Fox holds ‘Simpsons’ scavenger hunt Nov. 9-13
Want to win “The Simpsons”
ultimate prize package? Don’t watch “The Simpsons.”
OK, go ahead and watch “The Simpsons” on Sunday. But, for sure, watch the Fox network Monday through Friday next week (Nov. 9-13) and watch for “The Simpsons” shout-outs, tributes and clues featured during the primetime programming and on-air promos.
Then log on to www.fox.com/scavengerhunt each night for a chance to win the ultimate grand prize. And it is a doozy. It’s a trip for two to Los Angeles to attend a “Simpsons” table read with the voice cast AND a home entertainment system AND “The Simpsons” merchandise AND tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood, home of The Simpsons Ride.
That’s what one lucky viewer will win at the end of “The Simpsons” scavenger hunt. But everyone who participates has a chance to unlock daily downloadable extras. And better yet, you only have to be 13 (or older) for a chance at these goodies.
–Penny TV
SYTYCD: Two down, 17 to go
Ariana Dubose and Brandon Dumlao were the first dancers to be eliminated this week by a unanimous judges’ decision. The remaining 18 are:
Ashlie and Ryan DiLello, Bianca Revels, Channing Cooke, Ellenore Scott, Jakob Karr, Karen Hauer, Kathryn McCormick, Kevin Hunte, Legacy Perez, Mollee Gray, Nathan Trasoras, Noelle Marsh, Pauline Mata, Peter Sabasino, Phillip Attmore, Russell Ferguson and Victor Smalley.
Listen to the podcast on NewsOK.com for my take on the new season, the changes and the dancers!
TV Premieres (no Finales) airing Nov. 1-7, 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 (none are ending) the week of Nov. 1.
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
••“Sex Rehab With Dr. Drew,” 9 p.m. Sunday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“Styl’d,” 9 p.m. Sunday on MTV (series premiere).
••“For the Love of Ray J,” 8 p.m. Monday on VH1 (second-season premiere).
••“I Want to Work for Diddy,” 9 p.m. Monday on VH1 (second-season premiere).
••“V,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (second-season premiere).
••“Flowers Uncut,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TLC (series premiere).
••“Cold Blood,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Investigation Discovery (second-season premiere).
••“The Real Housewives of Orange County,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (fifth-season premiere).
••“Fanboy and Chum Chum,” 8 p.m. Friday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).
••“Live From Abbey Road,” 10 p.m. Friday on Sundance (third-season premiere).
••“Handy Manny,” 7:30 a.m. Saturday on Disney (third-season premiere).
••“Til Debt Do Us Part,” 9 p.m. Saturday on CNBC (series premiere).
••“The Wanda Sykes Show,” 10 p.m. Saturday on Fox (series premiere).
Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 1-7, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which
includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 1:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, NOV. 1, 2009
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team looks into the 1944 murder of the top pilot from the WASP program, a pioneering group of civilian women who volunteered to fly non-combat missions for the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII. Guest stars include Michael Learned (”The Waltons”) as a former WASP pilot, John Aniston (”Days of Our Lives”) as a WWII Army Air Force pilot veteran and Daniel Baldwin (”Grey Gardens”) as Moe Kitchener, who is out on bail awaiting his trial for running Lilly’s car off the road.
◊“Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this new primetime special, Dora continues her magical storybook adventure from last fall (“Dora Saves the Snow Princess”), when the magic crystal that the Snow Princess gave her are stolen by a greedy king (voiced by Richard Kind, “Spin City”). Dora and Boots must help locate the crystals and turn the pale gray kingdom back into a colorful wonderland.
◊“Duel with the Devil” (9 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows members of the special homicide task force in Guatemala City as they risk their lives solving thousands of homicides that occur every year.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Clint Black (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) and the team travel to Daviess County, KY, to tell Steve and Melissa Mattingly that their small single-wide trailer will be replaced by a newly constructed home built in seven days.
◊“Food Network Challenge” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Four cake designers make cakes based on the four main characters from “The Simpsons.” The designers must team up with a “Simpsons” super fan to ensure that every detail of the cake is just right.
◊“Kristi Yamaguchi & Friends” (3 p.m. on NBC): Featuring the musical talents of The Backstreet Boys, who are touring in support of their new album, “This Is Us,” this skating exhibition will showcase Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and her skating friends. Among them are four-time world champion Kurt Browning, eight-time British champion Steven Cousins and two-time Olympic gold medalist Ekaterina Gordeeva.
◊“Masterpiece Contemporary” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Juliet Stevenson (”Truly, Madly, Deeply”) stars as a TV journalist who reopens the unsolved 1963 disapperance of a 13-year-old girl in “Place of Execution,” a thriller adapted from a novel by Val McDermid (”Wire in the Blood”).
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Born Wild: The First Days of Life” follows the birth and first day of several species, from marmoset to moose and elephant to gorilla.
◊“Nostradamus Decoded” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This special exposes the truth about the world’s greatest prognosticator and offers insight into human nature itself.
◊“Seven Dumpsters and a Corpse” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): A tale of two brothers trying to piece together their family history amidst the mess of their deceased mother’s apartment. The saga involves baronesses and counts, stolen lovers and Nazi officers, lawsuits and counter lawsuits and lots of cats.
◊“Sex Rehab With Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on VH1): Dr. Drew Pinsky and a team of experts on sexual addition guide eight patients through an extensive program in order to get to the root of their compulsive behavior.◊“Strange Sex” (9 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special explores the world of sexual medical anomalies, including a diagnosed sex addict trying to get her life in order and a woman who is allergic to her husband’s semen.
◊“Styl’d” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new series takes viewers inside the competitive world of fashion by following five junior stylists at the Margaret Maldonado Agency. Each week, they assist with the styling of celebrities for various events including music videos, movie premieres and red carpet events.
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): In order to save his life, Andy tries a risky new procedure on his wife’s partner who suffers from an aortic aneurysm. Lennie James (”Jericho”) guest stars as Dr. Timothy Maguire, a cardiologist.
MONDAY, NOV. 2, 2009
◊“For the Love of Ray J” (8 p.m. on VH1): R&B artist Ray J is back to find his soul mate. When things with Season 1 finalist Cocktail didn’t end well, VH1 found a new group of 18 women to vie for Ray J’s heart.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Olivia (”Hilary Duff, “Lizzie McGuire”) says something she regrets during her appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s talk show and tries to keep Dan from finding out.
◊“Ham on Turkey” (2 p.m. on Fine Living Network): George Duran, host of “Ham on the Street,” stages a Mayflower pizza party and unveils the hottest trend in turkey roasting — the bicycle-powered mega-rotisserie.
◊“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): Hiro gets a second chance to save the love of his life. Elsewhere, H.R.G.’s past with his Primatech partner (Elizabeth Rohm, “Law & Order”) is revealed.
◊“I Want to Work for Diddy” (9 p.m. on VH1): Sean “Diddy” Combs returns for a second season in search of a new assistant. He will challenge 11 new hopefuls to see who has the talent and motivation to work for him.
◊“The People V. Leo Frank” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This program dramatizes the 1913 murder of Mary Phagan and the trial and lynching of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory supervisor accised of her murder. The cast is led by Will Janowitz (”The Sopranos”) and Seth Gilliam (”The Wire”).
◊“Poliwood” (6:30 p.m. on Showtime): Academy Award winner Barry Levinson (”Rain Man”) directed this look at the collision and collusion between politics, Hollywood and the media. Among the celebrities featured are Annette Bening, Susan Sarandon, Hayden Panettiere, Matthew Modine and Tulsa native Alfre Woodard.
TUESDAY, NOV. 3, 2009
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): DJ Samantha Ronson guest stars as herself, offering dating advice to Navid. Rumer Willis (“Sorority Row”) also guest stars in the episode that features a performance by Pharrell and N.E.R.D.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The contestants head to Washington D.C. for an unforgettable week that includes a visit to the White House kitchen and the biggest workout in the show’s eight-year history.
◊“By the People: The Election of Barack Obama” (8 p.m. on HBO): Filmmakers Amy Rice and Alicia Sams chronicle the presidential campaign of Barack Obama starting from nearly a year before he announced his candidacy. Interwoven with the drama of the campaign is never-before-seen footage of Obama behind the scenes, as well as interviews and candid moments with wife Michelle Obama, the couple’s young daughters, Malia and Sasha, and senior campaign staff, volunteers, reporters, supporters and opponents. Rice, who grew up in Oklahoma City, conceivced the idea of making the documentary when she saw Obama’s 2004 convention speech on TV.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Alicia works with Will on the appeal of a death row inmate, she agrees to a conjugal visit with Peter in order to get information from him since her client was convicted under Peter’s regime as state’s attorney. David Paymer (”Mr. Saturday Night”) returns as Judge Richard Cuesta.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Maggie Gyllenhaal (“SherryBaby”) hosts the new installment titled “Power Paths” that looks at traditional American Indian values regarding conservation and the earth that offer real solutions to America’s energy crisis.
◊“Kathy Griffin: Balls of Steel” (8 p.m. on Bravo): In her seventh original stand-up special for Bravo, two-time Emmy winning comedienne Kathy Griffin dishes about her experience at the Teen Choice Awards with her date, Levi Johnston, and offers her take on recent headlines including Jon and Kate Gosselin, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A murder investigation prompts Gibbs and the team to play family counselor to his former mentor, Mike Franks, in the hopes of preventing a bloody international conflict. Robert Patrick (”Terminator 2: Judgment Day”) guest stars as First Defense COO Colonel Merton Bell.
◊“Nova: Becoming Human” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This three-part special investigates new discoveries that are transforming the picture of how we became human. The first installment explores fresh clues about our earliest ancestors in Africa, including the stunningly complete fossil nicknamed “Lucy’s Child.”
◊“Rip-Off!” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special profiles two of the most notorious white-collar criminals in recent memory — Dennis Kozlowski, chief executive of Tyco, and Marcus Schrenker, owner and operator of Heritage Wealth Management.
◊“State of Creativity” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): With strategic placement on I-35 and I-40, drugs are trafficked to all four corners of our country through the boarders of Oklahoma. Drug trafficking brought the street gangs from southern California here in the 1980s and they brought their culture with them. Violence. Robbery. Vandalism. OETA’s newest documentary series takes a look into the gangster lifestyle and discovers a solution that breaks the cycle of this dangerous culture.
◊“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Tabatha Coffey returns for a second season to help transform the lives and businesses of salon owners in the Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami areas. Fans first met her as an acerbic contestant on the first season of “Shear Genius.” Since that time, Tabatha has earned respect for her unapologetic, brutally honest approach.
◊“V” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this reimagining of NBC’s 1983 miniseries, a bunch of charismatic extraterrestrials led by Anna (Morena Baccarin, “Firefly”) captivates most of Earth’s population. But FBI counterterrorism agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell, “Lost”) suspects the aliens have a far more sinister agenda.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4, 2009
◊“Bill Cosby: The Mark Twain Prize 2009″ (7 p.m. on OETA-13): A roster of top-flight American comics including Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock salutes the Emmy-winning actor as he becomes the recipient of the 12th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The special includes clips of his career highlights from stand-up appearances as well as his groundbreaking role on “I Spy” and the sitcoms that later bore his name.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit tracks a serial killer who keeps the eyes of his victims as souvenirs. Salli Richardson-Whitfield (”Eureka”) returns as the sister of a murder victim.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Allison is jilted when her new “friend,” Sophia (guest star Nadine Valezquez, “My Name Is Earl”), prefers Gary’s company over hers.
◊“Flowers Uncut” (9 p.m. on TLC): Jeff Leatham, one of the top floral designers in the world, moves from Paris to New York City to set up shop in the event capital of the world. One of his first jobs in an $80,000 floral presentation for the Shila Hotel in Korea.
◊“House of Payne” (8 p.m. on TBS): Kim Fields (”The Facts of Life”) directs two new episodes airing back-to-back. In “Where’s the Payne,” Curtis finds out that he’s being forced into retirement and Calvin discovers that Miranda is missing. In “Recurring Paynes,” Miranda’s mother arrives and confronts Calvin, who has become a suspect in her disappearance.
◊“Johnny Mercer: The Dream’s on Me” (7 p.m. on TCM): Clint Eastwood (“Gran Torino”) executive produced this profile of the gap-toothed composer from Georgia who penned the lyrics, music or both to some of the most beloved songs of the 20th century, including “Hooray for Hollywood,” “Moon River” and “The Days of Wine and Roses.”
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When two young girls are similarly murdered a little over a month apart, Detective Odafin Tutuola decides to investigate the gruesome crimes. John Larroquette (“Boston Legal”) guest stars.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Sonia gets relationship advice from a patient and begins to question her arm’s-length approach to dating. Jerry Stiller (“The King of Queens”) and Ann Meara (“Archie Bunker’s Place”) guest star.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine considers herself popular by association when Ritchie is asked to a dance by the most popular girl in school, and Matthew and Richard try to evict an elderly woman (Marion Ross, “Happy Days”) from the apartment they hope to rent.
◊“Strange Sex” (9 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special explores the world of sexual medical anomalies, including a diagnosed sex addict trying to get her life in order and a woman who is allergic to her husband’s semen.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Gig Young was born on this day in 1913, and TCM celebrates by airing nine of his films, including 1950’s “Hunt the Man Down” (11 a.m.) and 1953’s “The Girl Who Had Everything” (4:15 p.m.).
◊“Top Chef All Stars Dinner” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 5 fan favorite Fabio Viviani hosts a get-together complete with a challenge as past chef’testants rehash their favorite moments on the series. Chefs taking part include Harold Dieterle (Season 1), Ilan Hall (Season 2), Hung Huynh (Season 3) and Lisa Fernandes (Season 4).
THURSDAY, NOV. 5, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): While Liz and Pete try to rig the audition process, Tracy and Jenna decide it’s in their best interest to conduct their own search for a new “TGS” actor. Brian Williams (“NBC Nightly News”) guest stars.
◊“Broke and Famous: Willie Aames” (9 p.m. on VH1): This special chronicles the journey of Willie Aames, a once rich and successful celebrity who descended into poverty, as he works to transform and rebuild his life. Sarano Kelley, a financial guru and life coach, will be tasked with giving Willie the wake-up call he needs and helping him to reshape his financial future.
◊“Cold Blood” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This series, beginning its second season, presents competing versions of what may have happened as investigators follow forensic clues in search of the truth.
◊“Community” (7 p.m. on NBC): When the gang finds out Jeff is living out of his car, they offer their help. Eric Christian Olsen (”Fired Up!”) guest stars.
◊“The Doctors” (3 p.m. on KWTV-9): Brooke Burke (”Dancing With the Stars”) joins the daytime talk show as a “Mommy Correspondent.” She will make house calls and act as the liaison between mothers and the doctors — Dr. Travis Stork (E.R. physician), Dr. Lisa Masterson (obstetrician and gynecologist), Dr. Andrew Ordon (plastic surgeon) and Dr. James Sears (pediatrician).
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mark, Demetri, Gough and MI6 agent Fiona Banks (Alex Kingston, “ER”) investigate a Blue Hand club and its possible connection to some recent suicides. Meanwhile, Demetri comes clean with Zoey (Gabrielle Union, “Life”) about his lack of a flashforward.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): After months of painstaking work, Lego brick artist Kurt Zimmerle is back home in Michigan working on his Halloween haunted houses. What he’s left behind is a masterpiece that will benefit Oklahoma City’s poverty stricken children for years to come. Zimmerle constructed about 50 Oklahoma City buildings like the state capital, the Skirvin Plaza, Bricktown and the as yet un-built Devon tower. (The Lego version stands 9 feet tall) out of Lego bricks. Kurt hasn’t done an exact count because he says he does not have time, but he estimates he has used over 1,000,000 bricks to construct OK Cityscapes.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Jim and Pam are out of excuses, so they have no choice but to go on a double date with Michael and Helene (Linda Purl, “First Monday”).
◊“The Real Housewives of Orange County” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In Season 5, the Southern California girls welcome Alexis Bellino to the group and say farewell to longtime housewife Jeana Keough. The series also takes a turn with shifting relationships and the tough economy hitting the women and their families hard.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Vivien Leigh was born on this day in 1913, and TCM celebrates by airing four of her films, including 1938’s “A Yank at Oxford” (6:45 a.m.) and 1941’s “That Hamilton Woman” (10:30 am.).
FRIDAY, NOV. 6, 2009
◊“Fanboy and Chum Chum” (8 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new animated comedy spin-off from the Nicktoons Network series “Random! Cartoons” centers on a comic book-loving 11-year old named Fanboy and his best friend and trusty sidekick, Chum Chum, whose wide-eyed acceptance of the bizarre is the perfect complement to his friend’s enthusiasm and imagination. In every episode, Fanboy and Chum Chum, donning their tights and capes, embark on a daily quest to turn an average day into a fun one.
◊“Ghost Adventures” (8 p.m. on Travel Channel): The crew travels to Poveglia Island in Italy to investigate the cursed ground. Locals and tourists are forbidden from visiting this location.
◊“Ghost Adventures Live: Post Mortem” (7 p.m. on Travel Channel): One week after being locked down live in West Virginia’s Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum for seven hours, Zak, Nick and Aaron relive the best moments of the event.
◊“Greg Behrendt: That Guy From That Thing” (11 p.m. on Comedy Central): Best known for his book “He’s Just Not That Into You,” Greg Behrendt brings his blunt and humorous observations to this stand-up special. He leaves the self-help at home to take action against what Criss Angel did to magic, ponder the nature of God and explain why guys shouldn’t quote lines from porn movies.
◊“Live From Abbey Road” (10 p.m. on Sundance): The music series, back for its third season, features performances and interviews with musicians filmed at London’s Abbey Road Studios.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Allison’s car is wrecked, the SUV she rents turns out to have some unusual features, including a satellite radio that allows her to hear other people’s conversations. Faith Prince (”Huff”) guest stars as Lauren Portman, whose daughter causes the damage to Allison’s car.
◊“SpongeBob SquarePants: Truth or Squared” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Celebrity guest stars Rosario Dawson, Craig Ferguson, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, LeBron James, P!nk, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and Robin Williams appear as themselves in live-action sequences throughout this special, which follows SpongeBob and the Bikini Bottom gang as they reminisce through a series of original, never-before-seen flashbacks. Ricky Gervais narrates the special and Cee-Lo Green (Gnarles Barkley) performs a cover of the SpongeBob theme song to an all-new stop-motion opening title sequence.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on CBS): Matt asks someone else to be his “plus one” at Wilhemina’s fund-raiser for Tibetan orphans. Meanwhile we learn the truth behind Nico’s (YaYa Dacosta, “All My Children”) dire straits.
SATURDAY, NOV. 7
◊“Handy Manny” (7:30 a.m. on Disney): Season 3 of this multicultural series for preschoolers will introduce 10 new tool characters. Guest stars this season include Rosario Dawson (“Gemini Division”) as a marine biologist, Dale Earnhardt Jr. as a race car driver, Jim Belushi (”According to Jim”) as a drawbridge operator and Giada De Laurentiis (“Giada at Home”) as the owner of a pizza parlor.
◊“Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Fedor Emelianenko of Russia, the world’s top-ranked mixed martial arts heavyweight fighter, will face undefeated American Brett Rogers of Minnesota in the marquee match up. Also appearing on the live four-fight primetime card are middleweights Jake Shields and Jason “Mayhem Miller, who will battle for the recently vacated Strikeforce middleweight title.
◊“Til Debt Do Us Part” (9 p.m. on CNBC): Financial author and columnist Gail Vaz-Oxlade takes a tough-love approach to getting couples in financial crisis to face reality. Some couples are on the verge of bankruptcy and others are just getting by. Either way, they all learn how to work their way out of debt and get the skills they need to plan for their financial future.
◊“Too Late to Say Goodbye” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Rob Lowe stars in this new film inspired by the true story of an outwardly charming couple whose deceit and secret affairs result in fatal consequences. It is based on Ann Rule’s best-selling book.
◊“The Wanda Sykes Show” (10 p.m. on Fox): Wanda Sykes, fresh off her funny HBO special and her recurring role in “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” joins the late-night talk show arena with her own blend of comedy and topical commentary, which is set to include panels to discuss current events.
–Penny TV
SYTYCD news: Season five in Tulsa; why Mia left; first night of dancing
So, what did you think about the first performance show and the two dancers kicked off — Brandon and Ariana? Lisa Potts and I will discuss it tomorrow on our podcast. But leave your comments here and we’ll include your say in the podcast!
Mia dished to People’s “TV Watch” that she does not have cancer, and why she is leaving. Read it here.
Finally, Season Five’s cast (left) comes to Tulsa’s BOK center on Friday. Tickets may still be available.
First Season of “Glee” on DVD Dec. 29
Cast of "Glee" - Fox Photo
“Glee” Season 1: Road To Sectionals, debuting on DVD December 29, is filled with beloved characters and sensational musical numbers.
William McKinley High School once had a champion glee club, but now they are floundering. That is when an idealistic Spanish teacher (Matthew Morrison, Music & Lyrics) takes up their cause, vowing to transform the rag-tag group of singers and dancers into champions.
From Ryan Murphy, the creator of “Nip/Tuck,” “Glee” also stars Jane Lynch (The 40 Year Old Virgin), Jessalyn Gilsig (“Nip/Tuck”) and a slew of talented newcomers including Lea Michele, Cory Monteith and Chris Colfer.
Featuring the first 13 episodes, “Glee” Season 1: Road To Sectionals DVD will also include the director’s cut of the pilot episode; exclusive behind-the-scenes featurettes; audition videos from the talented cast and the hit music topping the charts at iTunes such as cast versions of Queen’s “Somebody To Love,” Heart’s “Alone,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Céline Dion’s “Taking Chances,” Rihanna’s “Take A Bow,” Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name,” Jazmine Sullivan’s “Bust Your Windows,” Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” and REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling.”
“Glee” Season 1: Road To Sectionals from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will be available on DVD for the suggested retail price of $39.98 U.S/$49.98 Canada. Prebook date is December 2.
“Glee” airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Fox.
SYTYCD: Billy Bell drops out due to illness!
Thanks to our friends at SYTYCDism.com, we’ve heard that Fox released a statement about Bell’s departure:
Top 20 dancer Billy Bell has left SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE due to illness and will be replaced by Brandon Dumlao, 21, a Hip Hop dancer from Concord, CA. Dumlao will join the Top 20 this week as they compete on the first two-hour performance show Tuesday, Oct. 27 (7 p.m.) on FOX.
“We are disappointed that Billy cannot continue dancing in the competition on the advice of his doctor and wish him a speedy recovery,” said executive producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe. “However, we are fortunate that Brandon Dumlao has agreed to return.”
Dumlao joins previously announced finalists – Phillip Attmore, Channing Cooke, Ariana Debose, Ashleigh Di Lello, Ryan Di Lello, Russell Ferguson, Mollee Gray, Karen Hauer, Kevin Hunte, Jakob Karr, Noelle Marsh, Pauline Mata, Kathryn McCormick, Legacy Perez, Bianca Revels, Peter Sabasino, Ellenore Scott, Victor Smalley and Nathan Trasoras – as they compete to become America’s Favorite Dancer.
“Modern Family,” “The Vampire Diaries” among new fall show favorites
The cast of "Modern Family" - ABC Photo
Now that I’ve seen a few episodes of the 2009 new fall show entries, here are my views:
Favorites:
— “Modern Family,” 8 p.m., Wednesday, ABC: This show is hilarious, plain and simple. No laugh track, thankfully, just hysterical lines and perfect comedic acting. Standouts are Ed O’Neill, Ty Burrell Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet.
— “The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m., Thursday, The CW: Fun and fascinating, a must-see for vampire fans. Ian Somerhalder is impressive as bad vampire brother Damon Salvatore and I’m warming up to Paul Wesley as good vampire brother Stefan Salvatore.
— “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m., Tuesday, CBS: Strong, dignified, intelligent female character lead played by the fabulous Julianna Margulies, clever story lines – always easy to get into.
— “Melrose Place,” 8 p.m., Tuesday, The CW: Ratings-wise it appears not many are watching, but I’ve been entertained by the mysteries and turmoil on this remake of the ’90s series (which I also liked). We’ll see if Heather Locklear’s upcoming reappearance can bring in some viewers and save this show.
— “Glee,” 8 p.m., Wednesday, Fox: The musical numbers on this show are amazing, but the story lines have been lacking at times. Hope the writing will recover on a consistent basis as the season goes on, because it’s got potential to be an overall great show.
A few shows I’m still on the fence about:
— “FlashForward,” 7 p.m., Thursday, ABC: Intriguing plot, but has seemed a little slow to me. Acting is solid, so I’ll keep with it for now.
— “Cougartown,” 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, ABC: Semi-amusing, although a little too vulgar at times, and, though, I like Courteney Cox, she comes across as trying too hard to be funny to me.
— “The Forgotten,” 9 p.m., Tuesday, ABC: I like the plot of solving cases of unidentified murder victims, but besides the episode about the former football player who had finally find his place in life after football right before he was murdered, the stories haven’t been that compelling. That’s too bad, because Christian Slater deserves better.
Not so favorite:
— “Community, 7 p.m., Thursday, NBC: Maybe I haven’t given this show enough of a chance, but I haven’t found it funny. I’ve enjoyed Joel McHale on the E! channel’s “The Soup,” but haven’t been able to engage in this production.
Overall, there’s been lots more to like than not in 2009, especially in the comedy and drama genre, and for TV fans, that’s good news!
– Melissa Hayer
“Dollhouse” on The Oklahoman’s TV Week, but not on Fox TV
The Oklahoman’s TV Week
features “Dollhouse” on its Oct. 25 cover, but Fox will not air the show on Oct. 30 after all.
“Dollhouse” has been pulled from the Fox schedule for November sweeps (Oct. 29-Nov. 25).
As of Friday afternoon, Fox Network had not issued a press release about the schedule change. But even if the network had announced it when The Programming Insider reported the news on Thursday, it wouldn’t have changed the TV book cover.
All 210,000 copies of the Oct. 25 TV Week to be distributed in the metro area were printed, folded, stapled and stacked by 12:45 p.m. Wednesday.
When The Oklahoman asked for a confirmation of the late network change and information to pass along to readers, a Fox spokesperson provided the following statement:
“‘Dollhouse’ will now NOT air on Fridays during the November sweeps period. ‘Dollhouse’ airs tonight (Oct. 23) in its regular time period and then will be off for five weeks.
“It is scheduled to return to Fridays beginning Dec. 4 — back-to-back hours for three consecutive weeks — and continue airings in January as well. Hope this helps!”
So keep Sunday’s copy of TV Week and refer to it when “Dollhouse” returns Dec. 4. The episode will feature Summer Glau (”Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) in a recurring role on the science-fiction drama.
–Penny TV
NOTE: In place of “Dollhouse” on Oct. 30, Fox will rebroadcast the two-hour sixth-season premiere episode of “House” at 7 p.m. In November, Fox’s Friday night lineup will feature reruns of “House” at 7 p.m. and “Bones” at 8 p.m.
“Brothers,” which aired at 7 p.m. Fridays on Fox, will move to 6 p.m. Sunday starting Nov. 8. “Til Death,” which aired at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, will be placed on hiatus.
SYTYCD: Introducing your Top 20 & podcast
Lisa Potts and I dish about the Top 20 dancers. Don’t forget to watch Monday’s show, which profiles each dancer. The program schedule is a little weird initially: The next two weeks of SYTYCD are only on Tuesday because of the World Series. The judges will kick off two dancers at the end of each show. America won’t vote again until Nov. 10 for the results show on Nov. 11.
On the show, I mention the fantastic web site SYTYCDism.com. It does a great job of profiling the dancers and presenting SYTYCD news.
Listen to the podcast here.
