12 years to reveal how Miami’s CSIs first met and became a team. Eddie Cibrian (”Third Watch”) joins the cast for Season 8, playing a police officer from the Hollywood, Calif., Division, who joins Horatio’s team.
“Dancing With the Stars” (7 p.m. on ABC): Hosts Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris return along with judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. But the spotlight is on the “stars,” and the Season 9 lineup includes hoofers ranging from former teenage sitcom witch Melissa Joan Hart to Donny Osmond and scandal-prone former U.S. congressman Tom DeLay.
“Emmy Awards Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba” (7 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (”Dancing With the Stars”) and a team of fashion experts recount all the fashion highs and lows from the Emmy Red Carpet.
“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): This season, “Volume 5: Redemption” begins with our heroes putting their lives back together. Claire is finding that her biggest challenges are forgetting her old life and starting college. Hiro Nakamura goes back to his old life in Japan, but discovers that he has a terminal illness.
“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 6 premiere, House begins a detox program at Mayfield Psychiatric Hospital to get the vicodin out of his system in an attempt to control his hallucinations. Andre Braugher (“Thief”) guest stars.
“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the gang finds out that Barney and Robin are hesitant to define their relationship, Lily forces them to confront their biggest fear…becoming boyfriend/girlfriend.
“Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In his documentary “Our Disappeared/Nuestros Desaparecidos,” director Juan Mandelbaum investigates what happened to those who were kidnapped during the 1976-1983 military dictatorships in Argentina and never heard from again.
“Live With Regis and Kelly” (9 a.m. on KWTV-9): Winners for the 2009 Relly Awards will be revealed all week long. With the elimination of the best host chat category, Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa are not guaranteed the take home an award.
“Madventures” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): This new series from Finland features the most outrageous practices found in the most off-the-beaten-path destinations on
earth. With no limits to their daring and imagination, backpackers Riku Rantala and Tuomas “Tunna” Milonoff pair up as the show’s two-man-crew to bring viewers a raw and unscripted definition of extreme travel.
“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 7 premiere, Charlie must decide between his fiancee, Chelsea, and his old flame, Mia. Rock Superstar Eddie Van Halen makes a cameo appearance as himself.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 22, 2009
“Epitafios” (10 p.m. on HBO2): In Season 2 of this series presented in Spanish with English subtitles, Detectives Renzo Marquez and Marina Segal team up to track a killer who replicates previous slayings as if they were works of art, capturing the crimes for posterity in photo sequences.
“the forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): In this new drama, a team of dedicated amateurs – The Forgotten Network — work on murder cases involving unidentified victims. After the police have exhausted all leads, a group of volunteers led by Alex Donovan (Christian Slater), must first solve the puzzle of the victim’s identity in order to then help catch the killer.
“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): This new drama stars Julianna Margulies as a wife and mother who boldly assumes full responsibility for her family and re-enters the workforce after her husband’s very public sex and political corruption scandal lands him in jail. She starts over by pursuing her original career as a defense attorney. 
“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chef Gordon Ramsay surprises the contenders with a glimpse into what could become their new home when he gives them a tour via satellite of The Araxi in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. The chefs must then use 15 local ingredients that were flown in from Whistler to create three unique dishes. Guest judges for this challenge include Olympic gold medal-winning ice skater Sasha Cohen and skier Jonny Moseley.
“Joe Buck Live” (9 p.m. on HBO): Panelists taking part in this new installment of HBO Sports’ quarterly sports series include four of the NFL’s all-time great quarterbacks: Terry Bradshaw (Steelers), Dan Marino (Dolphins), John Elway (Broncos) and Joe Namath (Jets), who collectively made 11 Super Bowl appearances and won seven world championships.
“The Naughty Kitchen With Chef Blythe Beck” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): Chef Blythe Beck, a fiery young chef and Texas native, shows off her distinctive sexy American cuisine, her cutting edge Dallas restaurant, Central 214, and her loud and flamboyant staff in this new series.
“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): As the hunt for Ziva’s replacement begins, Gibbs and his remaining team members must head back to work with the past still weighing heavily on their minds in the seventh season premiere.
“NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): Newly located in a Los Angeles mission, the NCIS Office of Special Projects (OSP) welcomes Callen back to the team and races to solve a kidnapping case on the series premiere.
“POV” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This new documentary tells a coming-of-age story about a Bronx-bred teenager who rebels against her mother and flees to her father in Ghana.
“Ruby & the Rockits” (7:30 p.m. on ABC Family): .Ruby and Jordan compete for the attention of the same girl, Ruby’s best friend, who becomes Jordan’s girlfriend. Lucy Hale (”Privileged”) guest stars.
“Starz Inside: Comics on Screen” (9 p.m. on Starz): This special explores how many comedians transitioned from stage to the big screen. Among those interviewed for the special are George Lopez, Joan Rivers, and Harold Ramis.
“Stephen Fry in America” (9 p.m. on HDNet): In this six-part documentary series, the British actor drives a London cab through each of the 50 states, visiting landmarks and exploring each state’s unique customs.
“Warehouse 13″ (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the first-season finale, the team discovers MacPherson is auctioning artifacts he’s siphoned from the warehouse shelves.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23, 2009
“Cougar Town,” 8:30 p.m. on ABC): This new series stars Courteney Cox as Jules, a recently divorced single mother exploring the honest truths about dating and aging in our beauty and youth obsessed culture.
“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): Hotch’s unexplained absence quickly becomes apparent when the team is called back together to profile a killer who is targeting an emergency room doctor on the Season 5 premiere.
“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Following a spray of machine gunfire, the CSI team rises from the chaos. But when one member’s life is significantly changed, it proves to be the emotional motivation they need to piece together their lives and ultimately find the shooter on the Season 6 premiere.
“Eastwick” (9 p.m. on ABC): In the seaside village of Eastwick, three very different women are about to discover some bewitching talents they never knew they had in this new series starring Rebecca Romijn, Lindsay Price and Jaime Ray Newman. It is based on John Updike’s classic and the movie of the same name.
“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 2 premiere, Gary tries to set an example for his son, Tom, by pursuing his own dream of becoming a radio sportscaster. Keegan-Michael Key (”Mad TV”) and Brooke D’Orsay (”Drop Dead Diva”)  join the cast.
“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Kurt takes center stage when he tries out for the football team in order to impress his dad. Sandy and Sue join forces to carry out their plans for destroying the Glee Club. “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): Officer Nate Kendall (Wentworth Miller, “Prison Break”) aids a woman in trouble and becomes roped into helping detectives Benson and Stabler solve a series of rape cases.
“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Taylor Schilling stars in this new series as a nurse who has just returned to work at Mercy Hospital after a tour of service in Iraq. She’s not afraid to bend the rules to save her patients, but her outspoken attitude might wind up costing her her job.
“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): This new comedy takes an honest and often hilarious look at the complexities of modern day families. Ed O’Neill (”Married With Children”) and Julie Bowen (”Boston Legal”) star.
“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barb was thrown in jail by immigration during Richard’s and New Christine’s disastrous wedding in the cliffhanger season finale, Christine and Matthew head to the Bahamas to try to get her an illegal visa in the Season 5 premiere.
“The NEW Age of Walmart” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This special offers an inside look at how the world’s largest retailer is trying to reinvent itself. CNBC’s David Faber investigates whether new leadership, aggressive green policies and a full-scale store overhaul signify real change for the controversial powerhouse.
“Whatever, Martha!” (8 p.m. on FLN): Hosts Alexis Stewart and Jennifer Koppelman return for a second season of dissecting Martha Stewart in her old shows. They comment on Martha’s performance, appearance and projects from old episodes of “Martha Stewart Living.”

THURSDAY, SEPT. 24, 2009
“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): The CSI team, with the unexpected but welcome return of Sara, comes together to investigate the death of a famous young actress killed in a dubious traffic collision on the Season 10 premiere.
“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this new series, everyone on Earth blacks out for two minutes and 17 seconds and is given a glimpse of their future. It forces everyone to come to grips with whether their destinies can be fulfilled or avoided.
“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the two-hour Season 6 premiere, the hospital staff is left to deal with the aftermath of George’s passing. Hitting the staff hard, they all find unique ways to get through the various stages of grief.
“The Mentalist” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): Jane and Lisbon learn that the Red John case has been reassigned to a new CBI team led by the straight-shooting officer Sam Bosco (new cast member Terry Kinney) on the Season 2 premiere.
“Nightline” (10:35 p.m. on ABC): In a new segment, the program’s anchors and correspondents take an in-depth look at the Ten Commandments, looking at what they mean, and how they apply to life in the 21st century. The series launches with Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery.
“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Leslie holds an all-night stakeout to find out who planted marijuana in the pit. Louis C.K. (”Lucky Louie”) guest stars.
“PBS Special Report on Health Care Reform” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The PBS programs “Now on PBS,” “Tavis Smiley” and “Nightly Business Report” are collaborating to provide a timely and much-needed in-depth look at health care reform in America and the latest government proposals to address the issue.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 25, 2009
“Brothers” (7 p.m. on Fox): Michael Strahan (”Fox NFL Sunday”) stars in this new sitcom as Mike Trainor, a former NFL star who is forced to make a fresh start under his parents’ roof. Carl Weathers (“Rocky”) and CCH Pounder (“The Shield”) play his parents, and Daryl “Chill” Mitchell (“Ed”) plays his brother.
“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 2 premiere, Echo weds a wealthy British businessmen tied to one of Agent Ballard’s open FBI cases. Jamie Bamber (“Battlestar Galactica”) guest stars.
“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 5 premiere directed by series star Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melinda gives birth to a baby boy who also has the gift of seeing spirits, but with one important difference which will have far-reaching consequences.
“Jeff Garlin: Young and Handsome” (11 p.m. on Comedy Central): Best known as Larry David’s manager in “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Jeff Garland touches on personal foibles, innermost secrets and heartfelt belief in his youth and handsomeness in this new standup comedy special.
“King of Clubs” (8 p.m. on Playboy TV): This new reality series chronicles the non-stop adventures and steamy shenanigans inside a legendary Las Vegas strip club trying to reinvent itself.
“Law & Order” (7 p.m. on NBC): When a war veteran is found dead in a parking garage, all signs lead to a law professor whose past work as a lawyer for the Department of Justice unveil torture during wartime.
“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison and her family deal with the outcome of her brain surgery and its possible lasting effects on the Season 6 premiere. Natalie Zea (”Dirty Sexy Money”) and Pruitt Taylor Vince (”Deadwood”) guest star.
“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 6 premiere, 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.
“Phineas and Ferb” (7 p.m. on Disney): Phineas and Ferb travel to the future to find a tool that hasn’t been invented yet. There they encounter future Candace, who follows them back through time and finally busts her brothers as they’re building their rollercoaster. Guest stars include Jennifer Stone (”Wizards of Waverly Place”) as future Candace’s daughter, Amanda; Moises Arias (”Hannah Montana”) as future Candace’s son, Fred; and Jennifer Grey (”Dirty Dancing”) as the Librarian.
“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): In the Season 9 premiere, Clark tells Jor-El he’s ready to start his training, but Jor-El sends him back to Metropolis to cut ties with Lois before he can begin.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26, 2009
“Cheaters” (midnight on KOCB-34): Host Joey Greco is back for Season 10 of this reality show that delivers more couples in jeopardy.
“Children of the Corn” (8 p.m. on Syfy): A couple on the verge of divorce gets stuck in a remote Iowa town where fanatically religious children kill those over 18 so the town can remain pure. David Anders (”Heroes”) and Kandyse McClure (”Battlestar Galactica”) star.
“My Neighbor’s Secret” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): When Jason and Casey Hess are befriended by their grieving neighbor, recent widower Brent Cavanaugh, they offer as much support and comfort as possible.  But, Brent is far from the innocent widower. Starring in this new movie are Nicholas Brendon (”Criminal Minds”), Chandra West (”90210″) and Vincent Ventresca (”Complete Savages”).
“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Megan Fox (“Jennifer’s Body”) hosts the Season 35 premiere, which features musical guest U2. Joining the cast of featured players this season are Nasim Pedrad, who trained with the Los Angeles improv comedy troupe The Groundlings; and Jenny Slate, who is an alumnus of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater.
“Sit Down, Shut Up” (11 p.m. on Fox): When a tropical storm threatens the town of Knob Haven, the high school gym is turned into an emergency shelter.
“Yearbook Chronicles” (1 p.m. on MTV Tr3s): This documentary that examines the disproportionate rate of young Latinos dropping out of high school.  In response to this national increase, the special offers insight into why high school students drop out as well as shows the positive influence that four students have over their fellow classmates.

–Penny TV


New Flaming Lips album available online Wednesday evening (Sept. 16)

 VH1 Rock Honors Show The Flaming Lips Wayne Coyne 
Fans don’t have to wait until Oct. 13 to hear The Flaming Lips  new double album “Embryonic.”
   After the Oklahoma-based art-rock group performs on “The Colbert Report” Wednesday (10:30 p.m. Sept. 16 on Comedy Central), the Lips’ 12th album will be made available online for a limited-time at www.ColbertNation.com. The site will stop the stream on Monday, Sept. 21.
   This marks the first time The Flaming Lips have pre-released an album digitally in its entirety. And it is also the first time ColbertNation.com has streamed a full album from a musical guest appearing on “The Colbert Report” — but it won’t be the last.
   On Tuesday, Oct. 6, The Mountain Goats are scheduled to make their late night television debut on “The Colbert Report.” In concurrence with their performance, ColbertNation.com will stream the band’s sixth album “The Life of the World to Come” which is being released Oct. 6. The songs on the album are named after Biblical verses that informed or inspired the band members.
   Fans of The Flaming Lips can also catch the band on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien” at 10:30 p.m. Oct. 13 on NBC. The performance coincides with the release date of “Embryonic,” which was recorded in Oklahoma City and Fredonia, NY, and is The Lips’ first full studio set in three years following their Grammy Award-winning “At War With The Mystics.”
   And keep these dates in mind, as well:
••Oct. 24: The Lips will host their third annual “March of 1,000 Flaming Skeletons” Halloween Parade in downtown Oklahoma City’s Bricktown district — just a stone`s throw away from Flaming Lips Alley.
••Dec. 31: The Lips will be in concert at the Cox Center. Tickets for the show will go on sale Saturday, Sept. 19, and prices range from $10, $20, and $25 (plus venue/transaction fees).
   Check www.flaminglips.com for further details.
–Penny TV

Pictured above: Musician Wayne Coyne of ‘The Flaming Lips’ performs at the VH1 Rock Honors The Who on Saturday July 12, 2008 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)


Top 55 TV Programs for Aug. 23-29, 2009

tv-aug-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 Aug. 23:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, AUG. 23, 2009
“Cold Case” (8:59 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates the 1958 murder case of a newlywed Ivy League graduate who spearheaded the lucrative concept of developing suburban communities with affordable housing outside of Philadelphia. Ken Howard (”The White Shadow”) and Constance Towers (”General Hospital”) guest star.
“Defying Gravity” (9 p.m. on ABC): It’s a humbling moment for the crew of the spaceship, as each of them deals with a personal point of no return. The Antares itself crosses a critical boundary when going back to Earth is no longer an option.
“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Jane represents a woman whose daughter begins to get sick after following a diet guru’s “EZ Thin Plan.” Kathy Najimy (”Sister Act”) and Teri Polo (”The Wedding Bells”) guest star.
“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): On his first day at his new job with a management company, Eric butts heads with one of the managers over who can close Bob Saget as a client.
“Fearless Planet: Great Barrier Reef” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): A team of marine biologists and geologists investigate the clues of how the Great Barrier Reef was born, what makes it thrive and how it may disappear within our lifetime.
“Life After Film School” (6:30 p.m. on Fox Movie Channel): Film students interview Phil Traill, director of the 20TH Century Fox release “All About Steve” that stars Sandra Bullock as an eccentric crossword puzzler convinced that a news cameraman is her true love. The movie opens in theaters Sept. 4.
“Miss Universe 2009″ (8 p.m. on NBC): Billy Bush (”Access Hollywood”) and Claudia Jordan (”Celebrity Apprentice”) co-host the 58th annual event airing live from the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas. Artists Flo Rida, Heidi Montag, David Guetta and Kelly Rowland will perform during the telecast, which will conclude with Venezuelan native Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, crowning her successor.
“Patton Oswalt: My Weakness Is Strong” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): In this new stand-up special, Patton Oswalt (”King of Queens”) spins drab topics like depression and weight into laugh-out-loud anecdotes.
“Stories from the Vaults” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Host Tom Cavanagh (”Trust Me”) explores the crime “scene” in the Smithsonian’s vaults, including photographic evidence from the Crime of the Century.
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Angela Lansbury is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1955’s “A Lawless Street” (8:30 a.m.), 1944’s “Gaslight” (7 p.m.) and 1978’s “Death on the Nile” (10:30 p.m.).
“What Would Brian Boitano Make?” (Noon on Food Network): In this new daytime series, Olympic figure skater Brian Boitano demonstrates his culinary skills and talent for one-of-a-kind entertaining.
“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the final installment of a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, host Regis Philbin receives a visit from Nancy Christie of Tulsa. She was the show’s first woman to win $1 million.

MONDAY, AUG. 24, 2009
“Burn on the Bayou” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows a group of volunteers over the seven months of work following Hurricane Katrina. The volunteers, who came from the Burning Man event in the Nevada desert, converged in Biloxi and Pearlington, Miss. had in common the shared experience of collaborating and building in harsh environments and the strongly held belief that when people need help, you help them first, and ask questions later.
“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Kevin Bacon (husband of series star Kyra Sedgwick) directed this episode in which Brenda and the squad investigate the stabbing death of a woman who was apparently killed by someone wearing a Ninja outfit. Xander Berkeley (”24″) and Barry Corbin (”One Tree Hill”) guest star in the summer finale, which is preceded by an 11-hour marathon of the show’s Season 5 episodes beginning at 9 a.m.
“Dating in the Dark” (8 p.m. on ABC): A former FBI profiler helps six new singles with finding love in the dark on the show’s Season 1 finale.
“The Fresh Beat Band” (11 a.m. on Nickelodeon): This new live-action music comedy series for preschoolers centers on four best friends in a band who attend music school. Children and their parents can sing and laugh along with The Fresh Beats as they tackle daily adventures in each episode.
“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include a miniature painting that may depict President George Washington and a balloon scrap that may be a missing piece of a secret weapon.
“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Lily and Marshall hear that Ted’s college girlfriend, Karen, has moved to New York City, they finally reveal how much they hated her back then. Lauren Prepon (”That ’70s Show”) guest stars as Karen.
“Kamp Katrina” (9 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary set in post-Katrina New Orleans follows a small group of people who have taken refuge in a garden transformed into a tent city. Their self-made tent community is in the backyard of Ms. Pearl, a 56 year old Upper 9th Ward resident and Native American, who ends up playing the role of bouncer, psychologist, nurse, mother, domestic abuse counselor and housing advocate.
“Make It or Break It” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): All of the girls’ hard work is put on the line as they compete in Boston for a spot on the National Gymnastics team. Leading up to the mid-season finale, viewers can catch up on all of the show’s drama, dismounts and deceptions with a nine-hour marathon beginning at 10 a.m.
“Out of Egypt” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Join Dr. Kara Cooney, UCLA Professor of Egyptian Art and Architecture, as she bolts the lecture hall for tombs and temples around the world to bring a new perspective to the most fascinating riddles in history. In the premiere episode titled “Pyramids,” she takes a closer look at these iconic monuments.
“The Rachel Zoe Project” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The second installment of this fashion-forward drama delves further into the inner workings of Hollywood stylist Rachel Zoe and her team as they jet from coast to coast throwing charity auctions, attending store openings and laboring to find the perfect gowns to adorn the red carpet during award season. The new season includes some of the world’s most influential and respected designers including Giorgio Armani, John Galliano, Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld, Giambattista Valli, Diane Von Furstenberg and Matthew Williamson.
“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the summer finale, Jerry takes over one of Bobbi’s clients, a pregnant woman who is addicted to heroin. Michelle is determined to do everything she can to keep her in jail so she doesn’t continue shooting up with a baby in her womb.
“The Soup Presents: The Best Clips of ‘09 So Far” (9 p.m. on E!): This special counts down 20 of this year’s most outrageous television clips that range from “American Idol” to “The Bachelorette.”
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Fredric March is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1949’s “Christopher Columbus” (2:30 p.m.), 1935’s “Les Miserables” (7 p.m.) and 1935’s “Anna Karenina” (10:45 p.m.).
“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy Clarkson tests the new Porsche Cayman S. Soccer player Ian Wright makes a guest appearance as “the star in the reasonably priced car.”
“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Series star Jon Cryer (Alan) directed this episode, in which Charlie reluctantly agrees to let Chelsea move in as he mourns the loss of his bachelor pad.
“Where is Warehouse Mouse?” (7:25 a.m. on Disney): This new short-form series stars the puppet character from the Playhouse Disney series “Imagination Movers.” It spotlights Warehouse Mouse as he tries his hand at creative problem solving like his mentors.
“Which Way Home” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary follows several unaccompanied child migrants as they journey through Mexico en route to the U.S. on a freight train called “The Beast.” Each year, thousands of Latin American migrants travel hundreds of miles to the United States, and roughly five percent of those traveling alone are children.
“Wizards of Waverly Place” (5 p.m. on Disney): Series star Selena Gomez (Alex Russo) introduces her favorite episodes of the show in this 2-hour marathon.

TUESDAY, AUG. 25, 2009
“10 Things I Hate About You” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): When Bianca gets asked to Padua High’s Fall Fling by Beau Bradley, the captain of the soccer team, she sets out to convince Patrick to take Kat to the dance since their father has prohibited Bianca from dating until Kat does.
“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): While William watches his daughter Lula rehearse for a ballet recital, he begins to suspect that the star ballerina is addicted to drugs.
“Nova ScienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Topics explored include the repair mission for the Hubble space telescope, studies on the brain of an epileptic and using new data from the Mississippi riverbed to understand how and why earthquakes strike in the heartland.
“Shaq VS” (8 p.m. on ABC): NBA standout Shaquille O’Neal will challenge women’s beach volleyball gold medal Olympians Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh to a 2-on-2 match at the Hermosa Beach volleyball courts in California. Shaq will visit and train with his friend, Serena Williams, to understand the psyche of female athletes and prepare himself for the final volleyball challenge that will not have a handicap and will be played straight up to the finish.
“The $ports Take” (5:30 p.m. on Versus): This new series hosted by Rick Horrow (”The Sports Professor”) will offer insight about the hottest topics in sports business and will feature high-profile guests, including league commissioners, sportscasters, politicians and celebrities giving their candid opinions and analysis. The premiere episode features in-depth insight from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Bryan Trubey, key architect on the new 100,000-seat Cowboys Stadium.
“Starz Inside: Villainz” (9 p.m. on Starz): This special investigates the psychology behind classic villains and the often startlingly simple way in which they grind on the audience’s nerves while playing on their fears. Among those interviewed are James Cromwell (”Spider-Man 3″), Kristanna Loken (”Painkiller Jane”), Malcolm McDowell (”Heroes”) and Daryl Hannah (”Kill Bill”).
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Merle Oberon is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1948’s “Berlin Express” (5:30 p.m.), 1938’s “The Divorce of Lady X” (10:30 p.m.) and 1939’s “The Lion Has Wings” (midnight).
“The Universe” (8 p.m. on History): This installment titled “The Day the Moon Was Gone” examines the effects on Earth without the moon. If the moon disappeared, solar gravity would redirect ocean water, causing flooding in coastal spots around the globe. Sea currents would shift, resulting in freakish weather patterns. And Earth’s axis would begin to fluctuate, causing climate change to grow more extreme.
“Warehouse 13″ (8 p.m. on Syfy): Pete and Myka are dispatched to Las Vegas to retrieve an artifact that seems to grant good fortune to a couple of gamblers. But their mission gets complicated when Myka becomes trapped in Lewis Carrol’s mirror.
“Wizards of Waverly Place” (5 p.m. on Disney): Series star Jake T. Austin (Max Russo) introduces his favorite episodes of the show in this 2-hour marathon.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26, 2009
“Bad Girls” (7:30 p.m. on Logo): In the Season 7 finale, newcomer Miranda Miles joins G-wing. Julie J also returns to Larkhall still seeing ghosts of Jim.
“Billionaire Crime Scenes: Was It Murder?” (9 p.m. on E!): This special takes viewers behind the scenes of real life crimes of passion, revenge and greed to reveal the disturbing details of several billionaire murders and find out find out if justice was ultimately served.
“Crash Course” (8:02 p.m. on ABC): Orlando Jones (”Drumline”) and Dan Cortese (”Surviving Suburbia”) co-host this new automotive competition reality series. Each week, five teams of two will compete against each other for a chance to win $50,000. The show will put the couples’ navigating skills to the test and test drive their relationships and patience.
“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Reid embarks on his own investigation into the murder of a young boy years earlier in Las Vegas that he strongly believes has a connection to his own childhood. Jane Lynch (”Glee”) guest stars as Dr. Reid’s mother, Diana Reid.
“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star Melina Kanakaredes (Stella) wrote this episode in which Stella discovers that New Yorkers are being murdered over ancient Greek artifacts. She hands over her badge to follow a clue that leads to Greece and, together with Mac, she uncovers one of the greatest mysteries in history.
“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): Carter taps into his collection of friends in low places to target a highly decorated, extremely corrupt cop.   But working to bring down a fellow officer weighs heavily on Ty, especially after his wife drops a bombshell in his lap. Michael Biehn (”Aliens”) guest stars.
“Dinner: Impossible” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Host Robert Irvine heads to Six Flags Great America in Chicago to prepare a meal for 250 roller coaster fanatics. He has nine hours to create a menu using foods found only in the restaurants and stands within the park.
“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The team investigates two historic locales: Maryland’s Samuel Mudd House that is famous for being a pit stop for John Wilkes Booth on his escape route following Lincoln’s assassination and Virginia’s Edgewood Plantation that is the former home of U.S. Presidents William Henry and Benjamin Harrison.
“Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The 90-minute documentary “Harlem in Montmartre” tells the story of the jazz age in Paris between the first and second World Wars, exploring an often neglected era in black cultural history.
“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): The team is forced to go head-to-head against another crew of thieves in order to retrieve their clients’ priceless artwork. Wil Wheaton (”Star Trek: The Next Generation”) and Griffin Dunne (”Trust Me”) guest star.
“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): After one too many cheap shots on her by the mean moms at Ritchie’s snotty private school, Christine decides to enroll him in public school — which is not as easy as she anticipated. Kathleen Wilhoite (”Gilmore Girls”) guest stars as a down-to-earth mom at the new school.
“Operation Valkyrie” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): Produced in collaboration with the official German Foundation dedicated to the memory of the conspirators, this special features testimonials and eyewitness accounts from all the aristocratic families involved in the plot to assassinate Hitler on Juloy 20, 1944.
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Yul Brynner is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1967’s “Triple Cross” (2:30 p.m.), 1956’s “The King and I” (7 p.m.) and 1973’s “Westworld” (11:45 p.m.).
“Wizards of Waverly Place” (5 p.m. on Disney): Series star Jennifer Stone (Harper) introduces her favorite episodes of the show in this 2-hour marathon.

THURSDAY, AUG. 27, 2009
“Bully Beatdown” (8:30 p.m. on MTV): Pro MMA fighter Jason “Mayhem” Miller is back for Season 2 of the show where bullies and their victims are brought together for the ultimate showdown. The bully is put up against a stronger person and challenged to withstand two rounds of fighting. There is $10,000 of prize money on the table, and all money lost by the bully is given to the victim. 
“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Catherine revisits one of the very first cases she worked as a CSI when the convicted felon in the murder (Henry Thomas, “ET”)  claims the verdict was based on faulty evidence.
“Grey’s Anatomy” (7 p.m. on ABC): After learning at a deposition that more of his patients have died than survived, Derek decides to quit, even as Meredith refuses to give up on him. Meanwhile Bailey and the Chief continue to bicker over her peds fellowship — until Adele (Loretta Devine, “Boston Public”) steps in to mediate.
“Guys ‘N Divas” Battle of the High School Musicals” (7:30 p.m. on Showtime): This documentary follows the drama, both on stage and off, at Indiana’s Floyd Central High School, New Albany High School and Jeffersonville High School as each school spends tens of thousands of dollars on musical productions in order to compete for admission to the prestigious International Thespian Festival.
“The Kennedy Brothers: A Hardball Documentary” (6 p.m. on MSNBC): Chris Matthews (“Hardball”) reports on the Kennedy brothers’ legacy. He sits down with key Kennedy insiders, including Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, biographer Peter Canellos and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, to gain privileged access to their opinions on this enigmatic family.
“Marked” (8 p.m. on History): This new series will explore the world of tattoos belonging to the intense modern day tribes that operate at the edges of society, including motorcycle clubs, hardcore prisons, urban gangs and street culture. Tattoo artists, members and cultural experts will explain the technique and history behind the ink and the group it adorns, putting the personal experiences of the show’s main characters into perspective.
“Nitro Circus” (9 p.m. on MTV): Season 2 continues to center around freestyle motocross rider Travis Pastrana and his crew of top action-sport athlete buddies. Whether acting as human cannonballs, walking without a parachute on the wings of a plane thousands of feet above the surface of the earth or racing at speeds some car speedometers can’t even read, Travis and his crew provide viewers with adrenaline-fueled action each episode.
“Pranked” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): This new series showcases the best pranks ever caught on camera and posted online.  Known for their seven part Prank War, which has received over 5 million views online, College Humor.com’s Streeter Seidell & Amir Blumenfeld provide commentary during each episode.
“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” (8 p.m. on MTV): Skateboarding standout Rob Dyrdek and his crew are back at the Fantasy Factory, the first indoor concrete skate plaza where anything Rob can imagine becomes reality. In Season 2, the ridiculousness reaches new levels as Rob purchases and then jockeys his own racehorse, teams up with musician John Mayer to write an apology song for Rob’s Mom and returns to the stage as Bobby Light alongside Travis Barker at a Blink-182 show. 
“Royal Pains” (9 p.m. on USA): In the Season 1 finale, Hank treats a hallucinating woman. Samantha Mathis (?”A Stranger’s Heart”) and Bruno Campos (”Nip/Tuck”) guest star. Catch all Season 1 episodes during a 10-hour marathon beginning at 5 a.m.
“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Oklahoma is not the most obese state in the United States, but that could change. Health officials contend there are many reasons for the shape of Oklahomans, and this installment of OETA’s Emmy Award-winning documentary series explores factors not limited to a lack of healthy diet and exercise.
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Ida Lupino is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1955’s “Women’s Prison” (1:30 p.m.), 1956’s “While the City Sleeps” (5 p.m.) and 1942’s “The Hard Way” (9 p.m.).
“Wizards of Waverly Place” (5 p.m. on Disney): Series star David Henrie (Justin Russo) introduces his favorite episodes of the show in this 2-hour marathon.

FRIDAY, AUG. 28, 2009
“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on Fox): TV news reporter Deborah Norville, three-time NBA champion Rick Fox and actress Jennie Garth (“90210”) head back to the classroom to test their grade school skills for charity.
“CMT Comedy Stage Presents Terry Fator Live From Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on CMT): Filmed in high-definition earlier this year, this special features comedic impersonations, ventriloquism, an audience interaction segment and musical numbers by Terry Fator (”America’s Got Talent” Season 2 winner). Joining Fator on stage are six of his infamous puppets, including Winston the Impersonating Turtle; Maynard Tompkins; Vicki “the cougar”; and Walter T. Airedale, all collaborating with the ventriloquist on hit songs by Etta James, Sonny & Cher, ZZ Top, The Bee Gees and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
“Eureka” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Global undergoes a Sonic Cleaning while Tess records a databank of Eurekan’s memories when the town experiences a communal form of memory loss.
“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA): Natalie becomes convinced that a critic who panned her daughter Julie’s performance was responsible for a murder at the same time as the show. Dylan Baker (”Kings”) and Bernie Kopell (”The Love Boat) guest star.
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Frank Sinatra is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1949’s “On the Town” (1 p.m.), 1959’s “Never So Few” (4:45 p.m.) and 1956’s “High Society” (9:30 p.m.).
“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): Miley Cyrus (”Hannah Montana”) will be the season-ending performer for the Toyota summer concert series. The performance marks Cyrus’s second live concert on the morning program.  Her first performance in July 2008 was one of “Today’s” biggest concerts ever.
“Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie” (7 p.m. on Disney): In this adventure-themed movie inspired by the series, Manhattan’s magical wizard siblings Alex, Justin and Max Russo accompany their parents on a Caribbean vacation where Alex’s inadvertent magic spell makes it so her parents have never met. When they learn the only thing that will reverse the spell is the magical Stone of Dreams, they embark on a quest through the jungle to find it.

SATURDAY, AUG. 29, 2009
“The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania — The World Television Premiere” (8 p.m. on NBC): This special will relive all the action and excitement of WrestleMania 25 held April 5 in Houston. More than 72,000 fans representing 24 countries and all 50 states packed Reliant Stadium for the event featuring WWE Superstars such as John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Big Show and the Undertaker.
“The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): After Susan grounds Lauren for three weeks for lying to her, Bill has trouble agreeing with the severity of the punishment.  And Paul enlists the aid of Bryan and Trent to create an online profile that will make him look good to the ladies.
“Forbes Presents: Michael Jackson – Follow the Money” (9 a.m. on E!): In celebration of what would have been Michael Jackson’s 51st birthday, this special will uncover the money trail left behind by the superstar. In 2006, Jackson held a meeting in a $9,000 a night luxury suite in Dubai. Surrounded by a huge staff, he spared no expense and yet was on the verge of bankruptcy.
“Incredible Story of Tap Dancing” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special traces the development of tap dancing from its beginnings, through the 20th century and up to the present where it is now enjoying a resurgence in popularity the world over.
“Jimmy Kimmel’s Big Night of Stars” (9 p.m. on NBC): Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel gets up close and personal with celebrities from the world of television, sports, film and music. It features interviews with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, Oscar nominee Salma Hayek and comedian Tracy Morgan, as well as appearances by Jon Hamm (”Mad Men”), Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), Rachael Ray, William Shatner (”Star Trek”) and many more.
“Mayweather/Marquez 24/7″ (9:15 p.m. on HBO): Liev Schreiber (”The Manchurian Candidate”) narrates this new four-episode all-access series that spotlights a host of intriguing storylines leading up to the Sept. 19 pay-per-view boxing showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez. Mayweather (39-0 with 25 KOs) is back after a brief self-imposed retirement. Marquez (50-4-1 with 37 KOs) is moving up from the lightweight ranks.
“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” (6 a.m. on Disney): This 3-hour marathon spotlights Mickey’s loyal pal, Pluto, and includes the premiere of the new episode “Pluto’s Playmate” at 8 a.m. that was inspired by the original 1941 Pluto cartoon of the same name that features Salty the seal.
“Outdoor Oklahoma” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): In this installment, learn about the latest quail research, what’s happening with deer season or where fisheries personnel have found the biggest catfish in the state.
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Peter Sellers is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1966’s “The Wrong Box” (1:30 p.m.), 1962’s “Lolita” (7 p.m.) and 1962’s “Waltz of the Toreadors” (10 p.m.).

–Penny TV


Top 55 TV Programs for Aug. 9-15, 2009

tv-aug-9-15-copy Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Aug. 9:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, AUG. 9
“At Sea” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): This three-part miniseries airing today through Tuesday focuses on the new responsibilities of the Navy, as well as new technologies and training necessary to achieve success on the seas.
“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star John Finn (John Stillman) directed this episode in which Rush and the team investigate the 1964 murder case of a young white woman who secretly travelled to Mississippi during Freedom Summer.
“Comedy Central Roast of Joan Rivers” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Kathy Griffin (”My Life on the D-List”) will serve as roast master for this event that pays homage to the career of comedienne Joan Rivers. Roasters include Brad Garrett (”Everybody Loves Raymond”), Carl Reiner (“The Dick Van Dyke Show”), Gilbert Gottfried (“Clerks”), Lily Tomlin (“Nine to Five”) and Richard Belzer (“Law & Order”).
“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): At a charity golf tournament, Vince and Drama up the stakes with teammates Mark Wahlberg (“Rock Star”) and Tom Brady (New England Patriots quarterback).
“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): The three remaining families take a detour off Route 66 to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas where they get a special performance by Penn and Teller. This leg of the journey also includes a trip to one of the man made wonders of the world – the Hoover Dam – where the families compete in The King of the Road challenge.
“Jesse James Is a Dead Man” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): Modern-day daredevil Jesse James takes on another death-defying challenge in the show’s first-season finale.
“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on USA): In the Season 8 finale, detectives Nichols and Eams pursue a surviving member of the radical Baader-Meinhof gang as he stages a revolutionary terrorist campaign. An eight-hour marathon of the season’s episodes begins at 9 a.m.
“Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d’Arabian” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): Last week, stay-at-home mom and home cook Melissa d’Araboan was crowned the Season 5 winner of “The Next Food Network Star.” In her new series, she will show viewers how to incorporate creative and tasty meals into their budgets by sharing her tried-and-true recipes. And she keeps her $10 promise in every episode.
“Raging Planet” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This new series takes viewers right into the heart of the planet’s most amazing forces, revealing the speed of a twister, the lethal force of a lightning bolt, the power of a hurricane and the instant devastation of a flood.
“Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew” (8 p.m. on MTV): Mario Lopez (”Saved By the Bell”) hosts Season 4 of the series in which dance crews of five to seven members perform their hottest moves for dance supremacy and a $100,000 cash prize. Each week, viewers will choose their favorite crews via text messaging and online voting (http://dancecrew.mtv.com). The two crews with the least number of votes will be up for elimination with the judges – JC Chasez, Lil Mama and Shane Sparks – making the final call on which crew will be sent home.
“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): In this new reality series, budding entrepreneurs try to persuade five tycoons to invest in their business proposals in return for part equity in the company. On the panel of “sharks” are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, infomercial pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O’Leary.
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Cary Grant is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1964’s “Father Goose” (3 p.m.) and 1950’s “Crisis” (11 p.m.).
“There Goes the Neighborhood” (8 p.m. on CBS): In this new reality competition series, eight families in a suburban neighborhood in Georgia are enclosed by a massive 20-foot wall as they compete in family-friendly games for the grand prize of $250,000. Matt Rogers (”American Idol”) hosts.
“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Regis Philbin returns as host as the game show returns to primetime for a two-week, 11-night event celebrating the show’s 10th anniversary. The game show will air Sunday through Thursday, and finale on Aug. 23 will feature a visit from the show’s first woman to win $1 million — Nancy Christy of Tulsa.
“Z Rock” (10 p.m. on IFC): The band ZO2 gets the gig of a lifetime: a Bar Mitzvah. Technically speaking, it’s actually a “B-iz-ar Mitzvah” for a well-known black rapper, and it’s being filmed as the pilot episode of a highly anticipated reality series about crazy Bar Mitzvahs. Guest stars include Joan Rivers (”The Celebrity Apprentice”) and Gary Dell’Abate (“Howard Stern”).

MONDAY, AUG. 10
“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Morgan Fairchild guest stars as a Beverly Hills socialite friend of Stephanie Forrester (Susan Flannery), who prompts a dueling fashion show between rival fashion houses Forrester Creations and Jackie M. Her character will appear in the Tuesday, Thursday and Friday episodes, as well.
“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): A large box with a body stuffed inside leads Brenda in search of suspects, and she winds up with several: a scripture-thumping stepfather, a disgruntled ex-girfriend, a buddy who was constantly being hit up for money and a landlord who simply hated the victim’s guts.
“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include an instrument that may have been recovered from the Hindenburg, a book that may have beem a gift from President John Adams to his son and a home in the Bronx that may have been the birthplace of hip hop.
“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted tells the gang Stella’s intimate secret, he must face the consequences of breaking her trust. Sarah Chalke (”Scrubs”) and Will Forte (”Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
“Jon & Kate Plus 8” (8 p.m. on TLC): While Jon overseas the installation of new cabinets in the kitchen, Kate and the kids get some fun in the sun at the beach. She allows them to body paint with pudding yet again, despite her natural desire for cleanliness and order.
“Lord of the Revolution” (7 p.m. on VH1): Richard Belzer narrates this five-part series airing today through Friday. Each hour-long episode celebrates the counterculture icons of the ‘60s and ‘70s – the legends who defied the social, political and cultural mores of their time — from the Black Panthers and  Andy Warhol to Harvard professor turned psychedelic advisor Timothy Leary.
“The Nine Lives of Marion Barry” (8 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary profiles the controversial Washington, D.C. politician, viewed by some as a philandering, drug-addled disaster, and by others as a folk hero. It tells Barry’s improbable personal history through a wealth of archival footage of him as a young activist in the 1960s, a rising African-American political star in the 1970s, and his resurgence into D.C. politics with his most recent campaign in 2004. 
“Obsessed” (9 p.m. on A&E): The Season 1 finale focuses on an extreme hoarder who can’t throw away anything that belonged to his deceased mother and a woman who pulls her hair out when she feels anxious.
“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): When Peyton’s pregnancy is threatened, Lucas struggles to pick up the pieces.  Victoria (Daphne Zuniga, “American Dreams”) returns to lure Brooke back to Clothes Over Bro’s.
“Popular Science’s Future Of” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Author and comedian Baratunde Thurston hosts this new series that gives viewers a glimpse of the unbelievable scientific and technological innovations destined to shape our lives in five, ten, 15 or 25 years. Through in-depth interviews with maverick scientists and hands-on experience with breakthrough research and extraordinary prototypes, each episode examines how one important characteristic of human life will fundamentally change within our lifetimes.  
“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): Bobbi defends a young woman accused of trying to smuggle a brick of cocaine, but her client’s appearance proves to be an issue.  Michelle, who is prosecuting the case, has to rely on testimony by her cop boyfriend, but there’s something a little too coincidental about his involvement.
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Dirk Bogarde is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1957’s “Doctor at Large” (2 p.m.) and 1950’s “The Blue Lamp” (7 p.m.).
“Teen Choice 2009″ (7 p.m. on Fox): The Jonas Brothers host and perform during the 11th annual awards show honoring the year’s hottest teen icons for contributions to television, music, film, sports and fashion. “Twilight” and its cast lead the pack with 12 nominations, followed by “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” and its cast, Miley Cyrus and “Gossip Girl” and its cast with 10 nods each.
“Twilight Weekly: Spotlight” (9 p.m. on REELZ, channel 238 on DirecTV, 299 on Dish Network): Correspondent Naibe Reynoso hosts this new series that gives viewers the most buzzed-about news, behind-the-scenes coverage of the “Twilight” sequels “New Moon” and “Eclipse,” as well as interviews with key cast members.

TUESDAY, AUG. 11
“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): In an attempt to get close to Liam (Matt Lanter, “Commander in Chief”), Naomi offers to be his math tutor, but she gets more than she bargains for when he takes her out for a wild night.
“America’s Got Talent” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the second week of live performance shows, 10 of the top 40 contestants perform for a chance to win $1 million and be named the most talented person in America. Judging is turned over to the American viewing audience.
“Better Off Ted” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, a new Veridian invention accidentally reveals buttoned-up Veronica’s surprising “secret” life. Meanwhile, Linda decides that if Ted won’t date her, she’s going to fix him up with her old roommate.
“Chain Gang Girls 2” (8 p.m. on WE): This two-hour special focuses on America’s only female chain gang. The women have all committed crimes as varied as their backgrounds, but all are bound together by one thing — a 30-foot steel chain. This month-long rotation, part of an intense military-style reform program, forces the women to work together and come to terms with inner issues.
“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): Christine Lahti (“Chicago Hope”) guest stars as a mother who asks William and Swenton to retrieve her drug-addled son from jail in the Inland Empire.  Whoopi Goldberg (”The View”) reprises her role as PK, William’s former sponsor.
“Daddy’s Girls” (9 p.m. on MTV): Season 2, which opens with back-to-back episodes, showcases Angela and Vanessa’s new life in Los Angeles and how they’ve adjusted to the West Coast  —  especially how their father, Rev Run, has dealt with giving his daughters room to grow.
“Great American Seafood Cook-Off” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special highlights the fifth annual event held last August in New Orleans. Overcooked fish and other culinary calamities cause major stress for the contestants as they attempt to create a masterpiece in three hours.
“Hawthorne” (8 p.m. on TNT): Christina leaves Bobbie in charge of the entire hospital nursing staff while she goes into budget battles with Morrissey, who gives Christina until the end of the day to lay off six nurses.  The order couldn’t come at a worse time for Kelly, who gets into trouble when she refutes Dr. Marshall’s treatment for a stroke patient.
“Medium” (9 p.m. on CBS): Allison is visited again by the ghost of FBI Agent Cooper (Kurtwood Smith, “That ’70s Show), who helps her investigate who the real killer is in a series of questionable murders, but she starts to question Cooper’s motives and wonders if she can trust his advice.
“NYC Prep” (8 p.m. on Bravo): In the first-season finale, the school year comes to a close and seniors PC and Jessie give their parting goodbyes  —  but not without a good fight.
“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Made in L.A.” chronicles the remarkable and tireless efforts of three Latina garment workers in Los Angeles to secure better working conditions in factories that bear an uncomfortable resemblance to early 20th-century New York sweatshops. The women waged a three-year battle to bring a major clothing retailer to the negotiating table.
“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): The squad investigates the death of a parole officer with secrets, while Grace and her brother Johnny finally track down Neely, the young addict who shares visions of Earl.
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Audrey Hepburn is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1952’s “Secret People” (7 a.m.) and 1953’s “Roman Holiday” (9:30 p.m.).

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12
“Acid Test: The Global Challenge of Ocean Acidification” (9:30 p.m. on Planet Green): Sigourney Weaver (“Aliens”) narrates this documentary produced by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) that explores the startling phenomenon of ocean acidification, which may soon challenge the survival of thousands of marine species.
“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Appearing in the next three episodes as celebrity judges at a fashion show will be Jim J. Bullock (“Too Close for Comfort”), who reprises his role as Sergei; Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”), who returns as Rich Ginger; and Melissa Rivers (“The Celebrity Apprentice”), who plays herself.
“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): A serial killer who disguises his victims’ demise by creating car accidents to mask their earlier deaths is the subject of a BAU manhunt. William Mapother (”Lost”) and Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) guest star.
“Criss Angel Mindfreak” (9 p.m. on A&E): Illusionist Criss Angel returns for a fifth season of putting himself to the ultimate life or death test. Each week, he will perform a variety of different illusions and end with a never-before-seen demonstration (in the premiere episode, he is being buried alive in ice and snow).
“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the shooting of a man in an empty theater, Stella realizes that the crime scene is oddly familiar and staged. Katherine McPhee (”American Idol”) guest stars.
“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): Carter’s unit races against the clock to save a kidnapped woman, and it’s up to Ty as a gangbanger, Dean as a security guard and Jaimie as a potential victim to track down the woman’s whereabouts.  But the situation is not helped by the fact that the FBI are involved in the case, dredging up a deeply personal grudge Carter has against the feds.
“Dinner: Impossible” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Robert Irvine and his team try to overcome culinary obstacles in this series, which returns for its seventh season. In the premiere episode, they cater a utensil-free meal for 250 Roller Derby women and their families.
“Ghost Hunters International” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The team investigates Chile’s famed El Bosque City Hall, which was once a retirement home for Catholic priests and doubled as a house of detention for the secret police during the reign of Augusto Pinochet.
“Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Cincinnati Bengals” (9 p.m. on HBO): HBO Sports, NFL Films and the Cincinnati Bengals will team up for an all-access look at what it takes to make it in the National Football League in this sports-based reality series, which returns for its fifth season. The five-episode series will focus on the daily lives and routines of players and coaches as the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for the 2009 NFL season.
“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): The crew dives into the paranoid world of government conspiracies to expose a heartless tabloid newscaster as a fraud.
“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The 200th anniversaries of Franz Joseph Haydn’s death and Felix Mendelssohn’s birth are commemorated with performances by violinist Joshua Bell and the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra. The program includes Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and his popular concert work “The Hebrides”; Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 in D Major (”London”); and Mozart’s Rondo for Violin and Orchestra in C Major and Adagio for Violin and Orchestra in E Major.
“Man vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In the Season 4 premiere, host and survival expert Bear Grylls navigates through the icy Arctic Circle where he tackles a frozen waterfall, hunts wild reindeer and battles against some of the coldest conditions on the planet.
“Meet the Browns” (8 p.m. on TBS): Attractive principal Mr. Hughes gives Cora a full-time job teaching at the high school, but she immediately runs into problems when a student shows up to class drunk.  And the Colonel tries to find a job after losing his nest egg.
“The Philanthropist” (9 p.m. on NBC): Teddy has come to the impoverished Caribbean nation of Haiti with his partner, Philip, to try and solve an almost-hopeless food shortage. Philip, who was born in Haiti but left as a teenager, is locking horns with a powerful island senator named Jean Beauvais who also happens to be Philip’s estranged brother.
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Clark Gable is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1954’s “Betrayed” (noon) and 1932’s “Red Dust” (7 p.m.).
“Truth Be Told” (8 p.m. on TLC): This new series focuses on compulsive hoarders who hold onto worthless possessions to the point where clutter makes their homes unlivable.
“TV’s 50 Funniest Phrases, Part 2” (7 p.m. on NBC): Host Jane Krakowski (”30 Rock”) celebrates the humor and history of television’s funniest phrases with this special, that will begin with the 24th most popular catchphrase from TV and will countdown all the way to No. 1. Also featured are the top three phrases of popular genres including science fiction and action adventure.

THURSDAY, AUG. 13
“30 Rock” (7 p.m. on NBC): C.C. (Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”) wants to go public with her relationship with Jack, but Jack is still very reluctant. Meanwhile, Liz continues to appease both Tracy and Jenna as stars of “TGS with Tracy Jordan.”
“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (7:59 p.m. on CBS): Nick’s case of a deceased skydiver takes an interesting turn when Catherine discovers there may be a connection
between the skydiver and a mysterious double murder case. Charisma Carpenter (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Greg Germann (”Ally McBeal”) guest star.
“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Bailey heads up a team of surgeons performing a “domino procedure” in which each surgery hinges on the one preceding it; Derek gets sole credit for the brain tumor study he did with Meredith; Lexie goes to great lengths to have George notice her romantically, and Sloan counsels a desperate Callie on the ways of love. Carl Lumbly (”Alias”) and Kevin McKidd (”Rome”) guest stars.
“Into the Pride” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): In this five-part series, large predator expert Dave Salmoni heads deep into the African bush on a double mission – to return to his wild roots and save a rogue pride of lions from elimination.
“Special Ops Mission” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): In each episode of this new series, special forces operator Wil Willis must complete a nearly impossible mission. Each episode introduces a new “Op-For” team that will employ the latest military tactics to stop Willis.
“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment titled “Buffalo Soldiers” takes viewers back into the past in order to recognize some of those who secured Oklahoma’s future. Native Oklahomans nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers” protected Indians from white settlers and white settlers from hostile Indians. They also built forts, railroads, ran telegraph lines and mapped much of Oklahoma and Indian Territories.  Many were eventually awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for various acts of heroism.
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Gloria Grahame is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1953’s “The Glass Wall” (2 p.m.) and 1953’s “The Big Heat” (8:45 p.m.).

FRIDAY, AUG. 14
“Degrassi Goes Hollywood” (7 p.m. on The N): Old friends, flames and rivals reunite as the Degrassi gang takes over Tinseltown in the network’s first original two-hour movie. The only thing bigger than their dreams is the drama when they venture to Hollywood to score parts in a film, Mewesical High, directed by Jason Mewes (“Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”). The movie also features guest appearances by Kevin Smith (“Clerks”), Perez Hilton (celebrity blogger), Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy), Vivica A. Fox (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Kelly Carlson (“Nip/Tuck”) and Cassadee Pope (“Hey Monday”).
“The Doors: Live in Europe” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special features performances from the American rock band’s 1969 European tour, including the songs “Light My Fire,” “Hello, I Love You” and “The Unknown Soldier.” It also offers a glimpse of life on the road for band members Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore.
“Gown Crazy” (9 p.m. on TLC): Norman designer Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie, who finished fifth in Season 3 of “Project Runway,” is featured in this new special, which was taped as a pilot for a possible series. He has four days to design and sew five outfits for the Miss Oklahoma Pageant, put on a charity fashion show and design and complete a custom evening gown and wedding gown.
“Kai-Lan’s Great Trip to China” (9 a.m. on Nickelodeon): This new one-hour special takes Kai-lan, Yeye and friends on a trip to China to visit Kai-lan’s great aunt and attend the naming ceremony of a baby panda. Along the way, viewers will be asked to help Rintoo, Tolee, Hoho and the baby panda overcome their fears of trying something new so they don’t miss the special naming ceremony at sundown. Ming-Na (“ER”) guest stars as the voice of Kai-lan’s Great Aunt Gu Nai Nai.
“Kung Fu Panda” (7:15 p.m. on Cinemax): The title character doesn’t know martial arts when the movie begins, but that changes fast in this fun, animated comedy-adventure featuring the voice of Jack Black in the main role. The voice cast also includes Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu and Ian McShane.
“The Mom Show” (9 a.m. on WE): In the season finale, resident doctor Dave Greenberg joins the moms to talk about a growing epidemic — stress.
“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA): While investigating the high-profile murder of a maid whose assailant apparently tried to treat her wounds, Monk finds himself drawn to another case involving a visiting African man investigating his wife’s hit-and-run death.
“Neil Diamond — Hot August Night: NYC” (7 p.m. on CBS):  This new concert special features performances from Neil Diamond’s latest sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York. He sings several of his classics, including “America,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “I Am…I Said,” “Cherry, Cherry” and “Sweet Caroline.”  In addition, Diamond reflects on a recent visit to his hometown, as he takes the audience on his journey from Brooklyn to Madison Square Garden.
“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When Robin’s seemingly strong case against a weapons smuggler falls apart, the team decides to look into the jury who heard the case. James Marsters (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Ray Wise (”Reaper”) guest star.
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Sidney Poitier is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1967’s “To Sir, With Love” (5 p.m.) and 1963’s “Lilies of the Field” (9:15 p.m.).
“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): Alex opts to plan a zombie-themed anti-prom, but she is unprepared for the real zombies that arrive for the ultimate prom dance-off.
“Woodstock: Now & Then” (8 p.m. on VH1): This documentary directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple (“American Dream”) examines the 1969 three-day music festival from the perspectives of not only the musicians who graced the stage, but the fans who gathered in mass and the concert promoters who risked everything. History Channel will air the 2-hour documentary on Aug. 17.

SATURDAY, AUG. 15
“The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): When Bill refuses to shave his beard after a fishing trip, Susan decides to teach him a lesson, and Paul winds up in the crossfire.   Meanwhile, Bryan tries to join Trent in tormenting Lauren, but it’s unclear he has what it takes to be a prankster.
“Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a missing plastic surgeon who is found dead in the front seat of his car after a week of being parked curbside. As they delve into the twisted world of surgery obsessed patients and secret operations, Castle experiences a fatherly rite of passage as Alexis attends her first prom.
“Househusbands of Hollywood” (8 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): This new series follows the lives of five men and their high-powered, successful wives.  The men live under a different set of circumstances, but they all have one thing in common –their wives are bringing home the bacon. The Hollywood husbands include former Los Angeles Dodger Billy Ashley (married to celebrity makeup artist Lisa Ashley), actor Darryl M. Bell (married to actress Tempestt Bledsoe) and former Marine Corps sniper Grant Reynolds (married to ‘Good Day LA” host Jillian Reynolds).
“My Sinatra: A Musical Tribute” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): New York crooner Cary Hoffman celebrates Frank Sinatra’s classic period from 1953 to the early ‘60s with his renditions of “Luck Be a Lady,” Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way” and others classics.
TCM Summer Under the Stars: Deborah Kerr is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are
1942’s “The Avengers” (9:30 a.m.) and 1957’s “An Affair to Remember” (7 p.m.).

–Penny TV


‘Michael & Michael Have Issues’ — and they will live blog about it

Michael Ian Black; Michael Showalter   Want to find out what issues Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter have with their new show on Comedy Central?
   They plan to live blog about it during Wednesday’s new episode of “Michael & Michael Have Issues.” The episode and their blog will begin at 9:30 p.m. and last 30 minutes. Tune in to Comedy Central for the episode and go to www.michaelandmichaelhaveissues.com for the blog.
   Fans can communicate with the Michaels by leaving comments on the blog site while the show is airing. Wednesday’s episode is titled “Pulling Your Weight” and features Black leaving the brunt of the workload to Showalter.
   Season 1 of “Michael & Michael Have Issues” consists of seven episodes (Wednesday’s is episode 4). The show follows the long-time comedic partners as they host their own fictitious sketch show and attempt to undermine the other while confronting their own issues of insecurity and jealousy.
–Penny TV


Complete list of 2009 Emmy Nominations, including Oklahoma ties

Kristin Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth

   Oklahoma-born actresses Kristin Chenoweth and Jeanne Tripplehorn received Emmy nominations Thursday (July 16).
   Chenoweth, a Broken Arrow native, received an outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series nod (her second in a row) for her work on “Pushing Daisies,” which was cancelled after two seasons on ABC.
   Tripplehorn, a Tulsa native, was nominated for outstanding supporting actress in a miniseries or movie for her portrayal as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the HBO movie “Grey Gardens.”
   There are other Oklahoma ties among the nominees for the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, which will be handed out Sept. 20 in Los Angles.
   “Big Love,” which is up for outstanding drama series, features two Tulsa natives in its cast. Tripplehorn plays Barb Henrickson (the first wife on the show about Bill Henrickson and his three wives). Mary Kay Place plays Adaleen Grant (mother of second wife, Nicki).

Jeanne Tripplehorn

Jeanne Tripplehorn

   Holly Hunter received an outstanding lead actress in a drama nod (her second in a row) for playing Oklahoma City police detective Grace Hanadarko on “Saving Grace.” The series is now in its third season, with new episodes airing at 9 p.m. Tuesdays on TNT.
   “The Amazing Race,” which last season featured contestant Christie Volkmer from Choctaw, is up for best reality competition series. The category was added six years ago, and the “Race” won every one.
   “Saturday Night Live,” which is up for outstanding variety, music or comedy series, features Tulsa native Bill Hader in its cast. Since he joined the show in 2005, “SNL” has won three Emmys — for outstanding hairstyling in a multi-camera series or special (2008), outstanding original music and lyrics (2007) and outstanding technical direction, camerawork, video for a series (2007).
   CBS will broadcast the Primetime Emmys live at 8 p.m. Sept. 20. Two-time Emmy nominee Neil Patrick Harris of “How I Met Your Mother” will host the event. 
   Two-time Emmy winner Kathy Griffin will host the 2009 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards Sept. 12, which is where the bulk of the Primetime Emmys will be handed out. The event will air as a two-hour special on E! 

–Penny TV

Complete List of 2009 Emmy Nominations

Outstanding Comedy Series
Entourage • HBO
Family Guy • FOX
Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
How I Met Your Mother • CBS
The Office • NBC
30 Rock • NBC
Weeds • Showtime

Outstanding Drama Series
Big Love • HBO
Breaking Bad • AMC
Damages • FX
Dexter • Showtime
House • FOX
Lost • ABC
Mad Men • AMC

Outstanding Miniseries
Generation Kill • HBO
Little Dorrit • PBS

Outstanding Made For Television Movie
Coco Chanel • Lifetime
Grey Gardens • HBO
Into The Storm • HBO
Prayers For Bobby • Lifetime
Taking Chance • HBO

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report • Comedy Central
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Comedy Central
Late Show With David Letterman • CBS
Real Time With Bill Maher • HBO
Saturday Night Live • NBC

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Special
Chris Rock – Kill The Messenger • HBO
Kathy Griffin: She’ll Cut A Bitch • Bravo
The Kennedy Center Honors • CBS
Ricky Gervais: Out Of England – The Stand-Up Special • HBO
Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush • HBO

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory • CBS
Jemaine Clement, Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
Tony Shalhoub, Monk • USA
Steve Carell, The Office • NBC
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock • NBC
Charlie Sheen, Two And A Half Men • CBS

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad • AMC
Michael C. Hall, Dexter • Showtime
Hugh Laurie, House • FOX
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment • HBO
Jon Hamm, Mad Men • AMC
Simon Baker, The Mentalist • CBS

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Kevin Kline, Cyrano de Bergerac (Great Performances) • PBS
Brendan Gleeson, Into The Storm • HBO
Sir Ian McKellen, King Lear (Great Performances) • PBS
Kevin Bacon, Taking Chance • HBO
Kiefer Sutherland, 24: Redemption • FOX
Kenneth Branagh, Wallander: One Step Behind • PBS

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures Of Old Christine • CBS
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who? • ABC
Sarah Silverman, The Sarah Silverman Program • Comedy Central
Tina Fey, 30 Rock • NBC
Toni Collette, United States Of Tara • Showtime
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds • Showtime

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters • ABC
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer • TNT
Glenn Close, Damages • FX
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men • AMC
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace • TNT

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Chandra Wilson, Accidental Friendship • Hallmark Channel
Shirley MacLaine, Coco Chanel • Lifetime
Drew Barrymore, Grey Gardens • HBO
Jessica Lange, Grey Gardens • HBO
Sigourney Weaver, Prayers For Bobby • Lifetime

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Kevin Dillon, Entourage • HBO
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother • CBS
Rainn Wilson, The Office • NBC
Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock • NBC
Jack McBrayer, 30 Rock • NBC
Jon Cryer, Two And A Half Men • CBS

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
William Shatner, Boston Legal • ABC
Christian Clemenson, Boston Legal • ABC
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad • AMC
William Hurt, Damages • FX
Michael Emerson, Lost • ABC
John Slattery, Mad Men • AMC

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Ken Howard, Grey Gardens • HBO
Len Cariou, Into The Storm • HBO
Bob Newhart, The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice • TNT
Tom Courtenay, Little Dorrit • PBS
Andy Serkis, Little Dorrit • PBS

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies • ABC
Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live • NBC
Kristin Wiig, Saturday Night Live • NBC
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock • NBC
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty • ABC
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds • Showtime

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Rose Byrne, Damages • FX
Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy • ABC
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy • ABC • ABC Studios
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment • HBO
Hope Davis, In Treatment • HBO
Cherry Jones, 24 • FOX

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Marcia Gay Harden, The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler (Hallmark Hall Of Fame Presentation) • CBS
Jeanne Tripplehorn, Grey Gardens • HBO
Shohreh Aghdashloo, House Of Saddam • HBO
Janet McTeer, Into The Storm • HBO
Cicely Tyson, Relative Stranger • Hallmark Channel

Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series
Beau Bridges, Desperate Housewives • ABC
Justin Timberlake, Saturday Night Live • NBC
Steve Martin, 30 Rock • Gavin Volure • NBC
Jon Hamm, 30 Rock • NBC
Alan Alda, 30 Rock • NBC

Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series
Edward Asner, CSI: NY • CBS
Ted Danson, Damages • FX
Jimmy Smits, Dexter • Showtime
Ernest Borgnine, ER • NBC
Michael J. Fox, Rescue Me • FX

Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series
Christine Baranski, The Big Bang Theory • CBS
Gena Rowlands, Monk • USA
Betty White, My Name Is Earl • NBC
Tina Fey, Saturday Night Live • NBC
Jennifer Aniston, 30 Rock • NBC
Elaine Stritch, 30 Rock • NBC

Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series
Sharon Lawrence, Grey’s Anatomy • ABC
Ellen Burstyn, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
Brenda Blethyn, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
Carol Burnett, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit • NBC
CCH Pounder, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency • HBO

Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program
Phil Keoghan, The Amazing Race • CBS
Ryan Seacrest, American Idol • FOX
Tom Bergeron, Dancing With The Stars • ABC
Heidi Klum, Project Runway • Bravo
Jeff Probst, Survivor • CBS
Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio, Top Chef • Bravo

Outstanding Special Class – Short-format Animated Programs
Disney’s Phineas And Ferb • Disney Channel
SpongeBob SquarePants • Nickelodeon

Outstanding Special Class Programs
81st Annual Academy Awards • ABC
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony • NBC
Carnegie Hall Opening Night 2008: A Celebration of Leonard Bernstein (Great Performances) • PBS
George Carlin: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize • PBS
The 62nd Annual Tony Awards • CBS

Outstanding Special Class – Short-format Live-Action Entertainment Programs
Battlestar Galactica: The Face Of The Enemy • Syfy.com
Bruce Springsteen Super Bowl Halftime Show • NBC
The Daily Show: The Daily Show Correspondents On Jon Stewart • ComedyCentral.com
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog • drhorrible.com
30 Rock’s Kenneth the Web Page • NBC.com

Outstanding Special Class – Short-format Nonfiction Programs
Jay Leno’s Garage • jaylenosgarage.com
Writer’s Draft • Fox Movie Channel

Outstanding Children’s Program
Hannah Montana • Disney Channel
iCarly • Nickelodeon
Wizards Of Waverly Place • Disney Channel

Outstanding Children’s Nonfiction Program
Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? With Maria Shriver • HBO
Nick News With Linda Ellerbee Coming Home: When Parents Return from War • Nickelodeon

Outstanding Nonfiction Special
The Alzheimer’s Project: Momentum In Science (Parts 1 & 2) • HBO
Farrah’s Story • NBC
Michael J. Fox: Adventures Of An Incurable Optimist • ABC
102 Minutes That Changed America • HISTORY
Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired • HBO

Outstanding Nonfiction Series
American Experience • PBS
American Masters • PBS
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations • Travel Channel
Biography • BIO
Deadliest Catch • Discovery Channel
This American Life • Showtime

Outstanding Reality Program
Antiques Roadshow • PBS
Dirty Jobs • Discovery Channel
Dog Whisperer • NGC
Intervention • A&E
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List • Bravo
MythBusters • Discovery Channel

Outstanding Reality – Competition Program
The Amazing Race • CBS
American Idol • FOX
Dancing With The Stars • ABC
Project Runway • Bravo
Top Chef • Bravo

Exceptional Merit In Nonfiction Filmmaking
The Memory Loss Tapes • HBO
Section 60: Arlington National Cemetery • HBO

Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming
American Experience • The Trials Of J. Robert Oppenheimer • PBS
American Masters • Jerome Robbins: Something To Dance About • PBS
Make ‘Em Laugh: The Funny Business Of America • PBS
Penn & Teller: Bull….! • Showtime
Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired • HBO

Outstanding Sound Editing For A Series
Battlestar Galactica • Syfy
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation • CBS
Smallville • CW
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles • FOX
24 • FOX

Outstanding Sound Editing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special
The Courageous Heart Of Irena Sendler (Hallmark Hall Of Fame Presentation) • CBS
Generation Kill • HBO
Into The Storm • HBO
The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice • TNT

Outstanding Sound Editing For Nonfiction Programming (Single Or Multi-Camera)
The Amazing Race • CBS
American Masters • Glass: A Portrait Of Philip In Twelve Parts • PBS
China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province • HBO
102 Minutes That Changed America • HISTORY
Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired • HBO

Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour)
Battlestar Galactica • Syfy
Boston Legal • ABC
House • FOX
Lost • ABC
24 FOX

Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Miniseries Or A Movie
Generation Kill • HBO
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story • TNT
Grey Gardens • HBO
Taking Chance • HBO
24: Redemption • FOX

Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation
Entourage • HBO
Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
The Office • NBC
Scrubs • ABC
30 Rock • NBC
Weeds • Showtime

Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Variety Or Music Series Or Special
81st Annual Academy Awards • ABC
American Idol • FOX
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony • NBC
Bruce Springsteen Super Bowl Halftime Show • NBC
Dancing With The Stars • ABC
The 51st Annual Grammy Awards • CBS

Outstanding Sound Mixing For Nonfiction Programming
The Amazing Race • CBS
American Idol • FOX
Deadliest Catch • Discovery Channel
102 Minutes That Changed America • HISTORY
Survivor • CBS

Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Series
Battlestar Galactica • Syfy
Fringe • FOX
Ghost Whisperer • CBS
Heroes • NBC
Sanctuary • Syfy

Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special
Generation Kill • HBO
Into The Storm • HBO

Outstanding Stunt Coordination
Burn Notice • USA
Chuck • NBC
Criminal Minds • CBS
My Name Is Earl • NBC
24 • FOX

Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Series
American Idol • FOX
Dancing With The Stars • ABC
Jimmy Kimmel Live • ABC
Late Show With David Letterman • CBS
Saturday Night Live • NBC

Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special
81st Annual Academy Awards • ABC
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony • NBC
Bruce Springsteen Super Bowl Halftime Show • NBC
The 51st Annual Grammy Awards • CBS
The 62nd Annual Tony Awards • CBS

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
Flight Of The Conchords • HBO
30 Rock • Reunion • NBC
30 Rock • Apollo, Apollo • NBC
30 Rock • Mamma Mia • NBC
30 Rock • Kidney Now! • NBC

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Lost • The Incident • ABC
Mad Men • A Night To Remember • AMC
Mad Men • Six Month Leave • AMC
Mad Men • The Jet Set • AMC
Mad Men • Meditations In An Emergency • AMC

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report • Comedy Central
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Comedy Central
Late Night With Conan O’Brien • NBC
Late Show With David Letterman • CBS
Saturday Night Live • NBC


TV Premieres and Finales airing July 12-18, 2009

  

Dark Blue TNT Photo

"Dark Blue" (TNT Photo)

 Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of July 12.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
BEGINNINGS
••“Big Daddy’s House,” 12:30 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (third-season premiere).
••“Stories From the Vaults,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Smithsonian Channel (second-season premiere).
••“Surprise Vacations With Karen Duffy,” 7 p.m. Sunday on FLN (series premiere).
••“Drop Dead Diva,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime (series premiere).
••“I Survived …,” 8 p.m. Sunday on BIO (third-season premiere).
••“Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO (sixth-season premiere).
••“The Wendy Williams Show,” noon Monday on KAUT-43 (series premiere).
••“Miami Social,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“Leverage,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (second-season premiere).
••“Dark Blue,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (series premiere).
••“Michael & Michael Have Issues,” 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on Comedy Central (series premiere).
••“Watch What Happens: Live,” 11 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“Catch It Keep It,” 9 p.m. Friday on Science Channel (series premiere).
••“Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-Up,” 10 p.m. Friday on Starz (fourth-season premiere).
••“Barefoot Contessa,” 12:30 p.m. Saturday on Food Network (12th-season premiere).
••“The Bill Engvall Show,” 8 p.m. Saturday on TBS (third-season premiere).
••“Dirty Sexy Money,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC (series returns).

ENDINGS
••“Expedition Africa,” 9:02 p.m. Sunday on History (first-season finale).
••“Here Come the Newlyweds,” 9:02 p.m. Monday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“Is Your House Killing You?” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance (series finale).
••“Food Party,” 10:15 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (first-season finale).

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


Top 55 TV Programs for June 7-13, 2009

tv-june-6-copy Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of June 7:

SUNDAY, JUNE 7
“The 63rd Annual Tony Awards” (7 p.m. on CBS: Neil Patrick Harris (”How I Met Your Mother”) hosts the event live from Radio City Music Hall in New York. The musical “Billy Elliot,” based on the 2000 movie about a coal miner’s son with a passion for ballet, is nominated for 15 awards, tying 2001’s “The Producers” for the record. In the play category, “God of Carnage” has the distinction of having all its cast members nominated for acting honors: James Gandolfini, Marcia Gay Harden, Jeff Daniels and Hope Davis.
“Amazing Wedding Cakes” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Season 2 takes viewers behind the scenes of seriously high-stakes cakes that are works of art. The series also captures how the bakers dip into new ventures, ranging from opening a new shop with new staff, to working with wealthier clientele, including unpredictable brides that change their minds last minute.
“Army Wives” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): In the Season 3 premiere, Frank gets ready lead mission in Iraq that could cause hurt for Denise.
“Bridezillas” (8 p.m. on WEtv): Season 6 introduces multiple women who will do anything to make their perfect weddings come true, no matter who they have to run over in the process. The premiere episode focuses on a California bride whose ego is matched only by her violent temper.
“Brooke Knows Best” (9 p.m. on VH1): Hulk Hogan’s daughter is back for a second season. While she has broken free from the family nest, she continues to deal with the pressure of adulthood including the advancement of her recording career as well as coping with family drama.
“Denise Richards: It’s Complicated” (9:30 p.m. on E!): From reconnecting with old friends to recharging her acting career, to supporting her dad’s new social life, Season 2 of the series will present a fresh look inside the hectic world of Denise Richards (”Starship Troopers”).
“Gene Simmons Family Jewels” (9 p.m. on A&E): Former Kiss rocker Gene Simmons and his unconventional family are back for Season 4 of their unscripted series. The 15-episode season kicks off with Sophie’s sweet sixteen party, giving viewers an all access pass to the milestone celebration.
“How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” (9 p.m. on BBC America): From all across the United Kingdom, thousands of singers and actresses audition in hopes of becoming Maria in the musical “The Sound of Music.” Graham Norton (“The Graham Norton Show”) visits with auditioners, and sitting at the judges table are Andrew Lloyd Webber (Tony and Grammy-winning composer) and John Barrowman (“Torchwood”).
“Ideal” (10:30 p.m. on IFC): British comedian Johnny Vegas stars in this eight-part series about Moz, a small-time dealer who lives in a run-down flat with his long-term girlfriend. Moz is content, but his girlfriend has aspirations for a better life.
“The International Sexy Ladies Show” (8:30 p.m. on G4): This new series features women in some of the funniest and most provocative television programming from around the globe with hilarious commentary from popular comedians.
“Kendra” (9 p.m. on E!): This new series follows the outrageous antics of the “Girls Next Door” star Kendra Wilkinson as she leaves her pampered world and adjusts to a new life filled with daily domestic duties. However Kendra’s adventures are only just beginning as she is busy planning her June wedding with Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Hank Baskett at the Playboy Mansion.
“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): World War II-era sleuth Christopher Foyle (Michael Kitchen) investigates the murder of a young doctor in the “Foyle’s War” mystery “Broken Souls.” The victim was quite unpopular, so there are plenty of suspects, and Foyle feels a strong empathy for one of them. Sam (Honeysuckle Weeks) helps a friend whose husband, an injured former prisoner of war, has trouble adjusting to changes on the home front.
“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Television’s most challenging food fight is back for Season 5. Ten hopeful TV chefs will compete for the ultimate dream job: his or her own Food Network show. Iron Chef Bobby Flay leads the selection committee that will decide the winner.
“The Sun” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Take a journey to the sun using the latest technology, advances in astronomy and cutting-edge CGI animation. See how the sun was born, exists today and how our world will end when the sun consumes us all.
“Web Soup” (8 p.m. on G4): Stand-up comedian Chris Hardwick hosts this new series that offers a fresh look at the best – and worst – moments from the week’s Internet mayhem and presents topical web videos and viral classics with sarcastic tongue-in-cheek commentary.
“World’s Tallest Children” (9 p.m. on TLC): What is it like to tower head and shoulders above all of the teachers at your school, let alone your classmates and all of the older kids? Find out whether these vertically challenged kids enjoy being the world’s tallest children.
“Yankee Doodle Dandy” (7 p.m. on TCM): James Cagney won his only best actor Oscar for his performance in this 1942 musical. It is the first of 13 films Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner John Lithgow (”3rd Rock from the Sun”) will present during “TCM Essentials Jr.” airing Sundays in summer. All films are ideal for parents to introduce to their children. 
“Z Rock” (10 p.m. on IFC): The series loosely based on the real lives of a New York based rock band returns for a second season. Brothers Paulie and David Z. and friend Joey Cassata make up the rock band ZO2 by night and the children’s party band The Z Brothers by day.

MONDAY, JUNE 8
“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The installment “The Living Weapon” chronicles the United States’ efforts to create a biological weapons program in the 1940s and ’50s in response to reports that Germany and Japan were developing their own.
“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Brenda Johnson, the Los Angeles deputy police chief with the unconventional approach but excellent crime-solving record, is back for another season of cracking tough homicide cases. In the season premiere, she and the squad have their hands full investigating a quadruple murder that may be tied to a case the FBI is involved with.
“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the CSIs investigate a murder in Miami’s hippest fashion boutique, Horatio discovers that Julia’s instability has turned her into a ticking bomb. Elizabeth Berkley (”Saved By the Bell”) guest stars.
“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): It’s Homecoming Week and the Kappa Taus’ team up with the ZBZ to go against IKI and the Omega Chis in the annual float competition. Tim Matheson (“Animal House”) directs this episode filled with homecoming floats fiascos and perilous pranks.
“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 5 premiere, Kathy Griffin considers offering a bribe in hopes of getting her comedy album nominated for a Grammy. But she doesn’t need to bribe Bette Midler, who wants to give Griffin a cameo in her Las Vegas stage show.
“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the NBC premiere, Detectives Goren and Eames enter the steamy world behind the pulpit when a devout celebrity doctor is murdered.
“Nurse Jackie” (9:30 p.m. on Showtime): Edie Falco (‘‘The Sopranos”) plays the title character in this new comedy-drama series, a nurse in a busy New York hospital who’s not afraid to lie or bend the rules if she thinks it’s in a patient’s best interests.
“Private Screenings: Stanley Donen” (7 p.m. on TCM): He received an honorary Oscar in 1998 for his body of work, but director Stanley Donen never won the Academy Award for any of his films, which included “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Kismet.”
“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 premiere, Jerry defends a man charged with abetting in the sale of crack.
“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. Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) guest stars.
“Weeds” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Following the events of her bombshell announcement, the Season 5 begins as Nancy digs deeper into the drug world and finds comfort in an unlikely family member.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9
“Food Party” (10:15 p.m. on IFC): Brooklyn artist Thu Tran hosts this new series shot on location in a technicolor handmade, cardboard kitchen. Each episode features Thu interacting with a cavalcade of puppets, humans, baked goods, vegetables and other critters as they embark on journeys to bizarre, unexpected lands. 
“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Silk Road Ensemble, a multinational group that shares music traditions from around the world, joins cellist Yo-Yo Ma for an outdoor show at the Damrosch Park band shell.
“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The team must rely on information from some questionable individuals to stop a criminal bent on stealing government secrets. David Eigenberg (“Sex and the City”) guest stars.
“Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment” (9 p.m. on Discovery): It is the final leg of the group’s journey in Alaska. The snow has fallen, temperatures have plummeted, and they are out of food. The search for signs of civilization has grown ever more important if they want to make it out of the wild.
“Starz Inside: The Face Is Familiar” (9 p.m. on Starz): This new documentary features actors and filmmakers discussing the struggles and significance of character actors in Hollywood. Among those starring in the special are Samuel L. Jackson (“Pulp Fiction”), Joan Cusack (”What About Joan”) and Jane Lynch (“Glee”).
“Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” (9 p.m. on Style): The show’s 100th episode features wedding planner James Tramondo surprising a Dallas couple with an amazing – and totally free – dream destination wedding in Alaska. But there’s one big catch — they have only 100 hours to plan and pull off their perfect nuptials.
“The Wrong Door” (10:30 p.m. on IFC): This new Computer-Generated Imagery
enhanced British sketch comedy series is set in a parallel universe governed by the laws of comedy, not nature, where special effects seen in the movies and on television are part of everyday life.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment titled “Neil Young: Don’t Be Denied,” the musical artist uses previously unseen footage from his own archives to trace his long career from his early success with Buffalo Springfield through his stardom with Crosby, Stills and Nash and Crazy Horse to his later forays into new-wave music.
“Dollars & Danger: Africa, the Final Investment Frontier” (8 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Erin Burnett spent a year traveling to the world’s richest continent to find out why some investors are doubling down. This documentary focuses on Fortune 500 companies putting billions on the line and intrepid investors who say the reward is worth great risk.
“Mythbusters” (8 p.m. on Discovery): When hosts Adam and Jamie decide to find out if a sonic shock wave can shatter glass, they bring out the big guns — the Blue Angels. This episode also tests the myth on whether you can bend bullets around obstacles with a side-arm flick.
“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine agrees to go on a date with a children’s entertainer specializing in reptile parties in order to get Ritchie into the Reptile Club. Jeffrey Tambor (”Arrested Development”) guest stars as Neil, the lizard guy.
“Pitchmen” (9 p.m. on Discovery): One of Billy Mays’ most successful products – the Awesom Auger – was developed by a pitch guy who lost his legs in a plane crash.  Billy helped him sell his planting sensation and stay in the pitch game by re-vamping the advertisement.
“Top Chef Masters” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In this new twist on the ‘‘Top Chef” formula, 24 world-renowned chefs, including Oklahoma City-born Rick Bayless, are pitted against one another to see who’s the best of the best. In the first six episodes, they compete in groups of four, with each group’s winner advancing to the finals. The winner gets $100,000 for his or her favorite charity.

THURSDAY, JUNE 11
“16 & Pregnant” (9 p.m. on MTV): According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, more than 700,000 teenage girls in the U.S. become pregnant each year. This show will take an intimate look inside the lives of pregnant teenagers as they face the challenges that come with being a young parent and dealing with relationships, finance, school and other new responsibilities.
“How to Find a Husband” (8 p.m. on Fine Living Network): Sally Gray’s search for a husband forced her to warm up to the concept of dating multiple men at once, and now she’s found at least four men of potential husband quality. But now the problem is that she can’t decide which one she wants to take things further with in the Season 1 finale.
“Raising Sextuplets” (9 p.m. on WEtv): On June 11, 2007, Jenny and Bryan Masche became first-time parents…of sextuplets. This new series follows the marathon-running parents as they learn the hard way that no training can prepare you for parenthood with multiples.
“She’s Got the Look” (8 p.m. on TV Land): Season 2 returns with supermodel Kim Alexis as host and 10 new finalists – all over the age of 35 – competing to become the next great supermodel. In addition to a contract with Wilhelmina Models Inc., and a photo spread in SELF magazine, this season’s winner will also receive a check for $100,000.
“Total Drama Action” (8 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new animated comedy series follows 14 contestants as they face thrilling challenges on an abandoned film studio backlot. It showcases all the elements of reality TV shows — romances and friendships, scheming and sabotage, death-defying stunts and stomach-curdling challenges  —  all within larger-than-life elimination competition.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12
“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the death of a former pro surfer-turned park ranger, the team uncovers a shocking connection to another crime. Pro Surfer Brad Gerlach guest stars in this episode directed by Emilio Estevez (”The Breakfast Club”).
“Samantha Who?” (8 p.m. on ABC): In an attempt to find new direction in her life, Samantha decides to go to Africa and volunteer to help those in need. Her friends and family are convinced that she’ll chicken out – which she does after discovering the countless vaccinations and obstacles that she would face to make the journey. Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”) guest stars.
“Adam Ferrara: Funny as Hell” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central):Join comedian Adam Ferrara as he recalls his first night in jail and discusses the Italian-American medical term for a panic attack.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13
“20Q” (7 p.m. on GSN): Cat Deeley (“So You Think You Can Dance”) hosts this new game show based on the handheld game that utilizes artificial intelligence to systematically divine a player’s chosen word based upon a series of questions. Contestants must battle each other to guess a mystery word based on a series of clues that help them reveal the answer.
“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9):  This installment of the locally-produced program showcases rock climbing in Oklahoma City, a Tulsa culinary school for kids, Hinton’s Medicine Rock Ranch and Buffalo’s Selman Ranch.
“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): While Jack and David embark on a dangerous mission to Gath, King Silas acts quickly to prevent the outbreak of a deadly plague.
“The Money List” (8:30 p.m. on GSN): Fred Roggin (“GSN Live”) hosts this new fast-paced, high-suspense game of knowledge and teamwork. Players must quickly assess and trust their partners’ knowledge by predicting how many correct items they can come up with on a designated list.
“Pushing Daisies” (9 p.m. on ABC): In the series finale, the Darling Mermaid Darlings come out of retirement when one-half of the synchronized swimming duo The Aquadolls (Nora Dunn, “Three Moons Over Milford,” and Wendie Malick, “Jake in Progress”) meets with an unfortunate end that may have been murder-by-shark.
“Special Agent Oso” (5 a.m. on Disney): This four-hour marathon of the animated series for preschools will feature eight episodes, including the premiere of the new episode “The Living Flashlight / Sand Castle Royale” at 7 a.m.

–Penny TV