SUNDAY, OCT. 25
◊“Bored to Death” (8:35 p.m. on HBO): Jonathan is enlisted to retrieve a sex tape that a female escort is using to extort money from a married New Jersey man. Patton Oswalt (”The King of Queens”) guest stars.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld (”Seinfeld”) consider incorporating Larry’s latest real-life experience, involving a bare-midriff assistant and a crying Jesus, into the reunion show.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team rebuilds the crumbling Illinois home of Nathan Montgomnery, who gave up a lucrative engineering career to start a charity that feeds hundreds of hungry families in his community. Chefs Rocco DiSpirito (”Dancing With the Stars”), Sandra Lee (”Semi-Homemade Cooking With Sandra Lee”), Spike Mendalsohn (”Top Chef”) and Art Smith (”Top Chef Masters”) will be the celebrity volunteers for this build.
◊“He’s My Antonio” (9 p.m. on VH1): Antonio Sabato Jr. concludes his search for love in Hawaii with the final two women, Brooke and Miranda. Both women are convinced that they are his true love, and Antonio is agonizing over his choice.
◊“Masterpiece Contemporary” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The Emmy-winning series returns for a new season with a new host — Scottish actor David Tennant (”Doctor Who”) — and a new drama about the real-life negotiations that led up to the end of apartheid in South Africa. William Hurt, Jonny Lee Miller, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Derek Jacobi star in “Endgame.”
◊“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Choo Choo Express” (6 a.m. on Disney): Mickey and pals climb aboard the Clubhouse Choo Choo Train for a snow-filled adventure. Grammy Award-winning alternative rock band They Might Be Giants and the Sensational Six each perform a new song in the special.
◊“Sandra’s Money Saving Meals” (11 a.m. on Food Network): Sandra Lee (”Semi-Homemade Cooking With Sandra Lee”) returns for a second season of sharing creative recipes that save money and time. In this installment, she cooks up blackened catfish and BBQ beef stir fry.
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Following a bus crash, the parents of a football player must make a heartbreaking decision whether to donate his organs. Dr. Travis Stork (”The Doctors”) guest stars as Dr. Travis, an anesthesiologist.
◊“Who Speaks for Islam?” (9 p.m. on Link TV, channel 375 on DirecTV, 9410 on Dish Network): This new series explores global attitudes of Anti-Americanism and Islamophobia and tracks evolving portrayals of Muslims in Hollywood. It will also be streams on LinkTV.org.

MONDAY, OCT. 26, 2009
◊“American Experience: The 1930s” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This five-part series examines America’s response to the unprecedented economic crisis, high unemployment and environmental catastrophe that threatened the nation during one of history’s most tumultuous decades. It begins with stock market collapse in “The Crash of 1929.”
◊“Cake Boss” (9 p.m. on TLC): In Season 2, expect to see Buddy Valastro and his family create cakes that continue to defy expectations. In the season premiere, they create an engagement ring box cake.
◊“Dr. G: Medical Examiner” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): Medical examiner Dr. Jan Garavaglia draws viewers into a world of mystery and forensics with her relentless determination to discover the truth and provide answers to families’ lingering questions about the death of their loved ones.
◊“Emeril’s Culinary Adventures: Napa” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): Chef Emeril Lagasse’s tour of wine country includes a visit to a farm that uses solar power and biodiesel fuels for all its energy needs and explores the in’s and out’s of organic farming.
◊“Extreme Paranormal” (9 p.m. on A&E): Shaun, Nathan and Jason investigate Pennhurst State School and Hospital, a decrepit mental asylum in eastern Pennsylvania where people have reported strange sightings since the facility’s closing in 1986. The team also travels to the allegedly haunted Manchac Swamp just outside New Orleans.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): Everyone is packing their bags and heading home for Thanksgiving, but Casey and Rusty find themselves stranded at college when their parents leave them behind for Maui. This episode’s  promotes volunteerism as part of the show’s “Pledge Yourself to do Something” campaign.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the gang suspects that Barney has a girlfriend after he mysteriously leaves MacLaren’s, they decide to follow him. Frances Conroy (”Six Feet Under”) guest stars as Barney’s mother.
◊“Lincoln Heights” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): R&B singer Trey Songz holds a contest and Tay dazzles him with an inspired performance. But when Eddie’s father-son project coincides with his big night, Tay must choose between his dream and his father’s feelings.
◊“No Excuses” (9:30 p.m. on VH1): Hip-Hop artist and entrepreneur Percy Miller – aka Master P – helps turn one former gang member’s life around, showing him the amazing things you can do when you stop making excuses.
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): Dan brings Renee onto his television show, leaving Nathan and Haley powerless to stop him from revealing the truth of her pregnancy to the world. Series star James Lafferty (Nathan) directed the episode.
◊“Real Chance of Love 2: Back in the Saddle” (8 p.m. on VH1): It’s been another wild ride to find love for Real and Chance this season. Deep, dark secrets will be revealed when the boys fly the final five ladies to Miami Beach in the shows’ finale.
◊“RiP: A Remix Manifesto” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary explores the meaning of copyright in the digital age where the wall between producers and users has been irrevocably torn down. It follows several key individuals who seek to redefine originality in the future, including mash-up musical phenomenon Girl Talk (Greg Gillis).
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie joins Alan, Herb and his next door neighbor in a night of alcohol-fueled sexual reminiscences after Chelsea finds nude pictures of another woman on his phone. Michael Clarke Duncan (”The Green Mile”) reprises his role as Charlie’s neighbor.

TUESDAY, OCT. 27, 2009
◊“Big Ideas for a Small Planet” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Soleil Moon Frye (”Punky Brewster”) and Cindy Crawford (”Fashion Flashback”) are among the innovators working on ideas that will help parents raise their babies in a green environment. Ideas include frozen organic baby food, green diapers and the eco-friendly baby store.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Derek Jeter, a four-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, gives the contestants a pep talk about the importance of teamwork before they embark on a wild baseball challenge.
◊“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Jordan Lloyd (”Big Brother 11″ winner) and Jeff Schroeder (voted America’s favorite houseguest on “Big Brother 11″) appear in flashback scenes of a high school homecoming dance in the 1980s  (complete with era-appropriate wardrobe and hair).
◊“Flipping Out” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The “Flipping Out” gang reuniite to discuss the show’s third season. Jeff and Ryan come face to face to talk about the serious accusations made about Ryan’s business practices.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Close to Home” chronicles how the middle class is faring in the recession by focusing on the stories of the owner, employees and patrons of a New York City salon.
◊“General Hospital” (2 p.m. on ABC): Jonathan Jackson (”Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) returns to the daytime drama in the role of Lucky Spencer, son of super couple Luke and Laura, which he created as a teenager. Lucky wants his former wife, Elizabeth, to remarry him, but unbeknownst to him, Elizabeth has strong feelings for Lucky’s brother, Nikolas.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): In the documentary “Journals of a Wily School,” the police in Kolkata, India, offer a young pickpocket a full pardon if he helps track down more notorious criminals.
◊“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): The 1966 half-hour animated Halloween-themed Peanuts special created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz returns. It will air in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programming.
◊“The Little Couple” (9 p.m. on TLC): As the next step in their journey toward having a child, Jen and Bill make an appointment with a pulmonologist to discover Jen’s lung capacity. 
◊“30 for 30: Muhammad and Larry” (7 p.m. on ESPN): In 1980, Muhammad Ali was preparing to fight for an unprecedented fourth heavyweight title against his friend and former sparring partner Larry Holmes. This special features unseen footage from the build-up to that fight that was filmed by documentarians Albert and David Maysles.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the death of a Marine, the team finds themselves intertwined in an inner city gang war. Muse Watson (”Prison Break”) reprises his role as Gibb’s mentor, Mike Franks.
◊“Scream 2009″ (9 p.m. on Spike): Tobey Maguire presents a tribute to Marvel Comics icon Stan Lee at the fourth annual event honoring all things science-fiction, fantasy and horror. The two-hour extravaganza will also include previews of the upcoming films “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “Shutter Island.”

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28, 2009
◊“The Botany of Desire” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special explores the natural history of four plants — the apple, the tulip, marihuana and the potato — and the corresponding human desires — sweetness, beauty, intoxication and controlling nature — that link their destinies to our own. Featured are the potato fields if Idaho and Peru, the apple orchards of New England, the tulip markets of Amsterdam and a medical marijuana hot house.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team travels to Fort Lauderdale during spring break to find a serial killer with multiple personalities who is targeting co-eds on vacation.Roma Maffia (”Nip/Tuck”) and Jackson Rathbone (”Twilight”) guest star.
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on DirectTV): As Season 4 opens, a redistricting plan has left Dillon a town divided. Having been ousted from his role as head coach at Dillon High School, Coach Taylor finds himself faced with the daunting task of building a football team from scratch as well as motivating and disciplining the unmanageable East Dillon Lions players. The drama will air commercial free on The 101 Network.
◊“Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this special based on the 2009 animated film, Susan Murphy (Reece Witherspoon) and the Monsters now work with the U.S. government as special operatives. When an alien presence is detected in Susan’s hometown right before Halloween, the team is dispatched to investigate.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine considers herself popular by association when Ritchie is asked to a dance by the most popular girl in school, and Matthew and Richard try to evict an elderly woman (Marion Ross, “Happy Days”) from the apartment they hope to rent.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on Bravo): After a “TV dinner” quickfire challenge, the remaining cheftestants visit head judge Tom Colicchio’s Craft Steak restaurant in Las Vegas to cook for actress Natalie Portman and friends.

THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): Liz and Jack venture down south to Kenneth’s hometown to discover new talent. Betty White (”The Golen Girls”) and Jeff Dunham (”The Jeff Dunham Show”) guest star.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Isaac, the hospital lab tech, has an inoperable tumor wrapped around his spine, he turns to Dr. Derek Shepherd to do the impossible, and Derek tests the Chief’s authority when Richard objects to moving forward with the risky surgery. Series star Chandra Wilson (Dr. Miranda Bailey) directed the episode.
◊“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (9 p.m. on FX): In an effort to “support the war,” the gang decides to put on a wrestling show for the returning troops calling themselves “The Birds of War.” Rowdy Roddy Piper (”WF SmackDown!”) guest stars.
◊“The League” (9:30 p.m. on FX): This new comedy series follows a circle of friends involved in a fantasy football league and focuses on male friendship, marriage, parenting, suburbia and growing up – or refusing to grow up.
◊“Lives That Changed the World: Muhammad Ali” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): On this date in 1960, a new fighter won his first professional fight. Muhammad Ali went on to become one of the most prolific sports personalities of the 20th century.
◊“The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Patrick Jane and the California Bureau of Investigation
team investigates the death of a wealthy man who witnesses say was killed by a ghost haunting his mansion. Frances Fisher (”Eureka”) guest stars.
◊“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Find out what really went down in Atlanta when the Southern gals reconvene for a two-part reunion special. In part one, they reveal how they relaly fel about all the catfights and wig-pulling.

FRIDAY, OCT. 30, 2009
◊“Cyberchase” (10 a.m. on OETA-13): The annual “Halloween Howl” bash in Castleblanca promises to be spooktacular…until Hacker takes over the Mayor’s Castle and brings its seven stone gargoyles to life. Obeying Hacker’s every command, the gargoyles capture the Mayor and imprison him in the dungeon.  To gain control of the creepy creatures, the CyberSquad must figure out how to use division to evenly split up bunches of garlic and rock candy.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Echo is sent to stop Senator Daniel Perrin (Alexis Denisof, “Angel”) before he can expose the Dollhouse’s secrets. Adelle and Topher travel to the Washington D.C. Dollhouse where they meet its genius programmer, Bennett Halverson (Summer Glau, “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”), a woman with a mysterious past connection to Echo.
◊“Ghost Adventures Live” (7 p.m. on Travel Channel): Paranormal investigators Zak Bagans, Nick Groff and Aaron Goodwin voluntarily lock themselves in one of America’s most haunted locations, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia, for this live seven-hour event. Viewers at home will have total access to the investigation via webcams and online chats with the crew at www.travelchannel.com/ghostadventures.
◊“Halloween on Ice” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Halloween comes early this year with a twist (and a triple axel). This special, which combines Halloween haunts with some of the world’s most accomplished skaters, features the music of Mannheim Steamroller and performances by Olympic medalists Nancy Kerrigan, Todd Eldredge and Elvis Stojko.
◊“Invitation Only: Brooks and Dunn” (9 p.m. on CMT): Ronnie Dunn from Tulsa and his country music partner, Kix Brooks, perform some of their biggest hits before a small studio audience in Nashville. They also host an informal question and answer session and talk about reaching their decision to part ways after their tour in 2010.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison has vivid nightmares that insert her into scenes from the classic horror film “Night of the Living Dead,” which leave her with unexplained cuts and bite marks and possible clues that could lead her to a funeral director’s murderer. The cast will be inserted into scenes from George Romero’s timeless zombie fest throughout the episode. Aida Turturro (”The Sopranos”) guest stars.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When strange, almost paranormal happenings are observed at a decommissioned air base, the spooky occurrences take on a decidedly different tone when the team is brought in to investigate the mystery of a dead woman found there. John Michael Higgins (“Best in Show”), Silas Weir Mitchell (“Prison Break”), Sam Lloyd (“Scrubs”), and Jennifer Elise Cox (“The Brady Bunch Movie”) guest star.
◊“The Real Story: The Amityville Horror” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): On November 13, 1974, police discovered six members of the DeFeo family – father, mother and four of their five children – shot to death inside their home at 112 Ocean Ave. in the quiet village of Amityville, NY. Ronald, the eldest son, was found guilty of the murders. With the help of eye witness accounts, extraordinary archival footage and psychological drama, learn the facts and reveal new evidence behind the “Horror.”
◊“Super Why!” (8 a.m. on OETA-13): It’s Halloween in Storybrook Village and Pig is so frightened that he won’t go trick-or-treating with friends. The Super Readers pay a storybook visit to Little Ghost, who’s a bit of a scaredy cat himself, to teach him there’s more to Halloween than meets the eye.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Betty is overwhelmed with her editorial work, so Wilhemina assigns Marc to be Betty’s temporary assistant. Betty’s story idea to cover the worst jobs in New York goes south when she has to dress up as a hot dog and do a Bollywood dance number. Dylan Baker (”Kings”) and Jamie-Lynn Sigler (”The Sopranos”) guest star.
◊“The Vampire Princess” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Two skeletons were found in Schwarzenberg Castle, Bohemia. Their decapitated heads were between their legs, weighed down by stones, and wooden stakes were driven through chest cavities. They may help decipher the spine-chilling story of an infamous Austrian princess. Princess Eleanor was not only a main character in the original version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but she was also notable for keeping captive wolves and bathing in their milk. Now the notes of her extraordinary autopsy have been found, and they help reveal why she became an infamous recluse and how she died.
◊“Zombie Girl: The Movie” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film chronicles the journey of Austin, Texas-based film enthusiast Emily Hagins, 12,  as she spends two years writing, directing and editing her first feature-length motion picture, the zombie movie titled “Pathogen.” She battles everything from budget shortfalls to self-doubt, all while coming of age as a teenager.

SATURDAY, OCT. 31, 2009
◊“Hanging Shadows: Perspectives on an Italian Horror Cinema” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This special presents a historical overview of the giallo genre, exploring its genesis and chronicling the films, directors, and personalities that made up its golden age. This group of films and filmmakers helped redefine the horror genre that forever changed the way we think of horror films.
◊“The Locator” (8 p.m. on WEtv): In the Season 3 finale, Troy Dunn helps a woman and her stepfather locate her biological dad.
◊“Phineas and Ferb” (7 a.m. on Disney XD): At their yard sale, Dad accidentally sells Candace’s favorite childhood doll, Mary McGuffin, to Dr. Doofenshmirtz who has been looking for the rare doll for Vanessa ever since her 5th birthday. When Vanessa’s mom, Charlene, donates the doll to a thrift store, Vanessa races to get it back, while Phineas and Ferb help Candace find Mary McGuffin. Allison Janney (”The West Wing”) guest stars.
Allison Janney (“The West Wing”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 7 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This Halloween edition of the show features a masked mystery guest. And one caller asks about spending $100 in a baby Halloween costume.
◊“The True Story of Mary Celeste” (11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): On December 5, 1872, the brigantine Mary Celeste was found adrift in the Atlantic, its captain and crew nowhere to be found. The mystery of this “ghost ship” has remained unanswered for over 135 years. Now, with the help of a newly discovered transcript documenting the ship’s final five days, Smithsonian Channel brings this unsolved case to a close.

–Penny TV

SUNDAY, OCT. 18, 2009
◊“Alex’s Day Off” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Alexandra Guarnaschelli, professional chef, working mom and passionate home cook, invites viewers to share her down-to-earth recipes. She shows how cooking her personal and playful style of American, French and Italian fare can be elegant and approachable, with a side of sass.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Having just returned from France, Sarah distracts Kitty through chemo treatments with tales of her intense romance with a French artist (Gilles Marini, “Sex and the City”).
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team delves into the 1970 murder of a musician who tried to keep his involvement with the Philadelphia Soul scene a secret from his strict preacher father for whom he was an organist. Loretta Devine (”Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry learns to embrace the upside of disability without actually being disabled, and looks to disprove the rumor that Rosie O’Donnell can kick his butt.
◊“An Engtlishman in New York” (9 p.m. on Logo): This film follows the life of famed writer and performer Quentin Crisp at the peak of his career in the late 1970’s.  Upon the recent success of Crisp’s famous autobiography-turned-film, “The Naked Civil Servant,” Quentin (John Hurt) leaves the U.K. to offer lectures and performances in New York City.  The film explores Quentin’s psyche as he faces the consequences of his casual quip stating that AIDS was “a fad,” leading to social rejection and obscurity.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team travels to Lancaster, Texas, to rebuild the home of Carlton Marshall, who lost most of his mobility and all of his hearing after being shot while leading a Dallas Police Department SWAT team. Country singer Trace Adkins is the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Halloween Block Party” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Three families join forces with lifestyle experts and event planners Michael Russo, Kelley Moore and Eddie Ross to create a Halloween neighborhood bash. The special will offer up design tricks and treats on decor, food, pumpkin carving, floral arrangements, tablescapes and entertainment to help viewers get their haunt on this Halloween.
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): Hannah fills in for Kara DioGuardi (”American Idol”) alongside judges Andy and Byron on reality show “America’s Top Talent.” Her stint as a guest judge turns complicated when Oliver auditions and delivers a knock-out performance.
◊“I Am a Champion” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary follows three athletes in their quest to compete in the 40th annual Special Olympics Oklahoma Summer Games held May 13-15 in Stillwater.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The murder of a small-time criminal leads Lewis and Hathaway to a prominent Oxford don-turned-celebrity athiest in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: The Point of Vanishing.”
◊“Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut)” (8 p.m. on IFC): This six-part documentary series airing today through Friday will feature interviews with the surviving Python troupe members, who tell their life story and reveal deeper truths alongside the more tried and tested Python history lessons.
◊“Occupation” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This new drama captures the lives of three British soldiers caught physically and emotionally in the cross-fire of the Iraq war. Amid growing sectarian conflict and a boom time fuelled by billions of dollars from the U.S., their dreams of riches, love and making a difference come to define not just their lives but also the occupation itself.
◊“On the Case With Paula Zahn” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this new weekly newsmagazine, Paula Zahn steps away from the traditional anchor chair and into the field to interview the pivotal figures shaping stories. Her interviews, including several exclusives where people are speaking for the first time, lift the secrecy on acts of deceit, malice and revenge.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): “Treehouse of Horror XX” features three new tales of the strange, spooky and supernatural. It begins with a homage to classic Alfred Hitchcock movies, followed by a parody of the horror film “28 Days Later” and a nod to the Broadway musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In Season 3, University of Oklahoma graduate Reed Timmer and his team return with their newly armored chase vehicle “The Dominator,” racing to be first on the storm scene ahead of IMAX filmmaker Sean Casey and his monster tank-like TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle).
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): In order to save his life, Andy tries a risky new procedure on his wife’s partner who suffers from an aortic aneurism. Lennie James (”Jericho”) guest stars as Dr. Timothy Maguire, a cardiologist.
◊“Timewatch: The Rebel Pharaoh’s Lost City” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Archaeologosts in the central Egyptian desert make an extraordinary discovery of an ancient cemetery whee 1,000 people from the Pharaoh’s lost capital of Amarna are buried. The 3,500-year-old bones tell a remarkable new story about these peoplke and their city.
◊“Witness to Waco” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This new documentary provides an in-depth look into the Branch Davidians, a religious cult led by David Koresh in the late 1980s and early 1990s that ultimately met with a tragic end.  Featured are interviews with survivors of the tragedy and rarely-seen footage of David Koresh and other members of the group inside the compound throughout the siege of the property.

MONDAY, OCT. 19, 2009
◊“American Carny: True Tales from the Circus Side Show” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Magician Penn Jillette narrates this special that explores the world of American circus entertainers and features behind-the-scenes footage with some of the world’s most interesting acts.
◊“Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): When Lakewood Elementary’s lunch lady Mrs. MacGrady is diagnosed with cancer, Arthur and his friends all react differently to the news. Lance Armstrong (seven-time Tour De France winner) makes a special appearance to show Francine and the Elwood City residents how they can take a stand, or ride a bike, for cancer survivors.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): While Sheldon settles a score with his nemesis, Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Wolowitz begs Leonard to get Penny to set him up with one of her friends.
◊“Bud Greenspan Presents: Beijing 2008 — America’s Olympic Glory” (6 p.m. on Showtime): With behind-the-scenes footage and a poignant narrative, this film features six American stories. Among those profiled are gymnast Nastia Liukin, swim team captain Jason Lezak and fencers Keeth and Erinn Smart.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alexx Woods (Khandi Alexander) and Eric Delko return to help the CSIs stop a deadly outbreak in Miami.
◊“Dr. G: America’s Most Shocking Cases” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): Medical examiner Jan “Dr. G” Garavaglia opens the files on astonishing forensic investigations. She demonstrates how the impact of these deaths extends far beyond the morgues of their investigators.
◊“Extreme Paranormal: New Mexico State Penitentiary” (9 p.m. on A&E): Paranormal investigators Shaun, Nathan and Jason explore an abandoned maximum security lockup where visitors claim the tortured souls of inmates, who were violently murdered in the worst prison riot in U.S. history, still linger. The investigators want to see if there is any truth behind the legend in this potentially volatile paranormal environment and go as far as recreating moments of this horrific event, shedding their own blood, to provoke the violent spirits to show themselves to the cameras.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Dan invites Olivia (Hilary Duff, “Lizzie McGuire”) to meet Rufus and Lily, which leads to all sorts of problems for the new couple.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): The team takes on the case of a reckless police detective who has a family history of sudden heart failure that killed his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all at age 40. Jon Seda (“Close to Home”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): While Barney tries to convince Robin to become an American citizen, Ted and Marshall’s fabled road trip takes a wrong turn when Marshall invites Lily. Kenny Rogers (“The Gambler”) narrates the audio book played on Marshall and ted’s road trip.
◊“Latin Music USA” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The final two installments of this four-hour series focus on Mexican-Americans in California, Texas and elsewhere in the Southwest creating their own musical voice during the latter half of the 20th century, as well as the Latin pop explosion at the turn of the 21st century that introduced artists such as Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and Shakira to the English-language market.
◊“Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags” (8 p.m. on HBO): For generations, New York City’s Garment District was the lifeblood of the city.  But in recent years, with the increased globalization of clothing manufacturing, this once-thriving district has continued to shrink. This documentary tells the story of this vanishing industry through the voices of the people who experienced its highs and lows.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who has been on maternity leave since Aug. 7, returns. “The View” creator, executive producer and co-host Barbara Walters said, “We’ve missed Elisabeth both on and off the air. We’ve missed her opinions and her good humor. I am so happy she is coming back.”

TUESDAY, OCT. 20, 2009
◊“18 Kids and Counting” (8 p.m. on TLC): The Duggars take a trip to Oklahoma to see what life is like working on a farm.
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): It’s Halloween at the Beverly Hills Beach Club and Adrianna channels Marilyn Monroe to help her deal with the end of her relationship with Navid. Silver and Kelly (Jennie Garth, “Beverly Hills, 90210″) continue to have differing opinions about caring for Jackie (Ann Gillespie, , “Beverly Hills, 90210″).
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Contestants on today’s show are “Deal or No Deal” models Leyla Milani, Patricia Kara and Marisa Petroro.
◊“Eyes” (9 p.m. on DirecTV): In the first of seven never-before-seen episodes, Harlan works with a former colleague to uncover a counterfeiting scheme and with a reluctant Las Vegas detective (Stephen Baldwin, “The Usual Suspects”) to stop a burglary ring. The detective drama starring Tim Daly premiered on ABC in 2005 but was canceled after five episodes.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Warning,” producer-director Michael Kirk sifts through the ashes of the economic meltdown in search of pivotal moments when things might have gone much differently.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia and Will have only 72 hours to find the smoking gun that proves the train company, and not the three engineers, is responsible for the crash, thus securing the widows their pensions the company is holding back. Martha Plimpton (”Parenthood”) guest stars as the train company’s very pregnant attorney.
◊“Shark Tank” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the season finale, an entrepreneur who sells customized Bobble Heads wants an investment from the sharks to create an extension of his already lucrative business. But it becomes a battle of wills when the Sharks won’t bite unless he gives up a stake in his successful business.
◊“Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?” (7 p.m. on ESPN): This documentary showcases the remarkable influence the United States Football League (USFL) had on football history and looks at what forced the league out of business.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): The girls put their interviewing skills to the test as they interview Jessica Lowndes from “90210″ on the set of “The Insider.” Kim Kardashian is this week’s guest judge.
◊“CNN Presents: Latino in America” (8 p.m. on CNN): Soledad O’Brien anchors this two-part documentary that examines the growing diversity of America, revealing insight into a changing nation on the eve of the U.S. census that is expected to officially confirm that Latino Americans are the largest minority group within the country.  It concludes Thursday.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team hunts a suspect who impregnates young women and has them give birth before murdering them.
Max Gail (”Barney Miller”), Hallee Hirsh (“ER”), Diana Scarwid (“Wonderfalls”) and Mae Whitman (“Acceptance”) guest star.
◊“Dodsworth” (7 p.m. on TCM): Walter Huston reprises his Broadway performance in this 1936 adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ novel. This is the firsy of four classic films picked by guest programmer Dennis Miller The other films Miller presents along with TCM host Robert Osborne are 1949’s “The Third Man” (9 p.m.), 1941’s “Suspicion” (11 p.m.) and 1948’s “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” (1 a.m.).
◊“Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Join the opening night festivities for conductor Gustavo Dudamel’s inaugural gala concert with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
◊“Living With Ed” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): This series chronicles chronicles the lives of eco-activist/actor Ed Begley. Jr. and his frequently exasperated wife Rachelle Carson Begley. The third season will follow the couple as they embark on an unlikely trip to Vegas, a wedding anniversary getaway only Ed could organize and a major home renovation.
◊“Lock ‘N Load” (7 p.m. on Showtime): This new reality series offers viewers a fly-on-the-wall look at “The Shootist” gun store in Englewood, Colo., where expert gunslinger Josh T. Ryan interacts with customers. The hidden camera, revealed after the transaction is completed, insures a particularly candid and revealing take on why we buy guns.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine begins seeing a therapist who shares office space with Matthew, although it’s unclear to both whether to pursue therapy or romance.  Eric McCormack (”Will & Grace”) guest stars as Dr. Max Kershaw, the therapist/love interest.

THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 2009
◊“American Chopper” (8 p.m. on TLC): Life at Orange County Choppers is forever changed now that Jr. and Mikey have been squeezed out of the business. Even with all the drama, the guys in the shop must forge ahead as they build a bike for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Host Alfonso Ribeiro welcomes three of his former castmates from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” to the show as contestants. Taking part in the challenge are James Avery, Tatyanna Ali and Karyn Parsons.
◊“The Jeff Dunham Show” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comic-ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his suitcase posse of comedic cohorts — including Walter, Peanut, Bubba J, Jose Jalapeno on a Stick and Achmed the Dead Terrorist — to this new series featuring Dunham and puppets in performance before a live studio audience as well as interacting with people around Los Angeles.
◊“Nitro Circus” (8:30 on MTV): The cast put on the brakes long enough to spill their guts about all the jaw-dropping makes and laughter-inducing misfires from their risk-fuelled second season.
◊“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” (8 p.m. on MTV): In Season 2 of the show, where fantasies come alive inside, the adventures have been bigger and the action wilder.
◊“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The lawless black gold boomtowns of early 20th century Oklahoma were a fertile field for the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan’s power faded with the dust bowl but never completely disappeared from Oklahoma. Secret groups survive and operate in towns all over the state to this day.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Joan Fontaine was born on this day in 1917, and TCM celebrates by airing three of her films — 1938’s “Blond Cheat” (10 a.m.), 1952’s “Ivanhoe” (11:15 a.m.) and 1953’s “The Bigamist” (1:15 p.m.).

FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 2009
◊“Brothers” (7 p.m. on Fox):Trainor’s newest hostess spreads some juicy rumors to help attract customers to Trainor’s, but when her gossip attracts Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”), Kim Kardashian (“Keeping Up With the Kardashians”) stops by the restaurant to set the record straight.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Sierra is forced to face her past as her connection to the Rossum Corporation leads to obsession and murder. Keith Carradine (“Complete Savages”) guest stars.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): On the show’s 100th episode, Allison investigates an infant’s kidnapping. But Joe worries when she becomes too attached to the little boy. Also, Bridgette and Joe are amazed when Marie plays the clarinet perfectly without one lesson while Bridgette struggles to learn to play.
◊“My Super Psycho Sweet 16″ (9 p.m. on MTV): This new original movie produced by MTV tells the story of Madison Penrose (Juliana Guill, “Friday the 13th”), a spoiled high school queen bee, and Skye Rotter (Lauren McKnight, “House of Fear”), the class outcast whose father committed a series of grisly murders. Madison’s plans for the ultimate birthday bash are ruined when Skye’s dad crashes the party.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): When recording artist Jordin Sparks (”American Idol”) comes aboard the S.S. Tipton for a concert, Zack, Cody and Marcus write a song for her to sing.
◊“Supernanny” (7 p.m. on ABC): A dad at odds with his teenage daughter brings his family to the brink on the Season 5 premiere. Supernanny Jo Frost pushes the parents to closely examine their marriage.
◊“Til Death” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): When Doug’s father gives him and Ally a large sum of money, they struggle with the decision to keep it or give it back. Barry Bostwick (“Spin City”) and Richard Lewis (“Anything But Love”) guest star.
◊“Trading the Globe” (7 p.m. on CNBC): This special will teach viewers how to think about emerging markets as a source of returns, how to access these markets and how to incorporate trading them into the formula for success in the coming years.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Betty fires on all cylinders to get a big scoop with Gucci’s new designer, Evan York (Hamish Linklater, “The New Adventures of Old Christine”). Meanwhile Daniel begins to attend a bereavement group, where he meets Natalie (Jamie-Lynn Sigler, “The Sopranos”), a sexy girl who takes him out for an interesting night on the town.
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Matthew Bomer (”Chuck”) and Tim DeKay (”Carnivale”) wstar in the new drama about an unlikely partnership between a con artist and an FBI agent. In the series premiere, they hunt an elusive and vicious counterfeiter known as the “Dutchman.”

SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 2009
◊“24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto” (9:15 p.m. on HBO): This four-episode, all-access series follows Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, two of boxing’s brightest stars, as they prepare for their Nov. 14 pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas. Pacquiao seeks to continue his reign as the sport’s pound-for-pound king, while Cotto looks to prove that his ring skills are ideal for derailing the Pacquiao express.
◊“The Academy: Orange County Fire” (8 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): This new series will take viewers on a journey with 28 recruits of differing backgrounds as they endure 18 weeks of intense physical training for the Orange County Fire Authority in California.
◊“Always and Forever” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Rena Sofer (”24″) and Dean McDermott (”Tori and Dean”) star in this new original movie about high school sweethearts who reunite at their high school reunion. As they reminisce over old times, the memories and laughs lead to rekindled feelings from their abandoned relationship.
◊“America’s Cutest Dog” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special counts down the most cuddly and aww-inspiring canine moments caught on camera.
◊“Blackboards and Bullies: Are Your Kids Safe?” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special explores the roots of violent incidents in America’s school systems and tangible ways for communities to improve child safety. Using case studies and interviews with leading experts, it shows the consequences of American adolescent violence and provides information to families on how to protect their children.
◊“Extreme Sweets” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Adam Gertler (“Will Work For Food”) goes in search of America’s most unusual sweets, including worm-covered caramel apples and a treat so spicy that he has to sign a waiver to eat it.
◊“Ghost Town” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Gil Gerard (“Buck Rogers in the 25th Century”) and Billy Drago (“Charmed”) star in this film about a busload of college students that takes a wrong turn on a back road and ends up in a town inhabited by the ghosts of outlaws who return to earth every 13 years to refight a shoot-out.

–Penny TV

SUNDAY, OCT. 4, 2009
◊“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (6 p.m. on ABC): The show hosted by Tom Bergeron begins its 20th season with all-new footage of what happens when adults, children and even inanimate objects are at their spontaneous best.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates the 1995 murder of a 17-year-old boy who left his dysfunctional home for the streets, where he started to make his mark as a skateboarding prodigy. Kevin Chapman (”Brotherhood”) plays a police officer who recalls the victim — and the citation he gave him for skateboarding on city property.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry resists Jeff’s suggestion to do a “Seinfeld” reunion special – until he figures out a compelling personal reason to do so. “Seinfeld” cast members Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia-Louis Dreyfuss and Michael Richard guest star.
◊“Dallas Divas & Daughters” (7 p.m. on Style): This new docu-series follows mothers and daughters from Dallas’ wealthiest neighborhoods where being rich is a way of life, designer fashion is mandatory and staying on the top of the social ladder is critical.  And when money is no object, the relationship between mother and daughter is anything but ordinary. 
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Matt Damon (“The Bourne Ultimatum”), with help from Lebron James (NBA player), strong arms Vince to get involved in his charity before Vince leaves for Italy.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team travels to Green County, Mo., to tell the eight members of the Hampton family – all living in a cramped one-bedroom, one-bath cottage, 792 sq. ft. total – that they’ll have a new home in seven days. Ashley Tisdale (“High School Musical”) will be the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Farm Aid 2009″ (4 p.m. on DirectTV’s 101 Network): Musical artists Gretchen Wilson, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews are among the performers during this six-hour broadcast airing live from St. Louis. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised nearly $36 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.
◊“Handy Manny” (6 p.m. on Disney): Manny and his tools take viewers along on an eventful road trip to Manny’s family reunion. Renowned East Los Angeles rockers Los Lobos and series star Wilmer Valderrama (Manny) each perform new songs in the special. Kris Kristofferson (“A Star is Born”) and Donny Osmond (“Dancing With the Stars”) guest star.
◊“I Love Lucy” (10 a.m. on Hallmark Channel): Catch 16 hours of the series that won five Emmy awards and ranked second on TV Guide’s Top 50 television shows list.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Literary whimsy becomes murderous reality with the death of a Czech hotel worker. Lewis and Hathaway find two clues that may help them find the connection between the victim and an Oxford professor in the new episode “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Allegory of Love.”
◊“My Monkey Baby” (8 p.m. on TLC): With her pink bedroom, a designer wardrobe, the latest toys, games and makeup, Jessica Marie is like any spoiled little girl — except that she’s a monkey. This special looks at couples who haven taken on 40-year commitments to parent monkeys.
◊“The Next Iron Chef” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Hosted by Alton Brown (”Good Eats”), this reality competition will challenge 10 top chefs from around the country in a series of demanding situations, testing their culinary skills and mental toughness.
◊“The Supreme Court: Home to America’s Highest Court” (8 p.m. on C-Span): This 80-minute documentary offers rarely-seen video of areas accessible only to the Justices and their staffs, including the Justices’ “Robing Room” and Private Dining Room.  Viewers will also get extensive views of the Courtroom and visit some of the Justices’ offices, known as “chambers.”
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Andy Yablonski (Alex O’Loughlin, “Moonlight”) leads a dedicated team of surgeons at the country’s leading transplant facility in this new medical drama. In the premiere episode, Dr. Yablonski tells a young pregnant woman that in order to save her and her unborn child, she must get a heart transplant.

MONDAY, OCT. 5, 2009
◊“Being Lincoln: Men With Hats” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film delves into a subculture of Abraham Lincoln impersonators and explores why over 180 Lincoln presenters in the country do what they do.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Three volleyball players mysteriously drop dead on the court while Calleigh’s testimony against Delko threatens his future as a CSI. Cheryl Ladd (”Charlie’s Angels”) and Tia Carrere (”Dancing With the Stars”) guest star.
◊“The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price” (9 p.m. on Logo): In this new reality series, the Canadian-born contestant of HGTV’s 2006 Designer Superstar Challenge will repair, restore and re-upholster his way to the top in attempt to accomplish his decorating and designing dreams.
◊“Gone Too Far” (9 p.m. on MTV): Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein hosts this new series that documents young adults between the ages of 18-25 as they struggle with substance abuse and the devastating addictions that threaten to destroy them and the people who love them most.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): It‘s Founders Weekend at the ZBZ house and the girls decide to keep the house’s decline in the rankings a secret in hopes they can hustle enough donations to meet their goals. Olivia Munn (”Attack of the Show”) guest stars.
◊“Healthy Minds” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Each episode in this new series humanizes a specific mental health condition through personal stories and interviews with researchers and experts. The premiere episode is “Autism — Part One: Discovery and Diagnosis.”
◊“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): As Hiro’s life continues to hang in the balance, he distracts himself with saving the lives of others. Bruce Boxleitner (“Young Blades”) and Swoosie Kurtz (“Pushing Daisies”) guest star.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): When a controversial African politician (James Earl Jones, “Star Wars”) falls ill, he is brought to Princeton Plainsboro for treatment. The team struggles with whether to help a merciless dictator being subpoenaed for crimes against humanity in his country.
◊“Imus in the Morning” (8 a.m. on Fox Business Network): The nationally syndicated radio program hosted by Don Imus will be simulcast in HD Monday through Friday and feature interviews with top newsmakers and discussions on current affairs, politics, business, sports and entertainment news.
◊“Inventing LA: The Chandlers and Their Times” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Liev Schreiber (“Taking Woodstock”) narrates this two-hour documentary that chronicles how, for four generations, members of the Chandler family pursued both personal agendas and lofty civic ideals as they used their newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, to influence many in the Southern California area.
◊“Jungle Junction” (9 a.m. on Disney): This new animated series for preschoolers follows a group of fun-loving animals on wheels as they explore a unique jungle. The fast-paced adventure emphasizes an appreciation of the environment while highlighting pre-literacy skills through the use of road signs and symbols.
◊“Let’s Make a Deal” (2 p.m. on CBS): Wayne Brady (”The Wayne Brady Show”) hosts this new version of the vintage game show in which wildly costumed contestants try to win cash and prizes by making deals. Monty Hall, who hosted the original show from 1963-77, serves as creative consultant.
◊“Lie to Me” (8 p.m. on Fox): Zoe enlists the Lightman Group to investigate a star college football player accused of statutory rape.
◊“Outrage” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary takes a look at the hypocrisy of closeted politicians who continually vote against gay rights and actively campaign against the gay community they covertly belong to. It also probes the ethics of outing closeted politicians and the double standards that the media upholds in its coverage of the sex lives of gay public figures.
◊“Rita Rocks” (6:30 p.m. on Lifetime): Nicole Sullivan (“The King of Queens”) returns for a second season as Rita Clemens, a married working mom, unfulfilled by her harried life, who tries to regain her identity by recreating her glory days as a musician in a garage band.
◊“Sherri” (6 p.m. on Lifetime): Sherri Shepherd (”The View”) moonlights in this new sitcom loosely based on her own life, in which she plays a working mother and part-time entertainer trying to pick up the pieces of her life when she splits from her husband after she discovers his affair. 
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): American journalist Lisa Ling, a former co-host of “The View” from 1999-2002, will return to co-host live shows today and Tuesday. Also sitting in for co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck (on maternity leave and returning mid-October) this week are Jaclyn Smith (“Charlie’s Angels”) on Wednesday and Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”) on Thursday.

TUESDAY, OCT. 6, 2009
◊“20 Years, 20 Duggars” (8 p.m. on TLC): Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar take a look back at their beginnings as a family, introduce viewers to their 18 kids and strengthen their future by renewing their vows.
◊“The Buffalo Flows” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Ray McKinnon (”The Accountant”) narrates this documentary about Conservation groups protesting a proposed dam on Arkansas’ Buffalo River. It captures the river’s spectacular beauty over the course of four seasons while chronicling the activists’ battle to protect the region.
◊“Conversation With Wanda Jackson” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In April, this music pioneer and native Oklahoman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She regularly sang on an Oklahoma City radio show while in junior high school and had her first hit record by the time she was 17. 
◊“Dirty Jobs” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In the continuation of Season 5, host and creator Mike Rowe heads to Miami, Fla., to try out marine salvaging, where he’ll work to remove submerged, abandoned boats from the water.  He’ll then go to a recycling center in San Francisco to separate the metal, fabric, padding and wood parts of a mattress so each can be made into a new product. 
◊“Disaster House” (9 p.m. on DIY): In this new series, contractor Josh Temple inflicts all kinds of abnormal damage to demonstrate the punishment a normal home takes over the years.  The man-made earthquakes, flooded basements and busted roofs are an exaggerated, over-the-top illustration of what it takes to repair the most common and not-so-common household catastrophes.
◊“Dragon’s Den” (8 p.m. on BBC America): The Dragons give would-be entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas in hopes of making their business plans a reality. Ideas pitched during Season 6 include a talking tree and a machine that turns air into water.
◊“the forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): The case of a John Doe (Jarrod Bunch, former NFL Player for the New York Giants), left beaten on the street and ravaged by past injuries, leads The Forgotten Network into the world of professional football.
◊“Ghost Lab” (9 p.m. on Discovery): This new series follows Brad and Barry Klinge, Texas natives who in 2007 founded Everyday Paranormal. They tackle what are thought to be some of America’s most haunted locations with sophisticated equipment housed in a decked-out traveling “ghost lab.”  This on-site high-tech lab enables investigators to analyze data on the premises in real time, helping them to more narrowly focus their investigations on suspected “hot spots.”
◊“King’s Ransom” (7 p.m. on ESPN): This documentary explores the shocking trade of hockey player Wayne Gretzky from Edmonton to Los Angeles in 1988. And it kicks off ESPN’s “30 for 30” film project centered on the last 30 years in sports.
◊“Man Caves” (8 p.m. on DIY): Former NFL player Tony “The Goose” Siragusa and contractor Jason Cameron return for a fourth season of offering ideas and do-it-yourself instruction designed to help any guy turn an extra room into the ultimate guys’ hangout.
◊“Parking Wars” (9 p.m. on A&E): The series, which for the past two seasons has followed the men and women on the front lines of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, expands beyond the City of Brotherly Love to hit the road in a new town where cars mean everything — Motor City. The ticket-writers and booters of Detroit’s Municipal Parking Department are called every name in the book, but they have the skills and attitude to get it done.
◊“Weird, True & Freaky” (8:30 p.m. on Animal Planet): This episode features a segment on the world’s deadliest spider —  the Brazilian Wandering Spider — that was reportedly found in the produce aisle of a Tulsa grocery store in March.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2009
◊“Art in the Twenty-First Century” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This series invites viewers to meet 14 of today’s most accomplished artists as they create works that reflect important and timely global issues. Season 5 shows a broad range of artistic practice, technical innovation, and experimentation, from artists tackling large-scale collaborative projects in hangar-like studios, to those working in the quiet of more intimate studio settings.
◊“The Bureau” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series profiles the modern Federal Bureau of Investigation and explores the determination required to solve some of the most mystifying cases of the 21st century.
◊“Clean House” (9 p.m. on Style): Host Niecy Nash (”Reno 911!”) and her no-holds-barred team of experts encounter homes “possessed by possessions” and in dire need of rescue. The Season 8 premiere The season premiere finds the “Clean House” cameras at Niecy’s own house. Her mother has moved in and the belongings she brought with her are cluttering up Niecy’s home.
◊“Craft in America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The Season 2 premiere episode focuses on the origins of the American craft movement and features artists who tie their work to early craft techniques and pass on these techniques to others.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit investigates a case in Rossi’s hometown that involves both his personal and professional life. Cynthia Watros (”Lost”) and D.B. Sweeney (”Jericho”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When two bodies are discovered at the North and South ends of the city, Mac and the team deftly begin to navigate the trail of evidence left behind by the killer. Skeet Ulrich (”Jericho”) guest stars in a recurring role as Hollis Eckhart, a mastermind killer, who takes the CSI team on the ride of their careers. Sarah Carter (”Shark”) returns as Haylen Becall.
◊“Dive to the Bottom of the World” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This new special chronicles the dedication of biologists, engineers, geologists and oceanographers as they collaborate to invent, design, build and deploy a state-of-the-art deep-sea vehicle that is more maneuverable than any other in history.  The underwater vehicle’s mission: to provide researchers with an eye on the bottom of the deepest part of the ocean floor, and retrieve invaluable biological and geological samples for further study.
◊“Hollywood Ex-Wives: True Hollywood Story” (9 p.m. on E!): In exclusive new interviews, Gretchen Bonaduce, Sharise Neil, Sandra Carradine and Darcy LaPier – the ex-wives of Danny Bonaduce, Vince Neil, Keith Carradine and Jean-Claude Van Damme – come together to compare notes on their former spouses.  No topic is off-limits as these ladies share how they went from rags to riches – and, in some cases, back to rags – and struggled to reinvent themselves without their famous husbands. 
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a young woman goes missing, her ex-convict neighbor (Stephen Rea, “V for Vendetta”) becomes the primary suspect.
◊“Man Shops Globe” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This new series follows Keith Johnson, the buyer-at-large for the innovative specialty retailer Anthropologie, as he travels the globe in search of fantastic and unusual decorative objects, furniture, and textiles, as well as artists and crafts people.
◊“Mythbusters” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman test the classic physics textbook theory “bullet dropped versus bullet fired.”  In a scientifically complex experiment, they ask:  If one bullet is fired and the other is dropped simultaneously from the same height, which will hit the ground first?
◊“Secret Girlfriend” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new series makes the viewer the central character in the irreverent life of a 20-something single guy, his two best friends and roommates, Phil and Sam, and the two women in his life he’s trying to keep secret from each other – psycho ex-girlfriend Mandy and new girlfriend Jessica.

THURSDAY, OCT. 8, 2009
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When two office mates plot to rob a casino, their plan ends with the CSIs investigating a murder. Wayne Knight (”Seinfeld”) guest stars.
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mark and Janis travel to Germany to speak with an imprisoned Nazi who claims to have knowledge about the blackouts, and an anonymous tip leads Demetri to believe his deepest fears about his future. Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”) guest stars.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): Recuperating from the traumatic and alarming meeting with Massive Dynamic founder William Bell (Leonard Nimoy, “Star Trek”), Agent Dunham consumes a powerful “fringe” concoction that Dr. Bishop prescribes to stimulate her memory.
◊“Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): Sam and Dean decide to start hunting together again and their first case leads them to a small town whose inhabitants are being killed by famous dead icons like Abraham Lincoln and James Dean’s car.  However, after two teenage girls come forward and claim their friend was kidnapped by Paris Hilton (“The Simple Life”), the brothers aren’t sure what they are hunting anymore.
◊“The This Old House Hour” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): For the eighth season, the show’s experts are once again traveling the country to help puzzled homeowners tackle all sorts of common household problems. Submit questions at www.thisoldhouse.com/askaquestion and you may hear the experts knocking on your door.
◊“Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): At a fund-raising car wash, Bonnie is surprised by abilities she didn’t know she possessed and seeks advice from her grandmother (Jasmine Guy, “A Different World”).

FRIDAY, OCT. 9, 2009
◊“Brothers” (7 p.m. on Fox): Mike and Chill hire their cousin Kenny (Snoop Dogg, “Down for Life”), a shady lawyer who specializes in debt and fraud, to recover Mike’s laundered assets. But when Kenny is only able to locate funds donated to a children’s charity, Mike wrestles with a tough decision.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Echo and Victor’s imprints collide when Echo is sent on an assignment as a fun-loving, seductive college student and Victor is imprinted as the psychotic nephew of a Dollhouse shareholder (Michael Hogan, Battlestar Galactica”).
◊“I’m Alive” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series features death-defying and moving stories of people who—regardless of the obstacles or consequences—were determined to survive an animal attack. It combines victim interviews with true-to-life reenactments, giving a replay of the split-second decisions that saved lives.
◊“Sanctuary” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In the Season 2 opener, Ashley remains captured, in the dangerous hands of the Cabal.  While searching for her, Magnus, Will, Druitt and Tesla encounter a quick-talking con artist with Cabal connections.
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 4 premiere, Betty finds that everything is changing as she begins her new job as associate features editor, especially since her boss is her ex-boyfriend, Matt Hartley, who is still unhappy about their breakup. Lynn Redgrave (“Teachers Only”) and Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest star.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): In the Season 3 premiere, Justin becomes fed up with Alex constantly going through his stuff and creates a female monster to guard his room and to think like Alex.  However Justin’s plan backfires when the monster and Alex become fast friends.

SATURDAY, OCT. 10, 2009
◊“Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team” (8 p.m. on CMT): The new recruits for Season 4 quickly learn that professional cheerleading takes hard work, determination and nerves of steel. Hundreds of girls will fight to make the team, but only 36 will be selected to cheer in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium.
◊“Good Eats 10th Anniversary” (9 p.m. on Food Network): To celebrate 10 years, host Alton Brown and company put on a variety show full of strange cooking devices, a parade of guest stars and a strange birthday cake.
◊“Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): The Movers help a bicyclist (Willie Garson, “Sex and the City”) overcome his fears in this new episode. The Movers are members of the New Orleans band who introduce preschoolers to the group’s energetic rock and roll style of music while emphasizing creative problem solving skills.
◊“Mega Fault” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Eriq La Salle (“ER”) and Brittany Murphy (“Tribute”) star in this new
movie about an earthquake that triggers a crack in the earth’s crust.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Drew Barrymore (”Grey Gardens”) returns as host for her sixth time. She first hosted the show on Nov. 20, 1982, at seven years old, making history as the youngest host to ever appear on the show.
◊“Wanda Sykes: I’ma Be Me” (9 p.m. on HBO): Taped in August before a live audience at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., the special features the outspoken comic performing material featured in her current national stand-up tour, where she addresses such topics as having a new “cool” black President, coming out, the real Michelle Obama, being a new mom, getting her first bikini wax, healthcare town halls, pirates and working as an entertainer on a gay cruise.

–Penny TV

   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)

    She ran on the field as soon as the game was over as is customary and asked him a question and he pretty much pretended she wasn’t there.

   But she just kept right alongside him and kept asking until he finally stopped and answered her.

   Took just a minute. Couldn’t he have just answered in the first place and moved along?

   Give Kolber (pictured at right in ESPN Photo) credit for staying with him and not letting him brush her off.

– Melissa Hayer

Mischa Barton on "The Beautiful Life: TBL" (The CW 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 Sept. 13.
   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
••“Mega Beasts,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Design Inc.,” 11 a.m. Monday on FLN (third-season premiere). 
••“The Dr. Oz Show,” 11 a.m. Monday on KOCO-5 (series premiere).
••“Martha Speaks,” 1 p.m. Monday on OETA-13 (second-season premiere).
••“The Martha Stewart Show,” 2 p.m. Monday on KSBI-52 (fifth-season premiere).
••“Dr. Phil,” 3 p.m. Monday on KOCO-5 (eighth-season premiere).
••“Have Fork Will Travel,” 4 p.m. Monday on FLN (series premiere).
••“The Oprah Winfrey Show,” 4 p.m. Monday on KOCO-5 (24th-season premiere).
••“Monday Night Football,” 6 p.m. Monday on ESPN (40th-season premiere).
••“Wheel of Fortune,” 6:30 p.m. Monday on KOCO-5 (27th-season premiere).
••“Lincoln Heights,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (fourth-season premiere).
••“One Tree Hill,” 7 p.m. Monday on CW (seventh-season premiere).
••“Gossip Girl,” 8 p.m. Monday on CW (third-season premiere).
••“Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke,” 9 p.m. Monday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“The Jay Leno Show,” 9 p.m. Monday on NBC (series premiere).
••“The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC (eighth-season premiere).
••“The Beautiful Life: TBL,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CW (series premiere).
••“60 Minutes on WE,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on WEtv (series premiere).
••“The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SPIKE (season premiere).
••“Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox (fifth-season premiere).
••“Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday,” 7 p.m. Thursday on NBC (series premiere).
••“Survivor: Samoa,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CBS (19th-season premiere).
••“Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC (second-season premiere).
••“Extreme Cuisine With Jeff Corwin,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“Fringe,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox (second-season premiere).
••“The Office,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC (sixth-season premiere).
••“Community,” 8:31 p.m. Thursday on NBC (series premiere).
••“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” 9 p.m. Thursday on FX (fifth-season premiere).
••“The Troop,” 7 p.m. Friday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).
••“Crash,” 9 p.m. Friday on Starz (second-season premiere).
••“Busytown Mysteries,” 8 a.m. Saturday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Rollbots,” 8 a.m. Saturday on CW (series premiere).
••“Noonbory & the Super 7,” 8:30 a.m. Saturday on CBS (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“King of the Hill,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox (series finale).
••“There Goes the Neighborhood,” 7:59 p.m. Sunday on CBS (first-season finale).
••“True Blood,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (second-season finale).
••“Amazing Wedding Cakes,” 9 p.m. Sunday on WEtv (second-season finale).
••“HGTV Design Star,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HGTV (fourth-season finale).
••“Hung,” 9 p.m. on Sunday HBO (first-season finale).
••“More to Love,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (first-season finale).
••“Big Brother,” 8:01 p.m. Tuesday on CBS (11th-season finale).
••“Shaq VS,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“The Cleaner,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (second-season finale).
••“Masters of Reception,” 9 p.m. Tuesday at TLC (first-season finale).
••“America’s Got Talent,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on NBC (fourth-season finale).
••“Truth Be Told,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TLC (first-season finale).
••“Dark Blue,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (first-season finale).
••“Guiding Light,” 2 p.m. Friday on CBS (series finale).
••“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox (third-season finale).

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

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

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, 2009
◊“2009 MTV Video Music Awards” (8 p.m. on MTV): Russell Brand (”Forgetting Sarah Marshall”) returns as host of the 26th annual event. Beyonce and Lady Gaga, who earned nine nominations each, are scheduled to perform along with Taylor Swift, Green Day, Jay-Z and P!nk.
◊“Defying Gravity” (9 p.m. on ABC): An impending solar flare threatens the crew of the Antares with dangerous radiation, while the strange force in Pod 4 finally sends out a siren call that proves utterly irresistible.
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Jane is determined to see if she can get a boutique to drop its refusal to sell plus sized clothing after being told the store doesn’t sell that kind of clothing. Paula Abdul (”American Idol”) guest stars.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): The guys step up their security following a suspicious break-in. And Drama follows up on an insider tip on Vince’s suspected stalker.
◊“Hung” (9 p.m. on HBO): In the first-season finale, Tanya ends up battling Lenore for control of Ray, who is worried about his future after hearing rumors from Mike about layoffs at school.
◊“HGTV Design Star” (9 p.m. on HGTV): The final two designers go head to head in making over an entire home for a deserving family. Even with the help of a crew of carpenters, it’s a daunting task that takes everything they’ve got. When the dust settles, the final two designers stand before the judges one last time, and a new Design Star is chosen.
◊“King of the Hill” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the series finale, Bobby becomes quite the ladies’ man when several girls in his class consider him a potential date for the Homecoming dance. And Hank is shocked when his mother announces she is marrying a man she has only known for a few weeks.
◊“Life After” (9 p.m. on TV One): Omarosa (”The Apprentice”), Daryl “Chill” Mitchell (”Brothers”) and Al Reynolds (Star Jones’ ex) participate in this new series that explores the turning points in celebrities’ lives.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Life Born of Fire,” Lewis learns about a religious group that seems to be targeted by a serial killer.
◊“Mega Beasts” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Each episode of this new six-part series is a detective story, bringing back to life some of the biggest and most ferocious dinosaurs ever to roam the earth.  Through fossil clues and modern analogues (animals with similar traits used to suggest the mega beasts’ behavior), scientists piece together what these mysterious creatures looked like, how they behaved, how they fought, what they ate…and what ate them.
◊“One Year Later: The Week That Shook Wall Street” (9 p.m. on CNBC): A look at the unprecedented events of last September that included the 158-year-old investment bank Lehman Brothers filing for bankruptcy, the unexpected union of Bank of America and Merrill Lynch and insurance giant AIG on the brink of collapse before a government bailout.
◊“Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins” (6 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new live-action movie reveals the never-before-told story of how the Mystery Inc. gang first joined forces. The cast features Robbie Amell (”True Jackson”) as Fred, Kate Melton as Daphne, Hayley Kiyoko as Velma and Nick Palatas as Shaggy.  Frank Welker, a member of the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! voice-cast, provides the voice of Scooby-Doo.
◊“True Blood” (8 p.m. on HBO): On the second-season finale, the mayhem in Bon Temps reaches a fever pitch as Maryann prepares for her ultimate bestial sacrifice, conscripting Sookie to be maid of honor at the bloody nuptials.

MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2009
◊“Amazing Wedding Cakes” (9 p.m. on WEtv): In the second-season finale, the CakeGirls get an order for a simple white wedding cake. But what seemed like an easy cake ends up challenging Brenda when she starts to paint a quilted design.
◊“America’s Got Talent” (7 p.m. on NBC): The eight finalists perform live one last time for a chance at the $1 million prize and the title of most talented person in America. The Season 4 winner is revealed live Wednesday.
◊“Design Inc.” (11 a.m. on FLN): Host and designer Sarah Richardson is back for Season 3 of the show that offers an insider’s view into the hectic workings of an interior fine design firm.
◊“The Dr. Oz Show” (11 a.m. on KOCO-5): After five years and 55 episodes as an “Oprah” show regular, Dr. Mehmet Oz launches his own series in syndication.
◊“Dr. Phil” (3 p.m. Monday on KOCO-5): Dr. Phil McGraw will kick off Season 8 from New York City. He met with viewers in taxi cabs and at the famous Carnegie Deli.
◊“Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke” (9 p.m. on VH1): The comedian has eight children, five exes and an entourage of family and friends who make his life complete. Problem is, he is supporting them all. This new series will give viewers a chance to go along for the rollercoaster ride with Eddie as he struggles to manage it all. 
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): As the summer is drawing to a close, Blair and Chuck are madly in love and adjusting to their new “in a relationship” status, breaking all traditional rules of dating as would be expected.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): As Rusty and Jordan are awkwardly deciding when to take their relationship to the next level, the Gotcha Game comes between them as the final two players left in the game. Nora Kirkpatrick (“Dorm Life”) guest stars as the Panhellenic President, Katherine.
◊“Have Fork Will Travel” (4 p.m. on FLN): Food lover and comedian Zane Lamprey travels the globe and tries to broaden his American sensibilities as he encounters a world of strange foods and customs.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio” (7 p.m. on Bravo): Join Peter, Lois, Brian the Dog and Stewie as they recount the years they’ve spent together on the Emmy-nominated animated series “Family Guy.” The actors who provide their voices — Seth McFarlane, Alex Borstein, Mike Henry and Seth Green — are interviewed by host James Lipton.
◊“Intervention” (8 p.m. on A&E): This episode titled “Intervention in Depth: Addiction in Uniform” focuses on three Iraq veterans who have fallen into substance abuse as a result of their wartime experiences.
◊“The Jay Leno Show” (9 p.m. on NBC): Former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno moves to prime time for this weeknight talk-variety hour. His first guests are comic Jerry Seinfeld and musical artists Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna.
◊“Lincoln Heights” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In Season 4 of the NAACP Image Award-winning family drama, the Suttons find themselves dealing with the aftermath of a major earthquake that rattled the town in last season’s finale and destroyed parts of their home. Lincoln Heights has always been a community in need of nurturing, but now with the devastation brought on by the massive quake, their community is struggling to come together.
◊“Martha Speaks” (1 p.m. on OETA-13): Season 2 starts with Martha putting a value on decor by dog when her beloved napping chair winds up on the set of “Antiques Roadshow.”
◊“The Martha Stewart Show” (2 p.m. on KSBI-52): For Season 5, homemaking icon Martha Stewart launches a new monthly segment, “American Treasures.” This unprecedented look at landmark locations across the country acts as an on-air companion to print stories that will appear in Martha Stewart Living magazine throughout the year. Skylands, Martha’s home in Maine, marks the first stop of the new series. Viewers will get Martha’s personal tour of this extraordinary home, whose previous owners were Edsel and Eleanor Ford. 
◊“Monday Night Football” (6 p.m. on ESPN): Season 40 kicks off with two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady and the New England Patriots taking on wide receiver Terrell Owens and the Buffalo Bills. The commentator team of Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and analysts Ron Jaworski and Tony Kornheiser will call the game.
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): Nathan learns of a shocking accusation that could threaten his career, much to the chagrin of his sports agent Clay (new series regular Robert Buckley, “Lipstick Jungle”).
◊“The Oprah Winfrey Show” (4 p.m. on KOCO-5): Oprah launches her 24th season with what she calls “the most anticipated music interview of the decade,” a must-see television event with singing icon Whitney Houston.  This marks Houston’s first interview in nearly seven years and follows the release of her highly touted new album, “I Look To You” on Aug. 31.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on KOCO-5): Today and Tuesday, Kate Gosselin (”Jon & Kate Plus 8″) sits in for Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who is on maternity leave until mid-October.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 2009
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): Naomi is still furious with Annie from prom night and contemplates sending out a sexually explicit text message of Annie as payback. John Schneider (”Smallville”) and Rumer Willis (”Sorority Row”) guest star.
◊“Big Brother” (8:01 p.m. on CBS): The series will cap its 11th season with a live two-hour broadcast where the winner will be revealed and the houseguests will then tell-all about their explosive summer for a special season-ending event.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Host Alison Sweeney and trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels return for an eighth season of the hit weight-loss show, this time built around “second chances” for the 16 contestants which include Oklahomans Danny Cahill and Sean Algaier.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): William tries to help an old friend (Richard Lewis, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) commit to getting clean and kicking a habit that is jeopardizing his life with his wife and two kids. PK (Whoopi Goldberg, “The View”) tries to plan a surprise party in honor of William’s seven-years-sober anniversary.
◊“Eyes” (9 p.m. on DirectTV): This 2005 series, which which was canceled by ABC after five episodes, returns via DirecTV’s 101 Network, and all 12 episodes produced will air uncut, commercial free and in HD.
◊“More to Love” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 1 finale, Luke has his final one-on-one dates with the two remaining women and is forced to make a difficult decision.
◊“P.O.V.” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Principal Story,” elementary school principals Tresa Dunbar and Kerry Purcell face similar challenges at their Chicago and Springfield, Ill., schools.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): This installment looks at the deadly consequences of high school football concussions, the relationship between blacks and swimming and the decline of the sports section in U.S. newspapers.
◊“Retirement Revolution” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Paula Zahn (”Paula Zahn Now”) hosts this special in which experts analyze the financial problems of retirement and demonstrate ways to richer, healthier retirement years.
◊“Ruby & the Rockits” (7:30 p.m. on ABC Family): Shirley Jones (”The Partridge Family”) guest stars as David and Patrick’s mother, Shirley, visiting from Pittsburgh. Ruby and Shirley are off to a rocky start when Shirley insists Ruby call her Mrs. Gallagher instead of Grandma.
◊“Shaq VS” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, Shaquille O’Neal challenges 14-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps to a series of swimming races. Leading up to the challenge, Shaq learns the basics and get swimming tips from Michael Phelps’ swimming coach Bob Bowman.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16, 2009
◊“The Beautiful Life: TBL” (8 p.m. on CW): In this new series, modeling hopefuls quickly learn that behind the beautiful facade is a world of insecurity and cut-throat competition.
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 1 final, Carter is the prime suspect in the killing of an undercover DEA officer, with Jaimie, Ty and Dean as witnesses to the shooting.  But Carter’s recollection of the event involves a third person in a blue car, something none of the others remember seeing.  Andrea Roth (”Rescue Me”) guest stars
◊“Full Color Football: The History of the American Football League” (7 p.m. on Showtime): This five-part documentary follows the birth of the only league to successfully rival the NFL from its innovative and wild beginnings to the most stunning upset in pro football history and the eventual powerhouse merger.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Will forms the Acafellas, an all-male acapella vocal group, and spends more time building his own confidence than he does with the glee club. In Will’s absence, the glee club decides to hire a well-known choreographer to help coach them to Nationals. Victor Garber (”Alias”) and Josh Groban (musical artist) guest star.
◊“Great Performances” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In the special “Vienna Philharmonic Summer Concert 2009,” conductor Daniel Barenboim leads the Vienna Philharmonic in an open-air performance that includes Mozart’s “A Little Night Music” Johann Strauss’ ‘‘1001 Nights Waltz.”
◊“Truth Be Told” (8 p.m. on TLC): Three different families reveal their innermost thoughts and moments as they let the cameras witness daily life coping with Autism, Down’s syndrome and Epidermolysis Bullose (a terminal disease that causes skin to blister and detach).
◊“The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): Rampage Jackson and Rashad Evans coach the best up-and-coming mixed martial artists in the heavyweights division.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): A psychic (Cyndi Lauper, “Vibes”) leads Brennan and Booth to an unmarked grave in the Season 5 premiere.
◊“Community” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): This new comedy focuses on a group of misfits at Greendale Community College. They form a study group and eventually learn more about themselves than their course work.
◊“Extreme Cuisine With Jeff Corwin” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Renowned for his expertise in wildlife and conservation, Jeff Corwin explores human culture through regional cuisine in this new series. With an open mind (and mouth), Jeff enjoys endless surprises as he learns from the natives and samples the exotic foods and local customs that mold each community.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): Season Two opens with Olivia’s shocking return from a parallel universe, while Peter, unknowingly in a race against time with an ominous mobile force, pursues information about Olivia’s visit.
◊“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (9 p.m. on FX): In Season 5, Dennis, Mac, and Frank go into real estate, while Dee sets out to be a surrogate for a wealthy couple.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael feels left out as the rest of the office gossips about the summer interns. While Michael searched for the next juicy rumor to share, Andy struggles with heterosexuality.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): When Leslie decides to marry two penguins to promote the local zoo, she inadvertently causes an uproar when both penguins turn out to be male.
◊“Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update Thursday” (7 p.m. on NBC): For the first two episodes of this new series, Amy Poehler (”Parks and Recreation”) reunites with ◊“Saturday Night Live” star Seth Meyers behind the anchor desk that they shared on “SNL.” They will skewer today’s top stories in primetime.
◊“Survivor: Samoa” (7 p.m. on CBS): In one of the most beautiful “Survivor” locations yet, 20 castaways will be left to fend for themselves among Samoa’s white sand beaches, lush green valleys and towering waterfalls. Despite the picturesque landscape, the castaways will face exposure to elements and wildlife living in the mysterious rainforests that cover rugged volcanic mountain peaks as they try to outwit, outplay and outlast one another to win $1 million.
◊“Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo” (6 p.m. on Cinemax): This documentary follows the lives of the Eddie Warrior Correctional Center women’s team from Taft and their journey as they prepare to compete in the Oklahoma Prison Rodeo against inmates from nine other male penitentiaries.
◊“VH1 Divas” (8 p.m. on VH1): Paula Abdul (”American Idol”) hosts this live concert event featuring singers Adele, Jordin Sparks, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Miley Cyrus. The special will raise funds for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18, 2009
◊“The 2009 Alma Awards” (7 p.m. on ABC): Eva Longoria Parker (”Desperate Housewives”) and George Lopez (”The Spy Next Door”) co-host the event that celebrates outstanding achievements of Latinos in entertainment. For the first time in the history of the show, the ALMA Awards will broadcast during National Hispanic Heritage Month, a month in which all Americans learn about the Latino community and celebrate the contributions that Latinos have made to this country throughout its history.
◊“The 2009 Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards” (noon on E!): Kathy Griffin (”My Life on the D-List”) hosts the event where Emmys are handed out for technical and artistic achievement in television.
◊“Crash” (9 p.m. on Starz): Dennis Hopper (”Speed”) returns for a second season as record producer Ben Cendars, just out of rehab and searching for clues surrounding a personal mysterious death. Joining the cast this season are Eric Roberts (“Heroes”) as Seth, a billionaire entrepreneur who plans to give Los Angeles a long desired new professional football team; and Linda Park (“Star Trek: Enterprise”) as Maggie, a children’s book author who writes of a joyful life but has trouble living it.
◊“Diego’s Arctic Rescue” (9 a.m. on Nickelodeon): In this new hourlong episode, Diego and Baby Jaguar are visiting the Arctic Wildlife Rescue Center playing with the polar bears when they suddenly hear a cry for help from a Mommy Polar Bear.
◊“Guiding Light” (2 p.m. on CBS): This daytime drama, which has spanned 72 years and more than 15,700 episodes, broadcasts its final episode. Throughout its run, the show has won 69 Daytime Emmy Awards, including three for outstanding daytime drama series.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): To woo the lone holdout on the reinstatement committee, Monk accompanies Lt. Disher on a scouting trip with the man’s troublesome son where nature isn’t the only thing the troop has to fear. Alex Wolff (”The Naked Brothers Band”) and Wade Williams (”Prison Break”) guest star.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Greta Garbo was born on this day in 1905, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1940’s “I Take This Woman” (12:15 p.m.) and 1939’s “Dust Be My Destiny” (3:30 p.m.).
◊“The Troop” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new series created by Oklahomans Max Burnett and Greg Coolidge centers on three ordinary high school students who are members of a secret society and faced with the extraordinary task of managing their town’s paranormal population.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 19, 2009
◊“Busytown Mysteries” (8 a.m. on CBS): Inspired by the beloved works of best-selling children’s author Richard Scarry, this new series brings the popular adventures of Busytown to preschoolers with an educational, problem-solving twist. Children can follow classic characters such as Huckle, Sally, Lowly, Hilda, Pig Will and Pig Won’t while they scour around Busytown on fun-filled adventures looking for answers to life’s puzzles.
◊“Georgia O’Keeffe” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Joan Allen (”The Contender”) stars in the title role and also serves as producer for this new movie that not only looks at the artist’s provocative, ground-breaking art-work but also delves into her relationship with art dealer/editor Alfred Stieglitz (Jeremy Irons, “Reversal of Fortune”).
◊“Noonbory & the Super 7″ (8:30 a.m. on CBS): When trouble is brewing or super silly villainy is taking place in the whimsical world of Toobalooba, Noonbory and his sensational team of super-sensing problem solvers save the day. Each superhero “bory “has a super sense, including sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, and of course a little common sense and nonsense never hurts.
◊“Reel Impact: The 11th Hour” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): Leonardo DeCaprio (”Revolutionary Road”) narrates this documentary that explores how humanity has arrived at this moment, how we impact the Earth’s ecosystems and what we can do to change our course.
◊“Rollbots” (8 a.m. on CW): In the premiere episode of this new animated series about futuristic robots, Spin and the rest of the Flip City Police Department must deal with a bank robbery on Spin’s first day on the job.

–Penny TV

SUNDAY, SEPT. 6, 2009
◊“2009 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon” (8 p.m. Sunday to 5:30 p.m. Monday on CBS): MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis will be joined on stage by cohosts Jann Carl, Nancy O’Dell, Alison Sweeney, Ace Young and Billy Gilman. The 44th annual event will feature interviews with adults and children with muscular dystrophy and related diseases; medical and scientific research updates; and performances by entertainers, including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Tony Orlando, Charo, Wynonna, Train, Bo Bice, Terry Fator and Lee Greenwood.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): As the team intensifies their quest to find the person behind the 2005 slaying of a female cadet, Rush relives painful memories of when she forged her own difficult path as the first female homicide detective in the Philadelphia Police Department. Joe Penny (”Jake and the Fatman”) and Jessica Tuck (”Judging Amy”) guest star.
◊“Defying Gravity” (9 p.m. on ABC): It’s Halloween aboard the Antares and the forces of darkness are revealed in more ways than one, as feverish hallucinations jeopardize the lives of the crew just as they’re about to embark on a promotional event for which the whole world is waiting.
◊“Friday Night Lights” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): The parent movie of the NBC series came out in 2004 and stars Billy Bob Thornton as the coach determined to make his high school football team the best it can be. Lucas Black, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw and Connie Britton co-star.
◊“HGTV Design Star” (9 p.m. on HGTV): The three remaining designers face off as they decorate a home office for Kathy Griffin, a guest bedroom for Tiffani Thiessen and a baby nursery for Jason Priestley. With 30 hours of work time and a budget of $20,000, only two designers will survive to compete for a 50-50 chance at winning their own show on HGTV.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The worlds of no-rules boxing, Oxford dons and Cold War intrigue surround the death of a prominent don in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Music to Die For.”
◊“Nick News: $tre$$ed Out! The Economic Crisis and You” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Host Linda Ellerbee and psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere listen to a group of children from across the country who represent the spectrum of economic struggles many families face today. They also offer coping strategies to get through this difficult time.
◊“Ruby” (7 p.m. on Style Network): Season 2 concludes Ruby Gettinger visiting a teen weight-loss camp in the Poconos.  She goes to share her story and to inspire the campers, but in the end, the young campers inspire her.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): Three of the Sharks go in on a deal together for an innovative internet company with two brothers from Brazil. But just before the deal is sealed, a battle ensues and one of the Sharks is ousted.
◊“Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This new two-part documentary tells the story of the Federal Writer’s Project of the 1930s, which was one of four arts programs under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) of newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
◊“SportsCenter” (10:30 p.m. on ESPN): Mixed into the sports news of the day will be a variety of segments celebrating ESPN’s 30th anniversary. Chris Berman, Bob Ley and John Saunders will host the 90-minute special edition that includes a look back at great moments in sports over three decades and the trio’s careers at ESPN.
◊“Too Fat for 15″ (8 p.m. on Style Network): This documentary follows Georgia Davis, 15, on her quest to lose hundreds of pounds at Wellspring Academy. She spent nine months in the weight loss program where she lost more than 200 pounds, learned how to live a healthy life and turn her life around.

MONDAY, SEPT. 7, 2009
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs investigate the case of a man boiled alive, Julia spirals out of control, and one of the team’s darkest secrets comes to light. Elizabeth Berkley (”The L Word”) guest stars.
◊“Dance Your A– Off Reunion” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): This reunion special is a celebration of the transformation made by the 12 contestants who starred in the network’s first dance/weight-loss competition series. It will catch up with the contestants to see how they have changed, physically and emotionally, since they shook and rattled their rolls away.
◊“Dinosaur Train” (7 a.m. on OETA-13): This new animated preschool series follows Buddy, a preschool age Tyrannosaurus Rex, and his adoptive Pteranodon family on their adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs, creatures and reptiles. Young viewers will join the travelers on a fantastical journey through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans as they learn how to compare and contrast different dinosaurs.
◊“Durham County” (9 p.m. on ION): In this dark Canadian import, Hugh Dillon (”Flashpoint”) stars as Mike Sweeney, a police detective who moves his wife (Helene Joy), a cancer survivor, and their two daughters to the suburbs, where he encounters his former high school nemesis Ray Prager (Justin Louis).
◊“The Electric Company” (4:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This season, the series expands from Fridays to weekdays, giving young viewers a daily dose of literacy superheroes and wily pranksters. Series stars Hector, Jessica, Lisa and Keith outwit their scheming neighborhood prankster-counterparts in a way that reinforces strong literacy skills and teaches kids that reading isn’t just for school—reading is cool.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): When the fathers of ZBZ House members arrive for the Daddy/Daughter weekend, they wind up getting pulled into an explosive sisterhood fight. Tom Amandes (”Everwood”) and Kadeem Hardison (”A Different World”) guest star.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include a penny stamp that may be connected to a landmark civil rights case and meta sheets that look like printing plates for Billy Strayhorn’s “Take the A Train” performed by Duke Ellington.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted breaks Barney and Marshall’s “three days rule” by having a “text” relationship with a girl he just met, they play a cruel joke on him by pretending to be her. Rebecca Budig (”All My Children”) guest stars.
◊“The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary focuses on the final months of a General Motors assembly plant in Moraine, Ohio, which shut its doors on Dec. 23, 2008. The employees share poignant moments, such as the day every worker must remove his or her toolbox and give up their GM ID card. The special closes with footage of the actual “last truck” to be produced at Moraine Assembly.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent ” (7 p.m. on NBC): A hunky posterboy with a million-dollar torso has what others crave: sex appeal. When he shows up dead after a night of sex and drugs with an elusive woman, detectives Goren and Eames uncover the sexual paranoia behind the murder.
◊“Manson” (8 p.m. on History): This two-hour special chronicles the nine months leading up to “Helter Skelter,” as cult leader Charles Manson dubbed his 1969 crime spree in which his young followers committed one of the most horrific mass murders in American history, with pregnant actress Sharon Tate among the victims. Cult member Linda Kasabian, later the star witness for the prosecution, provides an insider’s perspective on the nightmarish event.
◊“Paint Over” (3 p.m. on HGTV): Jennifer Bertrand, the Season 3 champion of “HGTV Design Star,” will reprise her role as host and designer for this five-part series airing today through Friday. She will use her design and paint skills to makeover two rooms for a homeowner who is going through a personal life transition.
“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Anson Williams (“Happy Days”) directed this mid-season finale, in which Anne goes into labor and may not make it to the hospital in time.
“The Water Project: Bahrain” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary examines the shortage of natural water resources in the Kingdom of Bahrain caused by overdevelopment and dredging. The cost, obstacles and debates over how to solve this shortage are explored by interviewing water plant workers and everyday Bahrainis.
“Were the World Mine” (8 p.m. on Logo): This new interpretation of the classic Shakespeare comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” tells the story of Timothy, a bullied gay student at an all-boy private high school struggling to fit in with his peers while helping his mother accept his sexuality. Timothy is cast as “Puck” in the school’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” allowing him to get closer to his crush Jonathan, a straight jock who is cast as one of the play’s lead roles.
“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (noon on KOCB-34): A new addition for Season 8 is “Tournament of Ten,” which will feature the 10 best contestants playing to win the show’s top prize of $1-million.  Players earning a spot for the tournament will be seeded, based on how much money they won and how quickly they answered their questions.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 2009
◊“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Summer school is out at West Beverly High School, and the students hit the Beverl Hills Beach Club. Trevor Donovan (“Days of Our Lives”) guest stars.
◊“America’s Got Talent” (7 p.m. on NBC): The votes are in and four acts from the previous night move on to the finals for a chance at the $1 million prize and becoming the most talented person in America.
◊“Celebrity Rides: Jay’s Duesenberg” (8 p.m. on DIY): This six-part series provides an in-depth look at the restoration of Jay Leno’s famed “Last Duesenberg.”
◊“Chopped” (9 p.m. on Food Network): In the first installment of a special four-part series, previous episode winners return to compete again.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): A former client and undercover narc for the FBI calls on William to save his drug-addicted girlfriend, who happens to be the daughter of a powerful Mexican drug dealer. William finds himself in over his head, though, when dealers threaten his family and team as they look for a cache of drugs stolen by the former client.
◊“Curious George,” (7 a.m. on OETA-13): Season 4 of the Emmy Award-winning series finds America’s Favorite Little Monkey introducing preschoolers to the concepts of health and fitness and welcoming a brand new character, Allie Whoops­, as his newest partner in curiosity.
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): The chefs are invited to show off their international flair when both teams are asked to create crepes. While the winning team enjoys an afternoon at a French restaurant, the losing team faces a setback when one of their own is injured during preparations for dinner service.
◊“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): The 1992-99 Fox nighttime soap opera gets a reboot on a new network, with Laura Leighton reprising her original role as Sydney Andrews, who now is the landlady of the titular Spanish-style Los Angeles apartment building. Original cast member Thomas Calabro also reprises his role as Dr. Michael Mancini.
◊“POV” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new documentary “The English Surgeon,” celebrated neurosurgeon Dr. Henry Marsh faces obstacles and archaic medical conditions in the Ukraine as he treats desperate patients.
◊“Shaq VS” (8 p.m. on ABC): NBA standout Shaquille O’Neal will challenge championship fighter Oscar de la Hoya to a five-round heavy-hitting matchup exhibition. Leading up to the challenge, Shaq will get boxing tips and be coached by Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, while Oscar “The Golden Boy” de la Hoya gets trained by “the Executioner” Bernard Hopkins for this contest between speed and power.
◊“Sons of Anarchy” (8 p.m. on FX): With the motorcycle club divided in the wake of Donna’s death, Clay sets up a new gun deal with the IRA. Meanwhile, a white separatist group takes root in Charming. Adam Arkin and Henry Rollins join the cast.
◊“Starz Inside: Comics on Screen” (9 p.m. on Starz): Thsi new special explores how many comedians transitioned from stand-up to the big screen. Those interviewed include George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer, Tim Allen, Dane Cook, Rosie O’Donnell, Andrew Dice Clay, Frank Caliendo, Tom Arnold, Judah Friedlander, and actor/director Harold Ramis. 
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): “Today’s Search for the Lost Symbol” is a weeklong countdown to the release of bestselling author Dan Brown’s new novel “The Lost Symbol.” The segment concludes with host Matt Lauer’s interview with Brown on Sept. 15.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on KOCO-5): Meghan McCain, daughter of former GOP presidential candidate John McCain, is this week’s featured guest co-host. She is sitting in for Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who is currently on maternity leave and is scheduled to return to the show in mid-October.
◊“Yellowstone: Land to Life” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmed over two years through all seasons, this film presents a lyrical interpretation of the sweeping geologic story of the famous national park.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): Season 13 will features contestants all 5-foot-7 and under. Guest judges this season include Chanel Iman, Lauren Conrad, Jaime Rishar, China Chow, Josie Maran, Jessica White, Kim Kardashian, Kirsty Hume, Marisa Miller and Ann Shoket. The winner will receive a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics, a contract with Wilhelmina Models and a cover and six-page spread in Seventeen Magazine.
◊“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.
◊“The Day Before” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This four-part series goes behind-the-scenes in the final hours leading up to major fashion shows — Sonia Rykiel (today), Proenza Schouler (Thursday), Fendi by Karl Lagerfeld (Friday) and Joean Paul Gaultier (Saturday).
◊“Destination Truth” (9 p.m. on Syfy): World traveler and intrepid explorer Josh Gates will return to host nine all-new episodes – each an off-the-map adventure in search of the answers to some of the world’s most intriguing unexplained mysteries.
◊“Families Stand Together: Feeling Secure in Tough Times” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Al Roker (”Today”), Deborah Roberts (Al Roker’s wife) and Elmo (”Sesame Street”) hosts this special that aims to help families with children, ages two to eight, experiencing difficult economic circumstances by offering strategies and tips that can lead to positive outcomes for their children’s physical and emotional well-being during this tough economic climate.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): The Glee Club performs in front of the school for the first time and pushes their performance to the limits. When Quinn realizes Rachel’s realizes her feelings for Finn, she goes to great lengths to keep her man.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Detective Stabler’s daughter is called in to help when a teenager is brutally beaten after her nude photos are spread throughout her high school.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT):  In the summer finale, the Leverage team helps the director of a charity get her rightful benefit. Jeri Ryan (”Star Trek: Voyager”) guest stars as Tara, a grifter who helps out the team.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine’s plan to prove that she’s comfortable with Richard’s remarriage backfires when the date she’s supposedly “in love with” acts obnoxiously at the rehearsal dinner, and Matthew hooks up with New Christine’s sister. Lee Tergesen (”Oz) guest stars.
◊“Nostradamus Effect” (8 p.m. on History): This new series examines the most chilling prophecies of Nostradamus. The premiere episode “The Third Anti-Christ” explores how believers in the writings of Nostradamus think Napoleon Bonaparte and Adolf Hitler were two of the Antichrists he predicted. Those same believers now are searching for evidence that the third is already here.
◊“Playbooks & Profits: Inside the NFL” (7 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC sports business reporter Darren Rovell reports live from Pittsburgh, the site of the NFL season opener, taking viewers inside America’s most popular and profitable game with the sport’s most powerful insiders.
◊“So You Think You Can Dance” (7 p.m. on Fox): It’s time to pop, lock and drop in to Season 6 of the dance show featuring new contestants and the best and worst of auditions. The first audition stop is Los Angeles.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on KOCO-5): Meghan McCain, daughter of former GOP presidential candidate John McCain, is this week’s featured guest co-host. She is sitting in for Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who is currently on maternity leave and is scheduled to return to the show in mid-October.
◊“Your Life, Your Money” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Donald Faison (“Scrubs”) hosts this special that presents a broad range of fundamental financial information for young adults — from basic banking to credit debt.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 2009
◊“The Doctors” (3 p.m. on KWTV-9): Ryan O’ Neill and Alana Stewart  are joined by Farah’s oncologist, Dr. Lawrence  Piro, to discuss Farah’s courageous battle against anal cancer, her final hours, and the pivotal role of caregiver that Farah’s life-partner Ryan and best friend Alana assumed during Farah’s illness.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): In a rebroadcast of the first season finale. Viewers find out more about the mysterious events surrounding the elusive William Bell (Leonard Nimoy, “Star Trek”). Season 2 premieres Sept. 17.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (7 p.m. on ABC): As preparations continue for Meredith and Derek’s wedding, Izzie receives a surprise hospital visit from her handful-of-a-mother, Robbie (Sharon Lawrence, “NYPD Blue”).
◊“Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): Season 6 opens with Dean and Sam watching as the Devil (Mark Pellegrino, “Lost”) emerges from Hell.
“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): This series is adapted from L.J. Smith’s popular book series about a pair of vampire brothers, one good (Paul Wesley, “Fallen”), one evil (Ian Somerhalder, ‘‘Lost”), as they battle for the soul of a beautiful teenage girl (Nina Dobrev, “Degrassi: The Next Generation”) who recently lost both her parents in a car accident.
◊“Wicked Attraction” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): When teenagers Sarah Edmondson and Ben Barras meet in an Oklahoma commune, a tragic relationship is formed. Together, the two are a violent duo that travels across the country killing anyone in their path. The trail foes cold for nearly a year until the two start to brag about their exploits and investigators catch wind.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 2009
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” (7 p.m. on Fox): Astrophysicist, cosmologist and Nobel Prize winner George F. Smoot III competes for $1 million by testing his elementary school knowledge in subjects ranging from art to geography and math to social studies.
◊“Freedom Songs: The Music of the Civil Rights Movement” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special documents how a few daring musical innovators stood at the vortex of two revolutions — one cultural, the other musical — and forever changed America and the world.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk’s phobias threaten to undermine a big murder case when an aggressive defence attorney targets the detective’s unconventional methods in court. Jay Mohr (“Gary Unmarried”) guest stars.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team investigate a string of copycat bank robberies and zero in on disgraced FBI Agent Roger Bloom (Henry Winkler, “Happy Days”) as a suspect when they discover he has been studying the files of some of the original bank heists.
◊“Southland” (7 p.m. on NBC): The day takes a turn for the worse when officers find a member of Marta’s Avenue gang dead in a trunk outside Dodger Stadium.
◊“20/20″ (9 p.m. on ABC): In the season premiere, La Toya Jackson, who signed Michael Jackson’s death certificate, will discuss her close relationship with her brother and reveal why she believes he was murdered. The no-holds-barred interview with Barbra Walters will cover topics including her impressions of Michael’s children and her insight into the Jackson family.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): The sudden death of a Mode editor leaves Betty and Marc competing for the same job. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina demands that Claire tender her resignation at a big awards ceremony. Christopher Gorham (”Harper’s Island”) guest stars.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 2009
◊“Adoption Diaries” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Each episode of this new series follows a different compelling story from the beginning stages, as a birth mother is faced with the daunting task of choosing her baby’s future family. Viewers follow along as a couple is selected and hear their own unique story, many of which include years of roller coaster emotions surrounding their infertility, the decision to adopt and the overall process itself.
◊“America’s Most Wanted” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 23 premiere, host John Walsh tells the story of an incredibly brave girl who survived a vicious, near fatal attack and who as an adult, still waits for her attacker to be taken off the streets.
◊“Citizen Jane” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Ally Sheedy (“Noise”), and Meat Loaf (“Fight Club”) star on this true story of the lone woman who refused to let a killer escape.
◊“Cops” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the season premiere, an elderly couple leads officers on a dirt road car chase that ends in serious injuries.
◊“Lightning Strikes” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Kevin Sorbo (“Hercules”) stars in this new original movie about a creature that rides lightning bolts to earth and attacks a small town.
◊“The Locator” (8 p.m. on WEtv): Enid native Troy Dunn continues his 19-year personal mission to reunite loved ones and reconnect lives. In Season 3, he helps New Orleans Saints football player Paul Spicer search for the father he has never known, a recovering-alcoholic father search for the daughter he was kept away from and a terminally ill cancer patient search for her father. There are many different outcomes, but at the end of every episode, there will be a much-needed discovery for the people wanting to find a missing piece of their history. 
◊“My Nanny’s Secret” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Haylie Duff (”7th Heaven”) stars in this new movie about a home invasion robbery that ends in tragedy when a member of the wealthy Tyrell family is killed. The family’s live-in nanny begins to secretly suspect that her troubled brother may be the murderer, but she is unwilling to share her suspicions until she is certain.
◊“Reel Impact: The Last Beekeeper” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): This special follows the lives of three commercial beekeepers over a year-long period as they struggle to come to terms with a worldwide shrinking of bee populations. The phenomenon threatens crops and the food supply, as well as the livelihoods of beekeepers. 
◊“Robin Hood” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Season three kicks off when Robin and his gang of outlaws return from the Holy Land. But now that he’s back, Robin wastes no time – Marian’s murderer, Guy of Gisborne (Armitage), is a marked man. Robin immediately breaks with his followers, and races to Locksley Manor to avenge her death.
◊“Sit Down, Shut Up” (11 p.m. on Fox): The animated show, which came and quickly went, will burn-off its nine remaining episodes. Upcoming talk/variety hour “The Wanda Sykes Show” will inherit the time period on Nov. 7.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Viewers ask if they can afford a tornado shelter. Also an aspiring actress digs deep to find out how she got into over $30,000 of debt.

–Penny TV

Pictured above: ESPN Photo featuring Cole Johanson with Chris Paul.

10 Things I Hate About You (ABC Family 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 5.
   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
••“Ruby,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Style Network (second-season premiere).
••“Untamed & Uncut,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“Ham on the Street,” 1 p.m. Monday on FLN (series premiere).
••“Desperate Landscapes,” 8 p.m. Monday on DIY(fifth-season premiere).
••“SportsNation,” 3 p.m. Monday on ESPN2 (series premiere).
••“Great American Road Trip,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC (series premiere).
••“10 Things I Hate About You,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on ABC Family (series premiere).
••“Warehouse 13,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on SYFY (series premiere).
••“Ghost Hunters International,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on SYFY (second-season premiere).
••“Time Team America,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on OETA-13 (series premiere).
••“The Chicas Project,” 6 p.m. Thursday on mun2 (fourth-season premiere).
••“Big Brother,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CBS (11th-season premiere).
••“LA Ink,” 9 p.m. Thursday on TLC (third-season premiere).
••“Wicked Attraction,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Investigation Discovery (second-season premiere).
••“Against the Grain,” 1 p.m. Friday on DIY (series premiere).
••“The Assistants,” 7:30 p.m. Friday on The N (series premiere).
••“Eureka,” 8 p.m. Friday on SYFY (third season resumes).
••“Viva Daisy!” 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (second-season premiere).
••“Keyshawn Johnson: Tackling Design,” 11 a.m. Saturday on A&E (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“In the Motherhood,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on ABC (series finale).
••“Eli Stone,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC (series finale).
••“Harper’s Island,” 9 p.m. Saturday on CBS (series finale).

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