Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 2010
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 Jan. 31:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JAN. 31, 2010
◊“The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards” (7 p.m. on CBS): Festivities at Staples Center in Los Angeles honor the year’s best in music. Ten-time Grammy winner Beyonce, who leads the field this year with 10 new nominations, is scheduled to perform, along with the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Antebellum, Maxwell and Taylor Swift. Oklahoma nominees include Carrie Underwood, Kings of Leon, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Charlie Wilson, Tom Paxton, Mason Williams and Miranda Lambert.
◊“Camp Woodward” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): The series, returning for its third season, follows two teenage skaters and one young BMXer—Sean, Zane and Jovon—as they leave their homes and families for the summer and head off to Pennylvania’s Camp Woodward, the largest action sports facility in the world.
◊“Live at the Grammy Awards With Carrie Ann & Chris” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor”) co-host the red carpet event that will feature interviews with nominees attending the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Gaby and Angie challenge each other’s parenting skills, Susan befriends a stripper (Julie Benz, “Dexter”) and takes her under her wing, Lynette and Tom argue the merits of their new therapist, and a concerned Bree keeps a watchful eye on Orson for fear he may take his own life.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteers Jewel (“Nashville Star”) and Ty Murray (“Dancing Wih the Stars”) join the team in Davidson County, NC, to help a teacher who is battling stage-four cancer while her husband struggles to keep their home livable for their family.
◊“Fair Game?” (6 p.m. on TV One): This documentary directed by Mario Van Peebles (“All My Children”) asks the question, “Are we in fact in a post-racial era?,” and dissects that question. Adding their voices to the discussion are celebrities Chris Rock, Spike Lee, Ice Cube, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Lou Gossett Jr. and Jamie Foxx.
◊“A Family is a Family is a Family: A Rosie O’Donnell Celebration” (6 p.m. on HBO): This special offers a portrait of the diversity of families today that challenges stereotypes, highlighting same-sex parents, mixed-heritage families, single parents and stories of adoption. Children speak from the heart about parents, siblings, marriage and love.
◊“Larry the Cable Guy: Tailgate Party” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): Filmed in front of more than 50,000 people at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., Larry The Cable Guy performs a truckload of new material about TV, hot dogs and buying in bulk.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In part two of Jane Austen’s “Emma,” Emma (Romola Garai) suspects that her old friend, confirmed bachelor Mr. Knightley (Jonny Lee Miller, “Eli Stone”), may be secretly wooing Jane Fairfax (Laura Pyper).
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the landscape of the Balkans live wild animals that have all but vanished from the rest of Europe. This is a wild inaccessible place that belongs more to myth than reality.
◊“SNL Presents: Sports All-Stars” (8 p.m. on NBC): This two-hour special will be hosted by Jason Sudeikis and Will Forte in character as “ESPN Classic Commentators” Pete Twinkle and Greg Stink. It will highlight “Saturday Night Live” appearances by athletes such as Peyton Manning, Derek Jeter, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and Charles Barkley.
MONDAY, FEB. 1, 2010
◊“Blindsight” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Thid documentary captures the courageous journey of six blind Tibetan teenagers as they hike up a 23,000 foot mountain in the Himalayas.
◊“Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows a group of fashion fanatics who swap shopping for the backstreets of India to live and work like the people who make the clothes they wear.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck juggles his two loves as he trains new Nerd Herder Hannah (Kristin Kreuk, “Smallville”) and gets his very own asset who is caught up with The Ring.
“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs have 24 hours to find out if a man on death row (Anthony Michael Hall, “The Dead Zone”) is truly guilty, and Eric Delko returns to work the case.
◊“Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): Hoping to boost morale and her marketing major, Ashleigh enlists Rusty and Dale in a philanthropic “Geek Auction,” but it’s up to Casey to play dirty to save the ZBZ sorority girls, their house and their Greek rank. Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”) guest stars.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): At the carnival, Samuel reveals H.R.G.’s secret past in order to bring Claire to his side. Meanwhile, Lauren (Elizabeth Rohm, “Law & Order”) makes a bold move to put a stop to Samuel.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): House and the team rush to treat an ailing college football star in time for the patient to compete in NFL tryouts. Meanwhile, Foreman’s brother Marcus (Orlando Jones, “Mad TV”) makes a surprise visit to the hospital.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Barney is about to complete the perfect week, the gang roots him on in order to forget about their own miserable week. CBS Sports Broadcaster Jim Nantz and 2009 World Champion New York Yankee Nick Swisher guest star as themselves.
◊“Kell on Earth” (9 p.m. on Bravo): This new series focuses on public relations guru Kelly Cutrone as she balances running her wildly successful fashion PR company, People’s Revolution, juggling Fashion Weeks in New York and London, with being a single mother and one of New York’s most notable women about town.
◊“RuPaul’s Drag Race” (8 p.m. on Logo): The stakes, wigs and heels are higher host as RuPaul searches to crown “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”Celebrity judges for Season 2 include Kathy Griffin, Cloris Leachman, Debbie Reynolds, Tatum O’Neal and Kathy Najimy.
◊“The Secret Diary of a Call Girl” (9 p.m. on Showtime): In the Season 3 premiere, Belle’s life is getting more complicated as she tries to juggle three different identities – an escort, an author, and Hannah, the real girl.
◊“Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Olympic Champions Peggy Fleming (skating) and Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci (gymnastics) host this two-hour special. Pop superstar Ashley Tisdale and her band will perform as 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic skating contenders Elvis Stojko, Todd Eldredge and Emily Hughes perform along with 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic gymnastic champions Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin.
◊“Worst Cooks in America” (9 p.m. on Food Network): The remaining two recruits must prepare a three-course meal for food critics.
◊“X-Play” (5 p.m. on G4): This video game series hosted by Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb celebrates its 1000th episode with a retrospective of the series’ greatest moments, new interviews with celebrity guests and surprise sketches.
TUESDAY, FEB. 2, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Guest judge Victoria Beckham (“Spice World”) helps Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi critique the talent at the Denver auditions.
◊“Austin Stevens Adventures” (9 p.m. on HDNet): In this new series, wildlife photographer Austin Stevens’ search for the world’s most fascinating animals takes him around the glove and through the toughest terrain on the planet.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Digital Nation” maps the critical ways that technology is transforming us, and what we may be learning about ourselves in the process. Is it possible to multitask well? What are the real-world effects of virtual reality? And what is the appropriate use of digital technology in the classroom?
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): This week, contestants are surprised by the return of the blue and yellow teams, who were sent home after the first challenge of the season. Now they’re back, 30 days later, to weigh in and try to earn a spot back on the ranch.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Tensions are high as Peter’s appeal trial begins and Alicia defends a wealthy client in civil court whose innocence she doubts, even after he’s found not guilty in criminal court of murdering his wife. Meryl Streep’s daughter, Mamie Gummer (“John Adams”) guest stars as bumbling prosecutor Nancy Crozier.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Incorporating interviews, animation and recordings, the documemtary “Herskovits at the Heart of Blackness” explores the writings of Jewish anthropologist Melville Herskovits, who challenged popular assumptions about race and culture.
◊“Lost” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the two-hour Season 6 premiere, the aftermath from the detonation of the hydrogen bomb is revealed.
◊“Lost: Final Chapter” (7 p.m. on ABC): This special will take a look at the crash of Oceanic Flight 815, the mysteries of the island, its inhabitants, the Oceanic 6, the violent shifts through time on the island and the detonation of the hydrogen bomb. It will also delve into some of the questions that have been answered, and those that still remain a mystery.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The team finds themselves in a race against time when a terrorist group threatens to detonate a “dirty bomb” in the D.C. area. Rena Sofer (“General Hospital”) reprises her role as attorney Margaret Allison Hart.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment focuses on a new generation of archeologists as they probe areas of Machu Picchu in the Western hemisphere that haven’t been touched since the time of the Incas.
◊“Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal” (8 p.m. on A&E): In the Season 2 finale, three girls are overwhelmed by the spirits that come asking for their help.
◊“Teen Mom Finale Special: Check-Up with Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on MTV): Dr. Drew Pinsky catches up with the cast of “Teen Mom” to reflect on the struggles of their first year of motherhood and reveal what’s happened since.
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): When June’s niece suffers renal trauma, Neal stumbles upon a cruel scheme to harvest human organs and brings the case to Peter. Diahann Carroll (“Julia”) guest stars.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3, 2010
◊“American Greed” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Season 4 opens with “Suicide is Painless,” in which fugitive fund manager Sam Israel fakes his own death to escape justice.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit follows the mental decline of a con artist whose schemes have become so complicated that he begins to eliminate the people involved in them. David Eigenberg (“Sex and the City”) and Annabeth Gish (“The West Wing”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a young woman’s body is found in Central Park, drained of blood and missing part of her ear, the CSIs jumpstart an investigation that takes them into the dark and mysterious subculture of vampirism. Michael Graziadei (“The Young and the Restless”) and Finola Hughes (“General Hospital”) guest star.
◊“Launch My Line” (8 p.m. on Bravo): A Grammy-winning entertainer stops by for a surprise visit and the designers are inspired to oull out all the stops to impress the judges on the Season 1 finale.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): The team goes after a con man (Luke Perry, “Jeremiah”) masquerading as a psychic medium in order to drain the life savings of his bereaved clients.
◊“Living With Ed” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): In the Season 3 finale, environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. (“Gary Unmarried”) declares that he’s not going anywhere for vacation this year, and instead plans a staycation in Los Angeles that includes planting trees at a local elementary school and helping Daryl Hannah (“Splash”) convert her car to run on alcohol.
◊“Man v. Food Live” (8 p.m. on Travel Channel): Host Adam Richman heads to Miami, Fla. for a two-hour event leading up to Super Bowl weekend. Spectators will cheer on Richman as he attempts Shula’s 48 oz. Steak Challenge — in real time — in hopes of being inducted into the exclusive 48oz.Club. ThE popular South Florida steakhouse was founded by Don Shula, the winningest Coach in NFL history.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Mercy staffers are jolted by the arrival of Dr. Joe Briggs (James Van Der Beek, “Dawson’s Creek”), the arrogant new head of ICU with whom Veronica promptly locks horns.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Claire feels inadequate when her old friend Valerie (Minnie Driver, “The Riches”) visits and is nothing like Claire remembered.
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): When Shawn and Gus join Gus’ new girlfriend on a rafting trip, a member of the group goes overboard. And Shawn realizes that it was no accident. Sarah Shahi (“The L Word”) and Stacey Keibler (“Dancing With the Stars”) guest star.
◊“Shear Genius” (9 p.m. on Bravo): International model and handbag designer Camila Alves is the new host of the hair-styling competition show. Season 3 also features new series judge Jonathan Antin (“Blow Out”) and stylist Orlando Pita, who adds his voice of expertise as mentor to the contestants.
◊“Steven Seagal Lawman” (9 p.m. on A&E): In the Season 1 finale, the night starts off badly as Deputy Chief Steven Seagal and his team rish to the scene of a man killed by a drive-by shooting.
◊“Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials 2010″ (7 p.m. on CBS): Get a sneak peek at some of this year’s highly-anticipated Super Bowl commercials in this special hosted by Jim Nantz (“NFL on CBS”) and Lara Spencer (“The Insider”). The best Super Bowl commercials from the past decade will also be featured, with viewers voting on the top commercial spot as this special is airing.
◊“Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Betty receives an award for her blog, which causes tension between her and Daniel. Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest stars.
◊“Ultimate Wedding Guide” (7 p.m. on FLN): Follow several brides-to-be as they check off items on their wedding at-home lists with the advice of experts who have smart tips and tricks for every budget.
◊“Underbelly” (9 p.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): This award-winning Australian crime-drama series based on true events offers a shocking portrayal of the violent, drug-fueled Australian underworld from the 1970s through the early 2000s.
◊“The Woman Who Stops Traffic” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new series, professional trouble-shooter Kris Murrin is on a mission to stop traffic for one day in three of England’s most congested locations. She wants to show that even the hardest habits can be changed with the right motivation.
THURSDAY, FEB. 4, 2010
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): Jenna Maroney turns to Jack Donaghy for help with her mother, Verna (Jan Hooks, “Designing Women”), who has come to visit.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Brennan and Booth investigate a set of disfigured remains allegorizing biblical text. As they acquire more information about the victim, a former patient of Dr. Adam Copeland (Joshua Malina, “The West Wing”) at Havenhurst Sanitarium, they are confronted with suspects who are hard to characterize as either good or evil.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): A Manhattan office building is rattled to its core, leaving only one survivor, who is examined by the Fringe team.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The local arts and culture series profiles state art maven Laura Warriner, who asked 50 Oklahoma artists to design functional furniture for an entire house. This installment follows the artists through the process to reveal the ultimate in creative home furnishings.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As Derek begins his role as interim chief, he faces a potential lawsuit when Bailey and Meredith’s patient awakens from anesthesia mid-surgery. Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest stars.
◊“Important Things With Demetri Martin” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Back for a second season is Demetri Martin, who mixes stand-up comedy, sketches, animation, studio bits and music to explore one “important thing” per episode.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): When Sabre comes in to take over Dunder Mifflin, Michael struggles to accept Sabre’s new policies. Kathy Bates (“The Blind Side”) guest stars.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): The Parks Department forms a partnership with a local company to seel energy bars at the parks in Pawnee, but Leslie tries to stop the deal when she discovers how unhealthy the snacks are. Justin Theroux (“Tropic Thunder”) guest stars.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Sam is dealt another blow when he finds out Dink’s intent to marry Maya, and the rest of the gang runs an intervention on a still distant Naomi. Rosanna Arquette (“Desperately Seeking Susan”) guest stars.
◊“The Sarah Silverman Program” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Sarah Silverman returns for a third season as a character whose absurd daily life is told through narrative and an occasional song. In the premiere episode, Sarah’s sister (played by real-life sister Laura Silverman) wants her to start taking responsibilities for her life.
◊“Surviving Survivor” (7 p.m. on CBS): Revisit some of the greatest moments in “Survivor” history and follow up on some of the most memorable castaways. The special also offers a sneak peek at thre new “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains” that premieres Feb. 11.
◊“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): In flashbacks, Stefan and Damon recall the long-ago actions taken by townspeople including their father, Guiseppe Salvatore (James Remar, “Dexter”), and Pearl (Kelly Hu, “Army Wives”).
◊“Why We Laugh” (7 p.m. on Showtime): From the blackface era of Bert Williams to the current in-your-face style of Katt Williams, host Robert Townsend (“The Parent ‘Hood”) polls a diverse roster of comics, scholars and cultural critics on how black comedy has shaped American from the late 1800s to today.
FRIDAY, FEB. 5, 2010
◊“America’s Small Town Secrets” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series exposes crimes that happened in some of the most quaint, tucked away corners of the U.S. Each episode centers on an incident that destroyed the calm of a small town, places where these murders will be talked about for decades.
◊“Big Time Rush” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): The guys all chase the same girl, causing problems in the band for the first time. Lorenzo Lamas (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) guest stars as the kooky Dr. Hollywood who has to treat James when he has a mysterious allergic attack.
◊“The Edge of Never” (7 p.m. on Showtime): This documentary takes viewers on a ski trip to some of the most dangerous mountains in the world. It also eavesdrops on intimate moments of a boy on the eve of his greatest challenge.
◊“Living With the Dead” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this new series, Britain’s most haunted houses go under the spotlight as a crack team of psychics goes face to face with the evil that lurks within these homes.
◊“Man Caves” (8 p.m. on DIY): Hosts Tony “Goose” Siragusa and licensed contractor Jason Cameron travel to Milford, Conn., to help sports broadcaster Dan Patrick renovate an old loft space into the ultimate “TV Studio Man Cave” for the launch of his new daily DirecTV series “The Dan Patrick Show.”
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison must figure out why she keeps seeing the face of one man in the faces of other people in her daily life, including that of her husband, Joe. Diedrich Bader (“The Drew Carey Show”) guest stars.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team gets a taste of the limelight when they search for jewels worth millions that have been stolen during an awards show broadcast. Marilu Henner (“Taxi”) and William Katt (“The Greatest American Hero”) guest star.
◊“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): A man named tracks down and tells her he knows about her team of superheroes and needs their help. Meanwhile, Lois receives a package from a mysterious agency called Checkmate, run by Amanda Waller (Pam Grier, “The L Word”).
SATURDAY, FEB. 6, 2010
◊“AKC/Eukanuba National Championship” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This year’s event celebrates the American Kennel Club’s 125th anniversary with a record-setting turnout of the best and most beautiful dongs the sport has to offer. Thousands of canines will compete, but only one will come away with “best in show” honor that comes with a $50,000 grand prize.
◊“Down Home With the Neelys” (10 a.m. on Food Network): In the Season 7 premiere, the Neelys demonstrate how to make the most of any lunch break with a few delectable dishes.
◊“Fourth Annual Celebrity Beach Bowl” (1:30 p.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): Facing off in a no-holds-barred flag football game airing live from Miami’s South Beach will be celebrities Taylor Lautner (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Chace Crawford (“Gossip Girl”), Kevin Dillon (“Entourage”), Christian Slater (“The Forgotten”) and Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”) and NFL players Eli Manning, Troy Aikman, Warren Moon, Merill Hoge, Daryl Johnston, Eddie George and Mark Schlererth. After the game, the All American Rejects (rock band from Stillwater) will give a live concert.
◊“Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America” (8:30 p.m. on VH1): Terrence Howard (“Street Time”) narrates this documentary that celebrates the show’s impact on pop culture, music, dance and fashion. It also features an original score by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots, as well as behind-the-scene stories from the people who lived the “Soul Train” movement, including the cast, crew, and dancers.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Financial consultant Suze Orman takes calls concerning the best way to fund a retirement for a stay-at-home mom and what to do when your spouse controls all the money.
◊“Temple Grandin” (7 p.m. on HBO): This fact-based film stars Golden Globe winner Claire Danes (“Shop Girl”) in the title role as a young woman who overcame the personal challenges of autism to become a successful author, animal scientist and autism advocate.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Jan. 17-23, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman
posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Jan. 17.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••“Human Target,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox (series preview, premieres Wednesday).
••“24,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Fox (eighth-season premiere).
••“I’m in the Band,” 6 p.m. Monday on Disney XD (series premiere).
••“Big Time Rush,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).
••“Life UneXpected,” 8 p.m. Monday on CW (series premiere).
••“The Buried Life,” 9 p.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Be Good Johnny Weir,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on Sundance (series premiere).
••“The Millionaire Matchmaker,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••“White Collar,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on USA Network (winter premiere).
••“Paranormal Cops,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (series premiere).
••“Meteorite Men,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel (series premiere).
••“Being Erica,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (second-season premiere).
••“Mantracker,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel (second-season premiere).
••“The Deep End,” 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC (series premiere).
••“Food Tech,” 8 p.m. Thursday on History (series premiere).
••“Burn Notice,” 9 p.m. Thursday on USA Network (winter premiere).
••“Caprica,” 8 p.m. Friday on Syfy (series premiere).
••“Friday Night With Jonathan Ross,” 8 p.m. Friday on BBC America (18th-season premiere).
••“Man Caves,” 8 p.m. Friday on DIY (fourth season resumes).
••“Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” 9 p.m. Friday on Starz (series premiere).
••“Mexican Made Easy,” 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“The Shift,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Investigation Discovery (second-season finale).
••“Dollhouse,” 8 p.m. Friday on Fox (series finale).
MARATHONS
••“The Unit,” 5 a.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday on Sleuth.
••“Hot Winter Projects,” 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday on DIY.
••“Burn Notice,” 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday on USA Network.
••“Psych,” 5 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Jan. 24 on Sleuth.
Pictured above: HUMAN TARGET: Christopher Chance (Mark Valley) is a unique private contractor hired to protect his clients from dangerous and imminent threats in the new action-drama HUMAN TARGET airing with a special preview event Sunday, Jan. 17 on FOX. CR: Justin Stephens/FOX
Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 17-23, 2010
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 Jan. 17:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JAN. 17, 2010
◊“24″ (8 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 8 premiere airing over two consecutive nights, Jack Bauer finds himself drawn back into the adrenalized action after he learns of a plot to assassinate a prominent Middle East peacekeeper. Joining the cast this season are Katee Sackhoff (“Battlestar Galactica”), Freddie Prinze Jr. (“Freddie”), Mykelti Williamson (“Boomtown”), John Boyd (“Lady in the Water”), Jennifer Westfeldt (“Notes from the Underbelly”) and Chris Diamantopoulos (“The Starter Wife”).
◊“The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards” (7 p.m. on NBC): The Hollywood Foreign Press Association honors achievement in film and television from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., with Emmy winner Ricky Gervais (“The Office”) hosting the alcohol-fueled ceremonies. Mavis Spencer, daughter of Oklahoma actress Alfre Woodard, helps hand out awards as Miss Golden Globe.
◊“Aziz Ansari: Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Filmed in front of a packed house at the Brentwood Theater in Los Angeles, comedian and actor Aziz Ansari (“Parks and Recreation”) discusses topics ranging from sheets with fraudulent thread counts to the chubbiness of his young cousin, Harris.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Kitty’s friend Buffy (Cheryl Hines, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) steps in where she doesn’t belong, pushing Kitty and Robert to another impasse over politics.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): After a private investigator’s remains are found buried in the cement foundation of a demolished building, Lilly and her team reopen the man’s 1974 murder case and discover the investigator had uncovered several unsavory things for his last few clients. Richard Moll (“Night Court”) and Matthew Willig (former NFL player) guest star.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Xzibit travels with Ty Pennington and the team to Suffield, Conn., to rebuild the small, fire-damaged and deteriorating home of the musical Hill family, who give the gifts of song and inspiration to their community.
◊“Freakiest Festivals” (8 p.m. on FLN): Host Adam Gertier is on a quest to take on America’s most bizarre and extreme festivals and events — from a cook-off in West Virginia where contestants use road kill as the main ingredient to a Colorado coffin race.
◊“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Adapted from a DC Comics book and graphic novel, this new action series follows Christopher Chance (Mark Valley, “Boston Legal”), a unique private security guard who saves his clients’ lives even if it means turning himself into a human target. Assisting him are Chance’s business partner, Winston (Chi McBride, “Pushing Daisies”), and hired gun Guerrero (Jackie Earle Haley, “Watchmen”).
◊“Iron Chef America” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Chef Jose Garces, the winner of “The Next Iron Chef,” represents the Chairman in Kitchen Stadium for his first battle as an Iron Chef.
◊“Live at the Golden Globes With Carrie Ann & Chris” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor”) co-host the red carpet event that will feature interviews with nominees attending the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards.
◊“Why Planes Crash: Breaking Point” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This special hosted by NBC News’ Lester Holt explores the terrifying consequences of plane crashes resulting from structural failure. It features dramatic animations that put viewers right next to passengers facing life or death situations — from an engine loss that caused the deadliest single airplane crash on U.S. soil to a decompression powerful enough to suck a flight attendant out of a plane.
◊“The Wronged Man” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Julia Ormond (“Legends of the Fall”) stars in the true story of Janet “Prissy” Gregory’s 22-year quest to overturn the sentence of wrongfully accused Calvin Willis (Mahershalalhashbaz Ali, “The 4400”).
MONDAY, JAN. 18, 2010
◊“Accidentally on Purpose” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): While working on a story with Sully, Billie gets some surprising news about the newspaper. Meanwhile, Zack and Davis go into the sandwich business together. Executive producer Claudia Lonow’s brother, Michael Rapaport (“My Name is Earl”) returns as Sully, a sports reporter.
◊“American Character Along Highway 50″ (7 p.m. on USA Network): This special follows journalist Tom Brokaw as he travels across Highway 50 documenting the lives of Americans along the transcontinental road that connects the Pacific to the Atlantic. Brokaw captures the stories of real people and explores how their lives are being impacted economically, politically and culturally during these extraordinary times.
◊“American Pickers” (8 p.m. on History): This new series follows the adventures of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, business partners of Antique Archaeology based in Iowa, who are professional “pickers” trolling America’s small towns to salvage rare collectibles and good junk from regular folks. They get their hands dirty in search of weird and wonderful Americana.
◊“Be Good Johnny Weir” (9:30 p.m. on Sundance): This new eight-part documentary series explores the life of one of America’s most outspoken and colorful sports figures, three-time U.S. National Figure Skating Champion and World Medalist Johnny Weir. He is as comfortable walking in a downtown New York fashion show as he is on the ice, and he is known for giving candid, irreverent, responses at press events.
◊“Beyond Wise Guys” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Narrated by Paul Borghese (“Julie & Julia”) and executive produced by John Turturro (“The Bronx Is Burning”), this documentary shows how Italian-Americans transformed themselves from outsiders, stereotyped by the Hollywood establishment as mobsters, into industry insiders. Featured are interviews with well-known contemporary Italian-American filmmakers who used their heritage to positively shape the art and craft of American cinema.
◊“Big Time Rush” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Four fun-loving best friends from Minnesota trade in hockey practice for vocal lessons in this new musical comedy series that chronicles the making of a music group. They move from Minneapolis to Hollywood after being discovered by an eccentric record executive during a nationwide casting call for a new boy band. But the boys quickly realize they have a very short window to prove to themselves that they are serious about their new career choice.
◊“The Buried Life” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new documentary series follows Duncan, Ben, Jonnie and Dave, who travel across the country in their purple bus named Penelope in an attempt to cross off items on their list of “100 things to do before they die.” The guys make a promise that for each item they cross off their list, they will help a perfect stranger accomplish one of their goals.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Awesome is mistaken for a super spy by the evil Sydney Price (Angie Harmon, “Law & Order”), Chuck must become his handler and show him the spy ropes.
◊“Fashion Police: The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards” (9 p.m. on E!): Host Joan Rivers will be joined by popular outspoken personalities Khloe Kardashian Odom, Giuliana Rancic and Jay Manuel to assess the fashion choices of Hollywood’s stars attending the event. They will debate over who deserves the titles of fashion’s biggest winners and losers.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Hiro’s life hangs in the balance as his brain tumor worsens, prompting him to subconsciously deal with some of his past decisions. George Takei (“Star Trek”) and David Anders (“Alias”) guest star.
◊“Obama’s America: 2010 and Beyond” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): Moderated by Chris Matthews (“Hardball”) and featuring radio host Tom Joyner, this two-hour special airing live from Texas Southern University in Houston will explore some of the most pressing and provocative issues connected to race and race relations in the U.S.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Marshall insists that his attractibe co-worker, Jenkins (Amanda Peet, 2012), tell Lily what really happened after Lily won’t believe that Jenkins kissed him. Series star Neil Patrick Harris (Barney Stinson) directed this episode.
◊“I’m in the Band” (6 p.m. on Disney XD): This new music-filled comedy series follows a teenager who realizes his wildest dream when he joins his favorite rock band, Iron Weasel.
◊“Improv-Ice” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Hosted by Olympic champions Brian Boitano and Kristi Yamaguchi, the live audience helps give an assist in picking the most innovative routines for the skaters to perform backed by the live music of the rock band the Goo Goo Dolls. Skating champions Sasha Cohen, Nancy Kerrigan, Kurt Browning, Evan Lysacek are among the performers.
◊“Life UneXpected” (8 p.m. on CW): This new series stars Brittany Robertson as Lux, an Oregon teenager who, after bouncing around from one foster home to another, decides to become an emancipated minor. Her quest reunites her with her biological father (Kristoffer Polaha), a bar owner who didn’t even know she existed, and her birth mother (Shiri Appleby), a local radio star.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (5:30 p.m. on Disney XD): Mr. Moseby forbids football on the Sky Deck so the students decide to play fantasy football instead. Cody enlists Kirby to teach him about football, and London unveils her secret weapon – Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kurt Warner.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie endures a colonoscopy to get out of a trip to see Chelsea’s bigoted parents, only to return home and find them in his living room. Stacy Keach (“Titus”) guest stars as Chelsea’s father.
TUESDAY, JAN. 19, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Guest judge Shania Twain (Grammy winner) helps Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi critique the talent at the Chicago auditions.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Host Alison Sweeney surprises the contestants with the news that this will be student/teacher week, in which the contestants on each team assume the role of either teacher or student. The teachers get to work out with the trainers and then have to teach the students what they learned.
◊“Love That Girl!” (8 p.m. on TV One): This new black sitcom stars Tatyana Ali (“Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”) as a young divorcee who returns home to southern California for a second chance in life and a career in her father’s real estate business. The four-episode series executive produced by Martin Lawrence (“Martin”) opens with back-to-back episodes and airs over three consecutive nights.
◊“The Millionaire Matchmaker” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In Season 3, matchmaker Patti Stanger and her staff once again give their big-bucks clients complete transformations with the help of personal shoppers, date coaches and therapists. In each episode, two wealthy clients are set up on dates hand-picked by Stanger based upon their beauty and intelligence.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): An international team of archeologists, architects and engineers is racing against time to save the Sphinx from erosion.
◊“Paranormal Cops” (9:30 p.m. on A&E): This new series follows a group of Chicago-area police officers who apply their forensic and investigative expertise to paranormal casework. Responding to the pleas of people who are victimized by distressing and inexplicable activities in their homes and workplaces, these cops bring their no-nonsense approach to hunting ghosts and real-life police skills to separate the fact from fiction.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Julianna Margulies (“The Good Wife”) helps Big Bird when he hurts his wing. Matthew Fox (“Lost”) presents the “Word on the Street”: “Bone.”
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): The winter premiere begins where the fall season cliffhanger left off with the tables turned between Neal and Peter. After going deep into the underworld of corrupt Wall Street brokers, the question remains as to whose side Peter is on.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Guest judge Kristin Chenoweth (“Pushing Daisies”) helps Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi critique the talent at the Orlando auditions.
◊“Being Erica” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): In Season 2, Erica is more experienced in the ways of time travel and therapy. As she continues to move forward in her journey, she will come to understand that changing her life isn’t a quick fix. It involves facing an ever-expanding series of challenges.
◊“Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Alan Alda gets a highly detailed scan of his brain, which for a man in his early 70s in in remarkably good shape. He learns that the human ability to imagine fires most fiercely when we are doing nothing at all.
◊“Human Target” (8 p.m. on Fox): Chance and Winston encounter some severe turbulance when they work together to protect a client they have never met from an assassin aboard a passenger plane. Courtney Ford (“Dexter”) and Alessandro Juliani (“Battlestar Galactica”) guest star.
◊“Mantracker” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): The chase continues with Season 2 of this adventure series that challenges the wits and wills of weekend warriors in an intense game of cat and mouse played out in the rough countryside. Each episode, two new competitors have a day and a half to reach a finish line that is 22 miles away without getting caught by the “Mantracker, a veteran outdoorsman trained in tracking and retrieving missing persons in the deep wilderness.
◊“Meteorite Men” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This new series follows Geoff Notkin and Steve Arnold, who build and keep secret maps of locations where they believe meteorites have fallen. Armed with an assortment of high-tech equipment, they search these secret locations combating rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions in their pursuit of scientific treasures.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies, Shorty (Chazz Palminteri, “Analyze This”), might be secretly gay. Jay doesn’t believe it, although he now keeps noticing all the questionable signs.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine’s promising romance with therapist boyfriend Max (Eric McCormack, “Will & Grace”) threatens to be derailed by old flame Mr. Harris (Blair Underwood, “Dirty Sexy Money”).
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With Bruce Springsteen” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello sits down with Bruce Springsteen for a special two-part episode that concludes Jan. 27. With his guitar in hand, Springsteen opens up about his pre-E Street Band bands, his early and current inspirations and the resurgence of New Jersey. E Street Band members Nils Lofgren and Roy Bittan also sit in for a couple of songs.
THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2010
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): When Liz Lemon decides to take the show on the road to cure a case of the winter blues for the staff, the anticipated trip doesn’t exactly go as planned. Julianne Moore (“Blindness”) guest stars.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Mr. White (Richard T. Jones, “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) and his team of government agents put the Jeffersonian Lab on lock down and demand that Brennan and her forensics team determine a cause of death for an unidentified, but highly classified set of remains. Meanwhile, Booth’s boss, Andrew Hacker (Diedrich Bader, “The Drew Carey Show”), helps him break into the lab and determine the motive behind the mystery investigation.
◊“Burn Notice” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Michael, a blacklisted spy who finds himself stranded on Miami, takes on a violent con man in the winter premiere. Guest star Sharon Gless reunites with her “Cagney & Lacey” partner Tyne Daly, who plays Michael’s mother on the series.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): The CSI team explores the outwardly sedate world of professional golf after the body of a legendary player is discovered during a major tournament. Pro golfers Rocco Mediate, Gary McCord, Duffy Waldorf and Natalie Gulbis guest star as themselves.
◊“The Deep End” (7 p.m. on ABC): Leah Pipes (“Sorority Row”), Tina Majorino (“Big Love”), Matt Long (“Jack and Bobby”), Ben Lawon (“Neighbours”) and Mehcad Brooks (“True Blood”) star in this new drama that follows the tragedies and triumphs of five earnest twenty-something first-year associates fighting to stay afloat in one of Los Angeles’ top law firms.
◊“Food Tech” (8 p.m. on History): In this new series, food industry veteran Bobby Bognar criss-crosses the nation in search of the origins and production secrets behind the foods we love. In the premiere episode, he unearths the hidden mysteries in a cheeseburger and fries, including how they get the sesame seeds to stick to the bun and what it takes to stuff 20 tomatoes inside a ketchup bottle.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): After learning of Richard’s drinking problem, Derek confronts him for the sake of his friend and the hospital. Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest stars.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Joshua Bell With Rriends @ the Penthouse” features the celebrated violinist performing with friends in the Kaplan Penthouse. His musical friends include Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth, Marvin Hamlisch and Frankie Moreno.
◊“The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Jane and the team investigate the murder of the mayor’s aide. Sharon Lawrence (“NYPD Blue”) guest stars as Mayor Melba Walker Shannon.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Rocco Fiorentino (blind, sixth-grade jazz singer) stops by for some fun. Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) presents the “Word on the Street”: “Miniature.”
◊“Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): Damon takes a trip to Georgia, where he surprises an old flame (Gina Torres, “Eli Stone”) and enlists her help to figure out how to open the tomb. In the process, Damon comes face to face with someone who is determined to make him pay for past wrongs.
FRIDAY, JAN. 22, 2010
◊“Caprica” (8 p.m. on Syfy): This new series follows two rival families and their patriarchs – Daniel Graystone (Eric Stoltz) and Joseph Adama (Esai Morales) – as they compete and thrive in the realm of the 12 Colonies. It will feature the passion, intrigue, political backbiting and family conflict in an omnipotent society that is at the height of its glory and on the brink of its fall.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Set in the year 2020, Echo and her surviving Dollhouse crew attempt to restore order to a devastating future world before mankind is eliminated in “Epitaph 2: The Return,” the series finale episode.
◊“Man Caves” (7:30 p.m. on DIY): In this two-and-a-half marathon, viewers get an insider’s look at the man caves of some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison dreams of a schizophrenic child, who she later meets as the well-adjusted roommate of a missing psychiatric patient, and questions whether she was responsible for killing her own parents. Danielle Panabaker (“Shark”) guest stars as Summer Lowry, the schizophrenic young girl from Allison’s dreams.
◊“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” (9 p.m. on Starz): Australian actor Andy Whitfield stars as the gladiator warrior Spartacus in this new series. Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”) plays Lucretia, who along with her husband, Batiatus, own the Ludus gladiator camp. They bought Spartacus hoping his fighting prowess will help them regain their status in the brutal world of gladiatorial contests.
◊“Supernanny” (7 p.m. on ABC): This special episode features the world’s first Super-Manny, Mike Ruggles, a Chicago native with more than 17 years of experience as a teacher and developmental therapist for children. But he faces his biggest challenge with a chaotic family of six from Colorado.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): Things percolate between the Sharks and a husband and wife team from Santa Monica after Kevin O’Leary mocks their poorly executed business pitch about providing legal services at a coffee house. Another coffee-oriented pitch finds a man who has created a way to determine if a cup of Joe does or doesn’t contain caffeine.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): This special hourlong episode features guest stars Gregg Sulkin (Disney Channel UK’s “As The Bell Rings”) and Bridgit Mendler (“Good Luck Charlie”) reprising their roles as Alex’s new boyfriend, Mason, and Justin’s vampire girlfriend Juliet Van Heusen, who recently disappeared after being turned into a mummy’s minion.
SATURDAY, JAN. 23, 2010
◊“The 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards” (7 p.m. on TNT and TBS): Actors honor their peers in the annual ceremony, which will air live from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. Betty White will receive the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.
◊“Arj Barker: LYAO” (11 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new stand-up special brings the “Flight of the Conchords” star to the stage to poke fun at controversial topics ranging from global warming to losing Pluto as a planet.
◊“Artie Lange: Jack and Coke” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): This special brings Artie Lange’s uncensored observations and incredible knack for funny storytelling to the stage. He talks about his competition with Heath Ledger and the opening monologue he’d do if he were ever asked to host the Oscars.
◊“Live at the Screen Actors Guild Awards With Carrie Ann & Chris” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor”) co-host the red carpet event that will feature interviews with nominees attending the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.
◊“Mexican Made Easy” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): In this new series, professional chef and cookbook author Marcela Valladolid prepares a fresh take on Mexican food and shares simple and authentic recipes with viewers.
◊“The Screen Actors Guild Awards Red Carpet Show” (6:30 p.m. on TNT): People Magazines deputy managing editor Peter Castro and entertainment reporter Thea Andrews co-host this live pre-show telecast. They will interview this year’s nominees, past recipients and presenters as they walk down the red carpet on their way into the prestigious ceremony. Also on hand to report on the hottest red carpet styles and trends will be People StyleWatch correspondent Lori Bergamotto.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 10-16, 2010
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 Jan. 10:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JAN. 10, 2010
◊“Ax Men” (8 p.m. on History): In Season 3, logger teams from Oregon, Washington, Montana, Louisiana and Florida tower higher atop the trees and go deeper into the seas, risking life and limb in pursuit of the timber from which America is built.
◊“Battlestar Galactica: The Plan” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The origin of the Cylons “plan” to annihilate the human race is finally revealed in full in this two-hour movie directed by and starring Edward James Olmos.
◊“Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): Having struggled to mend rifts that threatened the very existence of his family, Bill Henrickson now faces a host of new personal and professional challenges in Season 4 that opens with the launch of a Mormon-friendly casino. Series regulars include Bill Paxton as Bill Henrickson and Jeanne Tripplehorn (born in Tulsa), Chloe Sevigny and Ginnifer Goodwin as his three wives.
◊“Brace For Impact” (8 p.m. on TLC): Harrison Ford (“Crossing Over”) narrates this documentary film about the remarkable landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River by Captain Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger, III. It features interviews with Captain Sullenberger, passengers, air traffic controllers and first responders who assisted the landing.
◊“Chuck” (8 p.m. on NBC): Chuck Bartowski continues as the Buy More electronics store computer geek, who unwittingly becomes the government’s most vital secret agent after a data download into his brain. Season 3 begins with back-to-back episodes and moves to its regular day and time at 7 p.m. Monday.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteers David Cook (“American Idol”) and Xzibit (“Gridiron Gang”) travel with thye team to Bunker Hill, Ind., to rebuild the home of the Cowan family. Daughter Kori, 12, is raising money to fight cancer in honor of her best friend, while she herself is battling a congenital blood disease.
◊“Madhouse” (9 p.m. on History): This new series spotlights Bowman Gray Stadium, a quarter-mile racetrack in Winston-Salem, N.C. that is one of the nation’s shortest NASCAR racetracks. Family racing rivalries go back generations, and ramming, spin-outs, high-speed crashes and fistfights are what fans have come to expect on Saturday night at the Madhouse.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Judi Dench returns to her critically acclaimed role as Matty in “Return to Cranford,” a two-part sequel to last season’s miniseries. Imelda Staunton, Francesca Annis and Julia McKenzie also rejoin the cast in the story of everyday life in a small Cheshire market town. The miniseries is based on the novels of Elizabeth Gaskell.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment “Hummingbird: Magic in the Air” features high-definition and high-speed footage of hummingbirds in the wild. They are the tiniest of birds, yet they qualify as some of the toughest and most energetic creatures on the planet.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): The Emmy-winning animated comedy series reaches its milestone 450th episode with “Once Upon a Time in Springfield,” a half-hour that finds Milhouse and Bart trying to help Krusty regain his popularity after he is forced to restructure his TV show to include a female sidekick, Princess Penelope (guest voice talent Anne Hathaway, “Bride Wars”).
◊“The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: In 3-D! On Ice!” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): Oscar-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me”) hosts this hourlong documentary about the animated series’ 20th anniversary, which includes an examination of how the show has become a global phenomenon and caps a yearlong worldwide celebration of ‘‘The Simpsons.” Spurlock’s travels take him to the home of the show’s biggest fan, and later, he chats with the cast, writers and guest stars about the show’s place in pop culture.
MONDAY, JAN. 11, 2010
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Jesse L. Martin (“Law & Order”) narrates “Sam Cooke: Crossing Over,” which profiles the singer who brought the spirit of the black church to popular music. Cooke was the first black artist to reach No. 1 on both the R&B and pop charts.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment from Raleigh, N.C. includes apprasals of a circa 1800 eastern North Carolina bottle case on stand, an 1812 needlework sampler and an 1985 Andrew Wyeth watercolor.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): While Sheldon and Koothrappali attend a university mixer, Leonard is upset to discover that Penny believes in psychics. Danica McKellar (“The Wonder Years”) guest stars as Abby, the object of Raj’s attraction.
◊“Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): When Castle and Beckett are called to a wedding to investigate the death of a bridesmaid, Castle is stunned to discover that the soon-to-be bride is his old flame, Kyra (Alyssa Milano, “Charmed”). Complications ensue as Kyra, caught off-guard by Castle’s reappearance in her life, wonders if she’s marrying the right guy.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck must use his relationship with Awesome to protect a visiting dictator, Premier Goya (Armand Assante, “American Gangster”), who is the target of an assassination.
◊“The Daily Rundown” (8 a.m. on MSNBC): NBC News White House Correspondents Chuck Todd and Savannah Guthrie will anchor this new show that will focus on the top political stories of the day.
◊“The Detroit Auto Show: All Access” 7 p.m. on CNBC): Award winning automotive reporter, Phil Lebeau, will show viewers the car and truck of the year and look ahead at what models will be hot and not in 2010. Also featured will be new gadgets and gizmos inside cars.
◊“Disappeared” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series follows the unpredictable twists of missing person cases, tracking investigations aimed at solving how and why people simply vanish.
◊“Fantasia For Real” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new series follows “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino as she juggles her career and single-motherhood while devoting her energy into recording her highly anticipated third album.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Peter’s introduction of Emma (Deanne Bray, “Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye”) to his mother brings forth visions of a very grim future. Meanwhile, Hiro and Ando go to extreme lengths to save Dr. Suresh.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): When drug dealer Mickey (Ethan Embry, “Brotherhood”) mysteriously collapses while negotiating a sale, his partner-in-crime, Eddie (Nick Chinlund, “Desperate Housewives”), accompanies him to Princeton Plainsboro for treatment. But with a major deal pending, Mickey is not forthcoming with the necessary personal information the team needs to treat him.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Ted gets one step closer to meeting his future wife on the show’s 100th episode. The cast perform the musical number “Nothing Suits Me Like a Suit.” Guest stars include Rachel Bilson (“The O.C.”), Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”) and Stacy Keibler (“Dancing With the Stars”).
◊“Let’s Talk About Pep” (9:30 p.m. on VH1): This new series follows Sandra “Pepa” Denton of Salt-n-Pepa fame as she emerges from an over 4-year romantic and sexual sabbatical to search for love again. She is joining forces with three of her closest girlfriends to try the dating scene again.
◊“Men of a Certain Age” (9 p.m. on TNT): Joe goes to see his recently retired father (Robert Loggia, “Jagged Edge”), who gives new meaning to the word grumpy. Owen’s wife and mother get upset when a commercial for the auto dealership implies that Owen’s co-worker, Marcus, is actually Owen Sr.’s son. And Terry becomes obsessed over finding out why he has been rejected for a youth mentoring program.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Jake writes love songs to woo his ex-girlfriend, and Herb and Alan hide their secret friendship from Judith’s watchful eye. Ryan Stiles (“The Drew Carey Show”) returns as Herb, Judith’s current husband.
TUESDAY, JAN. 12, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Season 9 opens with two hours of auditions from Boston and continues on Wednesday with 75 minutes of auditions from Atlanta. Joining Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi at the auditions as guest judges were Victoria Beckham (Boston) and Mary J. Blige (Atlanta).
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Dr. Huizenga delivers the sobering news that this season of contestants is the most unhealthy ever on the show. To illustrate his point, he gives each team a medical task that proves to be a real eye-opener as to what their poor health is really costing them.
◊“Blue Mountain State” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): This new comedy follows three incoming freshman attending college football powerhouse Blue Mountain State University. The series stars former NFL runninbg back and actor Ed Marinaro (“Hill Street Blues”) as the coach, Sam Jones III (“Smallville”) as the school’s top recruit and Darin Brooks (“Blue Crush”)as the talented quarterback who is content to ride the bench while partying with his best friend (Chris Romano, “The Sarah Silverman Program”), who aspires to be the school’s mascot.
◊“I (Almost) Got Away With It” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The perpetrators profiled in this new series evaded justice for years by using their families, fake identification and even violence to avoide capture. Viewers learn how law enforcement uses all means necessary to capture these fugitives.
◊“Independent Lens” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Stephen Walker’s documentary Young@Heart spotlights the acclaimed New England senior citizen chorus as it rehearses for its new show. The chorus has charmed audiences around the world with performances of songs from artists ranging from Coldplay to the Clash.
◊“Little Miss Perfect” (9 p.m. on WEtv): The docu-series returns for a second season of exploring the ins and outs of the junior beauty pageant world. Each episode looks at what motivates young beauty pageant contestants and their families to participate. National Pageant Director Michael Galanes also offers his expertiese at what it takes to bring home the crown.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): Gibbs questions DiNozzo’s ability to do his job when the elder DiNozzo (Robert Wagner, “Hart to Hart”) becomes involved in their latest investigation on the show’s 150th episode. Also guest starring are Penny Johnson Jerald (“24″) as State Department Official Joanne Torrence and Joe Lando (“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Women”) as Navy Lieutenant Commander Rob Clarke.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Building Pharaoh’s Ship” follows a team of archeologists and boat builders as they reconstruct a vessel depicted on the wall of an ancient Egyptian temple.
◊“Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): NBC didn’t pick of this series for a second season, so TNT did. The network will begin with a commercial-free extended presentation of the pilot episode with never-before-seen footage. The remaining first-season episodes will follow, and the six new episodes shot for Season 2 will begin airing March 2.
◊“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” (9 p.m. on Bravo): On the Season 2 finale, Tabatha Coffey travels to the Earth Moon Sun salon in Western Springs, Ill., to help transform both a hostile manager and a stylist she calls one of the worst hairdressers she has ever seen.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13, 2010
◊“The Bureau” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In the Season 1 finale, the police in Bloomington, Ill., start to connect a series of late-night assauluts. Unwavering police work and an FBI profile become the keyes to inlocking the perpetrator’s true identity.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): The investigation of a brutal stabbing takes a dangerous turn when it’s discovered that evidence at the crime scene was planted, which pits the CSIs against a trusted colleague. D.B. Sweeney (“Jericho”) stars as assistant district attorney Craig Hansen.
◊“Great Performances” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Director Spike Lee brings “Passing Strange,” Stew Rodewald’s Tony-nominated semiautobiographical Broadway hit, to television. It’s the story of a man who travels to Europe in search of his artistic and personal identity.
◊“High School Reunion” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Season 6 features a new class and new drama as former classmates from Chaparral High School in Las Vegas reunite for their 20-year high school reunion on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The Chaparral Class of ’89 makes “High School Reunion” history with three marriage proposals and a wedding.
◊“The Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the second installment of this three-part series, host Alan Alda joins researchers studying our fellow simians — mainly chimpanzees — to discover what we share with them and what new skills humans evolved since we went our separate ways,
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): In order to take down an oppressive sweatshop owner, the Leverage team infiltrates the fashion world. Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) guest stars.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Sonia manages a defiant hand transplant patient (Michael Imperioli, “Life on Mars”) who wants his donor hand amputated after discovering it once belonged to a pedophile.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies, Shorty (Chazz Palminteri, “The Usual Suspects”), might be secretly gay. Meanwhile Gloria gives Manny’s date a makeover and Claire faces off with Phil’s universal remote.
◊“Our Little Genius” (8:15 p.m. on Fox): Kevin Pollack (“Shark”) hosts this new game show that gives real child geniuses a chance to put their incredible knowledge to the test and work their way up to win their family hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, the little genius’ parents can stop the game at any time and walk away with winnings up to that point.
◊“Solving History With Olly Steeds” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In this new series, journalist Olly Steeds is out to find the truth behind some of the world’s biggest mysteries. From the possible sea floor ruins of Atlantis to the dizzying heights of the Andes, Olly throws himself into the story employing hidden cameras, trekking to remote locations and participating in ancient rituals.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Lyle Lovett, Ray LaMontagne, and John Prine” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello explores the role of the singer/songwriter with three guests: four-time Grammy winner Lyle Lovett, the critically acclaimed Ray LaMontagne the highly influential John Prine. Each stands alone in the spotlight to perform and sits for an intimate chat with Elvis on their craft.
◊“Tosh.0″ (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comedian Daniel Tosh returns for a second season of exploring all aspects of the Internet, from the absolutely absurd to the incredibly ingenious. The series features viral clips of the week and original videos created by and starring well-known actors and comedians.
THURSDAY, JAN. 14, 2010
◊“Ace of Cakes” (9 p.m. on Food Network): The crew of DIY Network’s “Man Caves” invades Charm City Cakes to outfit Duff Goldman with a new guy-themes basement. Meanwhile, Duff and his crew take a road trip to Chicago to deliver a cake.
◊“Archer” (9 p.m. on FX): This new animated adult comedy is set at a spy agency where espionage and global crisis are merely opportunities for its highly trained employees to confuse, undermine and betray each other. The voice cast includes H. John Benjamin as master spy Sterling Archer, Jessica Walter as his domineering mother and boss Malory, Aisha Tyler as his ex-girlfriend Anegnt Lana Kane and Judy Greer as Malory’s secretary Cheryl.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): An out-of-this-world case brings Brennan and Booth to New Mexico where they investigate human remains with extraterrestrial attributes. Dean Haglund (“The X-Files”) guest stars.
◊“Carnie Wilson: Unstapled” (7 p.m. on GSN): This new series will draw back the curtain Carnie Wilson as she juggles her careers as game show host, singer, entrepreneur, activist, wife and mother of two young girls.
◊“The First 48″ (8 p.m. on A&E): The Season 10 premiere spotlights a Louisville, Ky., community that is outraged when a married couple is gunned down at home in front of their two young children. Det. Kevin Trees and the homicide team hit the streets hoping the community’s strong reaction to the killing will trump the neighborhood’s long-standing code of silence.
◊“Hidden Agenda” (7:30 p.m. on GSN): In this new domestic hidden-camera game show, one member of a couple attempts to persuade his or her partner to complete a series of challenges — without letting on that the world is watching. Comic Debi Gutierrez serves as host of the show and as the couples’ cheerleader.
◊“Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force” (9 p.m. on A&E): In the season premiere, Detective Kevin Searing and Trenton Police Detective Sgt. Luddie Austin turn to Cmdr. Lenny Depaul for help on the Fugitive Task Force’s toughest manhunt all year, pursuing a 31-year-old fugitive wanted for first-degree murder and weapons possession.
◊“Models of the Runway” (10 p.m. on Lifetime): Season 2 launches with 16 fresh faces aspiring for their chance at being paired with the last “Project Runway” designer standing on the catwalk. The winning model will receive a $25,000 cash prize from L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional make-up line and will also be featured in the designer’s fashion spread in Marie Claire.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Ann sets Leslie up on a blind date with a co-worker (Will Arnett, “30 Rock”) that does not go as well as Leslie hoped. An old friend of Ann’s (Justin Theroux, “Tropic Thunder”) makes Mark feel insecure.
◊“Project Runway” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Host Heidi Klum, mentor Tim Gunn, judges Michael Kors (leading designer) and Nina Garcia (fashion director for Marie Claire magazine) return to New York for Season 7. They welcome 16 new designers who are vying for a shot to make their way to Bryant Park and show their collection in front of top industry insiders during New York Fashion Week. Nicole Richie (“The Simple Life”) is a guest judge on the season premiere.
FRIDAY, JAN. 15, 2010
◊“I Shouldn’t Be Alive” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): The Season 3 premiere tells the story of extreme adventure athlete Danelle, who plunges 60 feet down a canyon wall onto solid rock in the remote Utah wilderness. With just her faithful canine companion Taz for support, she faces the endurance challenge of her life — a battle for her own survival.
◊“I’m In the Band” (8 p.m. on Disney): Get a sneak peek at this new series premiering Jan. 18 on Disney XD. In this episode, Tripp Campbell’s dreams come true when he wins a radio contest to have dinner with his favorite rock band, Iron Weasel, and manages to impress them with his musical skills. Amazingly, he lands the lead guitar role, and before long the band is staying in the guest room at his house and playing a gig at Tripp’s school.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison dreams of a schizophrenic child, who she later meets as the well-adjusted roommate of a missing psychiatric patient, and questions whether she was responsible for killing her own parents. Danielle Panabaker (“Shark”) guest stars as Summer Lowry, the schizophrenic young girl from Allison’s dreams.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a lost shipment of high-caliber firearms when one of the weapons is responsible for random killings throughout the city. Guest stars include James Remar (“Dexter”) as weapons dealer Randall Priest and Jon Seda (Close to Home”) as arms broker Lonnie Moses.
◊“Sanctuary” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the two-part Season 3 finale, Magnus, Will and Kate travel to Mumbai, India, to investigate a murder and connection to the Cult of Kali, an ancient cult whose followers can foretell disaster.
◊“The Singing Bee” (8 p.m. on CMT): Host Melissa Peterman (“Reba”) returns for a second season of the compeitition series that blends a mix of country music with popular favorites from other genres. The show tests contestants’ knowledge of lyrics to well-known songs, and those who fail to accurately sing the correct lyrics are eliminated from the competition.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): Alex finds her new boyfriend Mason, a transfer student from England, perfect in every way except for his artistic vision. She casts a spell on Mason so that she becomes the inspiration for all the art he creates in their school art class. Guest starring as Mason is Gregg Sulkin from Disney Channel UK’s “As The Bell Rings.”
SATURDAY, JAN. 16, 2010
◊“House of Bones” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In this Syfy7 original movie starring Corin Nemec (“Stargate SG-1”) and Charisma Carpenter (“Angel”), a group of ghost hunters from a nationally syndicated TV shyow arrive for their latest assignment — the mysterious Wicker House in New Orleans that has been the site of nsome of the most grisly murders in history.
◊“Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): The Movers help baker Ben Boudreaux, a.k.a. “The Muffin Man,” remember the secret ingredient for his world famous muffins. Duff Goldman (“Ace of Cakes”) guest stars as Ben Boudreaux.
◊“Pit Boss” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Former actor Shorty Rossi (“Criss Angel Mindfreak”), who runs a Hollywood talent agency for little people. He also has a passion for pit bulls and has gathered together three friends and fellow little people, including Ronald Lee Clark from Choctaw, to take on the task of rescuing, rehabilitating and training the most misunderstood of dogs.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Oscar-nominated actress Sigourney Weaver takes her second turn at hosting the show. Musical guest is the Grammy-nominated duo The Ting Tings, comprised of Katie White and Jules De Martino.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Cat Cora
Jan. 1, 2010 – Catherine Cora,
a contender on “Iron Chef America: The Series” (8 p.m. Sundays on Food Network), turns 42 today.
She played Chef in the 2004 TV series “Kitchen Accomplished.”
Her first TV appearance was as Program Host of “Melting Pot” (2001). She was 33.
Best wishes to Cat and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 3-9, 2010
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 Jan. 3:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JAN. 3, 2010
◊“Durham County” (8 p.m. on ION): While the villain of the first season turned out to be the former high school classmate and neighbor of Homicide Detective Mike Sweeney, the evil threat in Season 2 comes from a brilliant but deeply troubled forensic psychiatrist Pen Verrity (Michelle Forbes, “True Blood”).
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): “Good Morning America” weather anchor Sam Champion joins the design team to help repair the 100-year-old home of the Morris family in St. Paul, Minn. Kermit, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppet gang also volunteer to rebuild the home that also serves as a daycare in the community.
◊“Frank the Entertainer … in a Basement Affair” (7 p.m. on VH1): Frank Moresco, aka the “Entertainer” from “I Love New York 2” and “I Love Money,” is back and looking for love. Fifteen women traveled to New York for Frank, only to find out that they won’t be living in the elaborate mansion they expected – they will be living in Frank’s parents’ house. Each week at elimination, Frank will give the ladies keys to his basement, and those locked out will have to pack up.
◊“Giuliana & Bill” (8 p.m. on Style Network): Season 2 takes viewers inside the adventures of celebrity power couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic as they focus on the future, including trying for a baby and settling down in one city.
◊“Platinum Weddings” (8 p.m. on WEtv): The economic downturn hasn’t hurt the budgets of these “want-it-all” brides and grooms, as Season 4 features more one-of-a-kind weddings that come with price tags no less than six figures. The premiere episode showcases a Black-Eyed-Peas guitarist who treats his guests to a leisurely swim with sharks.
◊“Secrets of Aspen” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new docu-soap style series will explore the lives of six single women who live in America’s most renowned resort town – Aspen, Color. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, Aspen has become one of the country’s most expensive zip codes to live in. However, not everyone living in this small town can afford to live the lavish lifestyle.
◊“Smucker’s Stars on Ice 2010″ (3 p.m. on NBC): Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi will host this special that gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the tour, how it all began, the star skaters, emotional memories and a collection of standout performances. Among those featured are skating greats Scott Hamilton, Rosalynn Sumners, Brian Orser, Kurt Browning, Paul Wylie, Evan Lysacek and Sasha Cohen.
◊“Super Chef Battle: An Iron Chef America Event” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network personalities Mario Batali, Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse travel to the White House to take part in a culinary competition. Greeted by First Lady Michelle Obama, the chefs are joined by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and receive their challenge: create a meal for America using The White House Kitchen Garden’s produce as their secret ingredients.
◊“Worst Cooks in America” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Twelve of the most hopeless cooks in the country are put through a culinary boot camp led by chefs Anne Burrell (“Secrets of a Restaurant Chef”) and Beau MacMillan (executive chef at elements in Phoenix). At stake for the last two standing is the chance to cook for a panel of esteemed culinary critics and win the grand prize of $25,000.
MONDAY, JAN. 4
◊“All My Children” (noon on ABC): Mark Consuelos (“Killer Hair”) and Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) return to the daytime drama for the show’s 40th anniversary episodes, which air today and Tuesday. This will be the first time either actor has appeared on the show since they left in 2002. The milestone special episodes will air on January 4 and 5, 2010.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The 14th-season premiere features a record-setting appraisal of four Chinese carved jade objects estimated to be worth as much as $1,070,000 – -the highest value appraisal ever featured on the series. The collection was discovered at the “Roadshow: event last june in Raleigh, N.C.
◊“The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love” (7 p.m. on ABC): Airline pilot Jake Pavelka, who was rejected by Bachelorette Jillian Harris, gets a chance to hand out the roses himself in the 14th edition of the romantic reality series. Kimberly, a Norman native and former NBA dancer for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is among the 25 women competing for his attention.
◊“Blood, Sweat & Takeaways” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new four-part series, a group of young fast food junkies spend a month finding out the truth behind how their favorite foods are produced.
◊“Conveyor Belt of Love” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In this fast-paced special, 30 men go by on conveyor belt and are given 60 seconds to impress one of five women. If a woman is interested in someone, that man will step aside and wait as the rest of the men go by. But if another man comes by on the belt who seems better than that woman’s first choice, she can swap out the man waiting off of the belt as many times as she wants until the last man has passed by. Each woman is left with her final choice as she embarks on a date in the hope of finding a true connection.
◊“Forensics: You Decide” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The Season 1 finale presents both sides of the case involving Jeffrey Lamb of Florida. He is a suspect in the murder of his wife and attack of his own dogs.
◊“Make It or Break It” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): The series, which returns to complete its first season with 10 new episodes, is set in the world of competitive gymnastics. And while the girls celebrate their win at the National Gymnastics competition, Payson struggles with the ramifications of her back injury, becoming increasingly detached from her family and friends.
◊“This Emotional Life” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This three-part series, airing nightly through Wednesday, explores ways to improve social relationships and become more resilient while coping with depression and anxiety. The opening episode, ‘‘Family, Friends & Lovers,” explores the importance of relationships to a person’s emotional well-being. Tuesday’s episode is “Facing Our Fears,” followed by “Rethinking Happiness” on Wednesday.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This drama, which returns to complete its second season with 12 new episodes, focuses on the relationships between families and friends and how they deal with teenage issues, including an unexpected pregnancy. In the premiere episode, Amy and Anne decide to take their babies and escape their problems by going on vacation — and things back at home start to fall apart in their absence.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie must decide between his fiancée, Chelsea, and his old flame, Mia, on a rebroadcast of the seventh season premiere. Rock Superstar Eddie Van Halen makes a cameo appearance as himself.
◊“Welcome to Macintosh” (8:30 p.m. on CNBC): This CNBC special is the Apple story told by people who build, use, love, hate, and obsess over the company’s revolutionary products. When Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched Apple Computers in 1977, they had no idea the impact their company would have on the world. Now, more than thirty years later, filmmakers Robert Baca and Josh Rizzo take an in dept look how Apple has created a cult fan base and how Steve Jobs has become a modern day hero.
TUESDAY, JAN. 5, 2010
◊“As the World Turns” (1 p.m. on CBS): Model Paulina Porizkova (a judge on Season 4 of “America’s Next Top Model”) makes her daytime debut as Clarissa, a character who has a history with Simon Frasier (Paul Leyden), who recently returned to the show.
◊“The Biggest Loser: Couples” (7 p.m. on NBC): Cheryl and Daris George from Ardmore are among the 11 family teams of two on Season 9 of the weight-loss competition series. Alison Sweeney hosts the series and contestants work out under the supervision of trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels.
◊“ID Investigates: The Secret Life of Tiger Woods” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special takes a comprehensive look at the Tiger Woods scandal — the details curently unfolding and the legal ramifications.
◊“Last Restaurant Standing” (8 p.m. on BBC America): World-renowned chef and restaurateur Raymond Blanc returns for a third season with nine couples vying for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open a restaurant with him. The couples are working and living together 24 hours-a-day under enormous pressure, and only one will succeed.
◊“Maneaters” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series tells the stories of people who have survived terrifying encounters with animals. The premiere episode is titled “Sharks.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): When a Navy pilot is found dead under strange circumstances in a secluded area, the team finds themselves battling a no-nonsense attorney with a hidden agenda. Rena Sofer (“General Hospital”) guest stars as attorney Margaret Allison Hart. Marcus Giamatti (“Judging Amy”) guest stars as aerospace engineer Victor Tillman.
◊“Nova: Killer Subs in Pearl Harbor” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment presents evidence that a torpedo fired from a Japanese midget submarine may have struck the USS Oklahoma during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Parks Stephenson was the lead investigator on the underwater expedition, and he says there are accounts that indicate one torpedo fired at the USS Arizona was a dud, but he believes another torpedo hit the USS Oklahoma.
◊“Wild Recon” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new 10-part series follows Donald Shultz, a venom expert, as he travels the world collecting bio specimens from the world’s deadliest animals. He’s the guy who approaches the animal, like a cobra, to extract the venom, or the 400-pound wild African lion to get a blood sample — all in pursuit of bio-specimens for research and potential new scientific discoveries.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6, 2010
◊“The 36th Annual People’s Choice Awards” (8 p.m. on CBS): Queen Latifah (“Chicago”) hosts the event live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Fans cast more than 16 million votes to determine the nominees and winners in the fields of music, movies and television. Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Carrie Underwood (favorite female artist and favorite country artist), Brad Pitt (favorite movie actor) and Rascal Flatts (favorite country artist).
◊“Big Chef Takes on Little Chef” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new four-part series, Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal has six months to help put an old-fashioned chain of roadside cafes back on the map.
◊“Building Your Future: Educational Opportunities in Oklahoma” (7 p.m. on KWTV-9): Oklahoma City TV personaliity Jennifer Eve hosts this special that is designed to engage high school students and their parents into thinking ahead about college. John Feaver, president of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma will appear along with two USAO alums, a faculty member and a current student.
◊“Conviction Kitchen” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new series, chef Marc Thuet and his wife have three weeks to help 24 ex-cons with no culinary experience open a high-end restaurant from scratch.
◊“Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Despite fearing the meanest and most unrelenting dermatologist in town, Dr. Amy Evans (Lisa Kudrow, “Friends”), Jules and Ellie are willing to endure the harsh ridicule and wrath for an appointment with the best in the business. But when Jules learns Dr. Evans is seeing Bobby, she’s determined to stand up to her and protect him.
◊“Ghost Hunters International” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Season 3 will have the team traveling to a different international country each week in pursuit of the truth behind bizarre supernatural claims. In the premiere episode titled “Hitler’s Ghost,” the investigators venture to Miramar, Argentina, and set their sights on the Gran Hotel Viena, once the secret residence of many Nazi war criminals including rumored guest, Adolf Hitler.
◊“The Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Alan Alda (“Scientific American Frontiers”) hosts this three-part series that examines paintings and carvings that date back 30,000 years in an attempt to determine when mankind developed the ‘‘human spark” that produced art, innovative technology and symbolic communication.
◊“I Get That A Lot” (7 p.m. on CBS, 2:37 a.m. on KWTV-9): This new special features celebrities tricking everyday citizens in a case of supposed “mistaken identity.” Among the celebrities confusing customers who can’t decide if it’s the actual celebrity or a look-alike, are Julie Chen (“Big Brother”) working at a yogurt shop, Paris Hilton (“The Simple Life”) as a gas station employee, Snoop Dogg (hip-hop artist) as a parking lot attendant, Rachael Ray (“The Rachael Ray Show”) working at a dry cleaner, Gene Simmons (rocker of the band Kiss) as a psychic guru and Tony Hawk (skateboarder) working in a surf shop.
◊“Launch My Line” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Pop star Lady Gaga, known for her fashion-forward outfits, surprises the designers and provides inspiration. In this week’s challenge, the teams create an avant-garde outfit, but they must make sure they are pushing the boundaries of fashion without crossing the line of good taste.
◊“Man Vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Host Bear Grylls hits the global road for extreme adventures and invaluable lessons in survival. His locations this season include China, Panama, Montana, Guatemala and Poland. No feat is too large, nor task too daunting as Bear climbs a 200-foot waterfall, gets bitten by aggressive weaver ants, encounters a deadly Green Pit viper snake and lands on an active volcano.
◊“Marriage From Hell: The Breakup of AOL Time Warner” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special takes viewers inside the story of what has been called the worst deal ever made. In includes candid comments from one of the chief architects of the deal, former Time Warner CEO Gerald Levin, who underwent a stunning reversal of fortune.
◊“The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie fears that a confrontation with trashy neighbor Rita Glossner (Brooke Shields, “Lipstick Jungle”) is at hand when Sue has a run-in with her sons. Meanwhile, Axl tries to bribe Brick when he’s asked to teach his little brother how to kick a ball for a gym requirement, but it’s Brick who turns the tables on Axl and ends up bribing him for another favor.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Gloria is less than pleased with Jay’s reaction to the arrival of Manny’s infamously unreliable dad, Javier (Benjamin Bratt, “The Cleaner”). Meanwhile, Phil is suffering from kidney stones and his dramatics leave Claire no other choice but to call for the hot firemen to rush him to the hospital.
◊“Nip/Tuck” (9 p.m. on FX): As the seventh (and final) season begins, the doctors are honored by their alma mater, the University of Miami, prompting Sean to recall their college years and past pains. Meanwhile, a man whose genetic disorder has led to self-mutilation wants it undone.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Elvis Costello” (9 p.m. on Sundance): In this special edition, Elvis Costello slides from the host chair to guest chair for a revealing conversation with actress/music journalist Mary Louise Parker (“Weeds”). While it’s impossible to cover all of Costello’s 30 year plus musical journey in an hour, he performs a wide selection of his material.
◊“Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Betty wants to spend some time apart from Matt, so she finds him something else to keep him occupied. Meanwhile, Hilda has a tough decision to make regarding her baby, and Mark’s fling looks to be heading towards something more serious.
THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2010
◊“Bear Whisperer” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): Every summer, tourits and black bears converge on the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, Calif. “Bear Whisperer” Steve Searles is fearless in his efforts to jeep the peace between man and beast.
◊“Best of the World Music Awards” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This special looks back at over a decade of the most memorable World Music Award moments, including performances by Michael Jackson, Byonce, Britney Spears and Mariah Carey.
◊“Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on VH1): Season 3 will follow the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment at a center in the Los Angeles area. The show will follow Mackenzie Phillips (“One Day at a Time”), Heidi Fleiss (“Alien 51″), Tom Sizemore (“Crash”), Dennis Rodman (“Celebrity Apprentice”), Mindy McCready (country singer), Lisa D’Amato (“America’s Next Top Model”), Mike Starr (Alice in Chains) and Joey Kovar (“Real World Hollywood”).
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston and Riley are taken hostage during the aftermath of a shootout in a typically calm Las Vegas community. Denzel Whitaker (“The Great Debaters”) guest stars.
◊“Duel in the Sun” (7 p.m. on TCM): Actress Jennifer Jones, who was born in Tulsa, earned an Oscar nomination for this 1946 Western about an American Indian woman caught between two brothers. It is the first of a four-film tribute to Jones, who died Dec. 17 at age 90. The other films are “1954′s ◊“Beat the Devil” (9:30 p.m.), 1949′s “Madame Bovary” (11:15 p.m.) and 1954′s “Indiscretion of an American Wife” (1:15 a.m.).
◊“The Newlywed Game” (8 p.m. on GSN): Game show host Bob Eubanks, who first began hosting “The Newlywed Game” more than 40 years ago, returns as guest host of the new version. This special episode features current host Carnie Wilson and her family as the celebrity contestants. Competing against Wilson and her husband, Rob Bonfiglio, are Wilson’s sister Wendy Wilson and her husband Dan Knutson, and Wilson’s mother, former singer Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford, and her husband, Daniel Rutherford.
◊“Planet of the Apps: A Handheld Revolution” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special looks at the recent “app” explosion and how they have changed the way we live. It introduces viewers to some of the creators who are designing applications and striking it rich and explains just how the big business of apps really works.
FRIDAY, JAN. 8, 2010
◊“Bartender Wars” (9:30 p.m. on FLN): Three bartenders pair drinks with flavored popcorn, try to send psychic messages to their patrons and play a game of catch—with olives. Guest judge Dan Aykroyd (“Ghostbusters”) asks them to impress him with their bartending skills and create a drink they’d be proud to put on their headstones.
◊“Big Band Blues” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This program presents performances from the Motor City Blues & Boogie Woogie Festival. It also features commentary from the artists about the relationship between blues, boogie woogie, jazz and swing music.
◊“Big, Bigger, Biggest” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): This series follows the evolutionary engineering leaps that enable iconic structures to grow in size. The Season 2 premiere focuses on the largest submarine ever constructed by the U.S. Navy.
◊“Elvis on Tour” (7 p.m. on TCM): In honor of the 75th celebration of Elvis Presley, TCM host Robert Osborne is joined by Priscilla Presley and Jerry Schilling to introduce the 1972 concert documentary. They also comment on the 2001 re-edited version of the 1970 film “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” (9 p.m.) and the 1957 film “Jailhouse Rock” (11 p.m.).
◊“John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): John Oliver (“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”) hosts this new series that features some of Oliver’s favorite comedians. In the premiere episode, Oliver ditches the suit to discuss his surprising affection for America, the upside-down Australians and the effects of voting under the influence. The episode also features sets from Maria Bamford, Nick Kroll, Greg Fitzsimmons and Eugene Mirman.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team try their luck at investigating the theft of scratch-off lottery tickets, but the stakes are raised when one of the culprits killed at a botched robbery turns out to be a former lottery winner. Guest stars include Michael O’Neill (“Transformers”) as California Lottery security supervisor Boyd Keene; Nicole Sullivan (“Rita Rocks”) as eccentric lottery agent Nancy Hackett; and Allison Smith (“Kate & Allie”) as Sara Lewis, a financial advisor working with lottery winners.
◊“Operation Wild” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows the officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In the premiere episode, the officers are busy patrolling the annual Lobster Mini-Season as thousands of people put their lobster-catching skills to the test over a 48-hour period.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): This series, back for Season 2, gives budding entrepreneurs a chance to make their business dreams come true and make them successful and possibly wealthy people. But first, the entrepreneurs must convince a panel of five ruthless, multi-millionaire tycoons – known as Sharks — to part with their own hard-earned cash to give them the funding they need to jumpstart their breakthrough business concepts, products, properties and services. The five Sharks are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, “infomercial” industry pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O’Leary.
SATURDAY, JAN. 9, 2010
◊“Renovation Realities Best Freakin’ Moments” (8 p.m. on DIY): This special looks as some of the most compelling moments from the home renovation show — from big mistakes and injuries to major fights and meltdowns.
◊“The View Special Edition — All My Children: Moving Pine Valley” (5 p.m. on SoapNet): This encore presentation pays tribute to the daytime drama that is relocating to Los Angeles. The one-hour celebration features the show’s creator, Agnes Nixon, and cast members Susan Lucci, Debbi Morgan, Rebecca Budig, Cameron Mathison, Michael E. Knight and Vincent Irizarry.
◊“The Wishing Well” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a city-bred journalist (Jordan Ladd, “Death Proof”) heads to small-town Illinois for a story, her one-day visit turns into a much longer stay with the toss of a coin. Sally Kellerman (“Open House”), Jason London (“All Roads Lead Home”), Tempestt Bledsoe (“The Cosby Show”) and Charles Shaughnessy (“The Nanny”) costar in the time-twisting story about finding answers in the most unexpected of places.
◊“World’s Greenest Homes” (5 p.m. on Planet Green): The Season 2 premiere spotlights a dome home in upstate New York. It has a spaceship-like exterior that rotates to make the most of the sun’s rays.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Dec. 20-26
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Dec. 20 (as well as several day-long marathons).
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••“5 Ingredient Fix,” 11:30 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (third-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Survivor: Samoa,” 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS (19th-season finale).
••“The Sing-Off,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC (series finale).
••“The Closer,” 8 p.m. Monday on TNT (fifth-season finale).
••“Raising the Bar,” 7 p.m. Thursday on TNT (series finale).
••“Find My Family,” 8 p.m. Monday on ABC (first-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“CSI: NY,” 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday on SPIKE.
••“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday on SPIKE.
••“Ghost Hunters,” 7 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday on Syfy.
••“Deadliest Catch,” 8 a.m.Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on Discovery.
••“A Christmas Story,” 7 p.m. Thursday to 7 p.m. Friday on TBS.
••“Mythbusters,” 8 a.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday on Discovery.
••“Criminal Minds,” 7 a.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday on A&E.
••“Bones,” 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday on TNT.
••“Stargate Universe,” 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday on Syfy.
••“Dogs 101/Cats 101,” 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet
••“Dirty Dancing,” 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday on TV Guide Network.
••“How It’s Made,” 11 a.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday on Science Channel.
••“Hooked,” 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday on National Geographic.
••“Say Yes to the Dress,” 4 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday on TLC.
••“I’m Alive,” 6 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday on Animal Planet.
••“Southern Belles: Louisville,” 6 to 10 p.m. Friday on SoapNet.
••“NCIS,” 8 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Dec. 27 on USA Network.
••“Band of Brothers,” 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday on SPIKE.
Top 55 TV Programs for Dec. 20-26, 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 Dec. 20:
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
SUNDAY, DEC. 20, 2009
◊“Addicted to Psychics” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special focuses on people who cannot eat, sleep of move without consulting a psychic. In the premiere episode, discover the secret world of Gabby, the psychic hotline addict who can not find peace until she gets her regular psychic fix. And watch as self-confessed psychic junkie Susie consults her readers on matters from real estate deals to what designer shoes to buy.
◊“Christmas in Washington” (7 p.m. on TNT): George Lopez hosts the 28th holiday event that is annually attended by the President and First Lady and benefits the National Children’s Medical Center. Scheduled performers include Mary J. Blige, Neil Diamond, Sugarland, Rob Thomas and Usher. This marks the 28th event overall and 11th broadcast on TNT.
◊“Future 2025″ (9 p.m. on MSNBC): The third installment of MSNBC’s four-part environmental series will focus on the most desperate — but rarely discussed — crisis currently facing our global landscape: the severe threat to our water supply due to global warming and vast population growth.
◊“The Gigantic World of Epics” (7 p.m. on TCM): This special looks at Hollywood’s biggest screen spectaculars from all sides, including the genre’s beginnings, literary adaptations, great epic directors and actors, the challenges of making big-budget movies, classic set-pieces and epic music scores.
◊“History in HD: The Last Bomb” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This special documents one of the 21st Bomber Command’s long distance, low altitude, daylight strikes over Tokyo during the spring and summer of 1945. This rare Technicolor film, transferred to stunning HD, covers the mission in its entirety – from General Curtis Lemay’s initial planning stage, through fighter action and “bomb’s away,” and finally to final touchdown back at the base on Iwo Jima.
◊“Kendra: Here Comes Baby” (8 p.m. on E!): This holiday special follows reality star Kendra Wilkinson (“Kendra”) who is expecting her first child with her new husband, Indianapolis Colts football player Hank Baskett. They are busy trying to settle into their new life before becoming parents. The baby is coming quickly, but the nursery is still in shambles, and the couple can’t seem to decide between baby blue and Colt blue for their future wide receiver.
◊“Nature: Christmas in Yellowstone” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other.
◊“She Survived That … Pregnant?” (8 p.m. on TLC): Four pregnant women face the most harrowing moment of their lives and leave their unborn babies hanging in the balance.
◊“Two Weeks in Hell” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This two-hour special reveals the grueling Green Beret Special Forces selection process. Over 14 days, a candidate’s true character is exposed through physical and mental challenges. Sixty percent of the candidates will not last the two weeks — and passing this test is just for the opportunity to start real Green Beret training.
◊“White House Christmas” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Designer Genevieve Gorder offers viewers an insider’s look at how dozens of volunteers find inspiration in this year’s decor theme, “Reflect, Rejoice, Renew,” to give the White House a traditional yet fresh and eco-friendly transformation for the holidays. During the one-hour special, President Barack Obama and his family light the National Christmas Tree in a special ceremony.
◊“With All Due Respect” (9 p.m. on HLN): This roundtable discussion on the biggest stories of 2009 is hosted by HLN anchor Robin Meade and features TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley, TBS MLB analyst Dennis Eckersley and TNT NASCAR analyst Kyle Petty giving their opinions on topics ranging from sports to world news, entertainment and current events.
MONDAY, DEC. 21, 2009
◊“ABC World News” (5:30 p.m. on ABC): Diane Sawyer (“Good Morning America”) anchors the newscast today and Tuesday. She is replacing former anchor Charles Gibson, who has retired. Sawyer will permanently take over the anchor spot in January.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): In this episode directed by series creator James Duff, Mary McDonnell reprises her guest role as Capt. Raydor, with whom Brenda forms an unlikely partnership to close an emotional murder case.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs make a shocking discovery about their murder victim, while Horatio tries to save his son from Julia’s erratic behavior. Elizabeth Berkley (“The L Word”) guest stars as Julia.
◊“Find My Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, the search team lends a helping hand to a grieving daughter in search of her birth mother after losing her adoptive mother to ovarian cancer. The team gives her news she never could have expected.
◊“Great Performances: Nutcracker” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi hosts this broadcast of the San Francisco Ballet’s production of “Nutcracker.” It s reset during the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exhibition.
◊“I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!” (7 p.m. on ABC): This 2003 animated special reunites the updated Peanuts gang and the yuletide season. It centers on ReRun, the younger brother of Linus and Lucy, who asks Snoopy to invite his canine brother Spike to come for a visit during Christmas break.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio: Kate Hudson” (6 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton interviews Kate Hudson, who without relying on her personal role as the daughter of Goldie Hawn has become a notable presence on the big screen over the past 10 years.
◊“Little Chocolatiers” (8 p.m. on TLC): Meet the Hatches, little people who own a chocolate shop in Salt Lake City. Watch as Steve and Katie attempt to produce 600 chocolate dice for a casino night party and build a life-sized all-chocolate flower garden for a couples’s fifth anniversary.
◊“Make My Day” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Each episode of this laugh-filled hidden camera series follows a clueless participant who is enjoying a day filled with lucky coincidences and even chance encounters with favorite celebrities, never guessing for a second the whole thing is set up by the show’s production team.
◊“Rufus Wainwright: Prima Donna” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This special chronicles the career of musician Rufus Wainwright as he tackles his grandest project yet: mounting his first classical opera “Prima Donna.”
◊“Search for the Star of Bethlehem” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This special unveils how modern science is re-examining the mystery behind the Star of Bethehem. Recent developments in computer technology are allowing astronomers, historians and scientists to map the ancient world’s star with exceptional accuracy.
◊“The Sing-Off” (7 p.m. on NBC): Nick Lachey (“Charmed”) hosts this live finale in which viewer votes decide which a cappella group wins the $100,000 prize and an Epic Records/Sony recording contract.
◊“Top Gear Polar Special” (7 p.m. on BBC America): In this special, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond set out on a 450 mile land race in the the vehicles of their choice from the town of Resolute in Northern Canada to the magnetic North Pole.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Jake disappears with the daughter of Charlie’s neighbor, a former NFL player, and Charlie is left to cover his back. Meanwhile, Alan scores a hot date with the help of Charlie’s Mercedes. Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) guest stars.
◊“Unlikely Angel” (2 p.m. on ABC Family): This 1996 movie stars Dolly Parton as a brassy lounge singer who accidentally drives her car off a cliff. She meets St. Peter (Roddy McDowell) at the Pearly Gates, and he sends her back because she hasn’t earned her wings.
◊“World Chocolate Championship” (9 p.m. on TLC): Nineteen of the best chocolatiers in the world assemble in Paris to compete for the title of World Chocolate Master. These elite pastry chefs must use all their skills, creativity and cunning to impress judges in five mouthweatering categories.
TUESDAY, DEC. 22, 2009
◊“The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this encore presentation, viewers can catch up with contestants from the previous seven seasons. Danny Cahill from Broken Arrow won Season 8.
◊“Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special” (7 p.m. on Fox): In this encore presentation, the Grammy-winning and multiplatinum country singer performs holiday songs and selections from her albums. Performers joining Underwood onstage include Kristin Chenoweth, David Cook, Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley.
◊“Chelsea Lately Bloopers” (9:30 p.m. on E!): This is the first of three comedy specials highlighting hilarious outtakes and never-before-seen moments from Cheslea Handler’s latenight series.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia and Will have only 72 hours to find the smoking gun that proves the train company, and not the three engineers, is responsible for the crash, thus securing the widows their pensions the company is holding back. Martha Plimpton (“Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars as the train company’s very pregnant attorney.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): While stuck working on a case over Christmas, the team searches for a suspect presumed dead…and begins to discover some startling personal revelations. Peter Coyote (“The 4400″) guest stars.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): Departing from the show’s regular format, host Bryant Gumbel leads correspondents Mary Carillo, Frank Deford, Jon Frankel, Bernard Goldberg and Andrea Kremer in a spirited roundtable discussion of 2009, touching on everything from favorite stories of the year to the interviews and pieces that had the greatest impact on them.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23, 2009
◊“The 11th Annual A Home for the Holidays With Faith Hill” (7 p.m. on CBS): Grammy and Country Music Association Award winner Faith Hill headlines this holiday special that celebrates the joys of adoption from the perspectives of the adoptive families and the children who finally have found stable homes. Joining Hill are musicians Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Mary J. Blige, Michael Franti and Shakira. Jenna Elfman (“Accidentally on Purpose”) and Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) are among the celebrities presenting inspirational stories about adoption.
◊“Christmas at Belmont” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Country music singer Trisha Yearwood hosts this annual concert at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The three-time Grammy winner will be joined by Belmont University’s 10-voice, pop, R&B, rock, and alternative ensemble, Phoenix; female a cappella ensemble, Session; 12-voice, Blues, Swing, Bebop and contemporary jazz group, Jazzmin; and Women’s Choir. Yearwood graduated from Belmont in 1987 and now lives in Owasso with husband Garth Brooks.
◊“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC): The 1966 animated holiday story based on the classic children’s book by Dr. Seuss takes viewers inside a snowflake to Whoville, the magical land of the Whos. But high above this holiday-loving town resides the Grinch, a hateful creature with a heart three sizes too small, who despises Christmas and plots to steal it from the Whos.
◊“E! Entertainment Special: Jonas Brothers” (9 p.m. on E!): Through intimate interviews with brothers Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas, as well as those who know them best, this special uncovers the phenomenon surrounding these gifted performers.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Will thinks the glee club desperately needs more of an edge, so he brings in his former classmate, April Rhodes (Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies”), to spice things up. Will’s plan seems to be going smoothly until he realizes he may be losing a key member of the club.
◊“Mega-Tsunami: 5 Years Later” (7 p.m. on TLC): This special about the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami is told almost entirely through amateur archive footage that delivers a powerful story of confusion and panic, heartbreak and heroism, death and survival.
◊“Mercy” (8 p.m. on NBC): As her secret affair with Dr. Sands becomes less and less a secret, Veronica takes a cue from a cancer patient and contemplates coming clean to her husband. Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men”), Ann Meara (“The King of Queens”) and Jerry Stiller (“The King of Queens”) guest star.
◊“Sports Jobs With Junior Seau” (9 p.m. on Versus): The pressure is on as Junior learns how to jack up the car, fill it with gas and change the tires — and do it all to have Scott Dixon’s car back on track in seven seconds.
THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 2009
◊“2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This encore presentation features floats, marching bands and Santa Claus coming down the Tinseltown parade route. Susan Lucci (“”) is the 2009 Grand Marshal.
◊“American Story” (7 p.m. on MSNBC): Journalist Bob Dotson (former KFOR-4 reporter and producer) hosts this special that highlights the extraordinary lives of ordinary Americans throughout the United States. For more than three decades, Bob Dotson has been traveling this country uncovering the stories of people who are practically invisible, the ones who quietly change our lives, but who don’t seek fame or fortune.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Angela’s psychic, Avalon Harmonia (Cyndi Lauper, “Vibes”), reveals while reading Angela’s tarot cards that there are multiple bodies buried under a Washington, D.C. fountain. Angela shares the information with Brennan and Booth, but they’re both a little skeptical considering the source.
◊“Christmas at The Cathedral – Beacon of Hope” (12:05 a.m. on CBS): This special features highlights from the concert series at St. Joseph Cathedral, the seat of the diocese which covers 35,000 square miles east of the Missouri River. The event filled with music and song focuses on the universal story of the Prince of Peace. A prayerful message and Christmas blessing will be lead by the Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, The Most Reverend Paul J. Swain.
◊“Courgar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): A very wealthy potential home buyer (Scott Foley, “Felicity”) feigns interest in an overpriced home in order to get Jules’ attention. Meanwhile, Ellie begrudgingly leaves the baby with Andy for a day to prove to herself that she trusts her husband.
◊“CSI: NY” (7 p.m. on CBS): Mac informs an ex-con that he served time for a crime he didn’t commit, and Anna tells Danny “it’s time” for the first CSI baby to be born. Charles S. Dutton (“Threshold”) and Mare Winningham (“Clubhouse”) guest star.
◊“Faith Hill, Joy to the World: A Soundstage Special Event” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Singer Faith Hill, backed by an orchestra led by conductor David Campbell, presents favorites from her holiday album “Joy to the World.”
◊“The Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special” (9 p.m. on BBC America): Last season ended with Gavin and Stacey reuniting after a difficult separation and happily celebrating the birth of Smithy and Nessa’s baby. Now it’s Christmas Eve and Stacey’s family decide to join Gavin’s for one of his dad’s famous turkey dinners. The British series returns for Season 3 next year.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (9 p.m. on ABC): As Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s pass, Miranda is visited by her father, who disapproves of her choices in life; meanwhile, Mark and Lexie must cope with the shocking arrival of a woman from his past, and Thatcher Grey questions the Chief’s recent behavior as Meredith comes to his defense. Frankie Faison (“Silence of the Lambs”) and Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest star.
◊“It’s a Wonderful Life” (7 p.m. on NBC): This special presentation of director Frank Capra’s 1946 film will be described for the blind and visually impaired by former President George Bush. His descriptions will inform the viewer of what is occurring on the screen, filling in blanks where no dialogue or other sounds tell viewers what is happening.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Christmas is in full swing at the Dunphy house until the kids get in some trouble and Phil and Claire threaten to take away Christmas until one of them fesses up. Meanwhile, Jay struggles with wanting to stick to his holiday traditions while Gloria and Manny want to incorporate some of their Colombian practices. Fred Willard (“Best in Show”) guest stars as Phil’s dad.
◊“Raising the Bar” (7 p.m. on TNT): The canceled legal drama will conclude its two season run with a three-episode marathon.
FRIDAY, DEC. 25, 2009
◊“America’s Children’s Holiday Parade” (8 a.m. on OETA-13): Mark Curry (“Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper”) hosts the 2009 parade featuring children’s favorites appearing as giant ballons and characters waiving from floats. This event in downtown Oakland, Calif., is produced by renowned parade professionals and has a complete focus on children.
◊“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Encore presentation of a classic episode from Christmas 2007.
“Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” (9 a.m. on ABC): The 26th annual parade hosted by Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) at Walt Disney World and Ryan Seacrest (“American Idol”) at Disneyland will feature performances by the Jonas Brothers (“Jonas”), Demi Lovato (“Sonny With a Chance”), Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”), Kris Allen (“American Idol:) and Grammy winners Celine Dion and Stevie Wonder.
◊“Don’t You Forget About Me” (5:40 p.m. on Encore): This documentary follows a group of young filmmakers searching for director John Hughes. It was filmed a year before his untimely death and includes appearances by Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Andrew McCarthy, Kevin Smith, Alan Ruck, Kelly LeBrock, Justin Henry, Roger Ebert, Jason Reitman and Richard Roeper.
◊“Forbes’ Most Bankable Stars” (7:30 p.m. on E!): The experts at Forbes came up with a formula that determined how much money, on average, an actor/actress earned for every $1 he/she was paid. And this special counts down the 10 men and 10 women Hollywood can count on to rake in the big bucks at the box office without breaking the bank.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Melinda helps a family in turmoil after a freak accident. Meanwhile, Delia has her first haunting and discovers why sometimes it’s easier to be a skeptic than a believer. Sharon Lawrence (“NYPD Blue”) guest star.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison works on a seemingly routine missing persons case, but her dreams lead her to suspect that the missing woman’s children may have something to do with her disappearance. Also, Joe’s sister moves in when she thinks her husband is cheating. Guest stars include James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”), Morena Baccarin (“V”) and Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team has only hours to investigate a last-minute tip that could exonerate a dangerous mob boss on the eve of his execution. Meanwhile, Charlie’s attempt to help the CalSci basketball team break their incredible losing streak leads to some interesting outside help. Gina Gershon (“Face/Off”) and Los Angeles Lakers players Pau Gasol and Jordan Farmar guest star.
◊“The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Encore presentation of a Christmas 2008 episode.
◊“Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas” (7 p.m. on NBC): This encore presentation features guest appearances by Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, as well as sketches with troublemaker Gilly (played by Kristen Wiig) and holiday-themed sketches from the show’s 35-year history.
◊“Til Death” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): When Eddie and Joy pay a visit to his parents in Florida, Eddie discovers that his parents are planning to divorce in order to qualify for medical insurance. Eddie refuses to accept the idea and tries to convince his mother (Valerie Harper, “Valerie”) that it’s a bad decision to put his father (Jerry Adler, “Rescue Me”) back on the market .
◊“The Young and the Restless” (11:30 a.m. on CBS): Encore presentation of a classic episode from Christmas 2003.
SATURDAY, DEC. 26, 2009
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): In the Season 3 premiere, host Claire Robinson cooks up a no-fuss cocktail party menue perfect for any gathering. She prepares bite-sized Beef Wellington, sweet and spicy cocktail nuts, shortbread and a classy cocktail.
◊“Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part One” (8 p.m. on BBC America): It’s the Tenth Doctor’s final journey, but his psychotic nemesis the Master has been reborn on Christmas Eve. With both determined to cheat death, the battle ranges from the wastelands of London to the mysterious Immortality Gate. Meanwhile, the alien race Ood warn of an even greater danger approaching.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Detectives Benson and Stabler arrive on the scene of a single murder, they discover two more dead bodies in the apartment next door. Carol Burnett (“The Carol Burnett Show”) and Matthew Lillard (“The Pool Boys”) guest star.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Host Suze Orman celebrates with a new “best calls you’ve never heard,” plus a look back at her year in jackets.
◊“Three Sheets: New Year’s Eve in New York” (8 p.m. on FLN): This special introduces viewers to the premier bar scenes in the city that never sleeps, so drink and be merry with host Zane Lamprey who takes being “spirited” to a whole new level.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 29-Dec. 5, 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 Nov. 29:
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
SUNDAY, NOV. 29, 2009
◊“The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert” (7 p.m. on HBO): This four-hour event spotlights a host of musicians with performances culled from live concerts in late October. Among the artists featured are Eric Clapton, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Friends Aretha Franklin, Metallica, Simon & Garfunkel, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, U2 and Stevie Wonder.
◊“650 Lb. Virgin: The Weight Is Over” (9 p.m. on TLC): After losing 400 pounds without resorting to gastric bypass surgery, David Smith has become an inspiration for others. Now, along with his trainer and best friend Chris, he’s on a mission to help reshape the nation.
◊“2009 Soul Train Awards Show” (8 p.m. on BET): Taraji P. Henson (“The Division”) and Terrence Howard (“Street Time”) co-host the event that features performances by Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Boyz II Men, Chrisette Michele, Erykah Badu, Brian McKnight and Mario.
◊“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (6 p.m. on ABC): Former “America’s Funniest Home Videos” host Bob Saget returns as a guest co-host with Tom Bergeron in an episode that salutes the show’s funniest moments in its two decades on the air. In its 20 seasons to date, the show has given away over $10 million in prize money and evaluated more than half a million videotapes from home viewers.
◊“A Dog Named Christmas” (8 p.m. on CBS): A mentally challenged young man (Noel Fisher, “The Riches”) with a penchant for caring for animals in need sets out to convince his family and community to participate in the local shelter’s inaugural “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.”
◊“The Dog Who Saved Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Mario Lopez (“Nip/Tuck”) provides the voice of Zeus, the misguided guard dog who saves the Bannister family’s Christmas when he thwarts a burglary attempt by two inept thieves.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and the team travel to Lyme, NH, to tell Jay and Elena Marshall that their moldy and rotting home will be rebuilt in seven days.
◊“Frost/Nixon: The Original Watergate Interviews” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This program features David Frost’s entire 1977 Watergate interview with President Nixon. The original broadcast was watched by 45 million Americans and drew the biggest worldwide audience for a news interview.
◊“Half-Ton Teen: Confronting Addiction” (7 p.m. on TLC): Billy Roberts, once the world’s heaviest teenager, is gaining weight again. In the third installment of “Half Ton Teen,” doctors make a desperate attempt to save Billy from self-destruction.
◊“Legend of the Seeker” (5 p.m. on KOCB-34): Kahlan and Richard set out to rescue a mysterious girl named Annabelle (Aimee Teegarden, “Friday Night Lights”), the only other living Confessor, and try to prevent her from accidentally unleashing the powers she possesses.
◊“Pavarotti: Salute Petra” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This tribute concert taped October 2008 at the historial site of Petra in Jordan marks the first anniversary of the death of Luciano Pavarotti. The line-up features opera singers and musicians who performed with the Italian tenor, including Placido Domingo, Angela Gheorghiu and Andrea Bocelli.
MONDAY, NOV. 30, 2009
◊“Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): Castle is wrestling with how to repair his relationship with Beckett, while struggling to finish his soon-to-be-published bestseller, Heat Wave. But circumstances force the pair back together to investigate the mysterious murder of a man found dead, tangled in the limbs of a tree. Authors Stephen J. Cannell and Michael Connelly guest star as themselves.
◊“Emeril Green California” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): This special takes viewers to one of the country’s most progressive and dedicated organic and sustainable farming areas – Sonoma and Napa Valleys.
◊“Hoarders” (9 p.m. on A&E): The second-season premiere introduces viewers to Augustine, whose son Jason was removed from her home by Child Protective Services 14 years ago, because of her hoarding. It follows Jason as he tries one last time to rescue his mother from the filth he escaped from years ago.
◊“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC): This 1966 animated holiday story takes viewers inside a snowflake to Whoville, the magical land of the Whos. But high above this holiday-loving town resides the Grinch, a hateful creature with a heart three sizes too small, who despises Christmas and plots to steal it from the Whos. The voice cast includes Boris Karloff as The Grinch/Narrator and June Foray as Cindy Lou Who.
◊“Jim Thorpe: The World’s Greatest Athlete” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special chronicles Jim Thorpe’s life — from his boyhood in Oklahoma and his gold-medal wins at the 1912 Summer Olympics to his advocacy of American Indian rights and self-sufficiency. It recounts these events and others through interviews with Thorpe’s surviving children, dramatic recreations and archival photos and film.
◊“The Lady From Shanghai” (7 p.m. on TCM): This 1948 thriller stars Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth and features the famed hall-of-mirrors climax. It is the first of four films guest programmer Anthony Hopkins (“The Silence of the Lambs”) selected to air. The others are 1948′S “The Treasure of Sierra Madre” (8:45), 1940′s “The Grapes of Wrath” (11 p.m.) and 1954′s “Rear Window” (1:15 a.m.).
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Ted tries to prove he’s not pathetic for getting left at the altar, and Barney tries to impress Robin by fighting with patrons who are sitting in their favorite booth. Will Sasson (“MadTV”) guest stars.
◊“Intervention” (8 p.m. on A&E): The eighth-season premiere features Linda, who after graduating from college found success working as an extra in HollywoodBut her dreams died when she came down with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and started taking the painkiller Fentanyl.
◊“Shrek the Halls” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This 2007 animated holiday special Shrek’s plans for a cozy family celebration end up spiraling into one truly unforgettable Christmas. The voice cast includes Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas.
◊“Smokey Robinson Tribute on Ice” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Singer Smokey Robinson will perform while a stellar cast of Olympic, World and National figure skaters — including Brian Boitano, Todd Eldredge and Jennifer Robinson — cut through the ice.
TUESDAY, DEC. 1, 2009
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The final four contestants go home to reunite with family and friends and learn that when they return to the ranch, they will face their toughest challenge yet — running a full marathon. Cheering them along the way with me Season 7 winner Helen Phillips and finalists Tara Costa and Mike Morelli.
◊“Britain’s Missing Top Model” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In this new reality series, eight aspiring models — each with a disability — compete for a photo shoot with one of the United Kingdom’s best known fashion photographers, a four page spread in Marie Claire and an introduction to the head of a top modelling agency.
◊“Christmas Outside the Box” (6 p.m. on TLC): This special will unwrao the rituals of the holiday and reveal a day layeed with mystery, science and honored tradition.
◊“Eyes” (9 p.m. on DirecTV): In the series finale, Wyatt Markum, a bond trader, is murdered under the watch of Jimmy Doyle, a bodyguard and old friend of Harlan’s. The investigation is complicated by detective Ryan Giggs, who believes that Jimmy killed Wyatt. Meanwhile, Jeff’s mother, Dee Dee (Patti D’Arbanville, “New York Undercover”), has been scammed and asks her son for help in catching the con artist.
◊“The Forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): The Forgotten Network investigates the death of a John Doe found murdered and stuffed in the trunk of a car four months ago. The investigation takes a turn when a DNA test identifies the Doe as an ex-con who died four years ago. James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”) guest stars.
◊“I’m Pregnant And …” (8:30 p.m. on Discovery Health): This new series follows the stories of women facing serious issues — emotional, physical, mental or circumstantial — as they navigate their nine-month journey through pregnancy. Topics explored throughout the six-part series include “I’m Pregnant and I’m Addicted,” “I’m Pregnant and I Have an Eating Disorder” and “I’m Pregnant and Over 55.”
◊“Invitation Only: Carrie Underwood” (8 p.m. on CMT): Checotah native Carrie Underwood takes the stage to perform her chart-toppers as well as music from her new album “Play On.” She also takes questions from fans and gives revealing and candid answers.
◊“Love In a Time of HIV” (8 p.m. on Showtime): Premiering on the 21st annual World AIDS Day, this documentary takes a walk in the shows of several people around the world living with HIV.
◊“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.
◊“Prep & Landing” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This new holiday special reveals the never-before-told tale of a high-tech organization of elves that ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared for the yearly visit from The Big Guy, their code name for Santa Claus. The voice cast includes Dave Foley (“NewsRadio”) as Wayne, Sarah Chalke (“Scrubs”) as Magee and Derek Richardson (“Men In Trees”) as Lanny.
◊“Sci-Fi Science: Physics of the Impossible” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): This new series based on Dr. Michio Kaku’s best-selling book combines his knowledge of theoretical physics with his ability to turn high-level science into blueprints for light sabers, starships, time travel and more. In each episode, Dr. Kaku will illustrate how each fantastic invention would work and could be built.
◊“Scrubs” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 9 premiere, J.D., Turk, Drs. Cox and Kelso and Intern Denise return to Sacred Heart to teach med school, while new med students Lucy, Drew, Cole and Maya are put through the ringer on their first day of school.
◊“Sherri” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): In the Season 1 finale, Sherri finds herself at a crossroads between re-kindling her relationship with Kevin and starting a new future with Randy.
◊“Transgendered and Pregnant” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special tells the story of a transgendered couple expecting a baby. In spite of ongoing hormone treatments, the male-to-female transgender wife managed to impregnate the female-to-male tramsgender husband, and cameras follow the couple throughout the pregnancy leading up to the birth of their first child.
◊“The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” (9 p.m. on CBS): The annual holiday-themed runway show returns to New York City and will feature supermodels Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes and Marisa Miller. The event will also feature model profiles, behind-the-scenes footage, red-carpet interviews and performances by three-time Grammy Award winners the Black Eyed Peas.
◊“Where the Water Meets the Sky” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Narrated by Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”), this documentary tells the story of a group of Northern Zambian women who learn how to use the art of filmmaking as a way to speak out about their lives and the plight of the staggering number of young women orphaned by AIDS in their country.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2, 2009
◊“Bank of Mom and Dad” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): Sarah, a 23-year-old self-proclaimed “urban sophisticate” from New Jersey, spends all of her money on clothes and food while her parents foot the bill for her real expenses on the season finale.
◊“Christmas in Rockefeller Center” (7 p.m. on NBC): Jane Krakowski (“30 Rock”) and Zachary Levi (“Chuck”) co-host the 77th annual holiday celebration that has aired on NBC for 12 years. The tree lighting event will also feature performances by Michael Bublé, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, The Roots, Shakira, and The Radio City Rockettes.
◊“Criminal Minds” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team travels to Fort Lauderdale during spring break to find a serial killer with multiple personalities who is targeting co-eds on vacation. Roma Maffia (“Nip/Tuck”) and Jackson Rathbone (“Twilight”) on “Criminal Minds,” 9 p.m. on CBS.
◊“Dog the Bounty Hunter” (8 p.m. on A&E): Season 6 opens with the show’s 150th episode, and Duane “Dog” Chapman’s target seems to have a taste for drugs and a record of reckless driving.
◊“Eastwick” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): While enduring a visit from her mother, Edie (Joanna Kerns, “Growing Pains”), Roxie discovers a newfound power. After Jamie’s failed attempt to poison Darryl lands Greta Noa (Rosanna Arquette, “The L Word”) in the hospital about to die, Darryl urges Kat to embrace her healing abilities so she can save his friend. Meanwhile, Jamie is forced to team up with Bun and Eleanor (Cybill Shepherd, “The L Word”) to finish the job on Darryl.
◊“The Grammy Nominations Concert Live! Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night” (8 p.m. on CBS, 2:37 a.m. Friday on KWTV-9 in OKC): LL Cool J (“NCIS: Los Angeles”) host host this special broadcast live from Club NOKIA in Los Angeles. It will reveal Grammy nominations in several categories and the world premiere performance of Nick Jonas & the Administration, as well as appearances by Black Eyed Peas, Sugarland and Maxwell.
◊“Launch My Line” (10 p.m. on Bravo): Designers Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED2 host this new series that follows 10 professionals who are paired with 10 established fashion designers who will help them execute their dream clothing line.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): Officer Nate Kendall (Wentworth Miller, “Prison Break”) is called in to help Detectives Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler solve a series of rape cases.
◊“Little Parents, First Baby” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): Dwarf couple Becky and Craig Hennon welcomed their first child earlier this year. Cameras revisit the family to see how they are faring and find out if they have learned whether their baby boy will also be a dwarf.
◊“Rebuilding America” (7 p.m. on CNBC): Are the manufacturing jobs in the U.S. gone forever? Does an economy that doesn’t produce anything have any real value? CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo and some leaders in manufacturing answer those questions and chart our path forward.
◊“Pixar Short Films” (6 p.m. on ABC Family): This two-hour presentation features 20 animated Pixar short films, including Academy Award winners “Tin Toy” (1988), “Geri’s Game” (1991) and “For the Birds” (2001) and Oscar nominees “Luxo Jr.” (1986), “Mike’s New Car” (2002), “Boundin” (2003), “One Man Band” (2005), “Lifted” (2006) and “Presto” (2008).
◊“Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Chef Gordon Ramsay returns for a fifth seaosn of taking on struggles restaurant ventures and passing on tips to owners on how best to cope with the credit crunch.
◊“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (7 p.m. on CBS, 2:37 a.m. Thursday on KWTV-9 in OKC): The longest-running holiday special in television history celebrates its 45th anniversary with this digitally-remastered version. The classic “Animagic” special features a musical score from Johnny Marks and the voice of Burl Ives.
◊“Sports Jobs With Junior Seau” (9 p.m. on Versus): The former New England Patriot linebacker trades in his helmet and pads and tries out the sometimes thankless byt extremely important jobs across the entire sports world. In the premiere episode, Seau will be working as part of the construction crew helping to build the new stadium for the New York Giants/Jets.
◊“Steven Seagal Lawman” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new real-life series chronicles martial arts expert and film star Steven Seagal’s work in law enforcement. For almost 20 years, he has been working as a fully-commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. Each episode will allow fans to ride shotgun with Seagal as he and an elite team of deputies respond to crimes-in-progress.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The final chef’testants gear up for the high-stakes finale on Dec. 9, as the final four travel to Napa and get narrowed down to three. And the three finalists get a surprise wake-up and fight for the title.
◊“Tulsa A to Z” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Tulsa video historian Jack Frank takes viewers on a tour of unique and historical places across the city — from the Admiral Twins, the city’s last remaining drive-in, to the Indy 500 race cars built by Tulsan Jack Zink.
◊“Whatever, Martha!” (8 p.m. on FLN): To prove that she is in on the show’s joke, Martha Stewart joins co-hosts Alexis Stewart and Jennifer Koppelman Hutt on the couch to reminisce about some of her favorite TV segments, including Martha making a spice rubbed turkey with TV anchor Bryant Gumbel and showing off her new laundry room. The hosts also talk to Martha about what her life was like growing up.
THURSDAY, DEC. 3, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): Tracy takes on the ultimate Hollywood challenge in order to prove is commitment to his wife (Sheri Shepherd, “Sherri”).
◊“BBQ Pitmasters” (9 p.m. on TLC): Each episode of this new series travels to a different competition and shows viewers what it takes to win big in barbecue. An estimated 10 million people visit competitions each year to get up-close and personal with the leading chefs of America’s barbecue circuit. Among the competitions documented are the Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-Off in Illinois, Diamond State BBQ Championship in Delaware and The Big Pig Jig in Georgia.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): A hypnotist who uses her powers of persuasion to rob banks becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Jorja Fox reprises her role as Sara Sidle.
◊“Dwarf Adoption Story” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This hour-long special follows the daily lives of David and Tina King, a dwarf couple who hope to adopt their second child — a 2-year-old dwarf from Albania.
◊“Echo: Queen of the Elephants” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special spotlights the 1,200 elephants that live nestled at the foot of Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and the researchers who study and hope to protect them. The Kenyan savannah is experiencing one of its worst droughts and, as a result, these elephants that cherish familial ties and experience emotions similar to those of humans must watch as their family members fall victim to thirst, starvation and poaching. It is estimated that hundreds of elephants have died as a result.
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Against Wedeck’s orders, Mark and Demetri travel to Hong Kong in search of the woman claiming to know details of Demetri’s fate; Lloyd tries to come clean about his and Simon’s involvement in the global blackout; and Zoey discovers the true meaning of her flashforward.
◊“In the House” (4:30 p.m. on Encore): Hollywood insiders Peter Bart and Peter Guber co-host this new entertainment news and interview show. It will deal with breaking news and industry trends in pop culture and will provide a platform for major stars, key filmmakers and other creative and business leaders who wish to comment on their industry.
◊“Inside the Mind of Google” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Maria Bartiromo (“Closing Bell”) reports on how two graduate students took a one-time research project and in barely a decade and turned it into a global technological powerhouse. With nearly two billion searches being done on its website every day, Google has access to an unprecedented amount of information about its users.
◊“Jersey Shore” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new series follows eight young adults as they move into a summer share to indulge in everything Seaside Heights, NJ, has to offer. It uncovers sometimes surprising, often hilarious and usually over-the-top personalities as they juggle work, love, nightlife, friendship and the drama that ensues. In the end, viewers see that there is more to these tan and buff individuals than hair gel.
◊“The Truth About Binge Drinking” (7 p.m. on BBC America): British pop star Michelle Heaton takes an investigative look into the world of binge drinking, which affects everyone from college to underage kids and from desperate housewives to young professionals.
FRIDAY, DEC. 4, 2009
◊“2009 mtvU Woodie Awards” (9 p.m. on MTV): For the sixth year in a row, college students from all over the country have nominated their favorite artists to vie for mtvU Woodie awards. Nominees Death Cab For Cutie and Matt & Kim will perform along with The Dead Weather, featuring Jack White (White Stripes, The Raconteurs), Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age), Jack Lawrence (The Greenhornes, The Raconteurs) and Alison Mosshart (The Kills).
◊“Expecting 15 Babies” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): Three families experience the dangerous business of giving birth to and raising multiples, including the first Hispanic sextuplets in the United States, an expecting mother of quadruplets and a family with 22-month-old quintuplets.
◊“One Life to Live” (1 p.m. on ABC): The All-American Rejects (rock band from Stillwater) will appear at Ultraviolet, and Rex surprises his son Shane with the honor of announcing the band. The multi-platinum group is currently making the rounds on an international tour for their latest musical offering, “When the World Comes Down,” and will perform “Mona Lisa” and “I Wanna” from the album.
◊“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (6:30 p.m. on ABC Family): In this film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s bestseller, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers of his own. Three more films in the “Harry Potter” series will air on the network this weekend: “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (3 p.m. Saturday), “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (7 p.m. Saturday) and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (6:30 p.m. Dec. 6).
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): When samples of a deadly viral disease go missing, Allison’s visions could help prevent a massive bio-terror attack. Also, Scanlon is ready to propose to Lynn, but Bridgette’s dreams could foreshadow problems on the horizon. Matt Letscher (“Entourage”) guest stars as bio-pathologist Dr. Erik Westphal, who has been working with the virus.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): In the series finale, Monk hunts down his wife Trudy’s killer.
◊“A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa” (7 p.m. on NBC): On Christmas Eve, Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo and the rest of the gang attempt to deliver three letters to Santa Claus. Guest starring in this special filled with song, mayhem and heaps of holiday spirit are Whoopi Goldberg, Jane Krakowski, Nathan Lane, Jesse L. Martin, Steve Schirripa, Tony Sirico, Uma Thurman and New York’s Mayor Bloomberg.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the team foils a robbery of an armored car full of Federal Reserve money and recover bills that trace back to the infamous D.B. Cooper heist, they call on Agent Roger Bloom, who worked on the Cooper case, for help with the investigation. Henry Winkler (“Happy Days”) returns as former FBI Agent Roger Bloom.
◊“Pit Bulls and Paroles” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Running the Villalobos Rescue Center is a financial strain, and it is getting harder for Tia Maria Torres to make ends meet.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): While docked in Sweden, Zack and Cody learn from Mayor Ragnar (Ed Begley Jr., “Gary Unmarried”) that their ancestors were scoundrels, rather than heroes like they thought. Meanwhile, Marcus and Moseby get stuck in a furniture store trying to find a screw for Moseby’s nightstand.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Things should be dreamy at the Bahamas resort, where even Shakira (portraying herself) is staying, but Betty has a nightmarish photo shoot after Willie learns her nemesis, Penelope Graybridge (Christie Brinkley, “Vacation”), snagged a coveted job.
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): In the fall finale, the FBI investigates a jewelry heist, and all clues point to Neal. Now Peter must figure out if Neal is telling the truth or pulling a con.
SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 2009
◊“12 Men of Christmas” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Tony and Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth (“Pushing Daisies”) stars in this romantic comedy, adapted from a novel by Phillipa Ashley. She plays a New York public relations executive who loses her job and her fiance at her office holiday party. To escape everything, she takes a job in Montana and channels her energy to help raise funds for the local search-and-rescue team by producing a steamy calendar of its hunky men.
◊“1000 Ways to Die” (11:30 p.m. on SPIKE): The series, begins Season 2 with back-to-back episodes, showcases some of the most outrageously true stories about those who died in the most unorthodox styles. It moves to at 9 p.m. Wednesdays on Dec. 9.
◊“A Boyfriend for Christmas” (4 p.m. on Lifetime): Kelli Williams (“Lie to Me”) stars in this holiday comedy as Holly, who professes that she doesn’t believe in Santa Claus since she can’t meet the man of her dreams.
◊“Debbie Macomber’s Mrs. Miracle” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Single dad Seth Webster (James Van Der Beek) is in desperate need of a nanny. At his lowest point, Mrs. Merkle (Doris Roberts) appears and proves herself to be more-than-adept at handling his twin 6-year-old boys.
◊“Guy Fieri’s Top of the Class” (6:30 p.m. on Food Network): This behind-the-scenes special reveals what happens when aspiring teenage chefs gather in San Digo for the National proStar Invitational. Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) hosts the event as students race to complete a three-course meal before the hour runs out.
◊“Guy’s Disney Holiday” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Guy Fieri explores Disneyland during the holidays and shares the fun, excitement and charm that the park offers through its holiday-themes meals and treats.
◊“iQuite iCarly” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this original movie based on the Nickelodeon series, a rift between iCarly BFFs’ Carly Shay (Miranda Cosgrove) and Sam Puckett (Jennette McCurdy) puts their friendship to the test and takes its toll on their popular web show.
◊“Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special features Rockette performances that showcase the dancers’ signature precision dance style. Traditional fan favorites such as the “Living Nativity” scene and “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” have been in the show since its inception in 1933.
◊“Robin Hood” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Robin and Gisborne have been forced together to save their half brother and take down the evil Prince John. Tune in to the Season 3 finale find out if their alliance lasts or if Prince John takes down Robin Hood once and for all.
◊“Sandra Lee Celebrates: Magical Merry Christmas” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Following their 13-year-old daughter Kelsea through her recent recovery from cancer, the Henderson family now spends their holiday time brightening the lives of those still in need. Sandra will teach the Hendersons how to create the perfect food, decorations and tree trimmings for their own family, as well as arm them with useful tips on how to use their favorite holiday items to craft a moving ‘pay it forward’ tribute to the hospital where Kelsea spent so much time.
◊“Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam” (10 p.m. on Showtime): D.L. Hughley hosts this event that features stand-up from comedians Earthquake, Lavell Crawford, Melanie Comarcho and Arnez J. It was filmed live at the 13th annual American Black Film Festival in Miami.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Nov. 22-28, 2009
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Nov. 22.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“The Haunted,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Meet the Natives USA,” 10 p.m. Sunday on Travel Channel (series premiere).
••“Find My Family,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on ABC (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (seventh-season finale).
••“The Next Iron Chef,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (first-season finale).
••“Jon and Kate Plus 8,” 8 p.m. Monday on TLC (fifth-season finale).
••“Dancing With the Stars,” 8:01 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (ninth-season finale).
••“Man Shops Globe,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Sundance (series finale).
••“Shameless,” 7 p.m. Friday on Sundance (fifth-season premiere).
MARATHONS
••“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday on USA Network.
••“How Clean Is Your House?” 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday on BBC America.
••“Dogs 101/Cats 101,” 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday on Animal Planet.
••“Cake Boss,” 5 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on TLC.
••“Mythbusters,” 8 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on Discovery.
••“Untamed & Uncut,” 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet.
••“White Collar,” 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••“I’m Alive,” noon to 9 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet.
••“Deadliest Catch,” 8 a.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday on Discovery.
••“Dirty Jobs,” 10 a.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Nov. 29 on Discovery.
NOTE: Times are CT. For ET, add one hour.
Pictured above: DONNY OSMOND, KYM JOHNSON on “Dancing With the Stars” (ABC Photo)
