Top 55 TV Programs for July 5-11, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of July 5:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JULY 5
◊“18 Pregnant Schoolgirls” (9 p.m. on BBC America): This documentary tells the story of what happened when an unusually large number of teenage girls in Gloucester, Mass., turned up for pregnancy tests at a school clinic. Officials announced that they would be investigating an apparent teenage “pregnancy pact” responsible for the fact that at least 17 girls in the high school were expecting babies, four times more than the previous year.
◊“Angel and the Badman” (8 p.m. on Hallmark): John Wayne’s grandson, Brendan Wayne, appears in a remake of the Duke’s 1947 classic. The Western also stars Lou Diamond Phillips and Luke Perry as a pair of rival outlaws, one trying to change his ways and the other which murder on his mind.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): Rush and team reopen the 2005 murder case of a young African-American politician who vowed to rid the lower-class neighborhood he grew up in of drug dealers who prey on young kids. Jonathan LaPaglia (”The District”) guest stars as Assistant District Attorney Curtis Bell.
◊“Hannah Montana” (7 p.m. on Disney): In the one-hour special titled “He Could Be the One?,” Miley tries to tell Robby that she’s dating Jake Ryan (Cody Linley, “Dancing With the Stars”) again. Brooke Shields reprises her roles as Miley’s late mother.
◊“Malcolm in the Middle” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Twentieth Television’s complete seven-season library of the award-winning series joins the network’s lineup. It centers on teen genius Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) and his dysfunctional family and originally ran from 2000-6 on Fox.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Julia McKenzie (”Cranford”) takes over the role of spinster sleuth Jane Marple in a new series of Agatha Christie-based mysteries that opens with “A Pocket Full of Rye.” She investigates the deaths of a businessman, his young wife and their housemaid under circumstances that bizarrely recall a nursery rhyme.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): Merlin barely escapes the attack of a magical winged creature when a young man, Lancelot, appears and fighhts the creature away. Merlin sets out of a mission to convince Arthur of Lancelot’s nobility and great fighting skills.
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Rachael Ray (”Rachael Ray”) challenges the remaining six finalists to create kid-friendly dishes and convince a group of children to experiment with food they’ve never tried before.
◊“Ruby” (7 p.m. on Style Network): After capturing viewers’ hearts last season and after a 100-pound weight loss, southern sweetheart Ruby Gettinger continues her journey to lose weight and get healthy. Hard work and determination pay off as she passes below 350 pounds for the first time in her adult life (having once weighed 716 pounds).
◊“Untamed & Uncut” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): The second season of extreme animal stories takes viewers on a journey around the world to meet the people whose lives are forever changed by their heart-pounding encounters with animals. The season premiere includes an encounter between a hawk and a cockatoo and its handler.
MONDAY, JULY 6
◊“100 Concerts in 100 Days” (10 a.m. and 10 p.m. today through Oct. 13 on VH1 Classic): New and historically significant rock concerts and festivals will air over the next 100 days. The concert series kicks off with the “Us Festival” from 1983 featuring INXS, The Clash, Men at Work, and The English Beat. Additional highlights from the 100 days of programming include “Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same,” “Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band: Live in NYC,” “Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon” and “Iron Maiden: Somewhere Back in Time.”
◊“Desperate Landscapes” (8 p.m. on DIY): In Seson 5, licensed general contractor Jason Cameron visits a viewer’s home armed with a wheelbarrel full of creative solutions to the toughest lanscaping problems. In one day, Jason and his team transform the property into a show place.
◊“The Great Debate” (9 p.m. today through Friday on VH1): Boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer, famous for this catchphrase “Let’s get ready to rumble,” hosts this five-night event that will settle the most burning questions and heated debates of pop culture. Celebrities, including Gilbert Gottfried, Hulk Hogan, Jerry Springer and Perez Hilton, will appear to make their arguments regarding “Star Trek” vs. “Star Wars,” Beatles vs. Rolling Stones and boxers vs. briefs.
◊“Ham on the Street” (1 p.m. on FLN): George Duran, a young chef and comic, hosts this show that combines food facts and hiden-camera comedy. He also creates fast and easy dishes for the everyday cook.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items invedstigated include a gun that may have belonged to a member of Al Capone’s gang, a letter allegedly written by John Wilkes Booth’s father and a device meant to guard against grave robbers.
◊“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (9 p.m. on Bravo): After failing to win a Grammy, Kathy decides to try to reclaim the spotlight by writing a tell-all book about her friends and family. Michael McDonald (“MADtv”) and Nicole Sullivan (“Rita Rocks”) guest star.
◊“King of Dirt” (8:30 p.m. on DIY): Licensed landscape contractor Gino Panaro doesn’t use a computer or graphic technology to create an outdoor space. He uses his imagination and his hands to make high-end landscapes.
◊“SportsNation” (3 p.m. on ESPN2): This new series hosted by Colin Cowherd and Michelle Beadle invites viewers to weigh in on topics via e-mail, text, Twitter or telephone. Fans will determine what the topics are, and they can also interact with the hosts, producers, athletes and coaches appearing on the show.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Janet Leigh was born on this day in 1927, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1951’s “Angels in the Outfield” (9:15 a.m.) and 1953’s “Houdini” (3 p.m.).
TUESDAY, JULY 7
◊“10 Things I Hate About You” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This new series inspired by the 1999 movie of the same name stars Larry Miller (reprising movie role) as the over-protective father to the Stratford sisters — Kat (Lindsey Shaw, “Aliens in America”), a feminist with a razor-sharp tongue, and Bianca (Meaghan Martin, “Camp Rock”), a girl with a plan to climb the social ladder at her new school. Ethan Peck (“Adopt a Sailor” and grandson of Gregory Peck) plays resident bad boy Patrick Verona (originated by Heath Ledger in the 1999 film).
◊“Fantastic Plastic Brain” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This two-part special tells the story of people with braisn that have the capacity to adapt under extraordinary circumstances.
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): Comic Reno Collier hosts this eight-episode reality series in which seven families from Texas, Illinois, New York, California, Alabama and Connecticut take a memorable journey together along Route 66, competing in a series of challenges along the way that will reward one family with a dream prize.
◊“NOVA scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment focuses on the Kepler telescope, using computers to authenticate paintings and discovering genes for Alzheimer’s and autism.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Promising guitarist Jason Crigler seemed to be on the fast track for stardom before he suffered a near-fatal brain hemorrhage during a 2004 performance date in Manhattan, leaving him in a near-vegetative state. His friend, filmmaker Eric Daniel Metzger, chronicles the journey that followed in ‘‘Life.Support.Music.”
◊“State of Creativity” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): To prove that Oklahomans are creative, the show’s producers picked one county in the state as the focal point for Season 2. The result is 10 stories from Noble County, from an innovative farmer to a unique prairie learning experience.
◊“Warehouse 13″ (8 p.m. on SYFY, formerly called SCI FI): Eddie McClintock (“Crumbs”) and Joane Kelly (”Vanished”) star in this new series that follows Secret Service agents who are reassigned to a strange warehouse in South Dakota that houses a wild collection of supernatural objects.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
◊“Baseball Wives: True Hollywood Story” (9 p.m. on E!): This installment spends a “day in the life” of baseball wives to bring viewers the play-by-play of what their lives are really like. Among those featured are Heidi Hamels, wife of Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels; Carrie Proctor, wife of Florida Marlins pitcher Scott Proctor; and Katie Hamilton, wife of Texas Rangers player Josh Hamilton.
◊“The Conscience of Nhem En” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This documentary short revisits Cambodia 30 years after Khmer Rouge’s reign, when 16-year-old soldier Nhem En was instructed to photograph thousands of men, women and children as they passed through a processing center on their way to certain death. The portraits he took bear witness to the unspeakable suffering and loss endured by the country.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Gary learns the lesson of never mixing business with family when he’s is forced to lean on Allison’s brother (Matthew Lillard, “Scooby-Doo”) for financial guidance after he is faced with an audit from the Internal Revenue Service.
◊“Ghost Hunters International” (8 p.m. on SYFY): Season 2 returns with a squad of real-life “ghost-busters” — ordinary people who investigate and attempt to debunk claims of otherworldly activity. This summer, the team travels to Austria, Ireland, Italy, Chile, Argentina and the Czech Republic in pursuit of the truth behind bizarre supernatural claims.
◊“I’m a Major League Eater” (9 p.m. on BIO): This special uncovers the competitive world of professional eating and explores the preparation rituals of the eaters. There are currently 100 high octane competitive eating events in the United States and more than 9,000 active members in the sport of Major League Eating.
◊“Okie Noodling II” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): In 2002, filmmaker Bradley Beasley brought the strange subculture of bare-handed catfishing to TV audiences. In this sequel, Beesley returns to his home state of Oklahoma to chronicle the sport’s evolution over the last decade. Lee McFarlin, 2005 Okie Noodling Champion, is featured.
◊“Time Team America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new series takes viewers to major U.S. historical site with a crack archaeological team that has three days to make a discovery. The team of scholars and scientists must use their combined skills and knowledge to find out what time itself has buried. Dr. Joe Watkins, Director of the Native American Studies Program at the University of Oklahoma, is a member of the team.
◊“Top Chef Masters” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Chefs Anita Lo, Douglas Rodriguez, John Besh and Mark Peel must cook eggs with one hand tied behind their backs, then dazzle several high-profile guests including Neil Patrick Harris (”How I Met Your Mother”), with their culinary artistry.
◊“Wide Angle” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Heart of Jenin” recounts a tragic 2005 incident on the West Bank, where a 12-year-old Palestinian boy was fatally shot by Israeli soldiers who mistook his toy gun for a real weapon.
THURSDAY, JULY 9
◊“Big Brother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Julie Chen returns for an eleventh season as host, and a new group of strangers share a house outfitted with dozens of cameras and microphones recording their every move, 24 hours a day. One by one, the Houseguests will vote each other out of the house. At the end of three months, the last remaining Houseguest will receive the Grand Prize of $500,000.
◊“The Chicas Project” (6 p.m. on mun2): Crash and Yasmin are back for their fourth season of this reality lifestyle series. They once again criss-cross the Unites States finding thrills, spills and adventures. This time along the way, the chicas collect the thoughts and concerns of young Latinas across the country, head to Capitol Hill, and present their accumulated messages to the President & CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): During the course of an investigation, the CSIs discover that their victim, a young woman who was murdered and found with several different blood types in her system, is the daughter of a wanted criminal. Nicholas Turturro (”I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”) giest stars.
◊“In the Motherhood” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): In the series finale, Jane (Cheryl Hines) needs to prove to her boss that she still has what it takes to be a great employee and that motherhood isn’t getting in the way of her work. Meanwhile, Rosemary (Megan Mullally) makes Horatio choose between being friends with her or a fellow nanny.
◊“Inside Track: Refueling the Business of NASCAR” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This documentary takes viewers inside the garage of driver-turned-owner Tony Stewart and offers a never-before-seen look at how NASCAR sponsors are looking for business from each other.
◊“LA Ink” (9 p.m. on TLC): Tattoo artist Kat Von D returns to TLC for a third season of her reality series. While Kat is focused on expanding her product line and writing a new book, the shop faces unexpected – and unwelcome – changes. The introduction of new shop manager, Aubry Fisher, (from “Rock of Love” fame) is just one example.
◊“Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-Up” (9 p.m. on Starz): Doug Williams (”The Bernie Mac Show”) returns as host of the show that presents up-and-coming comics and established stars performing before a live audience.
◊“Samantha Who?” (7 p.m. on ABC): Samantha is shocked to learn that she has been kept in the dark about having an aunt (Christine Ebersole, “Grey Gardens”) and a grandmother (Florence Henderson, “The Brady Bunch”) because of a feud over a family heirloom between Regina and her sister.
◊“Soundstage” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Indie rock favorite-turned-mahor-label sensation Death Cab for Cutie presenst a set that includes songs from the band’s new EP “The Open Door” and the 2008 studio album “Narrow Stairs.”
◊“Wicked Attraction” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The series returns for a second season of examining what happens in the mind of the average person when they fall under the spell of a sadistic predator.
FRIDAY, JULY 10
◊“Against the Grain” (1 p.m. on DIY): In this new series, master builder Jimmy DiResta brings his unique blend of function and artistry to even the simplest projects, such as barstools made from baseball bats and pool tables that concert to dining room tables.
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on Fox): Larry the Cable Guy (“The Blue Collar Comedy Tour”) competes for $1 million by testing his knowledge in the subjects ranging from art to geography and math to social studies. There is a way for him to “cheat” in this classroom, as he can get help from real grade-schoolers who will offer what they think is the correct answer.
◊“The Assistants” (7:30 p.m. on The N): This new 13-episode series takes a comedic look at four showbiz assistants working for a big-shot producer as they strive to make it in Hollywood. Coffee runs, answering phones and helping actresses break out of rehab are just part of the glamorous and not-so-glamorous lives of these four 20-somethings.
◊“Crimson Tide” (7 p.m. on Bravo): This 1995 post-Cold War drama stars Gene Hackman as a submarine commander and Denzel Washington as his executive officer. When an unconfirmed order instructs the crew to fire the sub’s nuclear missiles, the two go head to head in a tense standoff.
◊“Eureka” (8 p.m. on SYFY): The second half of Season 3 picks up at the mid-season cliffhanger with Jack Carter being removed from his job as Eureka’s sheriff and Allison announcing that she is expecting her recently-deceased husband’s baby.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a vigilante group goes after a known criminal mastermind, Charlie is forced to turn to his rival for help. Also, Don wrestles with his emotions towards embracing religion. Colin Hanks (”Roswell”) guest stars.
◊“The River Wild” (5 p.m. on HBO): In this 1994 action thriller, Meryl Streep plays an unhappy wife and former white-water guide who takes her husband and son on a river expedition. After coming to the aid of two young rafters, the family is soon at the mercy of murderous thieves on a harrowing trip through some dangerous rapids.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
◊“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installment of the locally-produced program visits the Rock Cafe in Stroud, the world’s highest hill near Poteau and the Ames Meteor Crater.
◊“Eli Stone” (9 p.m. on ABC): In the series finale, Eli’s visions leads him to believe someone close to him will die in a plane crash. As Eli tries to unravel the mystery of who among his friends may meet their fate on the doomed plane, he and Keith take on the case of a woman named Diane who’s in need of a heart transplant, but the religious parents of a donor refuse to give her their daughter’s heart to her because she is an atheist. Tom Cavanagh (”Ed”) guest stars.
◊“The Gambler, the Girl and the Gunslinger” (8 p.m. on Hallmark): When con man Shea McCall (Dean Cain) wins ownership of half of a cattle ranch, he immediately butts heads with BJ Stoker (James Tupper), the hard-nosed owner of the other half of the ranch. But when the two uncover a secret Mexican invasion plot, they’ll have to put aside their differences in order to save the ranch, whoever’s property it is.
◊“Keyshawn Johnson: Tackling Design” (11 a.m. on A&E): In this new series, former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson tries to negotiate clients and a cast of assistants while tackling a variety of interior design dilemmas. From a master bedroom to a gourmet kitchen, Johnson and his team will show clients how to work within their budget to make choices that make sense.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): David finds out where his true loyalties lie when he goes on trial for treason.
◊“Primeval” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Abby’s visiting brother, Jack, persists in snooping around in an attempt to find out the truth about her job but only winds up being menaced by a giant and very lethal carnivorous insect from the future that chases him into an anomaly. That forces the team to enter a harsh futuristic world teeming with hungry predators to rescue him.
◊“Tombstone” (7 p.m. on History): In this 1993 adaptation of the O.K. Corral story, Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) gets out of Dodge and attempts to settle down in Tombstone, Ariz., with his brothers (Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton) and buddy Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer). But Wyatt can’t hang up his six-shooters until he takes care of the outlaw gang that’s stirring up trouble.
◊“Viva Daisy!” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Host Daisy Martinez returns for a second season of giving viewers tips and tricks for creating quick, simple, mouth-watering meals inspired by her love of Latin cuisines.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for April 26-May 2, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 26:
SUNDAY, APRIL 26
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team reopens a 1963 murder case of a nomadic pool hustler when the long-hidden murder weapon is found during the renovation of a pool hall where the victim played days before his death. Eion Bailey (“Band of Brothers”) guest stars.
◊“Daisy of Love” (8 p.m. on VH1): In this new series, Daisy De a Hoya, runner-up on “Rock of Love 2,” kicks off a quest for true love, She will have 20 men vying for her love and competing to win her heart.
◊“Guy’s Big Bite” (10 a.m. on Food Network): In the Season 6 premiere, Guy Fieri fires up the oven for a special pizza night at home. He whips up a refreshing salad and shares recipes for two flavor-packed pizza pies.
◊“Journey to the End of the World” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): Lester Holt (“Weekend Today”) narrates this special that documents the 2006 TARA Expedition that took a small band of scientists to the North Pole in dead of winter. Includes are CGI sequences depicting the world at the height of the last ice age 20,000 years ago when one-third of the planet was an ice ball.
◊“Last Cake Standing” (7 p.m. on Food Network): The final three competitors endure a 24-hour cake-making marathon.
Strategy, endurance and skills are tested and one talented cake artist is crowned the winner and gets $50,000.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Jeff Golblum joins the cast as Det. Zack Nichols. In his first case, he teams up with Det. Megan Wheeler (Julianne Nicholson) to investigate the stabbing of an artist in a neighborhood rife with ethnic tensions.
◊“Leader of the Pack” (7 p.m. on HGTV): This new series will follow the trials and tribulations of a family in search for the perfect pet. Eight canines are in the running, and through a series of challenges, the family must decide whether a dog stays or moves on to another loving home.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A back country ski trip at Mount Nemesis turns to tragedy when two skiers get caught in an avalanche in 2004. A rescue is performed by a helicopter crew flying in heavy snowfall and landing under circumstances so dangerous that it was uncertain if the helicopter could even lift off again.
◊“Tuba U: Basso Profundo” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This special follows an unusual 22-piece musical ensemble into the recording studio, across the U.S. and onto the stage of Carnegie Hall.
◊“TV Land Awards ’09” (7 p.m. on TV Land): Neil Patrick Harris hosts the seventh annual event that celebrates the best and the brightest from television history. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”) will receive the Legacy of Laughter Award, while “Magnum P.I.” gets the Hero Award.
MONDAY, APRIL 27
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment titled ‘‘Trail of Tears” chronicles the 1838 forced march of thousands of Cherokee from their homes in the southeastern United States to eastern Oklahoma. More than 4,000 Indians died of disease and starvation along the way. Oklahoma born actor Wes Studi, a Cherokee, portrays Major Ridge.
◊“Animal Cops: Philadelphia” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special episode revisits a puppy mill that was raided in summer 2008. It follows the fate of the kennel owner and the dogs that were rescued.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (7 p.m. on CBS): Leonard and Koothrappali take a heartbroken Wolowitz to Las Vegas, leaving Sheldon locked out of his apartment and forced to bunk with Penny. Jodi Lyn O’Keefe (“Prison Break”) guest stars.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): In the Season 2 finale, Chuck must save his sister’s wdding and her life. Morgan Fairchild (”Falcon’s Crest”) and Bruce Boxleitner (”Babylon 5″) guest star.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a reality star is murdered, the CSIs delve into the scandalous, sexy world of a TV dating show. Diedrich Bader (“The Drew Carey Show”) and Kelly Overton (“The Ring Two”) guest star.
◊“For the Love of Ray J Reunion Show” (9 p.m. on VH1): Tune in to see the eliminated women give Ray J (and each other) a piece of their mind.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): Georgina (Michelle Trachtenberg, “17 Again”) returns to the Upper East Side after undergoing a major transformation. Chuck and Nate find themselves at a major crossroads in their relationship as it pertains to their mutual interest in Blair.
◊“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): When Frannie challenges the sisterhood of ZBZ girls, Casey retaliates by challenging the IKI’s to a game of dodgeball. Andrew J. West (“Rockville, CA”) guest stars.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): As Volume 4: Fugitives comes to a close, the fight to stop Sylar has consequences that will change everything. Michael Dorn (”Star Trek: The Next Generation”) guest stars.
◊“Nightly Business Report” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): The news program concludes its three-part series titled “Native American Entrepreneurs” with a profile of the Oklahoma City-based Bank2, which is owned by the Chickasaw Tribe. Bank2 is focusing on the lending needs of the nation’s American Indian population, as well as the housing shortage that exists on many reservations.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Nathan questions his dreams of playing in the NBA while Haley receives an unexpected offer from Nick Lachey (”Charmed”).
◊“Pros vs. Joes: All Stars” (10 p.m. on SPIKE): The roster of pros for Season 4 includes gridiron greats Tim Brown, Simeon Rice, Priest Holmes, Adam Jones, Steve McNair and Rich Gannon and hardwood heroes Alonzo Mourning, Robert Horry, Antoine Walker, Shawn Kemp, Eddie Jones and Ron Harper.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Chelsea sets Alan up on a blind date with her new friend, who happens to be former Charlie-stalking neighbor Rose (Melanie Lynskey, reprising her former role).
◊“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy” (9 a.m. on Nickelodeon): Beyonce Knowles (“Obsessed”) guest stars as the voice of Shine, the lead singer of the Wubb Girlz. The four music-filled “Wubb Girlz” episodes, airing today through Thursday, will feature a new original song composed and performed by Knowles titled “Sing a Song.”
TUESDAY, APRIL 28
◊“According to Jim” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Jim convinces Andy to play snow football even though Andy’s girlfriend, Mandy, warns him against it. Now injured, Andy has to hide his injury from Mandy, so Jim stages a freak accident for Andy in his home. Garry Marshall (“Race to Witch Mountain”) guest stars as the doctor.
◊“Dallas DNA” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series chronicles a pioneering unit within the Dallas County District Attorney’s office where post-conviction DNA testing is being used to clear the innocent and confirm the guilty.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This year, hundreds of thousands of prisoners with serious mental illnesses will be released into communities across America. This new report tited “The Released” looks at what happens when to the mentally ill when they leave prison and why they return at such alarming rates.
◊“Homestretch: Racehorse Rescue” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This new special documents the fates of losing race horses and the lifesaving rehabilitation they can share with prisoners on their way back to society.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): A young child goes missing and her young mother is the prime suspect. Hilary Duff (”A Cinderella Story”) and Gail O’Grady (”Living Out Loud”) guest star.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The body of a Marine leads Gibbs and McGee to the NCIS division in Los Angeles, where a murder investigation quickly climbs to a matter of national security in which the two offices must work together to resolve. Peter Cambor (”Notes From The Underbelly”), LL Cool J (Grammy winner) and Chris O’Donnell (”Grey’s Anatomy”) guest star.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a missing journalist who recently graduated from reporting celebrity gossip to writing hard-hitting exposés for an on-line magazine and question whether the subject of one of her stories is to blame for her disappearance. Nicholle Tom (”The Nanny”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Lionel Barrymore was born on this day in 1878, and TCM celebrates by airing nine of his films, including 1933’s “One Man’s Journey” (6:30 a.m.) and 1944’s “Between Two Women” (4 p.m.).
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
◊“Better Off Ted” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): In the season finale, Veronica comes up with some novel ways for Veridian to boost employee morale when a survey reveals they’re miserable. But since the survey also showed that she’s too intimidating, she’s got to work on being more likable.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): When the team is sent a videotape from a serial killer detailing one of his crimes, they discover a hidden message asking them to help him stop his murderous ways. Alex O’Laughlin (”Moonlight”) guest stars.
◊“Cry For Help” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special features first-person stories from adolescents who are confronting depression, anxiety and mental illness. It also explores treatments, mental health testing and community healing programs to give parents and educators a basis for recognizing the warning signs of teens in trouble.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): The most exclusive jewelry auction of the year ends abruptly when an appraiser is killed during the event. The investigation takes an emotional turn when the CSIs must confront one of the greatest tragedies in human history — the Holocaust. Edward Asner (”Mary Tyler Moore”) guest stars.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): Join the TAPS team as they travel to they travel to Newark, NJ, to investigate the Essex County Sanitorium and Hospital. After a century of use, the facility was abandoned in the 1990’s, and many wonder if the spirits of forgotten patients still roam the labyrinth of underground tunnels connecting the buildings.
◊“Lost” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the show’s 100th episode, the time of reckoning has begun when Daniel Faraday comes clean regarding what he knows about the island.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (7 p.m. on CBS): After learning that his marriage is in trouble, Audrey agrees to allow their friend Steve stay with her and Jeff. However, she soon regrets her decision after discovering Steve enjoys giving “inappropriate” hugs. Tony Hale (”Arrested Development”) guest stars as Steve, Audrey and Jeff’s friend who is going through a difficult divorce.
◊“Scrubs” (7 p.m. on ABC): Series star Zach Braff (Dr. J.D. Dorian) directed this episode, in which J.D. considers taking a new job so he can live closer to his son and Kim (Elizabeth Banks, “W.”), Turk begins his new role as chief of surgery, and Ted and Gooch take their relationship to the next level.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State in college softball action airing live at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
◊“Ask a Lawyer” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In conjunction with the national celebration of Law Day, Oklahoma lawyers will take calls from viewers and offer free legal advice. The number to call during the show is 1-800-456-8525.
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Tracy and Liz stop receiving preferential treatment and experience the reality of what it means to be each other’s equal. Elaine Stritch (”One Life to Live”) and Steve Buscemi (”Fargo”) guest star.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): When a human body is found inside the strung up Otter mascot uniform of a rival school, Brennan and Booth investigate whether the body inside the costume was dead beforehand, or killed during a Middlesex University bonfire event. Meanwhile, Booth offers to help his brother Jared (Brendan Fehr, “Roswell”) find a new job after being dishonorably discharged from the Navy.
◊“Forbes 15 Hot Hollywood Moms” (9 p.m. on E!): From Oscar-winners to television tycoons to music moguls and models, these successful women are anything but matronly. With commentary from the folks at Forbes, plus interviews with the professionals who are hired by the stars, the special explores how much these moms are making, how they made it big and how they are spending those hard-earned dollars.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 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”).
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): A news show, “Inside Probe,” comes to Camden to investigate a missing person’s case in which Earl and Randy are the prime suspects. Geraldo Rivera (”Geraldo at Large”) and Michael Waltrip (NASCAR driver) guest star.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): As Violet chooses between Pete and Sheldon, a grief-stricken patient poses a danger to her in the Season 2 finale. Josh Hopkins (“Swingtown”) and Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) guest star.
◊“Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby and the Business of Horse Racing” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This new special examines the history, the champion horses, the owners, trainers and jockeys who have been a part of and turned Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby into American Icons.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Eve Arden was born on this day in 1908, and TCM celebrates by airing eight of her films, including 1941’s “Whistling in the Dark” (8:15 a.m.) and 1946’s “My Reputation” (3 p.m.).
FRIDAY, MAY 1
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Ballard’s investigation leads him to the agoraphobic designer of the Dollhouse (Alan Tudyk, “Firefly”), and the story of “Sleeping Beauty” foreshadows Echo’s future, while allowing her to help a young girl deal with her traumatic past.
◊“The Fairly OddParents: Wishology” (7 p.m. on Nickelodon): This new three-part movie, airing over the next three Fridays, pays homage to blockbuster Hollywood films by parodying classic such as “The Matrix,” “Lord of the Rings” and “Star Wars.” Brendan Fraser (”The Mummy”) provides the voice of Turbo Thunder, a trained warrior.
◊“Ladette to Lady” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Season 3 welcomes eight new ladettes — hard-partying, hedonistic and often ill-behaved young women to Eggleston Hall, a former 1950’s finishing school. After five intensive weeks of gourmet cooking, grooming, elocution, flower arranging and side-saddle horse riding, one ladette will be deemed as “lady” in a graduation ceremony with some of Britain’s aristocrats present.
◊“Ladies First: Bravo at the Kentucky Derby” (4 p.m. on Bravo): This special will feature the food, fashion and celebrity experience associated with Kentucky Oaks 135, as well as live coverage of the Derby’s sister race, the Kentucky Oaks.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Still feeling responsible for Don’s near-fatal stabbing, Charlie puts his focus into tracking down an unnoticed serial killer in the show’s 100th episode. John Rubinstein (”Desperate Housewives”) guest stars as Gene Evans, an amateur sleuth who helps Charlie’s investigation.
◊“Paul Rodriguez & Friends: Comedy Rehab” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Join Latino comedian Paul Rodriguez and his comedy cronies Shayla Rivera, Gene Pompa and Manny Maldonado for a night of muy caliente stand-up.
◊“Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Decoded” (8 p.m. on Cartoon Network): All 22 episodes from Season 1 of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” have been enhanced with text boxes and other content from Lucasfilm Animation for a second run of the series. It will occupy this time period until Season 2 of the show begins in fall.
◊“Supernanny” (8 p.m. on ABC): The Season 4 finale features the Krolikowski family. Shannon and John both have high profile jobs at a large church, but their home is a far cry from a peaceful sanctuary with all four of their children fighting with each other frequently.
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): The show kicks off its 2009 Toyota Concert Series with a comeback performance by No Doubt. It will be the Grammy Award-winning rock band’s first concert together in five years.
◊“Wife Swap” (7 p.m. on ABC): On the Season 5 finale, young parents who celebrate Halloween year-round swap lives with older parents who believe in strict, traditional values.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
◊“Jonas” (7 p.m. on Disney): This new series starring brothers Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas (“Camp Rock”) follows the fictional Lucas Brothers through unexpected and unpredictable situations that confront these superstars as they try to live ordinary lives. The series features original Jonas Brothers songs created especially for the show.
◊“Living Out Loud” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Gail O’Grady (“American Dreams”) stars as a high school chorus teacher who is all about helping others achieve their goals. But a visit to the doctor throws her for a loop when she is diagnosed with breast cancer.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs
for April 19-25, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which
includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 19:
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
◊“Cake Boss” (9 p.m. on TLC): After beginning a week completely jam-packed with cake orders, Buddy gets a call from a customer he cannot possibly turn down – a photo spread in Brides Magazine. But last minute changes mean Buddy has to crack the whip to make the deadline.
◊“The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler” (8 p.m. on CBS): Academy Award winner Anna Paquin (”The Piano”) stars in this fact-based drama as 2007 Nobel Peace Prize nominee Irena Sendler, who is credited with saving the lives of 2,500 Jewish children while she was working as a Polish Catholic social worker during World War II.
◊“Death of the Old West” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Just before sunrise on April 19, 1909, a mob of men — many believed to be community leaders in Ada — avenged the murder of a local rancher by lynching the four suspects in a livery stable behind the city jail. To mark the 100th anniversary of the event, this documentary examines the chain of events that preceded the hanging and the fallout that continues to stir emotions to this day.
◊“HGTV Green Home 2009″ (7 p.m. on HGTV): Craftsman Carter Oosterhouse (”Carter Can”) hosts this on-air tour of the eco-friendly home in Florida that is part of the second annual HGTV Green Home Giveaway grand prize package. In addition to the 2,430-square foot contemporary Spanish-style cottage, the winner will recive a new GMC Sierra Hybrid car.
◊“In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Mary McCormack returns for Season 2 as Mary Shannon, a U.S. Marshal working in the highly specialized branch of the witness protection program (WITSEC), who relocates Federal Witnesses – many of them career criminals and many others, just the innocents who have had the misfortune of witnessing a crime.
◊“Knights of Bloodsteel” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): David James Elliott (”JAG”), Natassia Malthe (”Elektra”) and Christopher Lloyd (”Taxi”) star in this four-hour, two-night movie event set against the backdrop of knights, sorcerers and dragons where heroes battle the forces of darkness. It concludes at 8 p.m. Monday.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on USA Network): The stepdaughter of a powerful city councilman narrowly escapes death when her boyfriend is killed in what appears to be a drug-related shooting, but Detectives Goren and Eames soon discover the victim had been planning to blackmail the politician. Kathy Baker “Boston Public”) guest stars.
◊“Miss USA 2009″ (6 p.m. on NBC): Billy Bush (”Access Hollywood”) and Nadine Velazquez (”My Name Is Earl”) co-host the event live from Las Vegas. Contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Representing Oklahoma is Lauren Lundy.
◊“My Fake Fiance” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Melissa Joan Hart (”Sabrina the Teenage Witch”) and Joey Lawrence (”Dancing With the Stars”) star in this new romantic comedy about two people who can’t stand each but decide to get married for the money and gifts. Just as true love never runs smoothly, neither does true distain and despite their mutual commitment to fraud, these two unlikely partners begin to soften towards each other.
◊“Natalee Holloway” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Teenager Natalee Holloway vanished in 2005 while visting Aruba on a senior class trip. This new movie focuses on Natalee’s mom, Beth Twitty, and her work to solve the mystery that shattered her family’s life. It is based on Twitty’s book “Loving Natalee: A Mother’s Testament of Hope and Faith.”
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA): In the new installment titled “The Loneliest Animals,” scientists attempt to breed new generations of nearly extinct species, such as Yangtze turtles and Spix macaws.
◊“Robert Blecker Wants Me Dead” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): Cameras follow law professor Robert Blecker, one of America’s most impassioned crusaders for capital punishment, to Riverbend Maximum Security Institution outside of Nashville. There he meets Daryl Holton, who, in 1997, methodically lined up his four children in an auto shop and shot them to death. Sentenced to death, Holton has declined to file any of his permitted appeals as he prepares to die.
◊“Rock of Love Bus With Bret Michaels Reunion Special” (8 p.m. on VH1): Find out what’s happening in the lives of the women since their wild ride on the show. Will old feuds resurface? Has Bret’s search for love finally ended? Tune in to find out.
◊“Running in Heels” (7 p.m. on Style Network): As winter hits its peak, Joanna announces that they will be doing a Mexico shoot. But who among the staff at Marie Claire magazine will be chosen to go?
◊“Sit Down, Shut Up” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): The new animated comedy focuses on the dysfunctional faculty and staff at a high school in a small Florida fishing town as they strive to do anything but teach. The voice talent for the series includes Will Arnett (“Arrested Development”), Jason Bateman (”Arrested Development”), Kristin Chenoweth (”Pushing Daisies”), Will Forte (“Saturday Night Live”), Tom Kenny (“SpongeBob SquarePants”), Nick Kroll (“Caveman”), Cheri Oteri (”Saturday Night Live”) and Henry Winkler (”Happy Days”).
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A combination of weather events in the Canadian Rocky Mountains created a weak snow base that lead to a number of fatal avalanches, the 2nd deadliest in Canadian history, on December 28, 2008. Sixteen men in total were killed, including one of the four mean on the rescue team. In an unbelievable story of survival, the three survivors make a heart wrenching decision to leave their buried friends until the danger of further avalanches is passed.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas A&M in college softball action airing live at noon on ESPN.
MONDAY, APRIL 20
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Part two of “We Shall Remain” focuses on Shawnee warrior Tecumseh and his brother, the prophet Tenskwatawa, who organized an ambitious pan-Indian resistance movement.
◊“Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed” (8 p.m. on My Network TV): The Masked Magician reveals the secrets behind how to make a playing card pass through a glass windor and how to survive underwater while holding your breath for 18 minutes.
◊“Cash Cab” (5:30 p.m. on Discovery): Host Ben Bailey is is back for a fourth season of picking up unsuspecting contestants on the streets of New York City and giving them a chance to win big money on the way to their destination. New this season, random contestants are given the opportunity to double their winnings in the “double ride” portion of the show.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Chuck and Sarah go AWOL to rescue Chuck’s father, they discover that spending time together without any surveillance allows for unchartered chemistry. Tony Hale (”Arrested Development”) and Chevy Chase (”Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
◊“For the Love of Ray J” (9 p.m. on VH1): Fourteen women started out vying for the heart of singer Ray J. But after many romantic dates and intense challenges, Ray must now decide if he is ready to settle down with one of the remaining three.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Sylar continues his unusual partnership and begins to have an unexpected identity crisis. Clint Howard (“Frost/Nixon”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): After Stella and Ted make the spontaneous decision to get married in three days, the presence of their exes destroys what was to be the “happiest day of their lives.” Sarah Chalke (”Scrubs”) guest stars.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Victoria (Daphne Zuniga, “Beautiful People”) returns to lure Brooke back to Clothes Over Bro’s.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:31 p.m. on CBS): Jeff invites Audrey to watch him play softball, hoping to show her that he’s not an old fogy after he falls asleep while watching a movie. Orlando Jones (”MADtv”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Harold Lloyd was born on this day in 1893, and TCM celebrates by airing eight of his films, including 1920’s “High and Dizzy (5 a.m.) and 1932’s “Movie Crazy” (10:30 a.m.).
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
◊“The 12th annual Interactive Achievement Awards” (7 p.m. on IFC): Jay Mohr (”Gary Unmarried”) hosts the event that was taped Feb. 19 and recognizes the year’s best games, computer games, online entertainment, outstanding individuals and groundbreaking development teams. The big winner was LittleBigPlanet (Sony Computer Entertainment America) which won eight awards.
◊“90210” (8 p.m. on CW): Series star Rob Estes (Harry Wilson) directed this episode in which Donna (Tori Spelling, “Beverly Hills, 90210”) reveals details of her separation to Kelly (Jennie Garth, “Beverly Hills, 90210”), and the two search for locations so Donna can open a clothing store in Beverly Hills.
◊“Build It Bigger” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Costing more than $1.1 billion, the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium will be the largest sports complex ever constructed in the United States. It covers 73 acres and features 80,000 seats, the largest operable glass door in the world and two 180 foot long HD video screens.
◊“Carbon Cops” (8:30 p.m. on Sundance): The reality-style show follows six families as they are led through a fascinating step-by-step process of auditing their current use of energy in order to lessen their carbon footprint and the effects of global warming on the planet.
◊“Eco-Trip: The Real Cost of Living” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Eco-adventurer David de Rothschild hosts this series that traces the eco-life of an everyday item (chocolate, light bulb, cell phone, etc.) from production to disposal, revealing the environmental, social and health effects along the way. Each episode leads to a world of greener alternatives presented by de Rothschild.
◊“Fringe” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): As a suicide incident occurs at New York’s Grand Central station, Agent Dunham simultaneously witnesses the event while asleep and dreaming in Boston. The episode was written and directed by Oscar winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman (“A Beautiful Mind”).
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment titled “Poisoned Waters,” correspondent Hedrick Smith examines the rising hazards to human health and the ecosystem, and why it is so hard to keep our waters clean.
◊“Life After People: The Series” (9 p.m. on History): This series picks up where the network’s January 2008 special left off. It will reveal the fate of the complex structures we’ve built, the creatures that take our place and the history we leave behind.
◊“The Phone” (9 p.m. on MTV): Justin Timberlake is an executive producer for this new competitive reality series in which players receive a phone call invitation to participate in a movie-like drama. If they accept, they become part of one of two teams confronted by a series of mental and physical challenges for a chance to win up to $50,000.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Anthony Quinn was born on this day in 1915, and TCM celebrates by airing six of his films, including 1955’s “The Naked Street” (8 a.m.) and 1962’s “Requiem for a Heavyweight” (5 p.m.).
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
◊“As Seen on TV” (8 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Darren Rovell takes a look at the world of infomercials. He speaks to the pitch people and the inventors and executives who produced the greatest products. He also shows viewers how the infomercial world works and explores various products and their claims.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A man falls 52 stories to his death, and his body goes missing after it hits the ground. With no body to process, the CSIs must treat this strange development as a missing persons case. Craig T. Nelson (‘‘Coach”) and Thad Luckinbill (‘‘The Young and the Restless”) guest star.
◊“Dress My Nest” (10 p.m. on Style Network): Interior design guru Thom Filicia rescues desperate homeowners from their drab, unstylish and out-of-touch décor in Season 4. No project is too big, as Thom rolls up his sleeves to help roommates, single mothers, couples and even Audrina Patridge (”The Hills”) overcome daunting design challenges.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): Jason and Grant have enlisted the crew from “Ghost Hunters International” to investigate unexplained activity on their newly purchased property in Whitefield, N.H.
◊“Jean Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Chris Noth (”Sex and the City”) narrates this new two-hour installment titled “Call of the Killer Whale.” Jean-Michel Cousteau and his team examine the social connections between humans and Killer Whales. Included is footage from the two-and-a-half year ordeal Cousteau oversaw to rehabilitate and release the “Free Willy” whale into the wild.
◊“Law & Order” (7 p.m. on NBC): The murder of a plaintiff in a high profile lawsuit with a major airline leads detectives to a lawyer who will do anything to protect his big payday. Mercedes Ruehl (“Loving Leah”) guest stars.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): A young girl is kidnapped and Det. Elliot Stabler must work with an ex-convict (Ron Eldard, “Blind Justice”) to get her back.
◊“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): Jennifer Beals (“The L Word”) guest stars as Asst. U.S. Attorney Zoe Landau, Lightman’s ex-wife and Emily’s mother. When she enlists Lightman to help investigate an arson case in which the only eyewitness is a 5-year-old boy, it becomes clear that she and Lightman still have feelings for each other.
◊“Lost: The Story of the Oceanic 6″ (8 p.m. on ABC): This special will explore what happened to the Oceanic 6 and the remaining island survivors during the three years after Ben moved the island.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Ex-husband Richard joins Christine on a dinner date with her new boyfriend, Patrick (Tim DeKay, ‘‘Tell Me You Love Me”).
◊“Scrubs” (7 p.m. on ABC): As J.D. plans to move closer to Sam, he reaches out to make peace with Kim (Elizabeth Banks, “W.”) and finds that she has a new boyfriend (Scott Foley, “The Unit”).
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
◊The 11th Annual Billboard Latin Music Awards (7 p.m. on Telemundo): Aylin Mujica and Alan Tacher will co-host the event live from Coral Gables, Florida. Flex is up for 13 awards, while Enrique Iglesias is a finalist in 10 categories.
◊The 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards (7 p.m. on Gospel Music Channel): Artists from every style of gospel and Christian music come together for a night of music and celebration. Nominees for artist of the year are Casting Crowns, Steve Curtis Chapman, Fireflight, Marvin Sapp, Third Day, Toby Mac and Chris Tomlin.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Catherine revisits one of the very first cases she worked as a CSI when the convicted felon in the murder (Henry Thomas, “ET”) claims the verdict was based on faulty evidence.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As she endures aggressive treatment for her cancer, Izzie throws herself into planning Derek and Meredith’s wedding. Hector Elizondo (”Pretty Woman”) and Amy Madigan (”Carnivale”) guest star.
◊“The Millionaire Matchmaker” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Patty Stanger searches for a match for Farrah, former member of Destiny’s Child, who has been hurt in previous relationships and is very guarded in her dating life.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael’s new company struggles to make early morning deliveries while the office tries to get their expense reports in on time after Angela enforces Dunder Mifflin’s policy. Idris Elba (”The Wire”) guest stars.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): When a pregnant woman starts to show signs of heart complications, Addison rushes her St. Ambrose where Noah is standing by to help. Josh Hopkins (”Swingtown”) and Idina Menzel (”Rent”) guest star.
◊“Samantha Who?” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Sam wants to give Todd a fresh start and offers to go on a “first date” with him. But Todd doesn’t trust her boss, billionaire Winston Funk (Billy Zane, “Titanic”), who continues his relentless quest to get “new” Sam to continue the affair they had before her accident.
◊“Southland” (9 p.m. on NBC): When officer Ben Sherman reveals details of his past to the department therapist and his training officer, John Cooper, the motivation behind his decision to be a cop becomes clear. C. Thomas Howell (“A Gunfighter’s Pledge”) and Tom Sizemore (“Crash”) guest star.
◊“Trouble the Water” (7:30 p.m. on HBO): Equipped with meager supplies and a camcorder, aspiring rap star Kimberly Roberts and her husband, Scott, filmed this documentary when they and their 9th Ward neighbors became trapped in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
◊“The Game” (7:30 p.m. on CW): Malik meets his half-sister (Lisa Tucker, “American Idol”) and sees an unmistakably familiar tattoo on her lower back, causing him to wonder whether they slept together before they knew they were related.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): A soap opera “remote” shoot descends on Grandview, and Melinda unearths a story as soapy as the show it’s disrupting. Thad Luckinbill (”The Young and the Restless”) and Kellie Martin (”Life Goes On”) guest star.
◊“Hatching Pete” (7 p.m. on Disney): Pete Ivey (Jason Dolley, “Cory in the House”) is a quiet 16-year-old who must stand in for his outgoing best friend Cleatus Poole (Mitchel Musso, “Hannah Montana”) when Cleatus cannot complete his duties as their high school mascot, a chicken. The chicken mascot, with Pete anonymously behind the mask, soon becomes the main attraction at school.
◊“Iron Man: Armored Adventures” (6 p.m. on Nicktoons): This new series based on Marvel’s armored Super Hero follows a teenage Tony Stark as he attempts to balance the pressures of being a teen with his responsibilities as Iron Man. The rock band Rooney performs the show’s original theme song.
◊“Mighty Jungle” (4:30 p.m. on Sprout): This new live-action puppet series follows the adventures of three jungle friends — a meerkat named Babu, a gorilla named Bruce and a rhino named Rhonda. The silly situations that the friends find themselves in, the fantastical characters that they come into contact with and the mayhem that ensues are created or inspired by real kids.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the FBI is called in to investigate a series of home invasions, the team uses Charlie and his math skills to help profile the suspects. But when his calculations go awry during a raid, Don suffers a life-threatening injury. Alan Blumenfeld (”Heroes”) and Michael Gaston (”Fringe”) guest star.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): Constance and Casey try to console the daughter of an angry Hollywood mogul (J.K. Simmons, ‘‘The Closer”) when only nerds show up for her birthday party.
◊“Return to Tarawa” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): Ed Harris (“Pollock”) narrates this special that documents World War II veteran Leon Cooper’s mission to preserve the hallowed ground at Red Beach on Tarawa Island. The battle at Tarawa was the U.S. Navy’s first major amphibious assault and more than 1,600 American servicemen died.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Shirley MacLaine was born on this day in 1934, and TCM celebrates by airing four of her films, including 1963’s “Irma La Douce” (10:30 a.m.) and 1961’s “The Children’s Hour” (5 p.m.).
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
◊2009 Nadia Comaneci International Invitational (noon on KFOR-4): Olympic champion Sandra Izbasa from Romania headlines the list of international elite gymnasts representing eighth countries and competing for team, all-around and individual honors at the event held in Oklahoma City. Calling the action are Bart Conner (1984 Olympic gold medalist) and Nastia Liukin (2008 Olympic gold medalist). The hourlong highlight show also includes a profile of Nadia Comaneci (1976 and 1980 Olympic gold medalist).
◊“Ashes to Ashes” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 1 finale, Alex reaches the day her parents were killed and believes that if she can prevent that fatal car bombing, she can escape her exile into 1981 and return to her daughter in 2008.
◊“Chasing a Dream” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a high school athlete’s dream is cut short, his best friend (Andrew Lawrence, “Oliver Beene”) throws himself into training for the race of his life. Treat Williams (”Everwood”) and Joanna Going (”Close to Home”) also star.
◊“I Want to Save Your Life” (9 p.m. on WEtv): In this new intervention series, nutrition and public health advocate Charles Stuart Platkin follows unsuspecting subjects on their daily routines to identify their negative patterns.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for March 22-28, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 22:
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
◊“Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): In the third-season finale, Nicki’s web of secrets gets more tangled when a surprise visitor comes to see her at the compound.
◊“Camp Woodward” (7:30 p.m. on Fuel TV): This series, which followed three teenaged action sports athletes spending the summer at a sports training facility in Pennsylvania, ends its run. See what new tricks and life lessons Larry Schmidt and Cody Davis and BMXer Hunter Bagent take away from their camp experience.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team tries to determine if a homeless and severely delusional paranoid schizophrenic killed his former psychiatrist by arson in 2004 — before dropping out of college and fully losing his grip on reality. Songs recorded by John Lennon are featured throughout the episode.
◊“The Color of Magic” (6 p.m. on ION): Based on the first two books in best-selling author Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, this four-hour miniseries follows the adventures of a wizardry student (David Jason, “Hogfather”) who guides a tourist (Sean Astin, “Rudy”) through a magical realm.
◊“Craig Ferguson: A Wee Bit O’ Revolution” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): “The Late, Late Show” host Craig Ferguson steps out from behind his desk for his first stand-up comedy special in which he speaks about his experiences in rehab and living life on the edge.
◊“Dateline” (6 p.m. on NBC): With exclusive accounts from insiders and whistleblowers speaking out for the first time, NBC News’ Chris Hansen reports on who knew what and when, and explains how risky home loans helped cause a chain reaction that led to failures on Wall Street and the near collapse of the American Economy.
◊“Eastbound & Down” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Kenny says goodbye to his life as a school teacher after scoring a big-league job offer in Miami.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The team travels to Tucson, Ariz., to rebuild the home for the family of a 14-year-old girl suffering from a life-threatening blood disease who has dedicated her life to spreading awareness about blood donations. Jo Frost (”Supernanny”) volunteers with Designer Eduardo Xol at one of the family’s blood drive events for collecting and redistributing toys for ill children in the community.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): Complications arise when Gath and Shiloh military officials gather to sign the much-anticipated peace treaty.David’s noticeable absence at the peace treaty signing is called into question by Gath’s leader, impeding the ceremony.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A search and rescue operation is launched when a California family looking for a Christmas tree in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains gets lost when a snowstorm hits.
◊“The Unit” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star Dennis Haysbert (Jonas) directed this episode in which the Unite fights to rescue Jonas’ old friend. But a broken helicopter gas tank and nearby guerillas impede their mission.
◊“Yellowstone” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new special follows the grey wolf, grizzly bear and herds of buffalo and antelope over the course of a year in one of the world’s most spectacular wildernesses.
MONDAY, MARCH 23
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck doesn’t know who to trust anymore when he finds the creator of the Intersect computer. Tony Hale (”Arrested Development”) guest stars.
◊“CMT Crossroads: Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson” (9 p.m. on CMT): Known for their outlaw ways and their tremendous songwriting, rocker Shooter Jennings and Grammy nominee Jamey Johnson come together for a concert special taped before an invitation only audience in Nashville earlier this month. The duo collaborate on Johnson’s “High Cost of Living,” “Between Jennings and Jones” and his Grammy-nominated single “In Color.” They also perform Jennings’ “God Bless Alabama” and a cover of his father, Waylon Jennings’ song, “Outlaw Bit.”
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): The identity of “Rebel” is revealed with chilling consequences. Swoosie Kurtz (”Pushing Daisies”) guest stars.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Lucas and Julian hit a setback with the production of the film. Peyton and Haley help Mia with her new single. James Van Der Beek (”Dawson’s Creek”) guest stars.
◊“The Powder & the Glory” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Narrated by Jane Alexander, this one-hour presentation chronicles the lives and careers of Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein, two immigrant visionaries who started with next to nothing and transformed cosmetics into a necessity for all women.
◊“Roomates” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): Tamera Mowry (”Sister, Sister”) stars in this new comedy series that follows a group of friends in Manhattan trying to figure out love and life in their post-collegiate years.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): The death of a woman in the home of a well-known architect (Elias Koteas, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) opens Grace’s eyes to a new world. And Clay has a new friend (Malcolm David Kelley, “Lost”) who is also helping out at the police station.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In the first-season finale, Amy gives birth to her son as friends and family gather at the hospital to support the Juergens family. After hours of labor the baby is finally born, and a deliriously tired Amy and Ashley decide to name him together.
◊“Sophie” (8:30 p.m. on ABC Family): This new series follows Sophie Parker (Natalie Brown), who appears to have everything in order: a sweet boyfriend, a successful talent agency and good friends. But all at once, everything falls apart.
◊“The Spectacular Spider-Man” (6:30 p.m. on Disney XD): The network will welcome the animated series to its lineup with three back-to-back episodes from the show’s first season. The second season of the series, based on Marvel Entertainment’s popular Super Hero, will debut with all-new original episodes in Summer 2009.
◊“Table For 12″ (9 p.m. on TLC): This new series follows the Hayes family, previously seen on the TLC special “Twins, Twins, and Sextuplets.” Eric, a police officer, and Betty, a stay-at-home mom, raise a brood that consists of 12-year-old twin boys Kevin and Kyle, 10-year-old twins Kieran and Meghan, and 4-year-old sextuplets Tara, Rachel, Ryan, Connor, EJ and Rebecca, who has cerebral palsy and is extremely special to the family.
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): James travels to California to take a look at what is being hailed as the future of motoring — the hydrogen powered Honda Clarity. The star with the reasonably priced car segment features singer Tom Jones.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): The guys bump into Jake’s former teacher (Alicia Witt, Cybill”) who became a stripper after a fling with Charlie. Charlie tries to help her out by giving her a room and a job, but things spiral out of control.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
◊“According to Jim” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Penny Marshall (”Laverne & Shirley”) directed this episode in which Jim realizes that Cheryl has taken a strong interest in yoga with a male instructor she raves about. Jim becomes jealous and tries to figure what the hype is all about by joining her class.
◊“Bad Girls Club” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): In the third-season finale, the girls return from Mexico for their final days in the house. But the days don’t end quietly when Amber M. admits that she has a problem with one of the roommate’s closets friends.
◊“Chuck Jones: Memories of Childhood” (7 p.m. on TCM): Oscar-winning filmmakers Peggy Stern and John Canemaker (‘‘The Moon and the Son: An Imagined Conversation”) delve into the memories of Hollywood animator Chuck Jones, who created Daffy Duck, Pepe Le Pew and the Road Runner. The half-hour film also includes an interview with Jones and newly created animated segments.
◊“Cruise Inc: Big Money on the High Seas” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Get a look inside the $30 billion dollar cruise industry in this report from Correspondent Peter Greenberg, who spends seven days aboard the Norwegian Pearl, one of the newest in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet. The 14-story floating city that sails the Caribbean has a full-service medical center, a state-of-the-art surveillance system and offers passengers everything from sushi-making to Bingo to Botox.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Interviews with leading fiscal experts and insiders in government finance illuminate this film, which investigates the causes, possible outcomes and potential solutions to America’s staggering $10 trillion debt.
◊“Nova: Extreme Ice” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This National Geographic special follows photojournalist James Balog to apline and arctic locations across the Northern Hemisphere to capture time-lapsed footage for his Extreme Ince Survey. His findings reveal massive glaciers and ice sheets splitting apart, collapsing and disappearing at a rate that has more and more scientists alarmed.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): During the search for a missing psychologist, the team discovers the victim’s brother was imprisoned for serial rape, which makes them question if his brother’s past is connected to the disappearance. Meanwhile, Martin’s relationship with Kim (Vanessa Marcil, “Las Vegas”) heats up.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
◊“Great Performances” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Ian McKellen (”Lord of the Rings”) gives a tour-de-force performance as Shapespeare’s tragic titular monarch in this special television adaptation of the Royal Shapespeare Company’s (RSC) production. This marks McKellen’s return to the RSC after a 17-year hiatus.
◊“Law & Order” (9 p.m. on NBC): While investigating the murder of television reporter Dawn Prescott, detectives Lupo and Bernard discover that she was involved in a love triangle involving another reporter at the station.
◊“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the wake of a building collapse in a small town outside Washington, Lightman is brought in to determine who is at fault and winds up discovering a massive cover-up.
◊“Life” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a Los Angeles coroner is found murdered, his co-workers become prime suspects. Crews and Seever are under pressure to quickly solve the case, because if the killer is another coroner, countless murder cases could be compromised.
◊“Revealed” (7 p.m. on Gospel Music Channel): This new series takes viewers behind the scenes with gospel artists, who perform and share the stories behind the hits they have created. The first episode will feature Third Day with and in-depth look into the making of their album Revelation.
◊“Survivor: Tocantins” (7 pm. on CBS): This special Wednesday episode features a re-cap of what happened during the first 15 days in Tocantins, Brazil, and includes some never-before-seen footage.
◊“They Killed Sister Dorothy” (7 p.m. on HBO2): Martin Sheen (”The West Wing”) narrates this new documentary tells the story of a U.S. nun’s murder in the Brazilian rainforest and the trial that followed.
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
◊“American Idol Extra” (6 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): Jillian Reynolds (”Good Day LA”) and Ace Young (Season 5 “American Idol ” finalist) co-host Season 4 of the series that gives viewers the first in-depth interview each week with the Top 10 Idol finalists, moments after their emotional elimination. Constantine Maroulis (Season 4 “American Idol” contender) returns as a special field correspondent.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): The half-eaten body of Cam’s former fiancee is found in the tiger cage at the zoo, and Booth and Brennan determine the death was no accident. Chad Lowe (”Life Goes On”) guest stars.
◊“ER” (9 p.m. on NBC): Many of the emergency room doctors and nurses help out at Camp Del Corazon, a camp for youngsters who have had open heart surgery. Tom Arnold (”Roseanne”) guest stars as the camp counselor.
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (8 p.m. on Fox): During dinner service in a packed restaurant, tensions always run high. However, when a few celebrities (guest stars Eric McCormack and Robert Patrick) stop by for dinner the intensity really heats up.
◊“In the Motherhood” (7 p.m. on ABC): Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”) and Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) star in this new comedy that takes a look at the importance of family and friends while trying to juggle motherhood, work and love lives in an overly complicated modern world. It is based on a popular Web series of the same name.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Cooper struggles with a patient’s mother, who is allowing her 12-year-old daughter to be sexually active. Josh Hopkins (”Swingtown”) and Amanda Detmer (”What About Brian”) guest star.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): With the help of her hypnotist uncle, Annie switches brains with Lisa. The Electric Company needs to find a way to switch them back before Annie ruins Lisa’s good name with her neighborhood pranks. Grammy award-winning musician Wyclef Jean guest stars.
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): Lyla is still reeling after discovering that her father gambled away her college fund after she has been accepted to the college of her dreams.
◊“The Game” (7:30 p.m. on CW): When the recently fired Tasha discovers that Kelly is still working at ISM, she accuses her friend of betrayal. Stacey Dash (”Clueless”) guest stars.
◊“Her Story” (7 p.m. on ESPN): Hannah Storm (”SportsCenter”) hosts this special that highlights up-and-coming athletes, as well as the issues they face. It includes interviews with Courtney and Ashley Paris, daughters of former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Bubba Paris, who will help the University Oklahoma contend for the NCAA women’s basketball title.
◊“Mistresses” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 1 finale, Trudi struggles with her shocking discovery about Paul, while Siobhan wrestles with her decision about keeping the baby.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): Fred Savage (”The Wonder Years”) directed this episode in which the catering team works the California College Conservative Union Caucus and anxiously awaits the arrival of keynote speaker Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
◊“Stargate: The Ark of Truth” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): This new movie starring “Stargate” series favorites Amanda Tapping, Beau Bridges, Ben Browder and Claudia Black, picks up after the “SG-1″ series finale. Searching for an ancient weapon which could help them defeat the sinister Ori force, SG-1 discovers it may be in the Ori’s own home galaxy and the crew finds themselves fighting two powerful enemies.
◊“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (7 p.m. on Fox): Fearing for her life, Sarah stashes John in a safe house with the only person she believes she can rely on, Charley Dixon (Dean Winters, “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”).
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
◊The 22nd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson hosts this star-studded, slime-filled live telecast in which youngsters honor their favorites from the worlds of film, music, sports and television. Stars scheduled to appear include Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Alicia Keys, Michael Phelps, Rihanna, Will Smith, Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway and Reese Witherspoon.
◊“Nora Roberts’ Midnight Bayou” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Harvard-educated lawyer Declan Fitzpatrick (Jerry O’Connell, “Carpoolers”) gives up his comfortable life to buy a newly restored plantation manor near New Orleans. Legend has it the place is haunted, and shortly after Declan moves in, he starts hearing voices and seeing inexplicable apparations.
◊“The Penguins of Madagascar” (8:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new animated comedy series is based on the penguin brothers from the “Madagascar” movies. It features all-new adventures of Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private, who rule the roost at their Central Park Zoo home. Throughout the season, new animals will be introduced along with old friends from the “Madagascar” movies.
And the 2009 NAMIC Vision Awards go to …
Never heard of the NAMIC Awards? The event’s been around for 15 years. And it is the entertainment industry’s way to recognize quality multi-ethnic and cross-cultural television programming.
The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Commincations (NAMIC) singled out 35 networks for achievements in programming diversity. BET received the most nominations with six.
Here are the nominees for the 15th Anniversary NAMIC Vision Awards that will be presented April 17 at a luncheon ceremony hosted by Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson.
ANIMATION
“Handy Manny” (Disney Channel)
“Soy Mono: Words” (MTV TR3S)
El Tigre “The Grave Escape” (Nickelodeon)
BEST PERFORMANCE – COMEDY
Tracy Morgan – “30 Rock” (NBC)
LaVan Davis – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
Demetria McKinney – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
Keshia Knight Pulliam – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
Larramie Doc Shaw – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
BEST PERFORMANCE – DRAMA
Benito Martinez – “The Shield” (FX)
Felicia Pearson – “The Wire” (HBO)
Tristan Wilds – “The Wire” (HBO)
Raymond Cruz – “The Closer” (TNT)
Robert Gossett – “The Closer” (TNT)
CHILDREN’S
“Wizards of Waverly Place” (Disney Channel)
“Ni Hao, Kai-Lan” (Nickelodeon)
“Go, Diego, Go” (Nickelodeon)
“Dora The Explorer” (Nickelodeon)
“Degrassi: The Next Generation” (The N)
COMEDY
“Ugly Betty” (ABC)
“Somebodies” (BET)
“The Game” (CBS)
“Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger” (HBO)
“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS)
DIGITAL MEDIA – LONG FORM
“Americlef” (MTV On-Air Promotions)
“Time Warner Cable’s Futbol Mania” (Time Warner Cable)
DIGITAL MEDIA – SHORT FORM
“Ugly Betty Presents: Mode After Hours” (ABC.com)
“MTVU’s Stand In: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf” (MTVU)
“DIG: Lyrics Born” (MYX-ABS CBN International)
“Extra on Essence” (Telepictures Productions)
“Yes We Can,” Essence Election ‘08 (Telepictures Productions)
DOCUMENTARY
“Nanking” (Cinemax Reel Life)
“CNN Presents: Black in America” (CNN)
“Fuga De Las FARC” (Discovery Latin America)
“Joe Louis: America’s Hero (HBO)
“VH1 Rock Doc: The Night James Brown Saved Boston” (VH1)
DRAMA
“Lincoln Heights” (ABC Family)
“Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC)
“Lost” (ABC)
“Private Practice” (ABC)
“In Plain Sight” (USA Network)
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
“Futbol Mania” (Time Warner Cable)
“Sucker Free Latino Unscripted: Wisin y Yandel” (MTV TR3S)
“Asi Paso” (ESPN)
LIFESTYLE
“Fashion Blackout” (BET News)
“National Body Challenge: Twins Edition” (Discovery Health Channel)
“World in America” (Ebru TV)
Down Home With The Neelys – “Pass It On” (Food Network)
HGTV “Deserving Design” (HGTV)
NEWS / INFORMATIONAL
“Black in America: Suicide Survivor” (CNN)
“Anderson Cooper 360: Race in America” (CNN)
“CNN Special Projects: To The Top” (CNN)
“Showbiz Tonight: Black in Hollywood” (CNN)
“In Conversation: The Michelle Obama Interview” (TV One)
ORIGINAL MOVIE OR SPECIAL
“The Best Shorts” (BET J)
“Cheetah Girls: One World” (Disney Channel)
“The Africa Channel Presents: A Night of Tribute” (The Africa Channel)
REALITY
“College Hill: Interns” (BET)
“Spring Break Diaries: Spelman College” (BET News)
“The mun2 Hook Up: Frankie J” (mun2)
“Student Body” (The N)
“VH1’s The Cho Show” (VH1)
SPORTS
“C. Vivian Stringer’s Big Ten Legacy” (Big Ten Network)
“ESPN Outside the Lines: Dodgertown” (ESPN)
“The Secret Game” (ESPN)
“Our Heroes: A Black History Month Special” (Fox Sports North)
“Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” (HBO)
VARIETY / TALK SHOW
“The BET Honors” (BET)
“Harlem to Hollywood: Diddy” (BET)
“Hip Hop vs. America” (BET)
“Sunday Best” (BET)
“TV One on One: Tyler Perry” (TV One)
Top 55 TV Programs for March 1-7, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 1:
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
◊“The Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): The lineup for the second celebrity edition of Donald Trump’s competitive reality series includes comedian Andrew Dice Clay, singers Brian McKnight and Clint Black, actress-model Claudia Jordan, red-carpet denizens Joan and Melissa Rivers, socialite Khloe Kardashian and former pro sports stars Herschel Walker and Dennis Rodman (he attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant).
◊“The Golden Girls” (7:30 a.m. on Hallmark Channel): The Emmy-winning series starring Bea Arthur, Betty White, Estelle Getty and Rue McClanahan (she was born in Healdton) joins the network’s lineup. And it kicks off with this 18-hour marathon. Beginning Monday, the show will air weekdays at 8 a.m., 3 p.m. and 11 p.m., Saturdays at 5 a.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m.
◊“High Stakes Poker” (8 p.m. on GSN): Season 5 of television’s richest cash game show in history will feature a minimum cash buy-in of $200,000. AJ Benza (”E! Mysteries & Scandals”) and Gabe Kaplan (“Welcome Back Kotter”) return as host and analyst, respectively. Among the world’s top professional, online and recreational players competing are Doyle Brunson, Phil Laak and Tom Dwan and Sam Simon.
◊“Jesse Stone: Thin Ice” (8 p.m. on CBS): Tom Selleck (“Magnum, P.I.”) reprises his role as Jesse Stone in the fifth installment of the mystery movie franchise based on the best-selling series of books by Robert B. Parker. In this new mystery, Paradise, Mass. Police chief Jesse Stone finds himself in trouble with the Town Council when he inadvertently becomes involved in a shoot-out on a Boston street.
◊“Running in Heels” (7 p.m. on Style Network): This new docu-series reveals what life is really like at the top and the bottom of a major fashion magazine.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Psychology Department and include 1952’s “Limelight” (6 a.m.), 1958’s “Vertigo” (2:15 p.m.) and 1957’s “The Three Faces of Eve” (7 p.m.).
MONDAY, MARCH 2
◊“The Ax Men” (9 p.m. on History): The first-ever non-fiction series about the treacherous life of Pacific Northwest timber cutters is back for a second season. Going deeper into the forest, high into the sky and even down into the sea, the new season follows two leading teams from last season along with three new companies, all racing to fall the most timber during logging’s most dangerous season.
◊“The Bachelor” (7 p.m. on ABC): Jason Mesnick, the first single dad in “Bachelor” history, will offer his last rose to one of the final two women he selected. The season finale will be followed by the hourlong special “The Bachelor: After the Finale Rose, Part 2” that includes updates on the couple and the woman Jason didn’t choose.
◊“BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup” (6:30 p.m. on HBO): Tennis broadcasters Mary Carillo, Billie Jean King and John McEnroe will team up for live coverage of the inaugural event that pits four of the world’s top female tennis players – 2009 Australian Open Champion Serena Williams, 2008 Grand Slam champions Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic, and 2008 year-end World No. 1 Jelena Jankovic – against each other in a one-night-only single elimination competition. The prize pool is $1.2 million.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When pirates take over a luxury yacht, Delko’s future as a CSI is threatened just as his relationship with Calleigh moves to the next level. Sean Combs (”A Raisin In the Sun”) guest stars as Defense Attorney Derek Powell.
◊“Forgotten Ellis Island” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This is the first film produced about the abandoned immigarnt hospital on Ellis Island, the largest port of entry in the United States. In an era before antiboitics, tens of thousands of immigrant patients were separated from family, detained in the hospital and healed from illness before becoming citizens.
◊“The Haney Project” (8 p.m. on Golf Channel): In the first installment of this new real-life series, golf instructor Hank Haney will attempt to fix the swing of NBA Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley. The series will also visit some of the best golf courses around the country and feature golf tips for people who play the game.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 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.
◊“Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (11:37 p.m. on NBC): “Saturday Night Live” alum Jimmy Fallon takes over the reins as “Late Night” host. He is the third host of “Late Night” since its inception in 1982 with then-host David Letterman. Fallon’s “Late Night” will depart from Letterman and O’Brien’s Studio 6A and cross the hall to Studio 6B in NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza headquarters in New York.
◊“Late Show With David Letterman” (10:35 p.m. on CBS): U2, the Grammy-winning rock band from Ireland, will perform an unprecedented five nights in a row on the show. On Tuesday’ the band will release its 12th album, “No Line on the Horizon.”
◊“Masters of Illusion” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This new episode features the magic illusions of Tony Clark (“Bottle Thru Man” illision), David Williamson (“Needles”), Jeff McBride (“Rain Catching Bowls”), Nathan Burton (“Microwave of Death”) and Mark Cannon (“Handcuff Spikes Escape”).
“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Devalos asks Allison to help his friends find their daughter, who seems to have left town with no explanation. Blythe Danner (“Huff”) guest stars.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 3 premiere, Audrey discovers that Russell is a closeted fan of Broadway musicals, a fact she promises to keep secret in exchange for free theater tickets. Meanwhile, Adam and Jennifer take dancing lessons in preparation for their wedding. Bob Odenkirk (”The Larry Sanders Show”) guest stars.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Season 2 resumes with new episodes starring Holly Hunter as Oklahoma City police detective Grace Hanadarko. Guest star Christina Ricci (“Monster”) begins a three-episode arc as Abby Charles, a uniform cop and single mother making a rotation through the squad.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Journalism Department and include 1940’s “Foreign Correspondent” (7:15 a.m.), 1931’s “The Front Page” (1 p.m.) and 1940’s “The Philadelphia Story” (8:30 p.m.).
TUESDAY, MARCH 3
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito returns to take the contestants to a restaurant, where he teaches them how to make healthier choices when eating out.
◊“First Lady of Jamaica” (9 p.m. on WEtv, 128 on Dish Network, 260 on DirecTV): Journalist Daborah Roberts gets a VIP tour of the Caribbean island from Lorna Golding, the Jamaican Prime Minister’s wife.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Mia Lorimer (Clea Duvall, “Carnivale”) claims to have been raped in an attempt to hide neing abused by her husband. Their tennants are aware of the abuse, but in fear of being evicted, do not report it.
◊“Reaper” (7 p.m. on CW): Season two finds Sam wrestling with the recent discovery that he may be the son of the Devil. But Sam quickly learns that getting groomed to take over the “family business” comes with a whole new litany of headaches.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Geography Department and include 1962’s “Mutiny on the Bounty” (9 a.m.), 1949’s “Tulsa” (3 p.m.), 1955’s “Oklahoma!” (4:30 p.m.) and 1937’s “The Hurricane” (9:15 p.m.).
◊“Unconquered: Allan Houser and the Legacy of One Apache Family” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Released in 1913 as prisoners of war, Sam and Blossom Haozous passed down oral traditions of the Apache people to their son, Allan Houser. These shared memories molded his artwork and helped him become one of the 20th century’s most important artists. Houser passed thee same experienced down to his sons who are fulfilling their destinies as the next generation of American Indian artists.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates when the teenage son of a Secret Service agent disappears and discovers a long festering secret that set in motion a deadly chain of events. Guest star Steven Weber (”Brothers & Sisters”) returns as Clark Medina, the new head of the Missing Persons Squad.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Kansas State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW, 10 p.m. on KOCB-34): Thirty-four finalists travel to Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas where they take part in the first photo shoot for Season 12. Host Tyra Banks picks the final 13 contestants who will move to a New York City loft and compete for title of “America’s Next Top Model.”
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): A serial killer who disguises his victims’ demise by creating car accidents to mask their earlier deaths is the subject of a Behavioral Analysis Unit manhunt. William Mapother (”Lost”) and Wil Wheaton (”Numb3rs”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): On Mac’s flight to D.C., an air marshal is found murdered shortly after take off. Mac is certain the killer is on board and searches for the murder weapon. Recording artist Nelly (“The Longest Yard”) guest stars.
◊“Kitchen Impossible” (8 p.m. on DIY, channel 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on DirecTV): Dated kitchens are transformed into modern spaces in this new series hosted by Marc Bartolomeo, a carpenter and electrician. He helps homeowners get the job done right while demonstrating to viewers all the tips and tools needed for building the kitchen of their dreams.
◊“Life” (8 p.m. on NBC): A woman is found in a pool of blood sitting at a rable with a romantic dinner set for two. The investigation leads Crews and Reese to a support group for lottery winners full of eccentric characters. Erik Estrada (“CHiPs”) guest stars.
◊“Make Me a Supermodel” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Supermodel Tyson Beckford returns as host for Season 2 of the series that follows 16 models as they compete for a contract with New York Model Management, a fashion pictorial in Cosmopolitan magazine and a $100,000 cash prize. Australian supermodel Nicole Trunfio joins the show as mentor to the female models.
◊“Mantracker” (9 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 284 on DirecTV): This new series will introduce viewers to two weekend warriors each week. The challengers have 36 hours to reach a destination more than 22 miles away. Not only do they have to contend with the rugged terrain, but they must also outwit the “Mantracker,” who is using a horse to capture them before they reach the finish line.
◊“Tulsa Deco” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Film historian Jack Frank takes a tour of Tulsa’s art deco buildings that root in the 1920s oil boom as the city’s way of showing off its wealth. The special includes visits to Christ the King church, Will Rogers High School, the Fairgrounds Pavilion and J. Paul Getty’s “bunker” house near Sheridan and Virgin streets.
◊“Wonderland” (9 p.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): In the short-lived ABC show’s never-before-seen series finale, appropriately titled “Hello Goodbye,” Banger and Neil use truth serum on a murderer who wants to be deemed unfit to stand trial.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Missouri in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on KOCB-34.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Liz befriends a pregnant teenaged donut shop employee in an attempt to adopt her baby. John Lithgow (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest stars.
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): This special “Wild Card” episode features the judges’ favorite remaining contestants. Each will perform, and then the judges will select the final three contestants who will round out the Top 12.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Nick pieces together three separate cases that occurred at the same motel during the course of one year. Musical recording artist Taylor Swift (“Hannah Montana: The Movie”) guest stars as Haley Jones, a teenaged girl whose family runs the seedy Vegas motel.
◊“Eleventh Hour” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Hood must root iut the source of a poison cluster that claims victims all over Philadelphia. Mariel Hemingway (“Manhattan”) guest stars as a mither exposed to the toxins.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Addison (guest star Kate Walsh, “Private Practice”) returns to Seattle Grace to perform groundbreaking surgery. She is taken aback by all of the changes in her old co-workers’ lives.
◊“Kath & Kim” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Kath and Phil get ready for their bachelor and bachelorette parties. Before going out on the town, Athena (Maya Rudolph, “Saturday Night Live”) gives Kath, Kim and Tina some of her special tea which leads to an interesting night.
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): Earl reminisces about the fun he and Randy had when they got to go to Chaz Dalton’s Space Academy as children. But when Earl decides to visit Chaz (Curtis Armstrong, “Van Wilder”), he soon realizes that his childhood hero is not what he remembers.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Addison and Charlotte work together to save the lives of a pregnant woman in a coma and her unborn child.
◊“Stateline: Television Pioneers, Part 2” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of OETA’s award-winning documentaru series takes viewers back to a time before cable, when color television was a luxury and only a lucky few owned a remote. Stations in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Ada and Lawton filled the broadcast day with programs like “The Bud Wilkinson Show,” “Wallace Wildlife,” and “Lewis Meyer’s Bookshelf.” Teens tuned in to “Dance Party and “The Scene,” while late night viewers looking for a thrill stayed up for “Shock Theater” and “Mazeppa Pompazoidi’s Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting.”
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas A&M in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on Fox Sports Oklahoma (FSOK).
FRIDAY, MARCH 6
◊“20/20: Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Returns” (8 p.m. on ABC): Elizabeth Vargas anchors this special edition that will feature exclusive interviews with Siegfried & Roy at their home in Las Vegas, highlights from the duo’s career and reports on Roy Horn’s recovery from the tiger attack in 2003. It also includes clips from the entertainers’ farewell performance on Feb. 28 at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
◊“Bret Michaels: The True Hollywood Story” (8 p.m. on E!): This all-access pass to the Poison frontman’s life story reveals his rise from rat-infested Hollywood apartments to stadiums packed with screaming fans. It includes rare performance video of Poison’s earliest incarnation called “Paris,” and never-before-seen photos and home video from Michaels’ childhood.
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): Grammy-winning musician Wyclef Jean guest stars in the new episode titled “Curricular Goals,” in which Jessica is set to face Danny in a chess tournament.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
◊“Ashes to Ashes” (8 p.m. on BBC America): This sequel to the hit British series “Life on Mars’ focuses on Detective Inspector Alex Drake, who is shot and lands in 1981. She comes face-to-face with Detective Chied Inspector Gene Hunt, the relic of old-fashioned policing she read about in Sam Tyler’s reports. Alex thinks she is in a coma and needs Hunt’s help to go after Layton, the man who shot her in 2008.
◊“Bound by a Secret” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Meredith Baxter (“Family Ties”) and Lesley Ann Warren (“In Plain Sight”) star as two old friends who share a life-long secret are forced to face the truth – and its consequences – when one is diagnosed with a terminal illness and wants to put all her affairs in order.
◊“The Essentials” (7 p.m. on TCM): Emmy winner Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”) joins TCM host Robert Osborne for a new season of this weekly movie showcase. They will introduce “essential” classic films that everyone should see, beginning with 1935’s “A Night at the Opera.”
◊“Last Chance” (10 p.m. on weTV, channel 128 on Dish Network, 260 on DirecTV): Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) is writer, director and star of this film about a woman in a small town who’s been stripped of all aspirations. Cranston wrote the movie as a Valentine for his wife, Robin Dearden, who stars as the lead character.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Feb. 22-28, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 22:
SUNDAY, FEB. 22
◊The 81st Annual Academy Awards (7:30 p.m. on ABC): “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is up for 13 Oscars, including best picture and best actor for Shawnee-born Brad Pitt. Another nominee with Oklahoma ties is Ron Howard, who was born in Duncan and is up for best director for “Frost/Nixon.” Host Hugh Jackman (pictured above in ABC Photo) is from Australia, but he has worked with an Oklahoman (James Marsden in the “X-Men” movies) and he has been in “Oklahoma!” on stage.
◊“100 Most Outrageous Moments 2” (8 p.m. on NBC): This special features plenty of missteps, misstatements and mistakes from television shows, newscasts, sporting events, political speeches and the like, but it also includes several viewer-submitted videos.
◊“The Barbara Walters Special” (6 p.m. on ABC): Sitting down with Barbara Walters for her 28th annual Oscar special are Academy Award nominees Anne Hathaway and Mickey Rourke, Academy Award host Hugh Jackman and teen pop stars the Jonas Brothers.
◊“HGTV Showdown” (8 p.m. on HGTV): Kim Myles, last season’s “HGTV Design Stars” winner, squares off with this season’s champion, Jennifer Bertrand, as they pull out all the stops to create dazzling children-friendly spaces.
◊“Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:05 p.m. on ABC): The talk show will host his fourth consectuive post-Oscar celebration that will air live from the El Capitan Entertainment Center in Hollywood.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the mid-1990s, wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park. “In the Valley of the Wolves” traces three years in the life of the Druid wolf pack with a look at its relations with other packs and the fate of its members.
◊“The Oscars Red Carpet 2009″ (7 p.m. on ABC): Co-hosts Tim Gunn (”Project Runway”), Robin Roberts (”Good Morning America”) and Jess Cagle (Entertainment Weekly managing editor) will interview celebrities and comment on fashions during guest arrivals.
◊“Rampage!” (7 p.m. on Discovery): See firsthand what happens when people, machines and nature to on the rampage in this eight-part series featuring raw footage and the stories behind it.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel, 66 on Cox, 214 on Dish Network, 362 on DirecTV): Storm tracker Jim Cantore returns as host for a new season of stories that chronicle survivors and rescuers battling amazing weather events. The season premiere focuses on the May 2008 Windsor tornado that touched down in northern Colorado and hit a daycare center.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Theatre and Drama Department and include 1968’s “The Producers” (9:45 a.m.), 1954’s “Susan Slept Here” (1:15 p.m.) and 1983’s “The Dresser” (8:45 p.m.).
MONDAY, FEB. 23
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “A Class Apart” recounts the struggle of Texas field hand Pete Hernandez and his lawyers to get him a fair trial for the murder of his employer. At the time, equal protection covered only blacks and whites, not Mexican-Americans.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): A set of 1914 and 1915 Cracker Jack baseball cards is estimated to be worth $30,000 to $40,000.
◊“Battle for Tobacco Road: Duke vs. Carolina” (8 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary chronicles what many hardwood observers consider college basketball’s fiercest rivalry. It also examines the different cultures and characteristics of the programs in Durham and Chapel Hill that are separated by fewer than 10 miles.
◊“Daddy’s Girls” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): As Season 1 comes to a close, Vanessa and Angela have learned a lot about what it means to be adults, great friends and successufl entertainers.
◊“Hard Time” (8 p.m. on National Geographic): This new six-part series offers an inside look at Georgia’s prison system, where military-style discipline is the order of business. The series visits with prisoners at all levels, from a boot camp for young offenders to death row.
◊“Man vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In the Season 3 finale, host Bear Grylls reveals the tradecraft and survivla tips needed to stay alive in some of the toughest and most remote locations on the planet, including the salt flats of Mexico and the ice in Siberia.
◊“Rita Rocks” (7 p.m. on Lifetime): In the first-season finale, Rita gets a promotion to manager at Bed & Bath Max, which results in longer hours. She realizes she can’t do it all and quits the band.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Agriculture Department and include 1937’s “The Good Earth” (8:15 a.m.), 1945’s “San Antonio” (2:45 p.m.) and 1955’s “East of Eden” (9 p.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Mark Wahlberg (“The Departed”) is featured in the “star in a reasonably-priced car” segment.
◊“True Beauty” (9 p.m. on ABC): The contestants in this reality series though they were being judged on their looks, but they were actually being judged on their compassion, sportsmanship, charity, respect for their elders and other qualitiestraits. In the finale, find out who displayed more than beauty to win a spot in People magazine’s “Most Beautiful People” issue.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas A&M in women’s college basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Kansas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
TUESDAY, FEB. 24
◊“Black to the Future” (8 p.m. today through Friday on VH1): David Alan Grier (“Chocolate News”) hosts this four-part special celebrating the contributions of blacks to American pop culture.
◊“Dark Days in Monkey City” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): John Rhys-Davies (“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”) narrates this new series that reveals tales of love, treachery, betrayal and triumph among monkeys living in the deserted city of Polonnaruwa on Sri Lanka. It blends live action with graphic novel-style animation to accentuate the stories that are based on the Smithsonian Primate Project, the longest-running study of primates in the world.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The death of a NCIS agent leads Gibbs and Tony into the desert to locate a woman who holds the answer to the mystery. Lance Henriksen (”Millennium”) guest stars as Sheriff Clay Boyd.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment titled “Rats Attack” focuses on a horrendous event that happens every 48 years Mizoram, India. The ordeal is known locally as mautam, and it happens when an indigenous species of bamboo blooms and spurs an explosion in the rat population that feeds off the bamboo’s fruit.
◊“Privileged” (8 p.m. on CW): As Marco and Keith prepare for their wedding with the help of wedding planner Olivia (Kathy Griffin, “My Life on the ‘D’ List”), Megan discovers that her father Arthur is drinking again.
◊“The Real Housewives of Orange County Reunion Special” (8 p.m. on Bravo): Bravo programming executive Andy Cohen hosts this special that reunites the ladies of Orange County to give their side of the story on what went on after the cameras stopped rolling.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Languages Department and include 1960’s “Two Women” (5:15 a.m.), 1956’s “Gervaise” (4:45 p.m.) and 1950’s “Rashomon” (9 p.m.).
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25
◊“America’s Ballroom Challenge” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Jean Louisa Kelly (“Yes, Dear”) hosts this two-hour special that features 24 couples competing in the world’s grandest ballroom dancing competition in Columbus, Ohio. All four major dance styles will be featured — American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard, and International Latin — and an international panel of judges will decide which couple walks away with the crown.
◊“The Contender” (8 p.m. on Versus): The fourth-season finale will feature a bout between the show’s top two cruiserweights live from MGM Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.
◊“Guy’s Big Night” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Chef Guy Fieri cooks up his favorite recipes in this primetime special. Plus, there will be unexpected guests and a DJ spinning music for the feast.
◊“Human Prey” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series tells the stories of real people who’ve been attacked by wild animals and lived to tell the tale.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:06 p.m. on ABC): Sam recognizes a killer from the future and must find a way to stop him in 1973. Former presidential candidate Fred D. Thompson (“Law & Order”) guest stars as Chief Harry Woolf.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Medical Department and include 1958’s “Cat on the Hot Tin Roof” (9 a.m.), 1936’s “Camille” (3 p.m.) and 1989’s “My Left Foot” (11:15 p.m.).
◊“Top Chef” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The three remaining chef’testants face an extra special challenge in the Season 5 finale. The winner gets $100,000, a culinary tour of the French Alps and a feature in Food & Wine Magazine.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Colorado in men’s college basketball action airing live at 9:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
THURSDAY, FEB. 26
◊“The Beast” (9 p.m. on A&E): Barker and Ellis are assigned to go undercover when Chicago Police Department Officer Owens is reported missing. Lou Diamond Phillips (“Lone Rider”) guest stars.
◊“The Black List: Volume Two” (7 p.m. on HBO): Award-winning journalist Elvis Mitchell interviews a host of influential blacks, including Laurence Fishburne (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”), Tyler Perry (“Madea Goes to Jail”), Maya Rudolph (“Saturday Night Live”), Melvin Van Peebles (“Blackout”) and singer Charley Pride.
◊“The Chris Isaak Hour” (9 p.m. on Bio): Singer/songwriter Chris Isaak hosts this new talk and music performance show. Through a blend of storytelling and performance, each guest will be interviewed by Isaak and relive the highs and lows of their careers. The series premiere will feature Trisha Yearwood and will include the first ever performance of “Breaking Apart,” a duet from Isaak’s new album.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs are called to three different crime scenes in one night that are seemingly unrelated, but each case’s forensic evidence reveals a common link. John Schneider (“Smallville”) guest stars.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): One of Meredith’s oldest friends becomes an intern at Seattle Grace, causing turmoil at the Hospital. Mary McDonnell (“Battlestar Gallactica”) guest stars in this episode directed by Eric Stoltz (“Mask”).
◊“NEWBOs: The Rise of America’s New Black Overclass” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This new documentary provides a close-up look at the experiences of several self-made black multimillionaires, many of whom grew up poor, are mostly under age 40, and have primarily made their vast fortunes in the sports, entertainment and media industries. Among them are LeBron James, Terrell “T.O.” Owens, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Wyclef Jean and Lil’ Wayne.
◊“Secrets of the Furious 5″ (7 p.m. on NBC): This new animated special picks up where the feature film “Kung Fu Panda” left off, with Po put in charge of training a new class of students.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Geology Department and include 1970’s “Paint Your Wagon” (7:45 a.m.), 1939’s “The Rains Came” (5 p.m.) and 1974’s “Chinatown” (11:15 p.m.).
FRIDAY, FEB. 27
◊“15 Most Unforgettable Hollywood Tragedies” (7 p.m. on E!): This special combines news footage and interviews to count down 15 of the most memorable Hollywood tragedies that made headlines.
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): Hector mysteriously loses his agility right before his big basketball game in the new episode titled “Trouble Afoot.” Guest star Whoopi Goldberg (“The View”) performs “The Electric Comoany Rap” with Hector and Shock.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Political Science Department and include 1946’s “Notorious” (6 a.m.), 1972’s “1776″ (4 p.m.) and 1949’s “All the King’s Men” (9:15 p.m.).
◊“Yo Gabba Gabba!” (12:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Rachel Dratch (“Saturday Night Live”) teaches a “Dancey Dance” to the Gabba gang, who learn the importance of cleaning up in this new episode. Musical guest Chromeo perform a song titled “Nice and Clean.”
SATURDAY, FEB. 28
◊“America” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Emmy winner Rosie O’Donnell (“The Rosie O’Donnel Show”) executive produces and stars in this new movie based on E.R. Frank’s book of the same name. The film takes viewers on the emotional journey of America, 17, as he navigates the United States foster care system.
◊“Ice Queens” (11 a.m. on MTV): This new special follows the lives of three young female figure skaters as they gear up for the South Atlantic Regional Championships. Along the way, they’ll test out their programs at smaller competitions, work with their coaches to perfect their spins and jumps and somehow manage to fit school into the mix.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Athletic Department and include 1978’s “Heaven Can Wait” (9:15 a.m.), 1984’s “The Natural” (4:30 p.m.) and 1976’s “Rocky” (8:45 p.m.).
◊“VH1 Storytellers: Kanye West” (8 p.m. on VH1): This hourlong special features Kanye West performing songs from his critically acclaimed album 808’s & Heartbreak in addition to past hits. Viewers also get to hear the inspiration and stories behind each song.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State in women’s college basketball action airing live at noon on KAUT-43.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech in men’s college basketball action airing live at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
Oklahoma State University takes on Texas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 5 p.m. on ESPN.
–Penny TV
TV Talk: Top 10 Shows for Feb. 15-21
The Oklahoman’s TV Talk personalities Penny Soldan and Heather Warlick tape a weekly video for Newsok.tv that highlights upcoming TV programs worth watching. They’re not fast talkers, but just in case you didn’t catch all the information for a show of interest, here is their script for the week of Feb. 15:
P: Hi, I’m Penny Soldan, this is Heather Warlick and this is TV Talk, The Oklahoman’s final Top 10 countdown of programs worth watching. And these are our picks for the week of Feb. 15.
H: Since this is our last TV Talk video, and we’ll talk more about that later, let’s start it off with a reunion. Or rather “High School Reunion,” our No. 10 pick. The TV Land reality show premieres at 9 p.m. Wednesday and follows 19 classmates from the 1988 graduating class of Arizona’s Chandler High School at a special reunion in Hawaii.
P: Chad Ramirez, who is the head rodeo coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, is among the “High School Reunion” classmates. But he considers Oklahoma home now.
H: No. 9 is “Spectacular!”, a new Nickelodeon movie premiering at 7 p.m. Monday. This new TV movie for tweens focuses on a talented teen rebel who is on an unpredictable road to rock stardom. Penny tells me that the soundtrack, which features 10 original songs, is in itself spectacular.
P: If you’re like Heather and love awards shows, be sure and catch our No. 8 pick. It’s the 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards airing uncut, uncensored and commercial free at 4 p.m. Saturday on IFC. Steve Coogan from “Tropic Thunder” hosts this year’s ceremony which will be edited and rebroadcast at 9 p.m. Saturday on AMC.
H: No. 7 is “Mistresses,” a new British series airing at 7 p.m. Friday on BBC America. It chronicles the adventures of four 30-something friends with one thing in common — infidelity. And it stars four of Britain’s leading actresses — Sarah Parish, Sharon Small, Orla Brady and Shelley Conn.
P: OK, maybe Heather doesn’t like awards shows as much as me. But No. 6 is a topic I know interests her. It is “Stealing Lincoln’s Body” premering at 8 p.m. Monday on History. This new special explores the final chapter of the 16th president, who was assassinated in 1865 but did not come to rest in his hometown of Springfield, Ill., until 1901.
H: No. 5 are five guest stars making appearance on five primetime shows. Monday morning, it’s Marcia Wallace from “The Bob Newhart Show” on “The Young and the Restless” at 11 a.m. on CBS. And Monday evening, its Rob Reiner from “All in the Family” on “Hannah Montana” at 6:30 p.m. on Disney.
P: Then on Wednesday, see chef Emeril Lagasse on “Top Chef” at 9 p.m. on Bravo. And Thursday, look for Danny Glover from “Lethal Weapon” on NBC’s “My Name Is Earl” at 7 p.m. and Faye Dunaway from “Network” on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” at 8 p.m.
H: No. 4 is “American Idol” which airs at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday on Fox. For the next three Tuesdays, 12 different semifinalists will perform. And be sure and watch for Matt Breitzke from Bixby who is among the Top 32 semifinalists.
P: And vote for Matt if you enjoy his singing. Because during Wedneday’s live results shows, the three contestants with the highest number of votes — one male, one female and the next top vote-getter, will secure spots in the Top 12.
H: No. 3 is Conan O’Brien’s final show as host of NBC’s “Late Night.” He signs off after Friday’s telecast, but he will take over “The Tonight Show” hosting duties on June 1. And Jimmy Fallon will take over the reins as “Late Night” host on March 2.
P: And taking over the No. 2 spot on our list is “Taking Chance.” It is a very touching fact-based drama starring Kevin Bacon as a volunteer military escort who accompanies the body of Chance Phelps, a 19-year-old lance corporal killed in Iraq, home to Wyoming. Be sure and watch it with a box of tissue at 7 p.m. Saturday on HBO.
H: And No. 1, if you don’t count the OU men’s basketball game against Texas at 8 p.m. Saturday on ESPN, is “The Amazing Race.” And Christie Volkmer from Choctaw is Oklahoma’s first contender for the six-time Emmy Award-winning reality-competition program that begins Season 14 at 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
P: Christie and teammate Jodi Wincheski from Houston make up one of 11 teams that will travel one of the most grueling courses ever assembled on the race – spanning 40,000 miles and nine countries in just 22 days.
H: And that’s a wrap for TV Talk. The Oklahoman will debut a new TV video next week in which Penny will narrow the must-see programs from 10 to three. But as always, readers can consult TV Week in Sunday’s Oklahoman or go online to newsok.com/tv for even more TV choices.
P: Thanks, Heather, for your help in making a year’s worth of TV Talk videos that are still entertaining to watch. And to everyone out there watching, thanks for your time.
Top 60 TV Programs for Feb. 15-21
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 15:
SUNDAY, FEB. 15
◊The 51st annual Daytona 500 (1 p.m. on Fox): NASCAR opens the 2009 season with the top-rated event in American motorsports. Country music artist Keith Urban will headline the 2009 Daytona prerace show live at noon, performing three of his No. 1 songs prior to the drop of the green flag.
◊“The Amazing Race 14” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christie Volkmer from Choctaw is Oklahoma’s first contender for the six-time Emmy Award-winning reality-competition program that hits the road for Season 14. She and teammate Jodi Wincheski from Houston make up one of 11 teams that will travel one of the most grueling courses ever assembled on the race – spanning 40,000 miles and nine countries in just 22 days.
◊“Eastbound & Down” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Danny McBride (“Pineapple Express”) stars in this new six-part comedy series. He plays Kenny Powers, a former pro baseball pitcher whose self-destructive behavior ruined his career. Now he’s back in his North Carolina hometown teaching physical education at his old middle school.
◊“Food Nework Challenge” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Four pastry chefs design a cake for Miley Cyrus’ Sweet 16 birthday. Miley’s grandmother is among the panel of judges who will decide with chef wins $10,000 and the chance to serve their cake to the teen star.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Timothy Spall (“Harry Potter” movies) stars as Fagin, leader of a gang of boy thieves, in this new two-part adaptation of the Dickens classic “Oliver Twist.” Newcomer William Miller stars as Oliver.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Art Dept. and include 1958’s ”The Horse’s Mouth” (10 a.m.), 1956’s “Lust for Life” (2:15 p.m.) and 1943’s “No Time for Love” (7 p.m.).
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): Harper is helping Mr. Frenchy, a famous fashion designer, during Fashion Week, and enlists Alex’s help to care for a one-of-a-kind dress. When Alex ruins it, she decides to host the designer’s show at the Waverly Sub Station in an attempt to fix things. Cindy Crawford (”Fashion Flashback”) and Willie Garson (“Sex and the City”) guest star.
◊“World’s Heavist Man Gets Married!” (7 p.m. on TLC): This special profiles the wedding of Manuel Uribe to his longtime girlfriend, Claudia Solis. In 2006, Uribe tipped the scales at 1,232 lbs., but now he is 400 lbs. lighter and seizing his second chance at life and love.
MONDAY, FEB. 16
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The first hour from Wichita, Kan., features a 1949 payroll check made out to professional baseball rookie Mickey Mantle. It is valued between $30,000 and $50,000.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck and Sarah’s latest assignment forces them to pose as a happily married couple living in the suburbs. They meet some interesting characters including Brad (Andy Richter, “Andy Barker, P.I.”), a cheerful next-door neighbor in the stationary business, and Sylvia (Jenny McCarthy, “John Tucker Must Die”), a seductive and attractive woman who lives across the street and has her eye on Chuck.
◊“Dadnapped” (7 p.m. on Disney): Emily Osment (“Hannah Montana”) and George Newborn (“Father of the Bride”) star in this new daughter-father action comedy set in and around the fictional Western town of Mercury. Melissa and her father, Neil, the author of a popular action hero book series, attend a conference and become part of a prank dad-napping.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Sylar and Luke embark on a road trip to find Sylar’s father, but are secretly being hunted by Nathan’s agents. Moira Kelly (“The West Wing” ) guest stars.
◊“ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): U.S. skaters Johnny Wier and Evan Lysacek were among the competitors at this competition held Dec. 10-14 in South Korea.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Series star Patricia Arquette (Allison) makes her directorial debut in this episode, in which Allison’s strange behavior leads to an explosive discovery that may change the future of Joe’s business.
◊“Right America: Feeling Wronged” (7 p.m. on HBO): In this new documentary, filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi (daughter of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives). hits the road to ask conservative Americans to share their thoughts on the way the country is changing.
◊“Sex … With Mom and Dad” (3 p.m. on MTV): Dr. Drew Pinsky returns for Season 2, which will incorporate vintage sex education footage into the show that features therapy sessions and homework assignments for famlies in crisis.
◊“Simon Schama’s Rough Crossings” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Writer-narrator Simon Schama reconstructs the journey of black slaves who were offered their freedom if they fought for Britain during the American Revolution. They were resettled in Nova Scotia, which proved a poor fit for those from the Deep South. So arrangements were made to transport them to Sierra Leone, where worse conditions awaited.
◊“Spectacular!” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon)(Nickelodeon Photo of “Spectacular!” cast above): Taking center stage in this new TV movie for tweens is a talented teen rebel (Nolan Gerard Funk, “Smallville”) who is on an unpredictable road to rock stardom. Tammin Sursok (“The Young and the Restless”) also stars in the film, which features 10 original songs.
◊“Stealing Lincoln’s Body” (8 p.m. on History): This new special explores the final chapter of the 16th president, who was assassinated in 1865 but did not come to reat in his hometown of Springfield, Ill., until 1901. For the first time, Lincoln walks and moves according to the historical record, thanks to new digital visualizations.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Criminology Dept. and include 1938’s ”Boys’ Town” (7 a.m.), 1944’s “Double Indemnity” (2:30 p.m.) and 1991’s “Bugsy” (11:15 p.m.).
◊“True Beauty” (9 p.m. on ABC): In week seven, contestants attend a red carpet party where they will be the guests of honor and be judged on their poise and presentation as they walk the red carpet and work the crowd. But there’s a twist: The contestants will each have a date, and their dates are their parents.
◊“The Young and the Restless” (11 a.m. on CBS): Marcia Wallace (“The Bob Newhart Show”) guest stars as Ammie Wilkes, a woman who poses possible danger to Katherine Chancellor (Jeanne Cooper).
TUESDAY, FEB. 17
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): For the next three Tuesdays, 12 different semifinalists will perform. During Wedneday’s live results shows, the three contestants with the highest number of votes — one male, one female and the next top vote-getter, will secure spots in the Top 12.
◊“Dogg After Dark” (8 p.m. on MTV): Rapper, record producer, entrepreneur and actor Snoop Dogg will host this new weekly variety talk show from Los Angeles hotspot Kress on Hollywood Boulevard. The show will feature interviews with A-list celebrities and musicians, sketch-comedy segments and musical performances.
◊“Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): “Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life” revisits the life of composer and pianist, who was Duke Ellington’s right-hand man and wrote some if his best-known songs. Dule Hill (“Psych”) plays Strayhorn in re-enactments.
◊“Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Dr, Melinda Warner’s expertiese comes into play when a homeopathic doctor (Martin Mull, “The Ellen Show”) goes on trial for the death of a girl with AIDS.
◊“The Real Housewives Of New York City” (10 p.m. on Bravo): The series franchise returns to the New York social scene for a second season. Alex, Bethenny, Jill, Luann and Ramona, along with new cast member Kelly Killoren Bensimon, continue to juggle their careers and home lives with busy calendars.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Dance Dept. and include 1937’s ”Shall We Dance” (9:30 a.m.), 1951’s “Royal Wedding” (2:30 p.m.) and 1952’s “Million Dollar Mermaid” (7 p.m.).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on Cox.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
◊“Against the Elements” (9 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 284 on DirecTV): This new series explores the science behind the most heart-stopping natural disasters ever captured on camera. Forensic investigations reveal what caused these catastophes and shows what scientists have learned from the past that will protect us in the future.
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Jerome Robbins: Something to Dance About” profiles one of Broadway’s best directors and choreographers. It includes never-before-scene rehearsal footage and interviews with many of his colleagues, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Chita Rivera and Stephen Sondheim.
◊“High School Reunion” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Nineteen classmates from the 1988 graduating class of Arizona’s Chandler High School come together for a special reunion in Hawaii. Chad Ramirez, head rodeo coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, is among them.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): After New York City Councilman Bobby Prince is caught with a hooker during a police raid on a motel, he shares a secret with Det. Sam Tyler.
◊“Lost” (8 p.m. on ABC): The way back to the island is revealed to members of the Oceanic 6, but there’s trouble ahead when not all of them wish to return.
◊“Rick Steves’ Iran” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): World traveler Rick Steves journeys to Iran in hopes of getting to know this ancient country and to better understand the 70 million people living there.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello welcomes his wife, jazz artist Diana Krall. She is interviewed by the program’s executive producer, Elton John.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Law Dept. and include 1942’s ”The Talk of the Town” (8:15 a.m.), 1929’s “Madame X” (noon) and 1954’s “The Caine Mutiny” (9 p.m.).
◊“Top Chef” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The final chef’testants will need to “kick it up a notch” to impress guest judge and famed chef Emeril Lagasse. This supersized episode also features a twist that changes the face of game as the field is narrowed from four to three.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas Tech in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19
◊“Being Erica” (9 p.m. on SoapNet, channel 170 on Cox Digital Cable, 188 on Dish Network, 262 on DirecTV): This new series follows the life of Erica Strange, 32, who is given chances to revisit various events from her past that caused regret and attempts to fix them. Newcomer Erin Karpluk plays Erica.
◊“Biography: Mötley Crüe” (9 p.m. on BIO, channel 119 on Dish Network, 164 on Cox Digital Cable, 266 on DirecTV): This new installment takes viewers through the nearly 30 years career span of one of the most infamous rock bands that sold more than 45 million records worldwide. The LA quartet – made up of lead singer Vince Neil, drummer Tommy Lee, bass player Nikki Sixx and guitarist Mick Mars – parlayed whiplash hard-rock songs, melodic power ballads and a hedonistic image into superstardom and lived the rock & roll lifestyle to its fullest.
◊“ER” (9 p.m. on NBC): It’s Valentine’s Day in the ER and Neela seems to be under the spell of Dr. Brenner. Meanwhile, Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) makes a surprise return to the ER.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): One segment in this locally-produced show focuses on Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee, the only university in the country that offers courses in boot and saddle making.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Cristina calls the abilities of a renown surgeon into question after she botches a standard procedure. Faye Dunaway (“Network”) guest stars as Dr. Campbell.
◊“Kath & Kim” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Kath discovers that she is still married to her ex Rusty (guest star Ron White) and must find him in order to finalize their divorce. Busy Philipps (“Dawson’s Creek”) guest stars.
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): Darnell’s absentee father (Danny Glover, “Lethal Weapon”) arrives in Camden claiming he needs to make amends with his son. Earl and Randy smell trouble and go to warn Joy and Darnell.
◊“Sin City Law” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This new two-part documentary, which concludes Feb. 26, chronicles Las Vegas criminal cases.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Dept. of Education and include 1955’s ”Blackboard Jungle” (7 a.m.), 1939’s “Goodbye Mr. Chips” (5 p.m.) and 1938’s “Pygmalion” (7 p.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Wilhelmina fears she’s lost her edge in the fashion world because she’s been spending too much time with Conner. Bernadette Peters (“Living Proof”) guest stars.
FRIDAY, FEB. 20
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): New quarterback J.D. McCoy (Jeremy Sumpter, “Clubhouse”) becomes a victim of freshman hazing but begins to win the respect of the town and his team after he wins his first game.
◊“Late Night With Conan O’Brien” (11:37 p.m. on NBC): Talk show host Conan O’Brien signs off as host of “Late Night.” He will take over “The Tonight Show” hosting duties on June 1. Jimmy Fallon will take over the reins as “Late Night” host on March 2.
◊“Mistresses” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This new series chronicles the adventures of four 30-something friends with one thing in common — infidelity. Starring are four of Britain’s leading actresses, Sarah Parish (“Viva Blackpool”), Sharon Small (“About a Boy”), Orla Brady (“Shark”) and Shelley Conn (“Innocence”).
◊“Real Time With Bill Maher” (9 p.m. on HBO): The comedian and commentator returns for a seventh season of
roundtable discussions with panelists and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.
◊“Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special examines the turmoil that surrounded the 1960s variety show “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” including the events that led to its cancellation.
◊“The Soup Awards” (9:30 p.m. on E!): Host Joel McHale presents spray-painted-gold soup cans to celebrities and reality TV gluttons who make for such great “Soup” all year long.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Philosophy Dept. and include 1952’s ”Pat and Mike” (7:45 a.m.), 1941’s “Sergeant York” (4:30 p.m.) and 1967’s “The Graduate” (11 p.m.).
SATURDAY, FEB. 21
◊The 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards (4 p.m. on IFC): Steve Coogan (“Tropic Thunder”) hosts the this year’s ceremony that will air uncut, uncensored and commercial free (an edited rebroadcast of the event will air at 9 p.m. on AMC). Nominees for best feature are “Ballast,” “Frozen River,” “Rachel Getting Married,” “Wendy and Lucy” and “The Wrestler.”
◊“Aisha Tyler is Lit: Live from the Fillmore” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Recorded in her hometown of San Francisco at the historic Fillmore rock venue, comedienne Aisha Tyler tackles such important topics as staying in shape, married life, honesty and her drinking habits.
◊“Extreme Cuisine with Jeff Corwin” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Renowned for his expertise in wildlife and conservation, Jeff Corwin sets his sights on exploring human culture through regional cuisine in this primetime special. He enjoys countless surprises and unforgettable flavors as he interacts with natives and showcases how exotic foods and customs uniquely shape each community.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (7 p.m. on NBC): When celebrity illusionist Miles Stone disappears from his own stunt, Goren and Eames must explore the exclusive and very secretive world of magic and magicians in order to unravel the mystery. Paul Shaffer (“Late Show With David Letterman”) guest stars.
◊“Taking Chance” (7 p.m. on HBO): This fact-based drama stars Kevin Bacon as Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, the volunteer military escort who accompanied the body of Chance Phelps, a 19-year-old lance corporal killed in Iraq, home to Wyoming.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the American History Dept. and include 1944’s ”Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” (7 a.m.), 1989’s “Glory” (4:30 p.m.) and 1953’s “From Here to Eternity” (7 p.m.).
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Baylor in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
–Penny TV
Top 80 TV Programs for Feb. 8-14
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 8:
SUNDAY, FEB. 8
◊The 51st Annual Grammy Awards (7 p.m. on CBS): Rapper Lil Wayne is up for eight trophies at this year’s edition of the music industry’s top awards. Nominees with Oklahoma ties include Trisha Yearwood, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Kings of Leon, MercyMe, Elvin Bishop and Tom Paxton.
◊“1000 Ways to Die” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): This news series showcases true stories about those who succumbed to the grim reaper in the most unorthodox styles.
◊The British Academy Film Awards (7 p.m. on BBC America): Shawnee-born actor Brad Pitt is up for awards in two categories — leading actor for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and supporting actor for “Burn After Reading.” Duncan-born director Ron Howard received a nominations for his film “Frost/Nixon.” The ceremony takes place at the Royal Opera House in London.
◊“The CollegeHumor Show” (8:30 p.m. on MTV): Created by two high school friends to share their crazy photos and stories while in college, CollegeHumor.com has grown into a pop culture phenomenon with six million loyal monthly readers. This new series provides an offbeat look into the company that creates some of today’s most popular Internet comedy.
◊“A Father’s Promise” (7 p.m. on MSNBC): Al Roker (“Today”) hosts this documentary that examines why so many fathers fall out of their children’s lives, particularly in the inner city. It includes a round-table discussion with Tiki Barber (“Today”), Newark, N.J., mayor Cory Booker and Rev. Eugene Rivers, a Boston pastor.
◊“Great Performances” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment “Hit Man: David Foster and Friends” features the songwriter, producer and maestro to the stars on stage in Las Vegas with Blake Shelton, Josh Groban, Celine Dion and others.
◊“HGTV Showdown” (8 p.m. on HGTV): To kickoff the show’s second season, interior designer Genevieve Gorder (“Dear Genevieve”) and carpenter Carter Oosterhouse (“Carter Can”) will take on challengers Monica Pedersen (“Designed to Sell”) and Eric Stromer (“Over Your Head”) in a family room design battle.
◊“How’s Your News” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): This new series focuses on a team of reporters with disabilities who drive across America in a customized tour bus documenting their experiences and laughs along the way.
◊NFL Pro Bowl (3:30 p.m. on NBC): The NFL season comes to an end with the Pro Bowl, being held for the 30th consecutive year in Honolulu. Next year’s game moves to Miami, the host city for Super Bowl XLIV, and will be played the weekend before the NFL championship.
◊“Nick News With Linda Ellerbee” (8 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this installment titled “We Shall Not Be Moved,” youngsters of all races unite to make changes in their neighborhoods, schools and in themselves through political action, poetry and art.
◊“Nitro Circus” (9 p.m. on MTV): Travis Pastrana, a nine-time X Games gold medalist, has built an empire doing things previously thought impossible and always unadvisable. In this new series, he qill play an irrational game of one-upsmanship with his equally insane and entertaining buddies, including professional mountain biker Jim DeChamp and professional female motocross racer Jolene Van Vugt.
◊“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” (8 p.m. on MTV): Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek (“Rob & Big”) continues to try new things in this new reality series. His new place of operation is a 25,000 square foot industrial complex he turnd into the world’s first indoor concrete skate plaza, complete with zip-lines and foam pits.
◊“The Science of Sex Appeal” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This new special looks at every detail of human sex appeal and explores it in terms of its evolution and function.
◊“Sonny With a Chance” (7 p.m. on Disney)(Disney Channel Photo above): Demi Lovato (“Camp Rock”) stars in this new comedy series as Sonny Munroe, a talented girl from the Midwest who relocates to Los Angeles to join the cast of a popular sketch comedy show for teens and tweens.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Anthropology Dept. and include 1982’s ”Poltergeist” (8:15 a.m.), 1953’s “Roman Holiday” (4:45 p.m.) and 1945’s “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (7 p.m.).
◊“XIII” (8 p.m. on NBC): The first femal president of the United States is assassinated during a speech, and the only suspect is a man found wounded in the woods three months later. He has amnesia, and the only clue to his identity is the Roman numeral XIII tattooed on his chest.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State University in women’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on FSOK.
MONDAY, FEB. 9
◊The Second Annual BET Honors” (8 p.m. on BET): Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”) hosts the second annual event that recognizes African-American achievers who have made great strides in their careers while giving back to the community. This year’s honorees include songstress Mary J. Blige, filmmaker Tyler Perry, choreographer Judith Jamison, basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Congressman James E. Clyburn and television host B. Smith.
◊“American Experience” (12:29 a.m. on OETA-13): The new episode “The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln” remembers the 16th president of the United States — born 200 years ago this week — by focusing on the two months following his assassination. Actor Will Patton (“A Mighty Heart”) reads the words of assassin John Wilkes Booth.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio and the team go head-to-head with a defense attorney (Sean Combs, “A Raisin In the Sun”) who may be involved in a murder cover-up.
◊“The Girls of Hedsor Hall” (8 p.m. on MTV): In this new series, 12 of America’s rowdiest girls will be sent to prim-and-proper England for a complete transformation. Former Miss USA Tara Conner serves as the school’s visiting instructor.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): With Chuck missing since his father’s funeral, Uncle Jack (Desmong Harrington, “Dexter”) arrives on the Upper East Side to help Chuck pick up the messy pieces. But first he has to find him.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Following a chain of unexpected events, the Heroes are on the run from, their latest adversary and one of their own, Nathan Petrelli. Dan Byrd (“Aliens in America”) and Zeljko Ivanek (“Damages”) guest star.
◊“Lagerfeld Confidential” (6 p.m. on Sundance): Shot over the course of three years, this new documentary offers an entertaining visit with German-born fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. He is shown photographing Nicole Kidman for an ad campaign, en roite to a lunch with Princess Caroline and in his Paris study sketching dresses for his new collection.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Business Dept. and include 1960’s ”The Apartment” (8:15 a.m.), 1945’s “Mildred Pierce” (2:45 p.m.) and 1951’s “The Man in the White Suit” (9 p.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May return to the U.S., taking three new generation muscle cars on an trip from San Francisco to the heart of Utah.
◊“Trust Me” (9 p.m. on TNT): Mason promises Denise Raynor (Donna Murphy, “Passion”), CEO of Rothman Greene & Mohr, that his group is pinning its awards hopes on their new writer, Sarah. But Sarah is becoming unhappy in her new job and is being wooed by the Mink Group’s nemesis.
◊“Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show” (live from 7-8 p.m. on USA and 8-10 p.m. on CNBC): Twenty-five hundred dogs are entered in the 133rd annual event, but only one will claim the best in show title. Today’s coverage includes the hound, terrier, non-sporting and herding group competition. On Tuesday, the sporting, working, toy and best In show competition will air live from 7-10 p.m. on USA.
TUESDAY, FEB. 10
◊“10 Items or Less” (10 p.m. on TBS): Leslie makes a huge financial error when trying to hold a special sale to celebrate the store’s 150th anniversary.
◊“Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): This 1975 special was taken directly from the late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz’s famed comic strip. It will be followed by the 2002 special “A Charlie Brown Valentine.”
◊“The Biggest Loser 7” (7 p.m. on NBC): On the show’s 100th episode, a balancing competition will bring the winner a coveted prize — a 24-hour visit from a loved one back home.
◊“DEA” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): For Season 2, the network was given exclusive access to follow a group of special agents and task force officers in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s northern New Jersey headquarters. They risk their lives daily in the ongoing battle against illegal drugs.
◊“From G’s to Gents” (9 p.m. on MTV): Fonzworth Bentley returns to take a new group of rowdy bad boys and help them clean up their act. At the end of Season 2, the winner will walk away with $100,000.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): Jonathan Frakes (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) directs this episode in which the team uncovers an attempt to rig a court trial for which Parker happens be serving as a juror. Brent Spiner (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Armin Shimerman (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”) and Lauren Holly (“NCIS”) guest star.
◊“T.I.’s Road to Redemption: 45 Days to Go” (8 p.m. on MTV): This new series chronicles the Grammy winning rapper’s year on probation before serving jail time for an arrest stemming from his earlier life. He completed 1,000 hours of community service to reduce his sentence.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the English Dept. and include 1970’s ”Scrooge” (9:30 a.m.), 1955’s “Richard III” (4:30 p.m.) and 1991’s “Enchanted April” (9 p.m.).
◊“Wingman” (8 p.m. on FLN, channel 113 on Dish Network, 172 on Cox, 232 on DirecTV): Thew new dating reality series follows date-challenged men and women in their search for soul mates. Guiding them alioing their path to success is stand-up comedian and relationship columnist Michael Somerville.
◊Tulsa Washington takes on Tulsa Edison in high school basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on Cox.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KOCB-34.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): The judges decide which hopefuls make the final cit and earn coveted spots in the Top 36.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A Russian tourist is found stabbed to death and the CSIs come face to face with the frightening realities of human trafficking. Julia Ormond (”The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) guest stars as Deputy Inspector Gillian Whitford.
◊“House of Payne” (9:30 p.m. on TBS): Ella has been exercising and dieting with no results and decides to step up her weight-loss plan by going to a health and wellness ranch.
◊“Important Things With Demetri Martin” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Stand-up comedian Demetri Martin is the creator, executive producer and star of this new sketch comedy series. He mixes stand-up comedy, sketches, animation, studio bits and music to explore one “important thing” per episode. The subject of the first episode is “timing.”
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Death threats targeting rock star Sebastian Grace expose Sam and Chris to the anything-goes rock and roll lifestyle, including Grace’s groupie, “Rocket Girl,” and an FBI agent known as “The Sorcerer” (Wallace Shawn, “The L Word”).
◊“Looking for Lincoln” (12:58 a.m. on OETA-13): Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. (“Oprah’s Roots”) explores the roots of President Lincoln and addresses many of the controversies surrounding the 16th president by interpreting evidence from those who knew him and those who study him today.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with …” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello welcomes indie duo She & Him (comprised of actress Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward) and singer-songwriters Jakob Dyland and Jenny Lewis.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Zoology Dept. and include 1954’s ”20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” (8:30 a.m.), 1963’s “The Birds” (2:30 p.m.) and 1943’s “Lassie Come Home” (9 p.m.).
◊“Uneven Fairways” (8 p.m. on Golf Channel): Samuel L. Jackson (“Lakeview Terrace” hosts this new special that chronicles an era when honor and fair play took a backseat to segregation. It reveals the story of the little-known, but rich history of the African-Americans who had the courage to stand up for their rights and pave the way for future stars of golf.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Iowa State in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KWTV-9.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Baylor in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
THURSDAY, FEB. 12
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Jack prepares for an unconventional Valentine’s Day spent at church with girlfriend Elisa (Salma Hayek, “Frida).
◊The 40th NAACP Image Awards (7 p.m. on Fox): Oscar winner Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball”) and actor-screenwriter Tyler Perry co-host the event that celebrates diversity in the arts. Two Nobel Peace Prize winners, former Vice President Al Gore and Kenyan activist Wangari Muta Maathai, are this year’s recipients of the Chairman’s Award.
◊“Animal Armageddon” (8 p.m on Aninal Planet): This new series sheds light on the evolution of Earth’s creatures and reveals the fragile and perilous nature of our planet.
◊“Cosby” marathon (7 p.m. to 1 a.m. today through Sunday on TV Land): Walk down memory lane as Denise, Theo, Vanessa and Rudy experience the growing pains of approaching adulthood and give Cliff and Clair more than one reason to look forward to an empty nest.
◊“Delocated” (9:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In this new live-action series, “Jon” testifies against the Russian Mafia and is placed undercover with his family in a New York City loft. But rather than live quietly through a witness protection program, “Jon” convinces his family to become ski-masked reality stars and have their adventures chronicled for television audiences.
◊“ER” (9:01 p.m. on NBC): Former cast member Eriq La Salle (Dr. Peter Benton) directs this episode in which a car accident in the ambulance bay leaves a mother severely injured and in need of hip surgery.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Addison (Kate Walsh), Naomi (Audra McDonald) and Sam (Taye Diggs) rush the ailing Archer (Grant Show) to Seattle Grace and reunite with old friends Derek and Mark to help save his life.
◊“Making the Band 4” (8 p.m. on MTV): The new season picks up where it ended, with Danity Kane shattered and Day 26 determined not to suffer the same fate.
◊“The Millionaire Matchmaker” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Patti Stanger is at the top of her game as owner of a Los Angeles-based elite matchmaking service in which she helps wealthy men find the women of their dreams. But there’s a twist for Season 2, as Patti adds female millionairesses and gay millionaire clients to the mix.
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): Adjusting to her new wealthy lifestyle proves difficult when Joy struggles to fit in with her trophy-wife neighbors. Morgan Fairchild (“Falcon Crest”) and Joan Van Ark (“Knots Landing”) guest star.
◊“Survivor: Tocantins” (7 p.m. on CBS): Left stranded in the wilds of Brazil for 39 days, the Season 18 castaways will battle scorching temperatures, torrential downpours, and dangerous wildlife all in an effort to outwit, outplay, and outlast one another in order to win $1 million.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Chemistry Dept. and include 1943’s ”Madame Curie” (9:30 a.m.), 1954’s “The Dam Busters” (2 p.m.) and 1959’s “Bell, Book and Candle” (9 p.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Betty tapes a video tribute for Claire Meade’s 60th birthday that’s very revealing, just not in the way she planned. But the real shocker comes when Betty accidentally leaves the camera on at home and discovers some revealing footage about Ignacio.
◊“Victor Borge: 100 Years of Music & Laughter” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Comedienne Rita Ruder narrates this special that features the Danish-born entertainer’s funniest and most memorable skits.
FRIDAY, FEB. 13
◊“Aaron Stone” (6 p.m. on Disney XD, channel 151 on Cox Digital Cable, 174 on Dish Network, 292 on DirecTV): This new series on Disney XD, which launched today in place of Toon Disney, focuses on Charlie Landers, the reigning world champion in the popular online game “Hero Rising.” When a billionaire recluse tells Charlie that “Hero Rising” is actually a test game for real secret agents, Charlie is recruited to be the real-life crime fighter Aaron Stone.
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Eliza Dushku (“Tru Calling”) stars in this new series about a group of secret operatives called ‘‘Actives” whose personalities are wiped clean after each mission. Then they get a new set for the next job. Also starring are Tahmoh Penikett (‘‘Battlestar Galactica”) and Olivia Williams (‘‘Miss Austen Regrets”).
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA): Series star James Roday (Shawn Spencer) co-wrote and directed this episode, in which Shawn and Gus are hired by a childhood friend to find a missing camp counselor. The counselor disappeared near their old sleep away campgrounds. Justin Bateman (“Family Tues”) guest stars.
◊“Reading Rainbow” (noon on OETA-13): Host Levar Burton (“Roots”) tells a series of stories, asking if they are fact or fiction. A small panel of children offer their opinions on the stories.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Religion Dept. and include 1960’s ”Elmer Gantry” (9 a.m.), 1943’s “A Guy Named Joe” (4:45 p.m.) and 1982’s “Sophie’s Choice” (10:15 p.m.).
◊Norman North takes on Westmoore in high school basketball action airing live at 6:15 p.m. on Cox.
◊“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (7 p.m. on Fox): An injured Sarah is guided by the image of John’s father, Kyle Reese, while Weaver’s move to protect John Henry results in deadly consequences.
SATURDAY, FEB. 14
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): Naomi, comfortable with her new living situation, is meddediately taken by Liam (Matt Lanter, “Heroes”), a hot bartender at her hotel.
◊“Before You Say I Do” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When the love of his life is too afraid to commit to marriage, a desperate man’s wish will send him back 10 years to rework history in order to ensure his future with the woman he wants to marry. David Sutcliffe (“Gilmore Girls”) and Jennifer Westfeldt (“Notes from the Underbelly”) star.
◊“Christopher Titus: Love is Evol” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Christopher Titus (“Titus”) takes the stage and riffs his way to Loverville as he tackles relationships, divorce and the root of all “evol” in this new comedy special.
◊“My Music: Love Songs of the 50s and 60s” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This cross-over pop and R&B special includes never-before-seen performances with archival favorites from the pre-Beatles era. Among the artists featured are Doris Day, Johnny Ray and Perry Como.
◊“Privileged” (8 p.m. on CW): Megan is thrilled when Will tells her that his father is starting a new magazine based on their idea.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Sociology Dept. and include 1951’s ”A Place in the Sun” (9:30 a.m.), 1937’s “The Awful Truth” (3:15 p.m.) and 1955’s “Love is a Many Slendored Thing” (7 p.m.).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Iowa State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 3 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Kansas in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KWTV-9.
–Penny TV
