TV Premieres and Finales airing March 28-April 3, 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 March 28.
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
••”New Pollution,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (fourth-season premiere).
••”Bubba’s World,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (series premiere).
••”10 Things I Hate About You,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (second season resumes).
••”Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. Monday on TNT (fourth-season premiere).
••”Future Food,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Planet Green (series premiere).
••”Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on USA Network (ninth-season premiere).
••”Little Chocolatiers,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TLC (series premiere).
••”V,” 9:02 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (first season resumes).
••”In Plain Sight,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on USA Network (third-season premiere).
••“Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox (fifth season resumes).
••“Fringe,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox (second season resumes).
••”Fugitive Chronicles,” 9 p.m. Thursday on A&E (series premiere).
••”The Pyramid Code,” 7:30 p.m. Friday on Documentary Channel (series premiere).
••”Stargate Universe,” 8 p.m. Friday on Syfy (first season resumes).
••”Merlin,” 9 p.m. Friday on Syfy (second-season premiere).
••”Miami Medical,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS (series premiere).
••”Doodlebops Rockin’ Road Show,” 9 a.m. on CBS (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••”Greek,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (third-season finale).
Pictured above: FRINGE: Walter (John Noble) flashes back to 1985 in the FRINGE episode “Peter” airing Thursday, April 1 on FOX. CR: Liane Hentscher/FOX
Top 55 TV Programs for March 28-April 3, 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 March 28:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010
••“Amish Grace” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Kimberly Williams-Paisley (“According to Jim”) stars in this movie based on a true story about the aftermath that followed the 2006 schoolhouse shooting in the Amish community of Nickel Mines, Penn. The film examines a mother’s personal journey as she copes with the loss of her daughter and struggles with her community’s belief of the transcending power of forgiveness.
••”Bubba’s World” (9 p.m. on Fuel TV): This new docu-series provides exclusive access into the daily life of motocross racer James “Bubba” Stewart, who completed a perfect outdoor national motocross season in 2008 and won the Supercross Championship in 2009. The premiere will be simulcast on Fox Sports Net, Speed Channel and Fox Reality Channel.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): When ballistics tie a recent murder case of Rush’s to a serial killer who was seemingly inactive for 27 years, a tough FBI agent with ties to Stillman shows up to enlist the team’s aid in finding the killer who has eluded her for 30 years. Susanna Thompson (“Once and Again”) guest stars.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Clint Black (country singer) joins the design team in Daviess County, KY, to tell Steve and Melissa Mattingly that their single-wide trailer will be replaced by a newly constructed home built in just seven days.
••”How to Make It in America” (9:05 p.m. on HBO): While Ben is getting tight with Julie, Rachel is put off by Darren’s sudden offer to let her and Edie (Martha Plimpton, “Parenthood”) design a hotel. To pay off an overdue debt to Rene, Cam and Ben agree to hand out Rasta Monsta samples at Union Square, but cut the job short to retrieve their tees from the silk screener.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Sharpe’s Challenge,” British soldier-heo Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean, “The Lord of the Rings”) comes out of retirement to quash a rebellion in British India and rescue his old friend. Padma Lakshmi (“Top Chef”) guest stars as Madhuvanthi, a schemer who is out to seduce Sharpe.
••”Merlin” (9 a.m. on Syfy): This series, which aired last summer on NBC, is set in the mythical city of Camelot where magic has been banned by the ruthless tyrant Uther Pendragon. All 13 episodes from Season 1 will air back-to-back in this 13-hours marathon, and Season 2 will premiere at 9 p.m. Friday on Syfy.
••”New Pollution” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): Professional surfer Matt Beacham returns for a fourth season of introducing viewers to the next generation of action sports athletes no older than 16 who are proving their skills in the hills, waves, water and streets across the world.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): After their four-month ordean on Guadalcanal, Leckie and Basilone and thousands of their comrades land in Melbourne, where they are greeted by adoring crowds and hailed as the saviors of Australia.
••“Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): When Duffy dumps Whitey (Martin Mull, “Roseanne”), he moves in with Eddie and Joy as a way of coping, but he quickly overstays his welcome and Joy wants him out.
MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2010
••”10 Things I Hate About You” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In the mid-season premiere episode, Kat and Patrick are caught skipping school and both get suspended. Meanwhile, Bianca has her own problems after a secret make-out session with Joey is caught on video.
••”Castle” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In “Boom,” the second part of the story begun in “Tick, Tick, Tick …,” the serial killer remains at large and is taunting Castle, Beckett and Jordan Shaw (Dana Delany, “Desperate Housewives”) to catch him.
••“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Chuck finds himself once again at odds with his uncle, Jack Bass (Desmond Harrington, “Dexter”). Rufus attempts to get Jenny (Taylor Momsen) back on track by volunteering to have her help with Eleanor’s fashion show, but the opportunity takes a big turn for the worse when Jenny learns that Agnes (Willa Holland, “The O.C.”) will be one of the models.
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): In the Season 3 finale, the students of Cyprus-Rhodes University are on Spring Break in Myrtle Beach, which means the year is winding down and the seniors have big decisions looming over their heads. Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”) guest stars.
••“Iraq In Fragments” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This 2007 Academy Award nominee for best documentary feature chronicles the challenging journeys of individuals living within the war-torn country of Iraq.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): To make Audrey happy, Jeff begrudgingly agrees to see a couple’s therapist (Alan Ruck, “Spin City”). Meanwhile, Russell develops a crush on Timmy’s fiance.
••”Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Season 4 opens in the immediate aftermath of Grace and Neely’s survived fall from the top of a building. Grace, now known as “Angel Cop” by Oklahoma City residents, decides to have it out with God once and for all. But a mysterious stranger (Gordon MacDonald, “”Law & Order”) might have something to say about that. Series creator Nancy Miller, an Oklahoma City native, says the final nine episodes of the show will be “a wild and exciting ride. I want (viewers) to come away thinking this was a series that constantly surprised them and gave them Holly Hunter in a character that broke new ground for women on television.”
••”Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (noon on KOCB-34): “Dancing With the Stars” host Tom Bergeron suts in as the featured expert this week, in which contestants will face questions about the “Dancing With the Stars” series in addition to general trivia. Assisting host Meredith Vieira in delivering questions will be “Dancing with the Stars” professional dancers Cheryl Burke, Mark Ballas, Lacey Schwimmer, Chelsie Hightower, Derek Hough and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, as well as judges Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010
••“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Liam catches his stepfather (John Schneider, “Smallville”) with another woman and confronts him with his fist. Debbie and her instructor, Kai (Greg Vaughan, “General Hospital”) share tea and conversation after yoga, but Kai oversteps his boundaries.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The final nine contestants are delighted to learn from host Alison Sweeney that the game is now going to singles and they’ll all compete as individuals for the rest of the competition.
••”Future Food” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows chefs Homaro Cantu and Ben Roche as they try to change the world one concoction at a time. In the premiere episode, they make creative seafood dishes using everything but fish.
••”Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): On Jan. 12, Haiti was leveled by one of the most devastating earthquakes in recorded history. Correspondent Martin Smith and his team arrived in Port-au-Prince within days, and this report bears witness to the disaster and the ill-coordinated relief efforts in the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Drawing on interviews with key officials and humanitarian experts from Port-au-Prince to New York, “The Quake” asks, can the world do better? And how?
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia learns more information about her husband’s fall from grace when she represents the wife of State Attorney Glenn Childs in their divorce. Titus Welliver (“Deadwood”) and Craig Bierko (“Boston Legal”) guest star.
••”Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Whatever It Takes” documents the struggles and triumphs of the first year of an innovative public high school in New York City’s South Bronx.
••”Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Season 9 introduces Saffron Burrows (“Boston Legal”) as Detective Serena Stevens, a highly educated, worldly single parent with a broad range of life experiences to draw upon in solving even the toughest of cases. Teamed with Detective Zach Nichols (Jeff Goldblum), they create a partnership of challenging intellect and street-smart savvy. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio steps into the role of Captain Zoe Callas after an action-packed two-part series premiere.
••”Little Chocolatiers” (9p.m. on TLC): This new series explores the professional and personal lives Steve and Katie Hatch, a little people who are married and run a busy chocolate shop in Salt Lake City. In the first two episodes airing back-to-back, the Hatches are challenged to build a life-sized chocolate desk and a giant chocolate boom box.
••“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): Ella discovers someone is embezzling from WPK and framing her for it. Reuniting on this episode are original cast members Heather Locklear, Thomas Calabro, Josie Bissett and Daphne Zuniga.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): With the team’s help, Vance faces his demons while uncovering a complex relationship with a killer that puts his whole family in danger. Penny Johnson Jerald (“24″) guest stars as State Department Official Joanne Torrence.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Max re-joins the baseball team, Drew helps Adam connect with his son. Meanwhile, Sarah strikes up a friendship with Amber’s English teacher, Mr. Cyr (Jason Ritter, “Joan of Arcadia”).
••”The Real Face of Jesus?” (7 p.m. on History Channel): In this two-hour special, a team of graphic experts seeks to to create a living, moving 3D image of the man many believe to be Jesus Christ. The starting point of this journey is an ancient 14-foot linen cloth known as the Shroud of Turin, believed by millions to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ. Imprinted on the fabric is a faint, ghostly image of a crucified man.
••”V” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In the mid-season premiere episode, Erica finds her life in danger when she’s attacked at home. Also, a dangerous new member is recruited for the Resistance, as the Visitors shore up their defenses.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Grayson introduces girlfriend Sara (Grammy winner Sheryl Crow) to Jules and company. Jules and Sara hit it off, but when Grayson is overly attentive to his new girl, Jules warns him to back off before Sara pulls away.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the culmination of a multi-episode mystery, Mac and his team uncover the dark lair of a murderous madman, the Compass Killer (Skeet Ulrich, “Jericho”). But as they race to save his fourth victim, the sunrise presents one final surprise that no one ever expected.
••“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chance travels to a remote Alaskan island to find a missing doctor and expose an industrial giant’s involvement in the death of a mining foreman. Moon Bloodgood (“Terminator Salvation”) guest stars.
••”In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): In the Season 3 premiere, U.S. Marshals Mary and Marshall, who work in the secretive branch of the witness protection program, search for the person who nearly killed Mary in the Season 2 cliffhanger.
••”It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): Charlie, Sally, Lucy and Marcie get ready for the big day by making several unsuccessful attempts to prepare eggs for coloring — by frying, waffle-ironing, toasting, roasting and finally making soup out of them — while Linus insists no preparation is necessary. Luckily, the Easter Beagle steps in to take care of everything.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Officer Nate Kendall (Wentworth Miller, “Prison Break”) aids a woman in trouble and becomes roped into solving a rape case. While Detectives Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson believe that Kendall is not right for the case due to his unstable personality, Executive Assistant District Attorney Sonya Paxton (Christine Lahti, “Jack & Bobby”) brings evidence of a common thread among three other rape cases.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine begins seeing a therapist who shares office space with Matthew, although it’s unclear to both whether to pursue therapy or romance. Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”) guest stars as Dr. Max Kershaw, the therapist/love interest.
••”Prison Wives” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This installment follows Juli Cummings, a glass artist from Seattle who is engaged to Richard Sipe, a man serving 71 years at Davis Correctional Center in Holdenville for manufacturing methamphetamine and other violations. Juli is fighting to get him out of prison and prepares to fly to Oklahoma to visit him.
••“The Street Stops Here” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary offers a portrait of high school basketball coach Bob Hurley Sr. and his lifelong commitment to improve the lives of students at an inner city Catholic school in Jersey City, NJ.
••”Tavis Smiley Reports” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special report delves into Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” that he delivered April 4, 1967, at Riverside Church in New York City. He made the speech exactly one year before the date of his assassination.
••”Wa$ted!” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): Host Annabelle Gurwitch is back for a third season of helping homeowners audit waste, energy, water and transportation cunsumption. Her tips help with the eco haven and save participants cash in the process.
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
••”Adam’s Rib” (7 p.m. on TCM): This 1949 film stars Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy as lawyers working on opposite sides of an attempted-murder case. Guest programmer Raquel Welch (“Thye Three Musketeers”) discusses the film with TCM host Robert Osborne during breaks. She also shares her thoughts on 1939′s “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (9 p.m.), 1961′s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (11:15 p.m.) and 1944′s “To Have and Have Not” (1:15 a.m.).
••”Beasts of the Bible” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This documentary delves into the origins of mysterious Biblical animals and examines the scientific facts behind their existence. The experts debunk myths and uncover Biblical beasts, showing what they might have looked like and who their modern day descendents may be.
••”Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the spring premiere, a subway train is thrown off the track by 60,000 gallons of flood water and a partially skeletonized body emerges out of the overflow. Clea Duvall (“Carnivale”) and Carla Gallo (“Men of a Certain Age”) guest star.
••”Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This documentary tells the inside story of one of history’s greatest business scandals, in which top executives of America’s seventh largest company walked away with over $1 billion while investors and employees lost everything.
••“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the spring premiere, Walter flashes back to 1985 while explaining Peter’s otherworldly origins to Olivia.
••”Fugitive Chronicles” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new docu-drama series brings to life compelling fugitive captures through archival footage, fugitive narrative recreated from real testimony and taped interviews with law enforcement officials. The premiere episode spotlights prison escapee Ralph “Bucky” Philips, a career criminal who spent most of his life in and out of prison.
••”Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of the locally-produced series spotlights The Culinary Institute at Platt College, where chefs who’ve worked all over the world are teaching the next generation what it takes to be the best in their field. The students are prepping for a regional competition that will put them head to head against other culinary schools from 15 states. Last year, they took bronze.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Patrick Jane, Lisbon and the CBI team brace themselves to finally meet their new boss, Special Agent Madeleine Hightower (Aunjanue Ellis, “True Blood.”
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Pam’s contractions begin but she and Jim are determined to wait it out as long as possible so they can have more time at the hospital. Linda Purl (“Bones”) guest stars.
••”The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Host Drew Carey celebrates April Fools’ Day with special guest Kathy Kinney (“The Drew Carey Show”) As her character, Mimi, she will take over the show as executive producer and makes some unexpected changes, including adding four unusual looking male models and replacing announcer Rich Fields with a man in a monkey suit.
••”Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): When famed neurosurgeon Dr. Ginsberg and her team pay a visit to St. Ambrose to save the life of Kayla, Addison is shocked to see Amelia Shepherd – Derek’s younger sister on the team. Caterina Scorsone (“1-800-Missing”) guest stars.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this installment, journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones uncovers new information about the fall of music industry legend Phil Spector, who worked with some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. Actress Lana Clarkson turned up dead at his home, and the music producer was charged with murder.
FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010
••”Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): When comic book artist Damon Weaver begins drawing his own run-ins with ghosts before they happen, it is up to Melinda and Avery (Margaret Cho, “Drop Dead Diva”) to discover the secrets behind his art.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Yusuf, The Fray and White Lies.
••”Merlin” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In the Season 2 premiere, new servant Cedric (Mackenzie Crook, “The Office”) threatens Merlin’s position as Arthur’s right-hand-man, turning the Prince against his loyal friend.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): This new hospital drama follows a team of surgeons who thrive on the adrenaline rush of working at one of the premiere trauma facilities in the country while drawing upon their wit and irreverence to survive on the edge. As part of the Alpha Team, these professionals exclusively treat patients with life-threatening injuries.
••”A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism” (5 p.m. on HBO): Kate Winslet (“The Reader”) narrates this documentary debuting on International Autism Awareness Day. It charts the journey of a mother searching to unlock her autistic son’s mind. Traveling from Iceland to the United States and Europe, she learns how the brains of autistic children differ from “normal” children and discovers new techniques that could offer a promising future for children with autism, including her son.
••”The Pyramid Code” (7:30 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This 5-part series seeks to unlock the mysteries behind the ancient Egyptians, their technology and sacred cosmology by exploring the Egyptian pyramid fields and ancient temples.
••”Stargate Universe” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the mid-season premiere episode, The Destiny crew discovers a piece of Ancient technology that transports Colonel Everett Young to an unknown alien vessel.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Brooke Shields (“Lipstick Jungle”) traves her father’s family history to one of European aristicracy and royal connections. She also uncovers a tragic secret on her mother’s side of the family that changes the way she feels about her grandmother.
••”Wife Swap” (7 p.m. on ABC): Season 6 opens with a strict family in Alabama swapping moms with a New Jersey family that pampers their children and a collection of 14 plastic dolls they call reborn babies.
SATURDAY APRIL 3, 2010
••”30 for 30″ (3 p.m. on ABC): This installment of the ESPN film series is “Guru of Go” and coincides with the start of the NCAA Men’s Final Four. It documents the non-stop run-and-gun offensive system of Loyola Marymount’s men’s basketball team and the tragic death of star Hank Gathers.
••”Doodlebops Rockin’ Road Show” (9 a.m. on CBS): This new animated and music-filled comedy follows Deedee, Rooney and Moe Doodle on zany adventures through the Doodlenet as they help their young fans solve pre-school-relatable problems. Each episode features two original songs and encourages an understanding and appreciation of music, physical activity and health and promotes open-mindedness.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 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. 31.
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
••“Camp Woodward,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (third-season premiere).
••“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” 8 p.m. Monday on Logo (second-season premiere).
••“Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts,” 9 p.m. Monday on Planet Green (series premiere).
••“Kell on Earth,” 9 p.m. Monday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“The Secret Diary of a Call Girl,” 9 p.m. Monday on Showtime (third-season premiere).
••“Kitchen Impossible,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on DIY (third-season premiere).
••“Lost,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (sixth-season premiere).
••“Austin Stevens Adventures,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on HDNet (series premiere).
••“The Woman Who Stops Traffic,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Planet Green (series premiere).
••“American Greed,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CNBC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Shear Genius,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••“Underbelly,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on DirecTV’s 101 Network (series premiere).
••“Important Things With Demetri Martin,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Comedy Central (second-season premiere).
••“The Sarah Silverman Program,” 9:30 p.m. Thursday on Comedy Central (third-season premiere).
••“America’s Small Town Secrets,” 8 p.m. Friday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Living With the Dead,” 9 p.m. Friday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Down Home With the Neelys,” 10 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (seventh-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Worst Cooks in America,” 9 p.m. Monday on Food Network (first-season finale).
••“Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (second-season finale).
••“Launch My Line,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (first-season finale).
••“Living With Ed,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Planet Green (third-season finale).
••“Steven Seagal Lawman,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on A&E (first-season finale).
••“Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox (winter finale).
••“Fringe,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox (winter finale).
Pictured above: “The Sarah Silverman Show” (Comedy Central Photo).
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 and Finales airing Nov. 15-21, 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. 15.
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
(All times are CT, for ET add one hour)
••“DriveThru,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (sixth-season premiere).
••“Tough Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on VH1 (second-season premiere).
••“Quiero Mis Quinces,” 8 p.m. Monday on MTV Tr3s (fourth-season premiere).
••“Mystery Diagnosis,” 9 p.m. Monday on Discovery Health (eighth-season premiere).
••“Chef Academy,” 10 p.m. Monday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“The Standard Snowboard Show,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fuel TV (sixth-season premiere).
••“Happily Ever Faster,” 9 p.m. Friday on TLC (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“The 100 Mile Challenge,” 8 p.m. Monday on Planet Green (series finale).
••“America’s Next Top Model,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CW (13th-season finale).
••“Project Runway,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (sixth-season finale).
••“Sit Down, Shut Up,” 11 p.m. Saturday on Fox (series finale).
Pictured above: “Hawaiian Hip Hop” — The final four girls learn some hip hop hula moves before channeling Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, during this week’s photo shoot on America’s Next Top Model on The CW. pictured left to right: Laura, Erin, Nicole and Jennifer Cycle 13 Photo: Ryan Goble/The CW
Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 15-21, 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. 15:
(All times are CT, for ET add one hour)
SUNDAY, NOV. 15, 2009
◊“Aliens of the Amazon” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Scientists venture deep into the Amazon to discover some of the most unfamiliar and bizarre creatures in the jungle called Treehoppers. These animals speak using vibrations and ward off prey by forming alliances with other creatures.
◊“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (6 p.m. on ABC): With the first $100,000 prize of the season to be awarded, here are the videos in the running: “Hidden Honkers,” a car alarm prank; “U Don’t Know Uvulas,” a little girl with a smarty pants vocabulary; “Ballpark Promise,” a Dodger fan catching a ball; “Laser Chasers,” a Great Dane and a little boy chasing a laser pointer; “Soda Bottle Blowout,” a kid’s science experiment having explosive results; and “Boohoo in the Loo,” a little boy pitching a fit in the bathroom.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Lilly and the team investigate the 1991 murder of a 14-year-old foster child who was starting to establish herself as a talented rapper. She was killed just a few months after she and her sister were placed with new foster parents. Kadeem Hardison (“A Different World”) and Craig ‘‘muMs” Grant (“Oz”) guest star.
◊“DriveThru” (7:30 p.m. on Fuel TV): In Season 6 of this surf adventure series, Pat O’Connell (“Endless Summer II”), Benji Weatherley (former World Tour competitor) and free surfer/recording artist Donavon Frankenreiter attempt to drive through both the East and West Coasts of Australia in search of the best waves.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer David Duchovny (“Californication”) traveled with the team to Lena, IL, to tell Joey and Philip Stott that their uninhabitable house and farm will be rebuilt in seven days.
◊“Joined For Life: Abby and Brittany Turn 16″ (9 p.m. on TLC): Conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel are about to turn 16. That means they’re very busy with schoolwoork, sports, social activities and, yes, testing for their driver’s license.
◊“Masterpiece Contemporary” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Collision,” a Friday-afternoon traffic pileup on a superhighway snarls the lives of 10 strangers who add up to a confounding puzzle for Detective Inspector John Tolin (Douglas Henshall, “Primeval”). He must work with his estranged former lover, Senior Investigating Officer Ann Stallwood (Kate Ashfield), to try to get to the bottom of what happened and why.
◊“The Prisoner” (7 p.m. today through Tuesday on AMC): This reinterpretation of the 1960s British TV series will air from 7 to 9 p.m. over three consecutive nights. Jim Caviezel (“The Passion of the Christ”) stars as a man known only as Number Six, who awakens to find himself trapped in “The Village” with no memory of how he got there.
◊“Sonny With a Chance” (7 p.m. on Disney): Zora gets challenged by the studio head’s daughter, Dakota, to sell the most Blossom Scout cookies ever, and Sonny steps in to help Zora win. Madison De La Garza (“Desperate Housewives”) guest stars as young Sonny.
◊“Three Foot Giant” (9 p.m. on Biography): This special profiles 30-year-old Sean Stephenson who, at three feet tall and permanently confined to a wheelchair, defies the odds every day and changes people’s lives with his “anything is possible” philosophy. The special follows Stephenson as he prepares to throw out the first-pitch at a Chicago White Sox game, practices intense one-on-one therapy with a client and goes out on a first date.
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Andy treats a car crash victim dying from ALS who asks to be to taken off of life support so his organs can be used to save others. Mandy Patinkin (“Criminal Minds”), a double corneal transplant recipient, guest stars.
◊” Tough Love” (8 p.m. on VH1): Back for a second season are professional matchmakers Steve Ward and his mother JoAnn Ward, who will help a new group of unlucky-in-love women who are willing to do whatever it takes to find Mr. Right. Along the way, Steve will share his unique male perspective in attempt to reform each of their “destructive” dating habits.
◊“WWII in HD” (8 p.m. today through Thursday on History): Gary Sinise narrates this 10-hour series that presents the story of the war as viewed through the eyes of 12 Americans — including Army captain Charles Scheffel from Enid — who fought in or contributed to the war effort. Their in-the-moment accounts are delivered with emotional impact by some of Hollywood’s top talents, and Ron Livingston (“Defying Gravity”) provides the voice of Scheffel, who also appears.
MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009
◊“10 Vampires We Love” (9:30 p.m. on E!): This special explores the vampire phenomenon and counts down toe 10 sexiest vampires of all time.
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The installment “The 1930s: Surviving the Dust Bowl” spotlights the people who refused to give up on the land and a way of life despite the desertification of the once bountiful wheat fields.
◊“The 100 Mile Challenge” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): In the “Final Stretch” episode, the families gather one last time to look back at their 100-day experiences in which they consumed only food and drink produced within a 100-mile radius of their home town of Mission, British Columbia.
◊“Chef Academy” (10 p.m. on Bravo): Meet Jean Christophe Novelli, world renowned Michelin and 5AA Rosette award-winning chef with restaurants in London, France and South Africa. This new series chronicles Novelli’s move to Los Angeles as he opens a test program for a top-notch culinary institute and trains and transforms those who aspire to cook like professionals.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the CSIs investigate who or what caused a horrific car accident, both drivers’ darkest secrets are revealed. Los Angeles Laker player Pau Gasol guest stars as a person of interest in the case.
◊“Dear Food Network: Thanksgiving Top 10” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network personalities Giada De Laurentiis, Ted Allen Tyler Florence and other share their turkey recipes, carving tips, sensational sides, delivious desserts and specialty drinks.
◊“The Doctors” (3 p.m. on KWTV-9): Barbra Streisand (“What’s Up, Doc?”) calls the show’s doctors to discuss her crusade to support heart health awareness for women, a cause which led her to create and endow the Barbra Streisand Women’s Cardio Vascular Research and Education Program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Hoping to impress the elitist theater kids at NYU, Blair sets her sights on landing a private concert with Lady Gaga (performing in this episode).
◊“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): Samuel learns just how powerful he can become and takes dangerous measures to reach his full potential. Ravi Kapoor (“Crossing Jordan”) guest stars.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): After House’s medical license is reinstated, he reclaims his role as Head of Diagnostics in time to treat Hank Hardwick (Troy Garity, “Soldier’s Girl”), an adult film star admitted to Princeton Plainsboro for pulsating eye pain.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio: Jon Bon Jovi” (7 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton interviews Jon Bon Jovi, who began playing music in clubs at age 16, has sold over 120 million albums and earned a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination.
◊“Jon and Kate Plus 8″ (8:30 p.m. on TLC): Kate Gosselin shares never-before-seen footage from Season 5, including the Kate celebrating her 10th wedding anniversary with the kids.
◊“Mystery Diagnosis” (9 p.m. on Discovery Health): Season 8 opens with segments on a newborn exhibiting strange symptoms but no visible reaction to fevers or pain and a seemingly healthy woman experiencing seizures and blackouts.
◊“Stud Finder 2009″ (9 p.m. on DIY): This special focuses on the network’s search to find the next do-it-yourself star and features the five finalists in head-to-head competition with one another. The winner gets a show on DIY.
◊“Quiero Mis Quinces” (8 p.m. on MTV Tr3s): Season 4 follows nine young Hispanic girls who set out to plan their Quinceañera, a unique celebration of their 15th birthday and official entry into womanhood.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Chelsea invites her beautiful college roommate (Tricia Helfer, “Battlestar Galactica”) to stay at the house while she gets over a bad breakup.
TUESDAY, NOV. 17, 2009
◊“Being Neil Armstrong” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Andrew Smith, aurthor of the best-selling book “Moondust,” sets out across America to find out about the real Neil Armstrong since walking on the moon. Smith meets people who knew the national hero and finds the places where Armstrong lived and woked.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Fashion guru Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”) and hair stylist Tabatha Coffey (“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover”) return for the annual make-over episode to help the remaining six contestants look fabulous before they give speeches about their weight loss journeys to motivate others at a TV Guide Magazine event.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): “A Death in Tehran” investigates the life and death of Neda Soltani, who was shot and killed on the streets of Tehran, Iran, during protests over the country’s presidential election last summer. Her death was captured on a cell-phone camera and uploaded to the Web.
◊“Good Morning America” (7 a.m. on ABC): Barbara Walters interviews former Vice Presidential candidate and Alaska Governer Sarah Palin in conjunction with the release of her memoir “Going Rogue: An American Life.” Portions of the interview will also air on “Nightline” (10:35 p.m. today), “Good Morning America” (7 a.m. Wednesday) and “20/20″ (9 p.m. Friday).
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Alicia prepares to defend a scientist accused of arson, she is caught off guard when Peter’s attorney asks her to testify on Peter’s behalf sooner than she expected. Peter Riegert (“Damages”) guest stars as the judge in Peter’s appeal and Russ Mitchell (“The Early Show”) guest stars as himself, interviewing Peter Florrick.
◊“Independent Lens” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “No Subtitles Necessary: Lazzlo & Vilmos” provides an intimate portrait of the 50-year journey of two giants of modern cinematography — Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond — and the deep bond of brotherhood that transcended every imaginable boundary.
◊“The Little Couple” (9 p.m. on TLC): Jen and Ben head to New York to appear on “The Dr. Oz Show” to discuss skeletal dysplasia for a TV audience. But nerves begin to kick in as they get closer to showtime.
◊“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): Ella and Caleb are stunned when agency owner Amanda Woodward (Heather Locklear, original ‘Melrose Place”) walks into WPK and immediately fires half the staff, including Caleb.
◊“Merry Madagascar” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this holiday sequel to the animated feature “Madagascar,” Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria (voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith) must deliver Santa’s presents to save Christmas when St. Nick gets amnesia following a crash landing on their island.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors” looks at how we became the creative humans of today and what really happened to the Neanderthals who faded into extinction.
◊“The Standard Snowboard Show” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): Season 6 features future stars of the sport, including Halldor Helgason and Jason Dubois.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): In the Cycle 13 finale, the final two girls must pull out all the stops to impress the judges and nail their final CoverGirl commercial in Hawaii. Eddie Murphy (“Imagine That”) attends the final runway show, and the episode is followed by a special look back at the season with never-before-seen clips.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): After a body falls from the 59th Street Bridge, the CSI team finds a compass near the body pointing east, and realizes it’s the third victim of the “Compass Killer.” Skeet Ulrich (“Jericho”) returns as Hollis Eckhart, the “Compass Killer.” Nelly (“The Longest Yard”) returns as Terrence Davis, an informant who helps Detective Flack.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Gary turns to Allison after he makes a disastrous attempt to prepare a fancy Thanksgiving feast for Sasha, Curtis, Jack and the kids. Max Gail (“Barney Miller”) returns as Gary’s Dad, Jack.
◊“Gotta Catch Santa Claus” (6 p.m. on ABC Family): This animated musical adventure follows two youngsters as they atempt to track down Santa Claus (voiced by William Shatner, “Star Trek”) and prove he still exists.
◊“In the Spotlight With Robin Roberts” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Singer Janet Jackson will sit down with host Robin Roberts for an exclusive television interview. The private pop star, who was known to be extremely close with her brother, Michael, will allow cameras into her Malibu home for the first time.
◊“Lost Cave Temples of the Himalaya” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In a remote corner of the Himalaya, in the forbidden kingdom of Mustang, a team of climbers clambers into mysterious caes for the first time and uncovers ancient cave temples lost to the modern world.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): With a history of giving bad gifts, Claire is determined to surprise Phil with an amazing anniversary present – a private performance by one of their favorite musicians, Izzy LaFontaine (Edward Norton, “Primal Fear”). Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron call up their party-girl friend, Sal (Elizabeth Banks, “Seabiscuit”) for a long overdue night out on the town.
◊“Mustang — Journey of Transformation” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Richard Gere (“Amelia”) narrates the story of a Tibetan culture pulled back from the brink of extinction through the restoration of its most sacred sites: the 15th-century Buddhist monasteries and the art within.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine sets Richard up on a date with a gorgeous, passionate woman who works out at her gym, while Richard’s friend, Tom, continues trying to woo Christine. Jennifer Grey (“Dirty Dancing”), who is married to series star Clark Gregg (Richard), guest stars as Richard’s lusty blind date. Dave Foley (“News Radio”) returns as Tom, Richard’s friend who has a longstanding crush on Christine.
◊“Secrets of Shangri-La” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the legendary kingdom of Mustang, a remote corner of the Himalaya previously off-limits to outsiders, a team of explorers and scientists climbs for the first time into human-carved caves thousands of years old.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on Bravo): This week’s challenge is based on the Bocuse d’Or, a prestigious cooking competition founded by noted chef Paul Bocuse, whose son, Jerome, serves as a guest judge along with American chef Thomas Keller. Chefs Daniel Boulud, Alex Stratta, Gavin Kaysen, Timothy Hollingsworth and Traci Des Jardin also appear.
THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): When Liz’s apartment building is converted to condos, she has to make a drastic change to her living arrangements. Nathan Corddry (“United States of Tara”) and Chris Parnell (“Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
◊“The 2009 World Magic Awards” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): The two-hour awards presentation brings together the world’s top illusionists, escape artists and sleight-of-hand masters and will feature 14 heart-stopping performances. Scheduled to appear are Lance Burton, Franz Harary, Ed Alonzo, Katalin, Barry & Stuart, Morgan, Greg Frewin and Tommy Wind.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Booth’s grandfather Hank (Ralph Waite, “The Waltons”) comes to live with him and tags along as Brennan and Booth investigate ashes and charred remains found by a real estate agent while showing a property to prospective buyers.
◊“Family Armor” (9 p.m. on TLC): Deep in the heart of Texas, two Mormon brothers-in-law run a cutting-edge bulletproofing business that turns everyday cars into tricked-out gadget-filled fortresses. The family devotes their time to work, kin and religion … and along the way they get to shoot guns and blow up things.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s pass, Miranda is visited by her father, William (Frankie Faison, “Silence of the Lambs”), who disapproves of her choices in life.
◊“Mortal Lessons” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary is about two women battling lung cancer on the surface, yet it is really about living life.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Addison is shaken by the unwelcome arrival of her father (Stephen Collins, “7th Heaven”) to Los Angeles, Cooper is arrested when he refuses to cooperate in a case involving a longtime patient and Pete fights to keep a terminally ill patient alive long enough for him to meet his new daughter.
◊“Project Runway” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): After the grueling weeks in the workroom and knocking off their competition, the remaining designers prove to the judges they have the skills and vision to make it in the fashion business. The finalists are given their biggest challenge yet — to create a complete collection to show during New York Fashion week.
◊“Secrets of Twilight” (9:30 p.m. on E!): Giuliana Rancic (“Giuliana & Bill”) hosts this special that is packed with interviews, backstage gossip and clips from the latest movie in the “Twilight” saga, “New Moon.”
◊“Terror in Mumbai” (7 p.m. on HBO): CNN host Fareed Zakaria, a native of Mumbai, narrates this documentary that chronicles the bloody period in 2008 when a band of 10 young Pakistani men made coordinated attacks across the city, leaving more than 170 people dead. The film includes recordings of cell-phone calls between the gunmen and those controlling them, as well as interrogation footage of the lone surviving shooter.
◊“Top 20 Celebs Gone Good” (7 p.m. on VH1): VH1 has partnered with DoSomething.org, the nation’s largest not-for-profit for young people and cause, to help separate the stars that really care from those who just like to smile for the cameras. This special will reveal the top 20 do-gooders that visitors to CelebsGoneGood.com helped choose as 2009’s Top 20 Celebs Gone Good for their charity work. Nominees include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Oprah Winfrey and Carrie Underwood.
◊“Wild Horse Redemption” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): At a prison in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, hard-core criminals are given 90 days to tame wild mustang horses. Most of the inmates who volunteer for the program have never even ridden a horse.
FRIDAY, NOV. 20, 2009
◊“Damned to Heaven” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary examines issues of polygamy, abuse and under-age marriage practiced in the Colorado City, Ariz.-based Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) cult guided by Warren Jeffs. It features interviews with former FLDS members that capture honest feelings about Jeffs and life within the community.
◊“General Hospital” (2 p.m. on ABC): Golden Globe winner James Franco (“James Dean”) joins the cast in the recurring role of Franco, a mystery person who comes to Port Charles and will be intertwined with many other residents in town.
◊“Happily Ever Faster” (9 p.m. on TLC): This new series profiles the Las Vegas wedding chapel The Chapel of the Flowers that has a complete wedding services menu and caters to upwards of 50 couples a day. In the premiere episode, chapel planner Melody attempts to enlist William Shatner (“Star Trek”) as best man for a Trekkie wedding.
◊“Jimmy Kimmel Live” (12:06 p.m. on ABC): Host Jimmy Kimmel welcomes “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner to the show to coinciding with the release of the movie in theaters on the same night. Also, rock band Death Cab for Cutie will perform music from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon’s” original motion picture soundtrack, including the single “Meet Me on the Equinox.”
◊“Larry the Cable Guy’s Hula-Palooza Christmas Luau” (8 p.m. on CMT): This 90-minute variety show will feature Larry along with friends, including Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”), Caroline Rhea (“Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”), George Lindsey (“The Andy Griffith Show”) and Angela Little MacKenzie (“Reno 911”). In addition to the holiday-themed comedy and sketches set on the fictional island of Hula-Poola, the special will include musical performances by Billy Currington and the Zac Brown Band.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Allison develops a strange sensitivity to light, the sunglasses she wears reveal mysterious numbers which could tie into people’s life expectancies. Tom Verica (“American Dreams”) and Mitch Pileggi (“The X-Files”) guest star.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk finds his return to the police force to be more challenging than he expected when he becomes involved in the case of a serial killer.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When robbers hit a diamond exchange and take hostages, Don and the team find an unlikely ally in convict John Buckley (Fisher Stevens, “Early Edition”), who may help the team’s investigation when they believe the men are copying Buckley’s criminal strategies.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): After Harper learns her family is moving away, the Russos offer to let Harper live with them. While cleaning out the basement to make room for Harper, Alex shrinks herself down to fit in her old doll house. Yara Shahidi (“Imagine That”) guest stars.
SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 2009
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): In addition to getting a sneak peek at Suze Orman’s upcoming visit to “The Biggest Loser,” she also explains why viewers shouldn’t give in to the sale signs in store windows this season.
◊“Sit Down, Shut Up” (11 p.m. on Fox): In the series finale, Sue gives Andrew an ultimatum to turn around the drama department. He writes his magnum opus, a musical starring the teachers with Miracle (voice of Oklahoma actress Kristin Chenoweth) as the female lead.
◊“True Jackson, VP” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the one-hour special episode “Flirting With Fame,” True’s crushing on a new boy at school named Justin (Tyler James Williams, “Everybody Hates Chris”). aND In an attempt to show True his romantic side, Justin enlists the help of superstar Natasha Bedingfield to perform “These Words” for the duo.
◊“Turtles Forever” (9 a.m. on CW): This special incorporates the three distinctive versions of the Turtles as they appeared in their original iterations: 1984 black and white comic book; late 1980’s/early 1990’s animated TV series; and their current animated series.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Sept. 27-Oct. 3
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Sept. 27.
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
••“Washington Watch With Roland Martin,” 10 a.m. Sunday on TV One (series premiere).
••“Amanpour,” 1 p.m. Sunday on CNN (series premiere).
••“Mario’s Green House,” 5 p.m. Sunday on TV One (series premiere).
••“60 Minutes,” 6 p.m. Sunday on CBS (42nd-season premiere).
••“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 6 p.m. Sunday on ABC (seventh-season premiere).
••“The Amazing Race,” 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS (15th-season premiere).
••“Firsthand,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (11th-season premiere).
••“The Simpsons,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox (21st-season premiere).
••“The Adventures of Danny & the Dingo,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (second-season premiere).
••“The Cleveland Show,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox (series premiere).
••“Desperate Housewives,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC (sixth-season premiere).
••“Dexter,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Showtime (fourth-season premiere).
••“Family Guy,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••“American Dad,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox (fifth-season premiere).
••“Californication,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Showtime (third-season premiere).
••“Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS (seventh-season premiere).
••“My Fair Wedding With David Tutera,” 9 p.m. Sunday on WEtv (second-season premiere).
••“Brothers & Sisters,” 9 p.m. Sunday on ABC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Brainsurge,” 3:30 p.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).
••“Lie to Me,” 8 p.m. Monday on Fox (second-season premiere).
••“The Joy Behar Show,” 8 p.m. Monday on HLN (series premiere).
••“Trauma,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC (series premiere).
••“Executive Vision,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CNBC (series premiere).
••“Weird, True & Freaky,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“The Hills,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (fifth season resumes)
••“Lost Tapes,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“The City,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (first season resumes)
••“Hank,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“The Middle,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“Bank of Mom and Dad,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (series premiere).
••“First In,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on BET (series premiere).
••“The Shift,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Investigation Discovery (second-season premiere).
••“Real World-Road Rules: The Ruins,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on MTV (18th-season premiere).
••“Private Practice,” 9 p.m. Thursday on ABC (third-season premiere).
••“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” 7 p.m. Friday on Cartoon Network (second-season premiere).
••“WWE Friday Night SmackDown,” 7 p.m. Friday on My Network TV (10th-season premiere).
••“Til Death,” 7:30 p.m. Friday on Fox (fourth-season premiere).
••“Diet Tribe,” 8 p.m. Friday on Lifetime (second-season premiere).
••“Stargate Universe,” 8 p.m. Friday on Syfy (series premiere).
••“Ultimate Sportsman’s Lodge,” 8 p.m. Friday on DIY (series premiere).
••“Kitchen Nightmares,” 9 p.m. Friday on DIY (second-season premiere).
••“Wedded to Perfection,” 9 p.m. Friday on TLC (series premiere).
••“Bartender Wars,” 9:30 p.m. Friday on FLN (series premiere).
••“Superfetch,” 7 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Dogs 101,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“Celebrity Ghost Stories,” 9 p.m. Saturday on BIO Channel (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Chopped,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Food Network (first-season finale).
••“Country Fried Home Videos,” 8 p.m. Friday on CMT (season finale).
••“Jockeys,” 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (second-season finale).
••“All Jacked Up,” 9 p.m. Friday on CMT (season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Pictured above: STARGATE UNIVERSE cast, from left, Jamil Walker Smith as Msgt. Ronald Greer, Alaina Huffman as Msgt. Tamara Johansen, Louis Ferreira as Col. Everett Young, Ming-Na as Camile Wray, Robert Carlyle as Dr. Nicholas Rush, Brian J Smith as Lt. Matthew Scott, Elyse Levesque as Chloe Armstrong, David Blue as Eli Wallace, Lou Diamond Phillips as Col. Telford — Syfy Photo: Art Streiber — Syfy Photo: Art Streiber
Top 55 TV Programs for Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 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 Sept. 27:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 27, 2009
◊“The Adventures of Danny & the Dingo” (7:30 p.m. on Fuel TV): In the Season 2 premiere, pro snowboarders Danny Kass and The Dingo meet Rob Dyrdek in Hollywood in search of street credit. Then they head to San Diego for a trade show.
◊“Amanpour” (1 p.m. on CNN):CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour will host this new global interview program. Each show will primarily focus on one topic and will feature guests who challenge and deconstruct conventional wisdom.
◊“The Amazing Race” (7 p.m. on CBS): In Season 15, 12 teams will travel one of the fastest courses ever assembled on the Race — spanning eight countries in just 21 days. And one team will be sent home before leaving the starting line.
◊“American Dad” (8:30 p.m. on Fox): When Steve is selected to sing the national anthem at the Langley Falls Veterans’ Day celebration, he gets some heat from Stan who doesn’t think he’s ready for such an undertaking.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9 p.m. on ABC): Kitty harbors a devastating secret that will rock the Walker family in the Season 4 premiere. Marion Ross (“Happy Days”) and Matt Gallant (“The Planet’s Funniest Animals”) guest star.
◊“Californication” (9 p.m. on Showtime): As Season 3 opens, Hank Moody now has a “real” job as a college professor and is trying to keep wild child Becca on the straight and narrow with Karen still working in New York.
◊“The Cleveland Show” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): Mike Henry reprises his voice role as Cleveland Brown in this new animated “Family Guy” spin-off that finds the soft-spoken title character moving back to his Virginia hometown with his 14-year-old son, Cleveland Jr.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 7 premiere, which features the music of Ray Charles, the team investigates the 1966 shipboard murder of a young working-class woman who shared a room in steerage with a friend on an upscale ocean liner’s final round-trip Atlantic crossing.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry deliberately tries to annoy Loretta, against the advice of a renowned doctor. Later, Larry dooms Richard Lewis’ new relationship.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 6 premiere, Mike Delfino’s bride will finally be revealed and a new family with a dark past moves to Wisteria Lane. Drea de Matteo (“Joey”) and Jeffrey Nordling (“24”) join the cast.
◊“Dexter” (8 p.m. on Showtime): In Season 4, Dexter becomes fascinated with the “Trinity Killer” (John Lithgow, “3rd Rock From the Sun”) because of his unique killing methods and his ability to evade capture for almost three decades.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Ari investigates Terrance (Malcolm McDowell, “Fantasy Island”) when he unexpectedly offers to sell Ari his share of his agency.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (6 p.m. on ABC): Season 7 will celebrities volunteering for the weeks of house building, and the first two volunteers are Patricia Heaton (“The Middle”) and musical group Five For Fighting.
◊“Family Guy” (8 p.m. on Fox): With the help of an out-of-this-world remote control, Stewie and Brian travel through alternate universes, including a post-apocalyptic world and a parallel world run by dogs where humans are pets.
◊“Firsthand” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): This series provides an exclusive look at action sports personalities. Season 11 takes viewers into the daily lives of BMX pro Dave Mirra, X Games Gold Medalist Travis Pastrana, pro snowboarder Danny Kass and 2007 World Champion surfer Mick Fanning.
◊“Mario’s Green House” (5 p.m. on TV One): Actor Mario Van Peebles (“All My Children”) and his family undergo a major home eco-renovation and embrace green living in this new reality series. It also offers an entertaining take on how to make one’s everyday life support a sustainable future.
◊“My Fair Wedding With David Tutera” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Celebrity wedding planner David Tutera returns to help transform and revamp the less-than-perfect into extraordinary platinum-style affairs. Along the way, David surprises the bridal parties with major last minute changes that take the bride’s original idea to the next level.
◊“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Ken Burns’ 12-hour, six-part documentary series, which chronicles the idea of preserving the nation’s most beautiful places for the general public, opens with “The Scripture of Nature (1851-1890).” In 1851, word spreads across the country of a beautiful area of California’s Yosemite Valley, attracting visitors who wish to exploit the land’s scenery for commercial gain and those who wish to keep it pristine.
◊“Nick News: I’m Allergic to My World” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new special explores what it’s like to be a youngster with life threatening allergies. Dr. Robert Wood, Director of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at John’s Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, MD, explains the strange ways of allergies. Kids explain the rest.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the 21st-season premiere episode co-written by Seth Rogan (“Funny People”), Homer is cast as the lead in “Everyman,” a feature film based on the new comic book superhero. To whip Homer into superhero shape, the movie studio hires celebrity fitness trainer “Lyle McCarthy” (guest voice Rogen).
◊“Washington Watch With Roland Martin” (10 a.m. on TV One): CNN analyst Roland Martin will host this new weekly public affairs series focusing on issues that are critical to black Americans. The show will also feature regular appearances by members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
MONDAY, SEPT. 28, 2009
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): Lewis Black (“Root of All Evil”) guest stars as a brilliant but troubled professor of entomology who works at Caltech with the guys.
◊“Brainsurge” (3:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new game show is filled with high-energy challenges that allow youngsters to test their level of recollection and attention skills while having fun. The winning contestant gets the ultimate prize — a giant, messy, celebratory sliming.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): Shocked to learn that ZBZ has slipped in the ranks down to fourth, Casey is determined to bring ZBZ back to the number one spot by motivating their pledge class to take action. Olivia Munn (“Attack of the Show”) and Olesya Rulin (“High School Musical”) guest star.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): House returns home to Princeton where he continues to focus on his recovery, but surprises Cuddy with the news that he’s making a big change in his life.
◊“The Joy Behar Show” (8 p.m. on HLN): This new nighttime talk show will offer viewers a full hour of Joy Behar’s passionate point of view, sharp wit, and no-nonsense approach. Topics will range from pop culture to politics and everything in between.
◊“Lie to Me” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 1 premiere, the Lightman Group investigates a murder case where a woman with multiple personalities (Erika Christensen, “The Perfect Score”) may either be a witness or the killer.
◊“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Last Refuge (1890-1915),” President Theodore Roosevelt becomes one of the national parks’ greatest champions.
◊“Trauma” (8 p.m. on NBC): This new medical drama series follows the first responder paramedics of the trauma team of San Francisco City Hospital, who often put their own lives on the line to save others.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 29, 2009
◊“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Navid continues to run the Blaze News and assigns Silver and Gia (Rumer Willis, “Sorority Row”) to interview Jasper for a news piece about his uncle.
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): In these new primetime episodes airing back-to-back, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stars The Miz and John Morrison play the game for charity.
◊“Chopped” (9 p.m. on Food Network): In the final competition, four champions face off for a chance to reclaim the title and bank an additional $10,000.
◊“The City” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): When Season 1 resumes, it’s back to work for the cast and with new jobs, new boys, new cast members and New York in the mix. Whitney Port decides to take a chance at her dream of becoming a designer and leaves her position at Diane von Furstenberg to work under the critical eye of Kelly Cutrone at People’s Revolution.
◊“Executive Vision” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This new 5-part series examines how leaders will gain the trust, dedication and admiration of all around them as they confront the challenges in today’s ever-changing world.
◊“The Hills” (9 p.m. on MTV): When Season 5 resumes, the tension picks up right where it left off. Heidi and Spencer are moving to suburbia to begin a life of wedded bliss but they quickly discover that married life won’t be as perfect as their storybook wedding.
◊“Lost Tapes” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): In Season 2 of the popular crypto zoology series, discover the stories behind creatures that science refuses to recognize. Bigfoot, werewolves, vampires, the Jersey devil — while their existence has never been proven, alleged sightings and encounters suggest that there are species that have managed to elude the reach of mankind.
◊“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Empire of Grandeur (1915-1919),” a new federal agency is created to protect the parks.
◊“One Life to Live” (1 p.m. on ABC): Grammy Award winner Lionel Richie will perform his hit “Just Go” off his latest album of the same title. He will be joined by rising pop-star, Jeremih, who is known for his smash hit “Birthday Sex” and self titled debut album “Jeremih.”
◊“Weird, True & Freaky” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Season 2 features everything from the grotesque to the downright bizarre and inexplicable. A band of monkeys infests an elementary school; the world’s deadliest spider invades a grocery store produce aisle; and the blood of a goat is used in an ancient fertility ritual.
◊“Who Wants a Man Cave?” (8 p.m. on DIY): This special follows former NFL player Tony “Goose” Siragusa, contractor Jason Cameron and MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds and Mitch Williams as they transform a space into an ultimate man cave equipped with official MLB merchandise.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30, 2009
◊“Bank of Mom and Dad” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): In this reality series, adapted from a BBC format, women in their 20s and 30s have to face their mom and dad moving in for one week to police their finances and take over their lives. With wayward lifestyles and spending spiraling out of control, each episode sees one woman having a major reality check as she faces up to her debt.
◊“Eastwick” (9 p.m. on ABC): As Eastwick prepares for its annual fall HarvestFest, Joanna, Kat and Roxie’s lives continue to take a turn for the strange. Cybil Shepherd (“The L Word”) and Martin Mull (“Roseanne”) guest star.
◊“Finishing Heaven” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This new documentary follows director Robert Feinberg as he struggles to complete the film he began nearly four decades ago. As a New York City film student in the 1960s, he showed the potential to become the next big filmmaker. But over the years, perfectionism got the best of him and to this day, he still hasn’t completed the film, a free-form, avant-garde portrait of bohemian life in the Big Apple.
◊“First In” (9 p.m. on BET): Narrated by Tyrese Gibson (“Death Race”), this new series delves into the lives of Compton’s firefighters and paramedics as they try to balance the high stress of a gruesome 72-hour work schedule and family life. Emotions run high as the men and women work long hours in a fast-paced, high intensity atmosphere compounded by the daily pressure of saving lives.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Meat Loaf (“Fight Club”) joins the TAPS team for an investigation at a haunted private island in Thousand Islands, NY. The area was formerly part of the Underground Railroad and was also used as a monastery.
◊“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.
◊“Hank” (7 p.m. on ABC): Emmy winner Kelsey Grammer (‘‘Frasier”) returns to series television as Hank Pryor, a legendary entrepreneur in the sports retail world. Hank and his wife, Tilly, have been living the high life in New York City. That is until Hank is forced out of his CEO job and has to downsize and move his family back home to the small town of River Bend, Va.
◊“The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Meet the Hecks, an ordinary family struggling to survive each other and life in Middle America. Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) stars in the new series as a car saleswoman who juggles her job demands with keeping her three children grounded in middle-class family values.
◊“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Going Home (1920-1933), the advent of the automobile allows more people to visit the national parks, previously accessible mainly to wealthy visitors who could afford train tours.
◊“The Ruins” (9 p.m. on MTV): This season, twenty-eight competitors will travel to Thailand to battle it out on two separate teams of the “Champions” and the “Challengers”. While players will still be competing for their teams, they will also be accumulating money for their own personal bank accounts as they compete in nine.
◊“The Shift” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The network’s most successful original series returns for a second season. It chronicles the “middle shift” of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) that works from 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM, considered to be “primetime” hours for homicide. While those are their official hours, these investigators work tirelessly to solve their cases whenever they happen – to them, when someone is murdered in their city, it’s personal.
THURSDAY, OCT. 1, 2009
◊“The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Lisbon and the team work the case of a State Senator’s murdered intern, while Jane simultaneously tries to find out what new information Bosco has uncovered on the Red John case. Paul Michael Glaser (“Starsky and Hutch”) guest stars.
◊“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Great Nature (1933-1945),” President Franklin Roosevelt creates the Civilian Conservation Corps to help battle unemployment during the Great Depression.
◊“Portrait of an Artist: Chuck Close” (6 p.m. on Sundance): The documentary looks at the life and art of Chuck Close, who has re-invented portraiture with his monumental studies of human faces. The film captures the making of a Close self-portrait, an intricate process that yields a single image comprised of hundreds of individually colored, patterned squares.
◊“Private Practice” (9 p.m. on ABC): After Pete discovers Violet dying on the floor of her home, having barely survived a violent attack from her patient, Katie (Amanda Foreman, “What About Brian”), he rushes her to the hospital where Addison and Naomi fight to save her life.
◊“Watch What Happens: Live” (11 p.m. on Bravo): Host Andy Cohen will sit down with guest Jimmy Fallon (“Saturday Night Live”) to chat about what has transpired on-air and in pop culture for the week.
FRIDAY, OCT. 2, 2009
◊“Bartender Wars” (9:30 p.m. on FLN): Bartenders face off in a series of challenges in this new series. Each episode will feature a particular liquor ranging from tequila to champagne, and the contestants will have to engage in five challenges: the “Quick Shot,” based on speed; “Happy Hour” which involves patrons in the festivities; a technical challenge; the “Liquor Picker” where the bartenders have to throw darts to select the ingredients they’ll use for their signature drinks; “The Wheel of Challenges” where the guest judge will challenge the bartenders in games such as “Mimic the Master,” “Celeb in a Glass” and “Not Quite Seven Deadly Sins”; and the “Lightning Round” which gets patrons involved in a physical challenge.
◊“Diet Tribe” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Professional fitness trainer Jessie Pavelka and psychotherapist Stacy Kaiser return for a second season to guide and coach five mothers as they work towards creating healthier and happier lives, one pound at a time.
◊“Kitchen Nightmares” (9 p.m. on DIY): Carpenter and electrician Marc Bartolomeo works with homeowners to achieve the kitchen they always wanted. But getting the job done right can mean changing plans or ripping out existing construction.
◊“The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Morning of Creation (1946-1980),” biologist Alfred Murie fights to ensure that even hated predators get the same protection from hunters as other wildlife.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When two FBI agents, part of a unit headed by Don’s former mentor, are killed during a shootout with bank robbers, the team must investigate what exactly happened. Los Angeles Lakers player Jordan Farmer guest stars.
◊“Stargate Universe” (8 p.m. on Syfy): This new series follows a band of soldiers, scientists and civilians who must fend for themselves as they are forced through a Stargate when their hidden base comes under attack. The survivors emerge aboard an ancient ship, which is locked on an unknown course and unable to return to Earth.
◊“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (7 p.m. on Cartoon Network): The lives of the Jedi become more complex as secret and forbidden relationships are revealed and a new breed of villain enters to take advantage of the wartime turmoil. Season 2 introduces these lawless rogues into the fray along with a host of new characters, locations and creatures.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (7 p.m. on Disney): In this special one-hour episode, Zack, Cody, London, Bailey and Woody find themselves stranded on a deserted island when Woody accidentally hits the release lever on a lifeboat and the gang drifts out to sea. Zack hops into action, putting his survival tactics to use, while London takes it all in stride, believing that they have found a remote five-star resort.
◊“Til Death” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 4 premiere, Eddie and Joy’s free-spirited daughter, Ally, returns from a trek in the Ecuadorian rainforest with her new husband, Doug. When Ally and Doug decide to set up camp in a trailer in the Starks’ backyard, they ruin Eddie’s plans for installing a Jacuzzi.
◊“Ultimate Sportsman’s Lodge” (8 p.m. on DIY): This new series takes viewers to the wilds of Montana as outdoorsman Chris Dorsey builds a lodge complete with a covered deck and fire pit with guest contributor Jeff Foxworthy (“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”).
◊“Wedded to Perfection” (9 p.m. on TLC): This new series follows the charismatic husband and wife team, Jung Lee and Josh Brooks, who together own New York’s premiere wedding and event planning business, Fete. Each episode will feature two events, anything from a spectacular wedding to a memorable anniversary party.
◊“WWE Friday Night SmackDown” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): Season 10 kicks off with a two-hour special featuring appearances from all the WWE superstars and a look back at 10 years of memorable matches and moments.
SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 2009
◊“Anatomy ’59: The Making of a Classic WKAR Motion Picture” (10:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary explores the crime, the trial and the book that led to the making of Otto Preminger’s 1959 courtroom thriller “Anatomy of a Murder” that starred James Stewart and Lee Remick.
◊“Celebrity Ghost Stories” (9 p.m. on BIO Channel): In each episode of this new series, viewers will see several first-person celebrity narratives by actors, musical artists and athletes. Cinematic recreations bring to life the personal accounts of stars who believe they have experienced paranormal encounters. The premiere episode features late actor David Carradine (“Kung Fu Killer”) in one of his last interviews where he divulges a story about a haunting in his closet and gives his view on life after death.
◊“CSI: NY” (7 p.m. on CBS): The team tackles their most unusual case yet: two murder victims within two weeks, both named ‘Mac Taylor.’ Now, Det. Mac Taylor, and 15 others with the same moniker, must determine the killer’s motive before they strike again. Rumer Willis (“Sorority Row”) guest stars.
◊“Mike Epps: Under Rated … Never Faded & X-Rated” (9:40 p.m. on Showtime): Filmed at the historic Fox Theatre in Detroit, MI., Mike Epps gets the house rocking with his unique and hilarious observations of married men, black/white family dynamics and a spot-on impersonation of a popular crime scene investigation series.
◊“ReDesign” (noon on FLN): Designer Kenneth Brown walks viewers through his design process as ordinary rooms transform into stunning showplaces.
◊“Sarah’s House” (10:30 a.m. on FLN): Follow interior designer Sarah Richardson through the entire process of purchasing a house and renovating it room by room.
◊“Superfetch” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series follows extreme pet trainer Zak George as he works with pet parents and shows them how to transform their ordinary pet into a trick-doing stunt jockey. In the process, he helps strengthen the bond they have with their beloved companion.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing June 28-July 4, 2009
"Hung" (HBO Photo)
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of June 28.
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
••“Built to Shred,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (second-season premiere).
••“HGTV Showdown,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HGTV (third-season premiere).
••“Hung,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HBO (series premiere).
••“Dance Your … Off,” 9 p.m. Monday on Oxygen (series premiere).
••“Stager Invasion,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on TLC (series premiere).
••“18 Kids and Counting,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on TLC (third-season premiere).
••“NOVA scienceNOW,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on OETA-13 (fourth-season premiere).
••“Monsters Inside Me,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Moments of Impact,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Bathtastic,” 8 p.m. Friday on DIY (second-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Clean House: Search for the Messiest Home in the Country,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Style Network (first-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“Burn Notice,” 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday on USA.
••“Twilight Zone,” 7 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. July 5 on SCI FI.
••“Mantracker,” 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday on Science Channel.
••“Martin,” 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday on TV One.
••“Deadliest Catch,” 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Saturday and July 5 on Discovery.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for June 28-July 4, 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 June 28:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
◊The BET Awards ’09 (7 p.m. on BET): Jamie Foxx (“Ray”) will host the ninth annual event that celebrates the achievements in music, sports and entertainment. The O’Jays will be honored with a lifetime achievement award.
◊“Built to Shred” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): In Season 2 of this build-and-ride sports show featuring top skateboarders, BMXers and surfers, host Jeff King works with pros to design, build and try out a new obstacle.
◊“Celebrity Rides: Hollywood Speeding Bullitt” (6 p.m. on DIY): Chad McQueen, son of actor Steve McQueen, helps build a 1968 GT Fastvack Mustang made famous by the movie “Bullitt.”
◊“Comedy You Can Believe In With David Alan Grier” (9 p.m. on TBS): David Alan Grier (“Chocolate News”) will perform his own stand-up and introduce comedians Bruce Bruce, Jo Koy, Mark Curry, Aries Spears and Marina Franklin.
◊“Gene Simmons Family Jewels” (8:30 p.m. on A&E): While Gene Simmons rings the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and spreads the word about investing in America, Shannon does some spending of her own when she gets addicted to late-night infomercials.
◊“HGTV Showdown” (9 p.m. on HGTV): A new line-up of challengers and celebrity guests take the design stage for Season 3 of the show. Host Jamie Durie will guide viewers through the action as two teams of expert designers and builders compete to design and execute a winning room makeover for one lucky homeowner. The homeowner also will win a professional design plan and $10,000 toward the redesign of a room in their home.
◊“Hung” (9 p.m. Sunday on HBO): In this new and very adult comedy, Thomas Jane stars as Ray Drucker, a high school basketball coach and divorced dad who sets out to change his fortune.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Mrs. McGinty’s Dead,” crime novelist Ariadne Oliver (Zoe Wanamaker, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”) joins Poirot (David Suchet, “Henry VIII”) to save a man who has been sentenced to hang for the murder of his landlady.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): The witch Nimueh casts a spell with a monster that poisons Camelot’s drinking water, spreading a sickness throughout the city. When Gwen’s father falls ill, Merlin disobeys Gaius’ orders and tries to help.
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Bobby Flay tests the remaining seven finalists by having them out their culinary point of view on a classic American dish — the burger. Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) surprises the finalists and challenges them to create a dish using a basket of international ingredients for a group of returning American soldiers.
◊“Prehistoric New York” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Travel back in time through the lost worlds of New York City’s past, when mammoths once trampled down Fifth Avenue and some of the world’s first dinosaurs roamed where the New York Giants now play.
◊“Waging War on Cancer With Paula Zahn: The Future” (1:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This program seeks to demystify cancer by explaining where it comes from. In many cases, it has to do with chronic injury to tissue.
MONDAY, JUNE 29
◊“Blood, Sweat + Gears: Racing Clean to the Tour de France” (9:30 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary follows the journey of an American cycling team seeking to compete in its first Tour de France, the French bicycle race that covers over 3,500 kilometers in 22 grueling days. The 2009 Tour de France runs from July 4-July 26.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Brenda and her squad are temporarily deputized into the FBI when a missing person case turns into a full-blown murder investigation involving drug trafficking at gay dance parties. The case gives Brenda and Fritz the chance to work together again, but her investigative tactics don’t exactly fit FBI protocol.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a murderer kidnaps an innocent baby, Horatio and the team must find him before the child becomes his next victim. Teri Polo (“Meet the Parents”) guest stars in this of the show’s 150th episode.
◊“Dance Your … Off” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): Marissa Jaret Winokur (“Hairspray”) hosts this new dance/weight-loss competition series featuring full-figured contestants who struggle with their weight and dance to unleash their inner thin.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment focuses on an invention that may have been used in the atomic bomb, a 23-pound block of beeswax with strange markings and a French manuscript kept by an American family for 160 years.
◊“JoMoPro 2009″ (7 p.m. on Fuel TV, 265 on Cox Digital Cable, 536 on U-verse, 618 on DirecTV): This BMX event in Joplin, Mo., offers a $20,000 prize purse and features a best-trick contest that awards the winning rider a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
◊“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Kathy seeks out Paris Hilton. The new BFFs spend the day buying trendy clothes on Robertson Blvd., pose for hundreds of photographers trailing their every move and make a call to Snoop Dog.
◊“NewsHour With Jim Lehrer” (5 p.m. on OETA-13): The segment “A Future That is Bright and Green” features Nathan Wright and Casey Wenzel, who are among the first students at Oklahoma State University to participate in a new degree program in wind turbine technology. They are hopeful about finding jobs that are not only close to home, but that are safer, cleaner and more stable than those in the oil and gas industry.
◊“Operation Emeril” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In this special, chef Emeril Lagasse visits the Army Center of Excellence Subsistence (ACES) at Fort Lee in Richmond, VA, and meets service men and women training to become military cooks. He shows the soldiers how to mix new combinations of food while in the kitchen and prepare healthy and delicious meals for the masses.
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): When an innocent picture of a little boy in a bathtub winds up on a child pornographer’s Web site, Jerry has his hands full defending the father against Balco’s aggressive prosecution.
◊“Shouting Fire: Stories From the Edge of Free Speech” (8 p.m. on HBO): In collaboration with her father, First Amendment attorney Martin Garbus, Oscar nominated filmmaker Liz Garbus explores the social and political trends that have shaped America’s attitudes about free speech and how they can threaten the very tenets upon which the country was built.
◊“Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This film looks at the life and music of Arthur Russell, a little-known composer, producer, cellist, singer and songwriter who died of AIDS in 1992.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30
◊“18 Kids and Counting” (8 p.m. on TLC): Josh and Anna Duggar don’t know if their first child will be a boy or girl — but the “Today” show does. Watch as the Duggars are kept in the dark until it’s revealed live on national television via a special cake from the “Cake Boss.”
◊“The Best Thing I Ever Ate” (8:30 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network stars Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”), Duff Goldman (“Ace of Cakes”) and Aida Mollenkamp (“Ask Aida”) talk about their favorite foods made with bacon.
◊“HawthoRNe” (8 p.m. on TNT): Christina scrambles to create a makeshift ICU bed for a woman whose son isn’t ready to let her go. And Camille spends the day sneaking around the hospital when she’s supposed to be working on an English essay.
◊“NOVA” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Musical Minds” investigates the impact music can have on the human brain through case studies from neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks’ book “Musicophilia.”
◊“NOVA scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Neil deGrasse Tyson returns for Season 4, which is packed with provocative new stories from the frontlines of science, technology, and medicine. In the premiere episode, a blindfolded Tyson is led to a top-secret “diamond farm” to investigate breakthroughs in the engineering of artificial diamonds. Indistinguishable from the real thing, these glittering creations may one day replace silicon transistors in everything from super computers to high-speed electric trains.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The family of a French gay man who was brutally murdered by three neo-Nazi skinheads undergoes an astonishing personal journey as its members struggle to seek justice while coming to terms with their unthinkable loss in ‘‘Beyond Hatred.”
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Matthew (F. Murray Abraham, “Amadeus”), one of Earl’s fellow angels, hits a rough patch when it comes to winning souls, and he starts honing in on Earl’s territory.
◊“Stager Invasion” (7 p.m. on TLC): In this new series, professional stager Lisa Lynch visits houses that are on the market by homeowners but aren’t getting much interest. Lynch and a staging team help transform the homes – using mostly items already part of the decor – while battling 8-hour timelines to get everything ready for showings.
◊“Wake Steady” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV, 265 on Cox Digital Cable, 536 on U-verse, 618 on DirecTV): Catch wakeboarding and wakeskating champions attacking still waters worldwide.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
◊“10 Grand in Your Hand” (8:30 p.m. on DIY, 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on Direct TV, 454 on U-verse): This series shows homeowners how to cut up to $10,000 from their renovation and remodeling projects. It offers advice on new materials and technologies, as well as how-to info on doing some of the basic work themselves.
◊“American Masters” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new 90-minute episode goes behind the scenes of the radio show ‘‘A Prairie Home Companion,” created by humorist and commentator Garrison Keillor. It follows Keillor and his crew of actors and misicians as they travel across the country broadcasting and recording shows.
◊“Clean House: Search for the Messiest Home in the Country” (8 p.m. on Style Network): In the first-season finale host Niecy Nash (“Reno 911!”) unveils 2009′s messiest home in the country and documents its full makeover. The home belongs to a detective, and it is crammed with suff in every room.
◊“Monsters Inside Me” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series explores the shocking, gruesome and sometimes deadly details of a parasitic infection. Every episode is a constant battle for life as doctors and scientists attempt to unravel each case.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine and Barb are informed by the parent company of their gym franchise that they’ve broken a contractual clause and may lose the gym. Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”) guest stars as the corporate representative from the gym’s parent company.
THURSDAY, JULY 2
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (7 p.m. on CBS): When a series of victims are found deceased seemingly in the middle of everyday activities, the CSIs must determine what is causing them to remain upright after death. Alex Kingston (“ER”), Jeffrey Tambor (“Arrested Development”) and Will McCormack (“Dirt”) guest star.
◊“The Listener” (9 p.m. on NBC): After witnessing a fatal shooting in Chinatown, Toby uses his telepathic gift to help a blind woman solve the murder of her brother. He discovers a cover-up involving a Chinese crime boss who has a lot to hide from the police.
◊“Moments of Impact” (8 p.m. on Discovery): From terrifyingly close calls on the jet way to a sudden avalanche to unexpected animal attacks, this new series provides a spectacular tour de force of real life spills and chills.
◊“Science of the Movies” (9 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): This installment goes behind the scenes of Sony Pictures Animation’s 3D feature “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.”
◊“Soundstage” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Sugarland presents a versatile set that includes pop songs, country sounds and soulful ballads.
◊“Twilight Zone” marathon: (7 a.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. July 5 on SCI FI): The network’s annual event, running Thursday through Saturday, features episodes from the 1980s version of the series, as well as the classic 1960s show.
◊“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic” (6 p.m. on TCM): This special was made in 1989, as it has actually been 70 years since ‘‘Oz” came out. Like the movie, though, it’s still enjoyable and will enhance your appreciation of the film, as actress Angela Lansbury (“Murder, She Wrote”) takes a look back at the production of the 1939 classic.
FRIDAY, JULY 3
◊“According to Jim” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Jim convinces Andy to play snow football even though Andy’s girlfriend, Mandy, warns him against it. Now injured, Andy has to hide his injury from Mandy, so Jim stages a freak accident for Andy in his home. Garry Marshall (“Race to Witch Mountain”) guest stars.
◊“Alex Haley’s Queen” (9 a.m. on TV One, 157 on U-verse, 167 on Cox Digital Cable, 328 on DirecTV): Halle Berry stars in the six-hour miniseries that chronicles the tale of Alex Haley’s paternal grandmother, Queen, who was the daughter of a black slave and a white plantation owner.
◊“Bathtastic” (8 p.m. on DIY, 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on Direct TV, 454 on U-verse): Host Matt Muenster shares design tips, information on cutting-edge materials and know-how that will revitalize any bathroom, great or small.
◊“Good Evening Ev’rybody: In Celebration of Louis Armstrong” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This is a presentation of a never-before-released concert performance of Louis Armstrong and other musical greats at the 1970 Newport Jazz Festival in celebration of Armstrong’s 70th birthday. Armstrong performs several of his greatest hits throughout the concert and rehearsals, including ‘Pennies From Heaven” and “Wonderful World.”
◊“Invitation Only” (10 p.m. on CMT): In this installment of the concert series, Darius Rucker performs before a small studio audience in Nashville, takes questions from fans and delivers revealing and candid answers.
◊“Margaret Cho: Beautiful” (10 p.m. on Showtime): Returning to her stand-up roots, Margaret Cho examines the nature of beauty and the importance society has placed on appearance.
◊“The Ultimate Power Lunch: 50 Years of The Four Seasons” (11 a.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Bill Griffeth will speak one-on-one with the most powerful people in finance, media and fashion, asking them about the economy, the markets and their power lunches at the restaurant over the years.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
◊“Apollo 13″ (6:30 p.m. on Cinemax): Ron Howard, who was born in Duncan, directed this 1995 movie about the near-disastrous 1970 Apollo 13 mission. Headed for the moon, Cmdr. Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) and his crew, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert (Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon), experience an on-board explosion.
◊“Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular” (9 p.m. on CBS): Talk show host Craig Ferguson (“The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”) returns for his third year as host of the special broadcast live from the Charles River Esplanade in Boston. Grammy winner Neil Diamond will perform some of his classic hits with The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra under the direction of conductor Keith Lockhart. The final 21 minutes of the broadcast, featuring the spectacular fireworks display, will be presented commercial free.
◊“Burn After Reading” (7 p.m. on HBO): Brad Pitt, who was born in Shawnee, stars as a gym worker in this movie directed by Oscar-winners Joel and Ethan Coen (“No Country for Old Men”). John Malkovich plays a newly resigned CIA agent whose secrets are swiped by his divorce-seeking wife (Tilda Swinton) and ultimately land in the hands of gym workers.
◊“A Capitol Fourth” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits returns to host this spe3cial live from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol. Barry Manilow will open and close the broadcast with a medley of hits and patriotic classics along with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Choral Arts Society of Washington. Others scheduled to appear are Aretha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, Michael Feinstein, Andrew von Oeyen, the Tony Award-winning cast of “Jersey Boys” and the “Sesame Street” gang.
◊“Choking Man” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This film explores the immigrant experience, as it follows a near-mute dishwasher from Ecuador who is quietly nursing a crush on a radiant fellow immigrant in Queens.
◊“Detonators” (7 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): This series focuses on a specialized team that demolishes skyscrapers, blows up helicopters on movie sets and detonates 50-gallon drums of explosives to quell deadly oil well fires.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): King Silas sends David on a quest to recover a national treasure, the Charter of Gilboa. While on the mission, David discovers shocking information about his father’s death. Leslie Bibb (Confessions of a Shopaholic”) guest stars as Katrina, who is engaged to Jack.
◊“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” (8 p.m. on NBC): “Today” correspondents Natalie Morales and Tiki Barber co-host the special live from New York City. The nation’s 233rd birthday extravaganza will include performances by rock singer Rob Thomas country singer Jewel and the cast from the 2009 revival of “West Side Story.” The fireworks display featuring more than 40,000 shells will be set of from six barges positioned between 24th and 50th Streets on the Hudson River.
◊“Mantracker” marathon (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): Terry Grant is an expert outdoorsman trained to track and retrieve missing persons in the deep wilderness. His mission in each episode is to track two contestants through rough country and capture them before they can reach the finish line.
◊“Sweet Land of Liberty” (5 p.m. on OETA-13): Music selections include “America the Beautiful,” “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “God Bless America.”
◊“Tribute to Liberty” (5:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Music selections include “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “This Is My Country.”
–Penny TV
