TV Premieres and Finales airing Feb. 28-March 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 Feb. 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
••”The Marriage Ref,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on NBC (sneak preview, series premieres 9 p.m. Thursday).
••”Rules of Engagement,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on CBS (fourth-season premiere).
••”The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,” 10:35 p.m. Monday on NBC (former host returns).
••”Madman of the Sea,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••”Parenthood,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on NBC (series premiere).
••”Southland,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT (second-season premiere).
••”Players,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on SPIKE (series premiere).
••”Web Soup,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on G4 (second-season premiere).
••”The Locator,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on WEtv (fourth-season premiere).
••”Instant Recall,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on GSN (series premiere).
••”The Real Housewives of New York City,” 10 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” 7 p.m. Friday on NBC (series premiere).
••”Destination Design,” 12:30 p.m. Saturday on HGTV (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••”The Bachelor,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC (14h-season finale).
••”Nip/Tuck,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on FX (series finale).
••”Burn Notice,” 9 p.m. Thursday on USA Network (third-season finale).
••”The Real Housewives of Orange County,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (fifth-season finale).
Pictured above: From right to Left: Bianca Kajlich, Oliver Hudson, David Spade, Patrick Warburton, Megyn Price and Adhir Kalyan star on RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, on Monday, March 1 on CBS. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS
Top 55 TV Programs for Feb. 28-March 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 Feb. 28:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, FEB. 28, 2010
••”Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): Barb shocks Nicki with news about Joey. Bill looks for clues about J.J. (Zeljko Ivanek, “Damages”) in Kansas.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team decides to kill time at a work acquaintance’s wedding by looking into wther his bride (Rachel Miner, “Californication”) was responsible for killing her former fiance (Noah Bean, “Damages”), who died mere hours after he canceled their nuptials. Sean Maguire (“The Class”) guest stars as the former fiance’s best friend.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Celia comes down with the chicken pox, Gaby must keep her distance. Having never had the chicken pox herself, Gaby stays with Tuc and Bob and is reminded of what it’s like to be single again. Julie Benz (“Dexter”) guest stars.
••”Disease Detectives” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special follows a real-life “Dr. House” and his team of experts inside the Undiagnosed Disease Program at the National Institutes for Health as they attempt to solve real medical mysteries and help desperate patients in just five days.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Country singer Trace Adkins (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) helps the team rebuild the home of a wounded police officer in Lancaster, Texas, who lost most of his mobility and all of his hearing after being shot while leading a Dallas Police Department SWAT team.
••”Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): When Gladys, the new and slightly bumbling Tooth Fairy, has trouble doing her job without waking up the kids, the Movers help show her how to get the job done. Cheri Oteri (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
••”The Marriage Ref” (9:30 p.m. on NBC): Jerry Seinfeld (“Seinfeld”), Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”) and Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) weigh in on a special sneak preview of this new comedy panel series about the unpredictable and hilarious institution commonly known as marriage. Tom Papa (“Come to Papa”) is the “Ref” on the show, which premieres Thursday.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This adaptation of John Buchan’s World War I adventure novel “The 39 Steps” follows the fortunes of Richard Hannay (Rupert Penry-Jones), a mining engineer who gets caught up in a conspiracy after a British spy is found dead in his apartment.
••”The Providence Effect” (11 a.m. on TV One): This documentary film that tells the story of a school on Chicago’s impoverished West Side that has been sending 100 percent of its high school graduates to four-year colleges for 30 years.
••”Undercover Boss” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dave Rife, the owner of White Castle, goes undercover in his own company where he accidentally ruins thousands of hamburger buns after mishandling equipment in one of his bakeries. He also discovers low morale among his employees at a local factory.
••”Weather Proof” (8 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Co-hosts Stephanie Abrams and Newton Wimer test everything from windows and mobile homes to see if they hold up against a powerful hurricane simulator – a jet engine. And see how to escape from a stranded vehicle with only seconds to act as dangerous waters rise in a flash flood.
MONDAY, MARCH 1
••”The Bachelor” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the two-hour Season 14 finale, Jake must choose between Tenley and Vienna. Throughout the episode, Tom Bergeron will announce the new cast of “Dancing With the Stars” that premieres March 22.
••”Bewitched” (4 p.m. on TV Land): The Emmy award-winning series that aired on ABC from 1964-1972 joins the network’s weekday lineup. The series follows Samantha Stevens (Elizabeth Montgomery), a stay-at-home wife with a secret. After marrying her husband, ad-exec Darrin Stevens (Dick York, then played by Dick Sargent), she reveals to him that she is a witch.
••”CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Filmmaker and musician Rob Zombie directs this new episode in which the CSI team discovers that a listening device has been covertly planted at a crime scene. Guest stars include Zombie’s wife Sheri Moon (“Halloween”), Malcolm McDowell (“Heroes”) and William Forsythe (“John Doe”).
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): Professor Hilgendorf and his family has moved in next door to the Kappa Tau house, and their presence is putting a damper on the KTs’ festivities. Sam Page (“Mad Men”) guest stars.
••”House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Wilson puts himself on the case when an old friend (Joshua Malina, “The West Wing”) and former patient experiences paralysis in his right arm. House suspects the man’s cancer has returned, but Wilson works overtime to find an alternative diagnosis.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the gang tries to convince Ted that he is being strung along by Tiffany (Carrie Underwood, “American Idol”), they reflect about relationships where each of them has been in the same situation.
••“Inside the Actors Studio” (6 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton welcomes award-winning director, producer, editor and writer James Cameron to the stage. Cameron’s career trajectory has skyrocketed this small-town Canadian boy to one of the biggest names in Hollywood. He has directed two of the highest-grossing films to date — “Titanic” and “Avatar.”
••”NFL Full Contact” (9 p.m. on truTV): The Pro Bowl honors the NFL’s best players. For the first time, the event is moving to the site of the Super Bowl, with the game being played the Sunday before the NFL championship. But whether this first Pro Bowl of its kind will go off without a hitch remains to be seen.
••”Paralyzed and Pregnant with Twins” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special presents the story of Claudia, a woman who was paralyzed from the armpits down following a car accident that killed her infant son. Claudia hoped that one day she could have more children and, despite doctors’ skepticism, her dream came true.
••”The Real Housewives Top 25: The Early Years” (9 p.m. on Bravo): This special features the 25 favorite moments from the first seasons of New York, Atlanta and New Jersey and the first two seasons of Orange County, as chosen by Andy Cohen (Bravo’s SVP of Original Programming and Development and host of “Watch What Happens”).
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 4 premiere, Jeff takes Russell’s advice and reciprocates a female colleague’s flirting. Adhir Kalyan, who plays Russell’s assistant Timmy, joins the cast as a series regular.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy, Ricgard and James immerse themselves in the world of classic cars to find out if they really are more fun than modern machinery. Also, Jeremy interviews AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson in the studio.
••”Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie runs off to Vegas and returns with a new wife, but she’s not Chelsea. Stacy Keach (“Titus” ) and John Amos (“Men In Trees”) guest star.
TUESDAY, MARCH 2
••”20/20: Before They Were Famous” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): This special Oscars-themed edition features stories of how some nominees got their big breaks. George Clooney’s father, Nick Clooney, takes ABC cameras inside the actor’s childhood home in Kentucky. Sandra Bullock’s childhood friend shares stories and photos of the first-time nominee as a high school cheerleader in Virginia. Actor Beau Bridges, the brother of five-time Oscar nominee Jeff Bridges, talks about his brother’s early years. And Mo’Nique’s husband, Sidney Hicks, talks about the early years with the talented comedienne turned actress.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): After viewers learn who was eliminated after the Olympic challenge cliffhanger (Cheryl George from Ardmore or Darrell Hough from Michigan), host Alison Sweeney tells all the contestants they are switching to blue vs. black teams.
••”Frontline” (midnight on OETA-13): The new documentary “The Suicide Tourist” explores the topic of whether we have the right to end our lives in the last stages of painful terminal illness or if life becomes unbearable for other reasons. It includes access to Dignitas, the Swiss nonprofit group that helps people with terminal illnesses to end their lives.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): While Peter gets acclimated to life at home and works on a comeback strategy with his political team, including Eli Gold (Alan Cumming, “The L Word”), Alicia and Diane wrestle with spousal privilege laws in a murder case that hinges on their ability to get a wife to testify against her husband. Gary Cole (“The West Wing”) guest stars as Kurt McVeigh, a rugged ballistics expert who Diane finds herself attracted to.
••”Madman of the Sea” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new six-part series follows the adventures of Australian fisherman Matt Watson, He is dubbed the “fish whisperer” by his peers for his ability to lure the biggest, fastest, baddest sea creatures that lurk beneath the surface. He feeds off adrenaline and travels the uncharted seas looking for that next great catch, and he’s willing to do anything to find it.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): This new dramedy views contemporary family life as reflected by the large and colorful Braverman clan. In the series premiere, Sarah (Lauren Graham, ‘‘Gilmore Girls”), a single mom, returns to Berkeley, Calif., to be closer to her family, while brother Adam (Peter Krause) learns that his son (Max Burkholder) has Asperger’s syndrome.
••”Players” (9:30 p.m. on SPIKE): This new series follows two brothers with conflicting personalities trying to run a successful sports bar. Matt Walsh plays Bruce Fitzgerald, a free-spirited, fun-loving guy who bets on games and dates the cocktail waitresses. Ian Robert plays Ken, his older, uptight brother who tries to keep the focus on turning a profit while avoiding lawsuits and health code violations.
••”Postpartum Nightmares” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special spotlights women who have had a range of postpartum experiences — from depressions to severe anxiety and event psychosis.Viewers will see how these devastating cpnditions can create turmoil during what is supposed to be one of life’s happiest moments — the addition of a new baby to the family.
••”Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 premiere, Nate and Sammy investigate a freeway shooting and wind up threatening the integrity of a major undercover operation. And Chickie finds herself in the middle of a mini-riot after her new partner shoots at a 13-year-old boy.
••”White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): When the daughter of a man from his past goes missing Neal volunteers to help find her. Little does anyone realize the kidnapper is an old enemy of Neal’s who is leading him right into a trap. Diahann Carroll (“Julia”) guest stars.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Laurie needs a co-signer to buy her first condo and finds her less than stellar, absentee mother (Beverly D’Angelo, “Entourage”) no help at all. Meanwhile, Bobby is mugged by a woman and Travis comes to Barb’s aid after her latest cosmetic surgery procedure.
••”Faces of America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. demonstrates how to pick up the search for ancestors where the historical record leaves off, linking the distinctive family histories of such guests as Elizabeth Alexander, Meryl Streep, Mike Nichols, Yo-Yo Ma and Eva Longoria Parker to the broader history of ‘‘the family of man.”
••”Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary’s plan to help Tom land a spot on the wrestling team backfires, he challenges the coach, a former high school nemesis, to a wrestling rematch in an attempt to settle their score. David Koechner (“Anchorman”) guest stars as Soup, Gary’s high school nemesis.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a woman from a growing lesbian community is found dead, detectives Benson and Stabler must work with a local activist (Kathy Griffin, “My Life on the D-List”) to uncover the truth behind the woman’s death.
••”The Locator” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Enid native Troy Dunn returns for a fourth season of granting wishes to people wanting to reconnect with loved ones. In the one-hour season premiere, a daughter searches for the father who disappeared from her life and a young woman searches for the sister she didn’t know existed.
••”Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Following the donut shop shooting, Veronica takes off unexpectedly, leaving everyone to worry about her whereabouts. Back at Mercy, the victims of a bus bombing inundate the emergency room. Alison Sweeney (“The Biggest Loser”) guest stars.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Gloria is less than pleased with Jay’s reaction to the arrival of Javier (Benjamin Bratt, “Miss Congeniality”), Manny’s infamously unreliable dad. Meanwhile, Phil is suffering from kidney stones and his dramatics leave Claire no other choice but to call for the hot firemen to rush him to the hospital.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Christine and Barb find their business unexpectedly profitable, Christine must decide whether to spend her share of the newfound money on herself or follow Barb’s lead and give it to charity. Ed Begley Jr. (“Gary Unmarried”) and Ashley Williams (“Side Order of Life”) guest star.
••”The Oprah Winfrey Oscar Special” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Oprah Winfrey brings together some of Hollywood’s biggest stars to interview each other. The revealing and intimate interviews include Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball”) and Penelope Cruz (“Vicky Cristina Barcelona”); “Avatar” director James Cameron and three stars from the film; Ben Affleck (“Good Will Hunting”) and Jeremy Renner (“The Hurt Locker”); and “Fatal Attraction” stars Glenn Close and Michael Douglas.
••”Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): After Lassiter takes a page out of Shawn’s book and claims a shark attack victim was actually murdered, the guys must then scramble to find the fish and prove him right. Jeri Ryan (“Leverage”) guest stars.
••”Radical Parenting” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special explores what some might consider to be extreme forms of parenting — from potty training a newborn baby to breast-feeding beyond the age of two. Find out how they came to these parenting decisions and hear from experts about the pros and cons of their choices.
••”Web Soup” (7 p.m. on G4): The series returns for a second season that captures the “best of the worst” moments on the web and brings viewers a no-holds-barred look at the week’s Internet mayhem. In each episode, comedian and host Chris Hardwick presents a selection of crashes, bloopers, accidents and more, along with his wry commentary, signature sketches and side-splitting reenactments.
THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2010
••”Burn Notice” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Michael’s worst fears come to life when a world-class terrorist is unleased on Miami, threatening to detonate a bomb if Michael doesn’t give him what he wants. With the FBI hot on his trail, Michael will need every advantage and every friend on his side to defeat this madman in the Season 3 finale.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a band member of Rascal Flatts is electrocuted by his own guitar during a concert, the CSI team investigates if it was a case of foul play. Actor Will Patton (“24″) guest stars as CIA Associate Director Craig Halliday.
••”Instant Recall” (7:30 p.m. on GSN): This new game show first tests players’ patience, then tests their memory as unsuspecting participants are caught on hidden camera in unbelievable situations—and are then quizzed on the experience for cash and prizes. Wink Martindale (“Tic-Tac-Dough”) and Angela Daun (“Entourage”) host the competition and award the prizes.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Tina Fey (“30 Rock”) and Eva Longoria-Parker (“Desperate Housewives”) are on the celebrity panel for the premiere episode of the series that features couples facing off to settle their marital tiffs. The rotating panel of “experts” will offer their own wit, wisdom and unique opinions.
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): In this special hour-long episode, 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. Meanwhile the rest of the office tries to distract Pam from the pain with food and entertainment. Linda Purl (“Bones”) guest stars.
••”Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Things get too close for comfort when Addison, Pete and Sam must come together on a complicated case involving a dad-to-be who comes down with tuberculosis and threatens the future of his new family. Meanwhile, with Violet still gone on her Costa Rican escape, Sheldon takes over helping one of her patients, Natasha (Clea Duvall, “Carnivale”), to get over her crippling fear of flying.
••”The Real Housewives of Orange County” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 5 ends with a bombshell, as the tension between Tamra Barney and her husband, Simon, reaches the breaking point at the final party of the summer. Meanwhile, Vicki Gunvalson and her husband, Donn, revel in the newfound strength of their marriage and Lynne Curtin tries to reign in her teenage daughters wild behavior at the party.
••”The Real Housewives of New York City” (10 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 3 premiere, the ladies are spending their remaining summer days together in the Hamptons, but friendships and alliances have shifted significantly. Ramona, Jill, LuAnn and Alex enjoy a sun-filled day on a yacht that Ramona has commissioned for the day – until nasty comments and tears break loose. Jill shares that she is angry with Bethenny and that the two haven’t spoken in months.
••”Tom Brokaw Reports: Boomer$!” (8 p.m. on CNBC): In this two-hour documentary, Tom Brokaw chronicles the impact 78 million baby boomers have had on American society over the past six decades and explores the challenges they face as they begin to approach the age of retirement.
••”Too Many Babies?” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): One year ago, the Jones family thought just one more baby would make life complete. Instead, they got the surprise of their lives — quintuplets. This special focuses on how they’re learning the ropes all over again in a life that includes their four-year-old daughter and five newborn babies.
FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2010
••The 8th Annual Visual Effects Society Awards (9 p.m. on ReelzChannel): Director James Cameron (“Avatar”) will be honored with the VES Lifetime Achievement Award at thyis year’s event that celebrates a monumental year in movie visual effects.
••The 25th Film Independent Spirit Awards (10 p.m. on IFC): Eddie Izzard (“The Riches”) serves as Master of Ceremonies for the event that recognizes the achievements of independent filmmakers.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Seal, Imelda May and Sugarland.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): After Allison is mugged, she decides to take charge by enrolling in self-defense classes. Also, Devalos investigates a teenager’s rape and an undercover cop’s possible murder. Laura Prepon (“That ’70s Show”) and Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad”) guest star.
••”NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star Rob Morrow (Don) directed this episode in which the team investigates the deaths of two men who were part of a group of friends that had been suxually abused as children by one of their teachers. Moira kelly (“One Tree Hill”) and Alan Ruck (“Spin City”) guest star.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this new series, celebrities embark on personal journeys of self-discovery as each searches for the roots to his family tree, uncovering stories of love, betrayal, intrigue, heroism and tragedy. The premiere episode spotlights the search of Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City”).
SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2010
••”America’s Most Wanted” (8 p.m. on Fox): After nearly 22 years of tracking down the nation’s most notorious criminals, the series will celebrate its milestone 1000th episode with a special broadcast. Hosted by John Walsh, the series has helped capture 1100 criminals, including 17 on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, and reunited 43 missing children with their families, which is Walsh’s proudest achievement.
••”Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): Castle is wrestling with how to repair his relationship with Beckett while struggling to finish his soon-to-be-published bestseller, “Heat Wave.” Authors Stephen J. Cannell and Michael Connelly guest star as themselves.
••”CNN Presents: Scream Bloody Murder” (7 p.m. on CNN): CNN chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour reports from the killing fields of the world where genocide has raged. She takes viewers back in time to witness again the places now synonymous with horror: Auschwitz, Cambodia, Darfur, Iraq, Rwanda and Bosnia. In recognition that her journalism in 1992 to 1995 brought much-needed attention to the human rights crisis in Bosnia during the war there, Amanpour was named an Honorary Citizen by the City of Sarajevo for her coverage.
••”Destination Design” (12:30 p.m. on HGTV): In this new series, designer Taniya Nayak helps homeowners who love to travel but seem to miss the boat on good design. In each episode, she sends homeowners on all-expense-paid luxury vacations to discover colors, textures, images and moments that will inspire them. Upon their return, Taniya will formulate a design plan based on the homeowners’ photos, experiences and inspirational souvenirs.
••“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): Activities to enjoy during spring break include a walk on the wild side at the zoo, indoor swimming in Kingfisher and a spin around an Oklahoma City raceway.
••”Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals” (7 p.m. on HBO): This special traces the history of the competition between Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers and Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics. Their rivalry began 30 years ago when they led their midwest universities to the 1979 NCAA Championship game, through a decade of dominance, when the two won three NBA MVP awards apiece and a combined eight NBA titles.
••”Pirate for the Sea” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This is a biographical film of Captain Paul Watson, the youngest founding member of Greenpeace Canada. He organized early campaigns protesting the killing of seals, whales and dolphins.
••”The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Financial advisor Suze Orman celebrates eight years on CNBC and heads into Season 9 with a new mission to help America become healthier and wealthier.
••”Uncorked” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When business as usual takes a vacation, Johnny (Julie Benz, “Dexter”) must find something, or someone, else to occupy her time. JoBeth Williams (“In the Land of Women”), Elliott Gould (“Ocean’s Eleven”) and Scott Elrod (“Men in Trees”) also star in this romantic comedy about finding a passion that isn’t a paycheck.
–Penny TV
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
Top 55 TV Programs for Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 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 Dec. 27:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, DEC. 27
◊“Augustus Saint-Gaudens: Master of American Sculpture” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Victor Garber (“Alias”) narrates this documentary that tells the story of the sculpture’s life. It also offers in-depth studies of five of his major works of art including the Standing Lincoln in Lincoln Park, Chicago.
◊“Brothers” (6 p.m. on Fox): Season 1 concludes with back-to-back episodes. In “Girls, Girls, Girls,” Adele sets Chill up on a blind date with a social worker from her school. In “Follow the Story,” a writer from a sports magazine comes to Houston for a story about Mike and spends time getting to know the Trainors.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team tries to determine if a homeless and severely delusional paranoid schizophrenic killed his former psychiatrist by arson in 2004 before he dropped out of college and fully lost his grip of reality. Billy Lush (“The Black Donnellys”) and Jacqueline Obradors (“NYPD Blue”) guest star. Songs recorded by John Lennon are featured throughout the episode.
◊“Everest: Beyond the Limit” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Follow climbers in their quest to make it to the top of the world’s highest mountain in this series, which returns for its third season with three back-to-back episodes.
◊“Jesse Stone: Thin Ice” (7 p.m. on CBS): In this 2009 mystery, Jesse Stone (Tom Selleck), police chief in the little town of Paradise, Mass., accidentally becomes involved in a shootout on a Boston street that leaves a friend and fellow cop seriously wounded and causes him to be away from paradise for extended periods of time.
◊“Nick News: Kids to the Rescue” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This installment features stories of children and celebrities who are trying to save abandoned pets. Celebrities doing something about the hundreds of thousands of cats and dogs left at shelters due to economic problems include Lance Bass, Sophia Bush, Tony Hawk, Bonnie Hunt and Tiffani Thiessen.
◊“Three Sheets: New Year’s Eve in London” (9 p.m. on FLN): Host Zane Lamprey explores London’s bar scene on a New Year’s Eve adventure full of British classics and international delights. He learns how to make a “true” martini at Ian Fleming’s favorite bar, then downs a $100 tequila shot and a “bunny with a gun” – a rum and absinthe drink served in a fishbowl.
◊“The Sound of Music” (6 p.m. on ABC): Julie Andrews’ voice fills the hills in this Oscar winning musical based on the true story of Austria’s singing Von Trapp family. Her character, Maria, governess to a wealthy naval officer’s (Christopher Plummer) children, captures all their hearts, brings music into their lives and helps them flee the Nazis.
◊“Witness: The Kidnapping of Patty Hearst” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This two-hour documentary will chronicle the 1974 capture and holding of Patricia Hearst, heiress to the Hearst media empire, by the Symbionese Liberation Army, a radical left-wing terrorist group with a violent past.
MONDAY, DEC. 28, 2009
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): “Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind ‘Little Women’” is a film biography about the celebrated author that stars Elizabeth Marvel (three-time Obie winner) as Alcott and Jane Alexander (Tony winner) as Alcott’s first biographer, Ednah Dow Cheney. Interwoven with dramatic scenes are interviews with Alcott scholars.
◊“Anjelah Johnson: That’s How We Do It” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Filmed on location at the Verizon Wireless Theater in Houston, Texas, the comedienne reminisces about sneaking into night clubs at 14, never getting past the white belt in Karate and killing people with kindness.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): A train trip to San Francisco takes a major detour when Leonard, Sheldon, Wolowitz and Raj discover that actress Summer Glau (“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) is onboard. Nobel Laureate Dr. George Smoot, father of the Big Bang Theory of Creation, makes a cameo appearance.
◊“Broken Noses” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary by fashion photographer Bruce Weber follows former Golden Gloves boxing champion Andy Minsker as he mentors teens as a boxing club in Portland and reveals troublesome aspects of his youth.
◊“Motor City Motors” (9 p.m. Monday on Discovery): This new series focuses on Dave and Jamie Kaye, founders of Detroit Bros. Custom Cycles. With dad John, the brothers tap into other Detroit-based talent to assemble builders and specialists to push the boundaries of automotive engineering and create one-of-a-kind vehicles.
◊“Olivia! The Munn-der Years” (6 p.m. on G4): Actress Olivia Munn, who was born in Oklahoma City and stars in “Greek.”, exposes the truth about her costume addiction, the hot sauce scandal and her first music video appearance.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): One of Charlie’s old partners in crime dies, leaving Charlie to reevaluate his own reckless lifestyle. Emilio Estevez (“The Breakfast Club”) and James Earl Jones (“The Great White Hope”) guest star.
TUESDAY, DEC. 29, 2009
◊“The 32nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors” (8 p.m. on CBS): Filmmaker Mel Brooks, composer Dave Brubeck, opera singer Grace Bumbry, actor Robert De Niro and singer Bruce Springsteen are honored in a star-studded gala from Washington, D.C., as performers from Hollywood and the arts capitals of the world pay tribute.
◊“Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmed over four years, “Scenes From a Parish” opens as the Rev. Paul O’Brien arrives at St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence, Mass. The young priest finds ethnic tensions churning in a working-class community. The story unfolds as both Father O’Brien and his flock struggle to hold fast to their faith in the face of dire circumstances.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the death of a Marine, the team finds themselves intertwined in an inner city gang war. Muse Watson (“Prison Break”) guest stars.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): On the 150th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species,” this installment reveals answers to the riddles that Darwin couldn’t explain.
◊“One Big Happy Family” (8 p.m. on TLC): This new series follows the Coles family. Mom, dad, daughter and son are each over 300 pounds. But as big as they are, their love for each other is bigger.
◊“Outer Space Astronauts” (10 p.m. on Syfy): In the fall finale, a younger Amos arrives on the ship and the crew becomes plagued by equipment problems, oxygen depletion and radioactive teeth.
◊“Rudolph’s Shiny New Year” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this 1976 animated special, Father Time (voiced by narrator Red Skelton) asks the most famous reindeer of all, Rudolph, to find the next Baby New Year before midnight on New Year’s Eve. The baby, named Happy, ran away because he was ridiculed by everyone he met due to his large ears.
◊“Web Soup: 2009 Golden Download Awards” (6 p.m. on G4): Chris Hardwick (“Halloween II”) hosts this special that honor the year’s most hilarious and insane viral videos in an array of categories such as finest achievement in webcam ranting and finest achievement in almost killing yourself. Viewers can also expect hilarious comedy skits and lots of exciting guest stars.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 30, 2009
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): In this rebroadcast of the show’s 100th episode, 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. Guest stars include Chris Daughtry (“American Idol”), Julia Ormond (“Beach Girls”) and Rumer Willis (“Sorority Row”).
◊“Eastwick” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): When the ladies make a pact never to reveal what they did to Jamie, they realize they must go their separate ways. And sparks fly between Kat and her hot new neighbor, single dad Colin (Jerry O’Connell, “Crossing Jordan”), who has come to Eastwick with his young son Gene and a dark secret.
◊“Happy New Year, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this animated special, the Peanuts gang is ringing in 1986 and Marcie and Peppermint Patty are throwing a big New Year’s Eve bash. Charlie Brown plans to celebrate the holiday by curling up with a big book that weighs nearly as much as he does: Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.”
◊“The Imploders” (9 p.m. on TLC): In this new series, Eric and Lisa travel to Phoenix to bring down the 10-story Qwest Tower. There are hazards everywhere and Eric risks his life to bring it down safely using 235 pounds of explosive.
◊“P.O.V.” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new documentary “Patti Smith: Dream of Life” offers an intimate portrait of the singer, poet and artist. It features rare performances clips and is narrated by Smith, who celebrates her 63rd birthday today. The film was shot over the course of 11 years by fashion photographer Steven Sebring.
◊“The Real World: D.C.” (9 p.m. on MTV): This season brings together eight strangers in the nation’s capital. They are driven by their passions to make a change both personally and professionally while having their voices heard.
THURSDAY, DEC. 31, 2009
◊“10 Years in the Making” (7 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Carl Quintanilla hosts this special that takes a look at the major achievements, innovations, staggering numbers, technological advancements, highlights, heroes and zeroes over the last 10 years. It will look at how far we’ve come over the last 10 years and how we continue to grow and achieve.
◊“Billboard’s New Year’s Eve Live” (11 p.m. on Fox): This special will capture electrifying moments from Las Vegas and New York City, showcase memorable performances from the historic Billboard Music Awards and count down the Top 5 of the year in music, movies and television. Joining the celebration will be Eva Longoria Parker (“Desperate Housewives”), who invites viewers inside the grand opening of her new Las Vegas Latin steakhouse, Beso, and nightclub, Eve; and Carmen Electra (“Baywatch”), who is hosting a New Year’s Eve beach party in Las Vegas.
◊“Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Years Eve With Ryan Seacrest” (9 p.m. on ABC): The 38th annual event hosted by Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest includes 3-and-a-half hours of special performances and reports on New Year’s celebrations from around the globe. Jennifer Lopez and Daughtry will perform live from Time Square while The Black Eyed Peas, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber and Colbie Caillat will perform from the new Aria at City Center in Las Vegas. Fergie (“Nine”) hosts the party segments from Las Vegas and “Good Morning America” correspondent Melissa Rycroft will report from Time Square.
◊“Edwin San Juan’s Pacific Rim Comedy” (7 p.m. on Showtime): Filipino comedian Edwin San Juan hosts this special featuring several of the best Asian comedians, including Joey Guila, from San Francisco, Bernadette Balagtas from the Philippines, Ron Josol from Canada, Dan Gabriel from Los Angeles and Paul Ogata from Hawaii.
◊“Goin’ Native: The Indian Comedy Slam” (9:05 p.m. on Showtime): Hosted by Native American comedian Charlie Hill, this special showcases some of the world’s best Native American Indian comedians — Charlie Hill, Larry Omaha, Howie Miller, as well as four up-and-comers making their mark on the Native American comedy scene: Marc Yaffee, Jim Rule, Vaughn Eagle Bear and JR Redwater.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Baritone Thomas Hampson helps new music director Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic usher in the new year with an all-American program that includes George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” and Aaron Copland’s “Old American Songs,” along with numbers from several Broadway musicals. Alec Baldwin hosts.
◊“Maz Jobrani: Brown & Friendly” (8 p.m. on Showtime): Maz Jobrani, an Iranian-American actor, writer and comedian, takes pride in breaking down stereotypes about Iranians and the Middle East in general and tackles everything from politics, race, religion, and stereotypes.
◊“Medium” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Allison begins having visions of strange symbols, she thinks it could be the after-effects from her brain surgery, but those symbols might
hold the key to discovering the identity of a notorious serial killer. Fisher Stevens (“Early Edition”) guest stars as Neal Greybridge, Allison’s Acquaintance from Physical Therapy.
◊“NBC’s New Year’s Eve With Carson Daly” (9 p.m. on NBC): Carson Daly (“Last Call With Carson Daly”) will host this two-hour special beginning in primetime and continuing at 10:30 p.m. with the countdown to 2010. Grammy winners Rihanna and Green Day are scheduled to perform live, and will perform live from New York City, and Natalie Morales (“Today”) and Alison Stewart (“As the World Turns”) will help Daly’s coverage of the celebration with live reports from Times Square.
◊“New Year. No Limits” (10 p.m. on ESPN): Action sports star Travis Pastrana, who has won four consecutive Rally America championships and nine X Games gold medals, attempts to shatter the car distance jump record of 171 feet by jumping his rally car off the Pine Street Pier onto a floating barge anchored in Long Beach, Calif’s Rainbow Harbor.
◊“New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin” (10 p.m. on CNN): Anderson Cooper (“Anderson Cooper 360″) will host live coverage of the New Year’s Eve celebration in New York City’s Times Square, while Kathy Griffin (“My Life on the D-List”) reports live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas with singer Lance Bass. Also helping with the coverage will be CNN anchor Don Lemon and CNNMoney.com’s Poppy Harlow in Time Square, correspondent Gary Tuchman at the annual Midnight Run in New York City’s Central Park, senior White House correspondent Ed Henry in Honolulu and correspondent John Zarrella in Key West, Florida.
◊“Rebels With a Cause: The Story of the American Football League” (6 p.m. on HBO): Hall of Fame member John Madden, who coached the Oakland Raiders to their Super Bowl XI victory, served as creative consultant for this 1995 documentary. It offers a retrospective look at the league that changed the face of pro football during its 10-year history.
◊“Top 9 on ’09″ (10 p.m. on MTV): When a major moment happened in 2009, people hit the web for continual story updates. Nine stories drew interest to the internet more than any others. Host Adrienne Bailon, along with co-hosts Shailene Woodley (“The Secret Life of the American Teenager”), Josi Loren (“Make It or Break It”) and the cast of “Jersey Shore” and “The Buried Life,” take viewers through a one-hour countdown of the nine biggest stories of 2009.
◊“Top 10 Performances of 2009″ (7 p.m. on MTV): Hosts will guide viewers through a 30-minute countdown featuring highlights from the MTV Video Music Awards, MTV Movie Awards, Ulalume Festival, Woodie Awards, MTV Spring Break and more.
FRIDAY JANUARY 1, 2010
◊“The 121st Tournament of Roses Parade” (10 a.m. on NBC, ABC, Travel, HGTV and Hallmark Channel): Al Roker (“Today”) and Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”) reunite for the ninth year to co-host NBC’s live, high-definition coverage of the parade from Pasadena, Calif. Hosting Hallmark Channel’s commercial-free coverage are Bob Eubanks (“The Newlywed Game”) and Stephanie Edwards (“The Girl With Something Extra”). With a 2010 theme of “A Cut Above The Rest,” the parade will pay tribute to everyday heroes and those who strive to make every effort better than the last. Serving as this year’s Grand Marshal will be Captain Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III, the heroic pilot who masterfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 on New York City’s Hudson River after its two engines lost thrust following a bird strike.
◊“The Antonio Treatment” (9:30 p.m. on HGTV): Antonio Ballatore, the 2009 HGTV “Design Star” winner, brings his unabashed personality and rock n’ roll infused perspective to spaces that are in desperate need of stylistic salvation. This is a sneak peek at the new series that is scheduled to premiere in March.
◊“Brian Boitano Skating Spectacular” (3 p.m. on NBC): Olympic gold metal figure skater Brian Boitano presents a theatrically charged two-hour special backed by a live performance from musical guest Chicago. Featured skaters include Michael Weiss, Yuka Sato, Kimmie Meissner, Alissa Czisny, Steven Cousins, and pairs Elena Leonova and Andrei Khvalko and Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon.
◊“Curb Appeal: The Block” (1 p.m. on HGTV): Designer John Gidding, contractor Chip Wade and project manager Kimberly Lacy head to Atlanta for Season 4. In each episode they will overhaul one home’s exterior with a makeover so dramatic it is no longer considered the neighborhood eyesore. They will also make their way up and down the street to repaint front doors, add window boxes and provide smaller-scale makeovers that create instant impact and increase the value of the entire block. The show will air in its regular time slot swtarting at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
◊“Design Interns” (3 p.m. on HGTV): This new series gives 12 recent interior design graduates the chance to compete for a coveted year-long internship at a renowned interior design firm in Toronto, Canada. While challenges focus on real projects for real clients, each candidate will have to prove their worth at the firm in order to jumpstart their career in the real world of design. It will air in its regular tine slot starting at 9 p.m. Saturday.
◊“Disaster House” (11 a.m. on DIY): In the first of five new episodes airing during the network’s all-day “Disaster House” marathon, a car drives through a front doore, animals create havoc in an attic and a hosue is swept away by an avalanche. Other new episodes will air at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
◊“DocTalk” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This new series will feature in-depth looks into the world of documentary film, featuring one on one interviews with the
filmmakers and scenes from their films. The premiere episode will showcase Michael Jackson’s “This Is It,” Michael Moore’s “Capitalism: A Love Story,” Rock Guitar Saga “It Might Get Loud” and “Zombie Girl: The Movie.”
◊“First Time Design” (2 p.m. on HGTV): This new series offers viewers the opportunity to bring their design vision to life for a real client. Along the way, a popular HGTV designer, such as Vern Yip, David Bromstad, and Lisa LaPorta, will offer professional advice to each amateur designer as he or she deals with client demands, time management and budget constraints. It will air in its regular time slot starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Melinda and Sam go on a road trip into his past and end up in trouble, from bar fights to disruptive ghosts, and Melinda comes face-to-face with the biggest threat yet to her romantic hopes. Terri Polo (“Meet the Parents”) and Dan Castellenata (“The Simpsons”) guest star.
◊“Great Performances” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Julie Andrews hosts “From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration 2010,” the 26th annual gala with the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of conductor Georges Pretre. The program features a festive collection of waltzes by the Strauss family.
◊“Hatin’ on ’09″ (1 p.m. on MTV): This 30-minute pop culture comedy clip show executive produced by Nick Cannon (“All That”) features a diverse group of today’s funniest comedians sharing their outspoken views on 2009’s biggest stories. The comedians, known as haters, will look back on the biggest celebrity gossip, television, movie, music, and web stories of the year, sometimes alone, and sometimes in heated debates. The haters Donnell Rawlings, Red Grant, Michelle Buteau, Eric Andre, Ali Wong, Maronzio Vance, Nore Davis, Tiffany Haddish and Charlemagne the God & Lil Duval.
◊“HGTV Dream Home 2010″ (8 p.m. on HGTV): Get an insider’s peek at the fully furnished custom-designed home that will be awarded to one lucky viewer in March. Located in Sandia Park along the Turquoise Trail between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico, the 3,900 square-foot home mixes Southwestern architecture with modern design.
◊“Jake Johannsen: I Love You” (8:30 p.m. on Showtime): Self-professed king of weird stories, Jake Johannsen, brings his hilarious insight and unique delivery to this new stand-up comedy special. The Iowa native waxes about everything from the hand sanitizer generation to the right approach to sneezing to the unique tax issues facing traveling comedians to “tapping out” during fights with your spouse.
◊“MTV’s Top 20 Under 25″ (noon on MTV): Miranda Cosgrove (“iCarly”) hosts this special that looks at 20 young stars under age 25 who should be watched in 2010. It includes entertainment stars from music, television, movies and sports and focuses on the young celebrities’ achievements, struggles and other happenings in 2009.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The investigation into a professor’s death takes a dangerous turn when the team finds that their lead suspect has ties to a radical animal rights group. Polly Walker (“Rome”) and Michael Stahl-David (“Cloverfield”) guest star.
◊“The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie” (9 p.m. on HGTV): This stand-alone half hour makeover show is hosted by popular Aussie landscape expert and author Jamie Durie, who transforms one lucky homeowner’s uninspired backyard into a spectacular and sophisticated outdoor room using the world’s most amazing gardens and architectural elements as his inspiration. It will air in its regular time slot starting at 8 p.m. Saturday.
◊“The Squeeze” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This new law enforcement documentary series examines how America’s biggest jail (Cook County in Illinois) is also a key weapon in fighting crime on Chicago’s streets.
SATURDAY, JAN. 2, 2010
◊2010 Under Armour All-America High School Football Game (2 p.m. on ESPNU): A total of 89 players, including wide receiver Demarco Cobbs from Tulsa Central, were selected to play in the second annual game that will air live from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. Joining Cobbs on Team Blur being coached by former NFL coach Ted Marchibroda, will be linebacker Shaun Lewis from Texas, who is going to OSU, and quarterback Blake Bell from Kansas, who is going to OU.
◊“Demons” (9 p.m. on BBC America): This new series that takes a contemporary spin on the legacy of Bram Stoker’s Dracula witnesses the rise of the dark underworld of half-lives, monsters and in-humans that lie deep beneath the streets of modern-day London. Philip Glenister (“Life on Mars”) stars as the straight-talking American Rupert Galvin mandated to inspire the last descendent of Van Helsing (Christian Cooke, “Doctor Who”) to join forces and commit to living a double life.
◊“Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two” (7 p.m. on BBC America): The Doctor faces the end of his life as the Master’s plans hurtle out of control. With the sound of drums growing louder and an ancient trap closing around the Earth, the Doctor and Wilf must fight alone.
◊“How Do I Look?” (7 p.m. on Style Network): Fashion expert Jeannie Mai returns for a new season of helping guide the fashion flawed toward a brand new look and brighter outlook on life.
◊“I Get That A Lot” (7 p.m. on CBS): This special that originally aired on April Fool’s Day features celebrities pulling pranks on everyday people. Celebrities working ordinary jobs to confuse customers are Jessica Simpson (“The Dukes of Hazzard”), Heidi Klum (“Project Runway”), Jeff Probst (“Survivor”), Ice-T (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), Mario Lopez (“Extra”) and Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes.
◊“It’s Me or the Dog” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell returns for a second season of helping families overcome mind-boggling bad behavior.
◊“Underdog to Wonderdog” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): The Wonder Team takes their dramatic canine rescues to a new level for Season 2. Led by rescue coordinator Ryan Smith, the team invests themselves into the rescue and rehabilitation of shelter dogs as they attempt to match them with the perfect family. Smith is joined by professional dog trainer and author Andrea Arden; grooming and styling extraordinaire Ali McLennan; and the show’s canine carpenter, David Leon, who builds dream homes for the lucky new adoptees.
◊“What I Hate About Me” (8 p.m. on Style Network): Lisa Arch (“Clean House”) hosts this new makeover series that helps women tackle the 10 things they dislike most about themselves. After each confession, Arch is joined by a specialized expert and the pair work together to present the participant with an easy solution in a thoughtful and constructive way.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing Dec. 6-12
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Dec 6.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••“I Survived …,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Biography (fourth-season premiere).
••“Shatner’s Raw Nerve,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Biography (second-season premiere).
••“Moises Rules!” 4 p.m. Monday on Disney XD (series premiere).
••“The Closer,” 8 p.m. Monday on TNT (fifth season resumes).
••“Men of a Certain Age,” 9 p.m. Monday on TNT (series premiere).
••“Better Off Ted,” 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (second-season premiere).
••“Outer Space Astronauts,” 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy (series premiere).
••“Teen Mom,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Sundance (second-season premiere).
••“Campus PD,” 10 p.m. Wednesday on G4 (series premiere).
••“Ghost Invervention,” 8 p.m. Saturday on TLC (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“The Amazing Race,” 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS (15th-season finale).
••“Million Dollar Listing,” 9 p.m. Monday on Bravo (third-season finale).
••“Rita Rocks,” 9 p.m. Monday on Lifetime (second-season finale).
••“The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC (eighth-season finale).
••“Scare Tactics,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy (fall finale).
••“Top Chef: Las Vegas,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (sixth-season finale).
••“Secret Lives of Women,” 10 p.m. Wednesday on WEtv (first-season finale).
••“Epitafios,” 9 p.m. Friday on HBO Latino (second-season finale).
••“30 for 30,” 8 p.m. Saturday on ESPN (series finale).
Top 55 TV Programs for Dec. 6-12, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman,
which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Dec. 6:
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
SUNDAY, DEC. 6, 2009
◊“Alice” (8 p.m. today and Monday on Syfy): This modern day spin on the classic stories by Lewis Carroll stars Oscar winner Kathy Bates (“Misery”) as the Queen of Hearts and Caterina Scorsone (“Crash”) as Alice.
◊“The Amazing Race” (7 p.m. on CBS): Season 15’s final three teams race home from Prague to the United States, with the finish line holding a $1 million prize for the first to cross it.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): As the wedding grows closer, Justin’s resolve to stay sober is weakened as he and Rebecca harbor secrets that could make or break their relationship for good. Series star Matthew Rhys (Kevin Walker) makes his directorial debut.
◊“Burn Up” (8 p.m. today and Monday on Planet Green): Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing”), Neve Campbell (“The Philanthropist”) and Rupert Penry-Jones (“Spooks”) star in this British miniseries. It is a high-stakes conspiracy thriller in which two friends – power players in the international oil industry – face a series of violent events and shocking revelations that could tear apart their friendship, their business, even civilization as we know it.
◊“Chainsaw Ice Sculptors” (9 p.m. on TLC): Enter the world of ice sculpting through three distinct personalities facing similar challenges. With chainsaws and chisels, these ice sages pour their heart, sweat and soul into creating works of art.
◊“Clash of the Dinosaurs” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This four-hour special, which concludes Dec. 13, combines cinematic photo-real 3D graphics and leading-edge anatomy and paleontology to show how dinosaurs survived in such a violent world.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for the killer of a champion debater who was wrongly believed to have committed suicide after losing his first debate three months into his scholarship-funded schooling at a competitive top private high school. Reed Diamond (“Dollhouse”) guest stars as the debate team coach at the victim’s new school.
◊“Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this new special, Dora and Swiper explore the past, present and future of Christmas. It includes a special holiday version of the “Dora the Explorer” theme song recorded by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteers Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”) and Usher (“Moesha”) travel with the team to Clarksville, Tenn., to give Trina Scott and her three daughters the good news that their problem-ridden home would be rebuilt in just seven days.
◊“I Survived …” (8 p.m. on Biography): Season 4 features all-new first person accounts from ordinary people catapulted into extraordinary situations who found the strength and courage to survive.
◊“Invasion of the Christmas Lights” (8 p.m. on TLC): This holiday special criss-crosses the United States to chronicle families of extreme Christmas lighting enthusiasts and document their glorious, outrageous and elaborate displays.
◊“Jonas” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): Kevin is thrilled when he learns that Anya, his friend and president of the Scandinavian JONAS fan club, is going to be an exchange student at their school. Madison Riley (“Hatching Pete”) guest stars.
◊“Robin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction” (8 p.m. on HBO): The comic performs at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., in an act that tackles a variety of political topics but also includes candid riffs on Williams’ own life.
◊“Sexpo Australia” (9 p.m. on G4): Sasha Grey (“Girlfriend Experience”) hosts this two-hour special that offers unprecedented access to the world’s largest adukt expo. The annual four-day event in Australia covers all aspects of health, adult entertainment, sexuality and adult lifestyles for the curious consumer.
◊“Shatner’s Raw Nerve” (9 p.m. on Biography): Rush Limbaugh and Regis Philbin are the first two guests for the second season of William Shatner’s unique talk show. Every interview, Shatner attempts to probe his guest’s most fascinating and sensitive subjects and touch upon a “raw nerve.”
MONDAY, DEC. 7, 2009
◊“Born Again” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary uncovers filmmaker Markie Hancock’s slow and painful break with her faith and devout Christian family as she experiences new directions for her life, including her sexual awakening as a lesbian.
◊“Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special” (7 p.m. on Fox): The Grammy-winning and multiplatinum country singer performs holiday songs in addition to selections from her albums. Performers joining Underwood in this two-hour variety special include Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Tony and Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth, and “American Idol” winner David Cook.
◊“Circumcise Me: The Comedy of Yisrael Campbell” (9:30 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary chronicles the life journey of Christopher Campbell, a stand-up comedian who humorously recounts his tale of converting to Judaism three different times.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): The squad investigates the death of a 12-year-old boy whose father and brother are both gang members. The boy is found dead in a known gang party house, but soon the case includes two more bodies at a different house related to the same crime.
◊“Handy Manny” (8 a.m. on Disney): Manny and the tools are enjoying a day at the beach when a marine biologist (voiced by Rosario Dawson, “Rent”) approaches them with an emergency – an orca whale has washed up on the shore.
◊“Healthy Minds” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installlment “Helping Our Troops,” experts in the military and mental health industry unite efforts and expertise to help soldiers who suffer from post-tramatic stress disorder.
◊“Holiday Celebration on Ice” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): REO Speedwagon and Rick Springfield perform as a star-studded cast of Olympic, world and national figure skating champions celebrate the wonders of the holiday season.
◊“Men of a Certain Age” (9 p.m. on TNT): Ray Romano (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), Scott Bakula (“Quantum Leap”) and Andre Braugher (“Thief”) star in this new series as three longtime friends. Between daily lunches at a local diner and hikes in the hills overlooking Los Angeles, they do their best to support each other through the challenges mid-life throws at them.
◊“Million Dollar Listing” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 3 finale, a broker invites Chad, Madison and Josh to help him with charity work, but egos clash as the agents try and work together.
◊“Moises Rules!” (4 p.m. today through Thursday on Disney XD): This new sports series invites youngsters to challenge Moises Arias (Rico in “Hannah Montana”) in fun sports competitions such as foam tetherball and finger football.
◊“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this 1970 animated special, Fred Astaire narrates this timeless tale of Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), a young boy with an immense desire to do good things for others.
TUESDAY, DEC. 8, 2009
◊“Better Off Ted” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 2 premiere, Veridian Dynamics tries matchmaking employees based on their genetic compatibility in hopes of saving on health insurance bills from imperfectly bred children. Taye Diggs (‘‘Private Practice”) guest stars.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): All of the Season 8 contestants return for the live finale and for a chance to weigh in one last time. And one of the three finalists will win $250,000 and the “Biggest Loser” title.
◊“Handy Manny” (8 a.m. on Disney): When the automatic pizza rolling machine at Paulette’s Pizza Palace breaks, Manny and the tools must repair the machine so that Paulette (voiced by Giada De Laurentiis, “Everyday Italian”) is able to fulfill all the orders for her pizza special of the day.
◊“ID Investigates: The Madoff Mystery” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new special hosted by former CBS anchor Thalia Assuras focuses on the Bernard Madoff financial scandal one year after it was first revealed. It examines more than the greed and deception of Madoff’s fraud by exploring the dire human consequences of Madoff’s crimes, beyond the financial ruin.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Between the Folds” profiles theoretical scientists and fine artists who have become modern-day paper folders, mastering the ancient art of origami and reinterpreting the world in paper as they create an offbeat combo of sensibilities toward art, creativity, science and meaning.
◊“National Christmas Tree Lighting 2009” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The 86th annual event took place Dec. 3 in Washington D.C., but this marks the first time PBS stations nationwide will broadcast the ceremony.
◊“Outer Space Astronauts” (8:30 p.m. on Syfy): This new comedy series follows eight vaguely courageous military personnel on board the O.S.S. Oklahoma who journey to the far reaches of the galaxy for knowledge and adventure. Five of the eight cast members in this series that melds live-action with 3D animation are from Oklahoma, including creator Russell Barrett (Captain Bruce Ripley).
◊“Prep & Landing” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This new holiday special reveals the never-before-told tale of a high-tech organization of elves that ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared for the yearly visit from The Big Guy, their code name for Santa Claus. The voice cast includes Dave Foley (“NewsRadio”) as Wayne, Sarah Chalke (“Scrubs”) as Magee and Derek Richardson (“Men In Trees”) as Lanny.
◊“Scare Tactics” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the fall finale, a receptionist at a doctor’s office is caught in the middle when a patient comes in demanding to be reattached to his former conjoined twin.
◊“Teen Mom” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new docu-series catches up with Maci, Amber, Catelynn and Farrah from the first season of “16 And Pregnant” to give viewers a deeper look at the lives of teenage parents. Told by each girl first hand, the series will depict the varied challenges young mothers face — from marriage or relationships, to high school or college, to new babies or life after adoption.
WEDNESDAY. DEC. 9, 2009
◊“Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009” (9 p.m. on ABC): Host Barbara Walters interviews some of the year’s most prominent people in entertainment, sports, politics and pop culture, including Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert, Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Tyler Perry.
◊“Campus PD” (10 p.m. on G4): This new reality series heads to five college towns across the country — Tallahassee, Fla.; San Marcos, Texas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Chico, Calif.; and Greenville, NC — and goes behind the scenes with police officers to give viewers an authentic glimpse at campus life and the measures they take to keep students safe.
◊“Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): A very wealthy potential home buyer (Scott Foley, Felicity”) feigns interest in an overpriced home in order to get Jules’ attention. Meanwhile, Ellie begrudgingly leaves the baby with Andy for a day to prove to herself that she trusts her husband.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): While Agent Hotchner takes a leave of absence from the Behavioural Analysis Unit, the team must regroup to solve a home invasion case. Rena Sofer (“24″) guest stars as home invasion victim, Erika Silverman.
◊“L.A. Holiday Celebration 2009″ (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This hourlong special presents highlights of the festive six-hour performance at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center last Christmas Eve. More than 1,000 performers participate in the free holiday-themed show, which has been sponsored annually since 1960 by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as a gift to local residents.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Veronica tries to get help for unresolved battle scars while everything else in her life falls apart. Jason Ritter (“Joan of Arcadia”) guest stars.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Christmas is in full swing at the Dunphy house until the kids get in some trouble and Phil and Claire threaten to take away Christmas until one of them fesses up. Fred Willard (“Best in Show:) guest stars as Phil’s dad.
◊“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (7 p.m. on Disney): This 1993 animated fantasy from Tim Burton (‘‘Edward Scissorhands”) takes the overlapping holiday scenario to the extreme. The Pumpkin King, ruler of Halloween Town, hatches a plan to kidnap Santa Claus and put his own ghostly spin on the yuletide season.
◊“Oklahomans” (7 p.m. on KWTV-9): University of Oklahoma football player Sam Bradford is interviewed on this locally-produced special. Host Becky Dixon also talks to Tony Award nominee Kelli O’Hara and Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson.
◊“Psychic Hollywood: The Search for Truth” (7 p.m. on E!): In this special, five celebrities with very personal issues search for help from four very different psychics. Alana Stewart turns to medium James Van Praagh to try to contact her friend, the late Farrah Fawcett; Trista and Ryan Sutter implore Derek Ogilvie to find out why their toddler is hitting and kicking Trista; Mark Curry calls on Shaman Durek to break free from an intangible force that’s holding him back; and Perla Hudson enlists psychic profiler Carla Baron to find her brother, who is missing and presumed dead.
◊“Secret Lives of Women” (10 p.m. on WEtv): The Season 1 finale takes viewers to The Moonlight Bunny Ranch, a legal brothel in Carson City, Nev., that employs women from all walks of life. From mothers to former teachers, nurses and members of the military, women work at Bunny Ranch to male a better life for themselves and their families.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This music and talk show lets viewers in on intimate conversation and performance with host Elsi Costello and his guests, which for Season 2 include Bono, The Edge, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, John Prine, Ron Sexsmith, Neko Case, Jesse Winchester, Ray LaMontagne, Nick Lowe, Levon Helm, Richard Thompson and Allen Toussaint. The show is taped in front of a live audience at Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater in New York City and The Masonic Temple in Toronto, Canada.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 6 finale, the remaining three contestants vie for the title as they cook the best meal they’ve ever made.
THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): Jack’s interest in a new social networking site unexpectedly reconnects him with a high school crush (Julianne Moore, “Blindness”).
◊“The 2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): For the first time in its 80-plus year history, the Hollywood Christmas Parade will air nationally as a two-hour television primetime event. The holiday festivities will include celebrities from film, television and stage, including the 2009 Grand Marshal Susan Lucci (“All My Children”).
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Brennan makes plans to spend Christmas in El Salvador, but her father (Ryan O’Neal, “Miss Match”) convinces her to spend the holidays with him and Margaret Whitesell (Zooey Deschanel, sister of series star Emily Deschanel), a newly discovered distant relative.
◊“The Bubble Decade” (9 p.m. on CNBC): Correspondent David Faber reports on one of the most dramatic periods in the history of America’s financial markets. As the first decade of the 21st century draws to a close, Faber looks back at the tumultuous era, one marked by ambition and innovation, avarice and excess, and record highs – and lows – on Wall Street.
◊“Community” (7 p.m. on NBC): Anthony Michael Hall (“The Breakfast Club”) haunts the halls of Greendale Community College as a campus bully who challenges Jeff to a fight.
◊“Egypt’s Animal Mummies” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): The remains of more than four million mummies have been hidden within Egypt’s tombs. They are remnants not of the ancient pharaohs, but the perfectly preserved remains of animals. Using modern science, an international team of experts discovers how and why the Ancient Egyptians preserved their animals just like their kings.
◊“Michael McDonald — This Christmas: A Soundstage Special Event” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Singer Michael McDonald celebrates the holidays with yuletide favorites and some of his signature hits, performing such songs as ‘‘White Christmas,” ‘‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and ‘‘What Christmas Means to Me.”
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Leslie designs the Pawnee Winter Wonderland Festival but has to hide from the press when a meeting with a disgraced counsilman lands her in the middle of a sex scandal. Louis C.K. (“Lucky Louis”) guest stars.
◊“Pedigree Dogs Exposed” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This documentary lifts the lid on the true extent of health and welfare problems in pedigree dogs. With international perspectives and testimony from top experts including The British Kennel Club, it unravels the historical, social and cultural reasons why purebred dogs today are in so much trouble.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 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, “Felicity”), he rushes her to the hospital where Addison and Naomi fight to save her life.
◊“Viva Nelson Mandela: A Hero for All Seasons” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary helps celebrate 90 years of Nelson Mandela’s life by telling his complete story. A life of struggle, humanity, destiny and greatness is recalled and celebrated by those who knew him best and who worked with him in the quest to break the chains of oppression, taking us beyond the political and into the personal.
FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2009
◊“Epitafios” (9 p.m. on HBO Latino): A prisoner of his past, Renzo begins hunting for the murderer alone. Ultimately, however, everything will end as it started in the Season 2 finale.
◊“Law & Order” (7 p.m. on NBC): A campaign volunteer is murdered in the midst of an election and the detectives become trapped in a haze of danger and political scandals. Benjamin Bratt (“The Cleaner”) guest stars.
◊“Straight No Chaser — Live in New York Holiday Edition” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special featuring the men’s a cappella group includes new material, holiday favorites and the song that launched the Straight No Chaser’s success, “The 12 Days of Christmas.”
◊“TeenNick HALO Awards” (7 p.m. on TeenNick): This new concept in awards show is hosted and executive produced by Nick Cannon and features four celebrities — LeBron James, Alicia Keys, Hayden Panettiere and Justin Timberlake. They don’t receive the awards, but will they give them out to deserving teens in support of their philanthropic causes.
◊“Yes, Virginia” (7 p.m. on CBS): This new animated Christmas special is based on the 1897 true story of Virginia O’Hanlon, an 8-year-old girl who inspired the most famous newspaper editorial of all time by asking, “Is there a Santa Claus?” It features the voices of Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”), Jennifer Love Hewitt (“Ghost Whisperer”) and Alfred Molina (“Spider-Man 2″).
SATURDAY, DEC. 12, 2009
◊“30 for 30″ (8 p.m. on ESPN): The ESPN Film series concludes with “The U,” a two-hour documentary about the dramatic rise of the University of Miami football program in the 1980s. It looks at the program’s sudden and jolting transformation into a football powerhouse that essentially changed the rules of the game as told by the players, coaches, students and administrators who were there.
◊“Annihilation Earth” (8 p.m. on Syfy): With the world on the brink of both economic and ecological disaster, a physicist (Luke Goss, “Hellyboy II”) must discern whether the destruction of a cutting-edge super collider facility was the work of terrorists or his own miscalculation.
◊“Christmas in Canaan” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Billy Ray Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”) stars in this story based on the book by Grammy Award winner Kenny Rogers and Donald Davenport. Cyrus plays widower Daniel Burton, who is doing his best to raise his three children on a limited income. But living in Canaan, Texas, during the Civil Rights Movement, he soon faces more than just financial difficulties.
◊“The Flight Before Christmas” (8:01 p.m. on CBS): A flying squirrel shows a young reindeer, who believes his long-lost father was part of Santa’s airborne sleigh team, how to soar into the sky in this holiday special featuring the voices of Emma Roberts (‘‘Nancy Drew”) and Norm MacDonald (‘‘Saturday Night Live”).
◊“Ghost Invervention” (8 p.m. on TLC): This new docu-series chronicles a case manager and a team of women with psychic abilities as they try to help different families who are struggling with paranormal activity in their homes.
◊“It’s a Wonderful Life” (7 p.m. on NBC): This marks the 60th anniversary of Frank Capra’s holiday classic starring James Stewart as small-town guy George Bailey, who defers one big dream after another to stay home, marry a local girl and run the family business. Facing financial ruin, he’s pulled from suicidal despair by an angel who shows him what a terrible place the world would be if he’d never lived.
◊“The Polar Express” (6 p.m. on Disney): An animated movie unlike any other, director Robert Zemeckis’ interpretation of Chris Van Allsburg’s holiday story features Tom Hanks in multiple roles through a technique called ‘‘motion capture,” which creates a pseudo-real look. Hanks is most recognizable as the conductor of a train that takes a youngster on a wild ride to the North Pole.
◊“Posse: The Young Guns on PBR” (7 p.m. on CMT): This special follows eight up and coming professional bull riders on their journey across America trying to become the next PBR champion. Among the hopefuls are Ryan Dirteater, 20, from Hulbert (won the Dickies Invitational in Dallas in January 2009) and Austin Meier, 22, from Kinta (won the first ever PBR Team Shootout).
◊“Sandra Lee Celebrates: Season of Surprise” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Last year, the Morgner family’s newborn triplets were barely well enough to be brought home for the holidays. This season, as the family gets ready for the holidays with three active one-year-olds, Sandra will show them creative ways to preserve lifelong family memories, incorporate heirloom party décor and prepare unforgettable holiday recipes. HGTV Design Star finalist Dan Vickery makes a special guest appearance and uses his carpentry skills to help Sandra create unique décor items for each child.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): “Twilight” and “New Moon” star Taylor Lautner will make his hosting debut. “New Moon” made box office history with the biggest single opening day. The musical guest is Bon Jovi which will be making its fifth appearance on the show. The Grammy Award-winning band has sold more than 120 million albums and performed more than 2,600 concerts in over 50 countries.
◊“Video Game Awards 2009″ (7 p.m. on SPIKE): The live event will celebrate the year’s best video games, as well as offer a glimpse at the future of gaming in 2010 and beyond.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Aug. 16-22
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 Aug. 16.
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
••“2 Months, $2 Million,” 8 p.m. Sunday on G4 (series premiere).
••“Kourtney and Kloe Take Miami,” 9 p.m. Sunday on E! (series premiere).
••“Mad Men,” 9 p.m. Sunday on AMC (third-season premiere).
••“My Antonio,” 9 p.m. Sunday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“Reality Hell,” 9:45 p.m. Sunday on E! (series premiere).
••“Glenn Martin, DDS,” 7 p.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).
••“Top Gear,” 7 p.m. Monday on BBC America (seventh-season premiere).
••“Flipping Out,” 9 p.m. Monday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••“Hoarders,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (series premiere).
••“Shaq Vs.,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“The Universe,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on History (fourth-season premiere).
••“Masters of Reception,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TLC (series premiere).
••“Secret Lives of Women,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on WEtv (fifth-season premiere).
••“Bobb’e Says,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••“Dude, What Would Happen,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••“Ghost Hunters,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Syfy (fifth season resumes).
••“Top Chef: Las Vegas,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (sixth-season premiere).
••“Black Gold,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on truTV (second-season premiere).
••“Blog Cabin,” 8 p.m. Thursday on DIY (third-season premiere).
••“Project Runway,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (sixth-season premiere).
••“Models of the Runway,” 10 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (series premiere).
••“Deadly Women,” 8 p.m. Friday on Investigation Discovery (third-season premiere).
••“Jockeys,” 9 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“Making Over America With Trinny and Susannah,” 9 p.m. Friday on TLC (series premiere).
••“Can You Teach My Alligator Manners?” 5:25 a.m. Saturday on Disney (second-season premiere).
••“Ask Aida,” 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (third-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Cake Boss,” 9 p.m. Monday on TLC (first-season finale).
••“Miami Social,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (first-season finale).
••“Top Chef Masters,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (first-season finale).
••“Most Popular,” 9 p.m. Thursday on WEtv (first-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“Mad Men,” 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday on AMC.
••“One Tree Hill,” 7 a.m. to noon Sunday on SoapNet.
••“M*A*S*H,” 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Aug. 23 on TV Land.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for Aug. 16-22, 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 Aug. 16:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, AUG. 16
◊“2 Months, $2 Million” (8 p.m. on G4): This new series follows four young online poker pros, who move to Las Vegas for the summer with the goal of collectively earning $2 million in two months. While Brian, Emil, Jay and Dani seem to eat, sleep and drink poker, they also take time out to explore the Vegas scene.
◊“Cracking the Ocean Code” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): Join genome pioneer J. Craig Venter on a globe-circling ocean voyage, seeking new life forms and genetic secrets that could help solve the planet’s most urgent energy and climate challenges.
◊“Defying Gravity” (9 p.m. on ABC): The crew of the Antares face their first major crisis when the ship inexplicably begins to shut down all of its operating systems, causing the sudden failure of power, heat and gravity controls and plunging everyone aboard into chaos during the desperate search for a solution.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Eric considers the management-company offer while trying to patch things up with Ashley following a Freudian slip.
◊“Hudson Plane Crash — What Really Happened” (8 p.m. on TLC): New footage and exclusive interviews wuth crew, survivors and rescuers tell the story of Flight 1549 that lost both engines over New York City and landed without a single death.
◊“Kourtney and Kloe Take Miami” (9 p.m. on E!): This new series follows sisters Kourtney and Kloe Kardashian as they leave Los Angeles and move to South Beach to launch a second DASH boutique.
◊“Mad Men” (9 p.m. on AMC): Change is in the air at Sterling Cooper, the ad agency at the center of this drama series beginning its third season. At the end of last season, the agency had new owners from across the pond, and Don (Jon Hamm) had just found out he and Betty (January Jones) had a baby on the way. A marathon of Season 2′s 13 episodes begins at 6 a.m., leading up to the Season 3 premiere that will be presented with limited commercial breaks.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the Inspector Lewis mystery “Old School Ties,” Lewis and Hathaway (Kevin Whately, Laurence Fox) are assigned to protect a former computer criminal (Owen Teale), now a successful author, when he comes to speak at Oxford. It’s a dull job until a student turns up strangled and the author is shot.
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 a.m. on SoapNet): Go back to school with the network’s five-hour marathon of the show’s school-themed episodes.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Arthur kills a unicorn, a curse descends on Camelot, threatening the destruction of the mythical city.
◊“My Antonio” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new series follows “General Hospital” star Antonio Sabato Jr. on his search for true love. Thirteen women will be competing for his affection, and Sabato’s ex-wife even shows up and asks him to take her back.
◊“The Pink Panther” (7 p.m. on BBC America): The network is devoting the next three Sundays to celebrating Peter Sellers’ work as Inspector Clouseau, beginning with the 1964 comedy written and directed by Tulsa native Blake Edwards.
◊“Reality Hell” (9:45 p.m. on E!): The subjects of this hidden-camera hybrid show think they are contestants on a real reality show. They gear up for their 15 minutes of fame, only to have it turn into a time of infamy.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): The sharks consider biting into a gourmet food business, and the bidding for a life-saving idea reached $1 million.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Elvis Presley is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing on the 32nd anniversaey of his death are 1957′s “Jailhouse Rock” (noon), 1967′s “Clambake” (5:15 p.m.) and 1958s’s “King Creole” (9 p.m.).
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from John Carpenter of Hamden, Conn. He was the show’s first $1 million winner who used “Phone a Friend” on his last question to call his dad that he knew the answer and was about to win.
MONDAY, AUG. 17
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): A murder case involving extreme plastic surgery leads Horatio to Ron Saris, who is alive and seeking revenge on Julia. Elizabeth Berkley (“The L Word”) and Brooke Burns (“Miss Guided”) guest star.
◊“Cake Boss” (9 p.m. on TLC): In the Season 1 finale, a family-owned business asks Buddy and Carlo’s team to honor their patriarch by creating a special cake featuring their company’s product — fireworks.
◊“Fixer: The Taking of Ajmal Naqshbandi” (8 p.m. on HBO): Ajmal Naqshbandi was a young Afghan hired as a translator by foreign journalists covering events in his homeland. In 2007, he was hired by an Italian journalist to secure an interview with a top Taliban commander, but it turned out to be his final job, ending in a highly publicized kidnapping and murder.
◊“Flipping Out” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Obsessive-compulsive house-flipper Jeff Lewis returns for a third season of his docu-series. The economy has taken its toll on his business, and Jeff hires some fresh new faces in hopes of turning things around.
◊“Glenn Martin, DDS” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new stop-motion animated comedy follows the offbeat adventures of dentist Glenn Martin and his family, who trade in the suburbs for a life on the road in an RV, which doubles as Glenn’s dentist office. The voice cast includes Kevin Nealon (“Weeds”), Catherine O’Hara (“For Your Consideration”) and Judy Greer (“Arrested Development”).
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): The competition intensifies among the remaining three families as they cross into California and fight to secure a spot in the final two.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include a dagger that may have belonged to dictator Benito Mussolini, letters from a man who may have been part of the post-slavery exodus to Liberia and a device that could have had something to do with nuclear attack preparedness.
◊“Hoarders” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new series delves into the lives of people who fill their homes with stuff and can’t throw anything out. The premiere introduces Jennifer and Ron, whose house is so cluttered they’re afraid their children will be taken away.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Barney and Abby realize that they have one thing in common — their mutual hatred of Ted — the “couple” decides to go to the bar to flaunt their new relationship in Ted’s face. Britney Spears (“Crossroads”) guest stars.
◊“Lloyd Boston’s Style at Any Age” (8 p.m. on FLN): Lloyd Boston (“Closet Cases” host) helps three women — a single girl in her 20s, a stay-at-home mother in her 30s and a career woman in her 40s — find their unique style self. Boston will address elements of fashion, as well as the tools each woman will need to help them go after their goals and achieve the lifestyle that they want.
◊“Objects and Memory” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Frank Langella (“Kitchen Confidential”) narrates this special that examines the response to items recovered or offered after 9/11 and other national tragedies.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Tulsa-born actress Jennifer Jones is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1964’s “Ruby Gentry” (9 a.m.), 1952′s “Carrie” (8:30 p.m.) and 1955′s “Good Morning, Miss Dove” (12:30 a.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This British series enters its seventh season of taking extraordinary and ordinary cars to the limit and beyond to find out if they’re as good as their manufacturers claim. Celebrity guests, industry experts, racing drivers and car nuts join hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Jason May and Richard Hammond to give new cars a thorough examination.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from Brian Fodera of Los Angeles. He was the show’s second contestant to get the first question wrong.
TUESDAY, AUG. 18
◊“Masters of Reception” (9 p.m. on TLC): In the series premiere, reception masters Robert and Jerry Frungillo have their work cut out for them with two big wedding extravaganzas in one weekend.
◊“Miami Social” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 1 finale, George’s mom is coming to town for a visit and he is nervous about her meeing Lina, who infurieates George by not showing up for dinner with his mother and friends.
◊“Nova scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Neil deGrasse Tyson looks into personal genetic profiling. He also visits an algae farm in Texas where researchers are working on ways to harvest fuel from the organisms. Another segment goes beneath the Arctic Ocean in search of clues to whether one of Jupiter’s moons could sustain life.
◊“Shaq Vs.” (8 p.m. on ABC): In this new competition series, NBA standout Shaquille O’Neal will take his athletic prowess beyond the basketball court and strive to become a champion in a new sporting event each week. In the premiere episode, Shaq takes on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in a football challenge. In upcoming episodes, Shaq will challenge Olympian Michael Phelps in swimming, Wimbledon champion Serena Williams in tennis, fighter Oscar de la Hoya in boxing, St. Louis Cardinals player Albert Pujols in baseball and Olympic gold medalists Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor in beach volleyball.
◊“Secret Lives of Women” (9 p.m. on WEtv): This series continues its fearless portrait of women facing out-of-the-ordinary situations. Season 5 opens with “Mothers of Murderers,” in which women whose children have killed try to come to terms with the pain, regret and forgiveness it takes to carry on with their lives. Other topics this season include extreme diets, cults, nast divorces and mail order brides.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: John Wayne is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1960’s “The Alamo” (11 a.m.), 1965′s “The Sons of Katie Elder” (7 p.m.) and 1969′s “True Grit” (9:15 p.m.).
◊“Time Team America” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The archaeologists have three days to map, dig and uncover what remains of Fort James, S.D. In 1865, a unit of cavalry soldiers were sent there to defend pioneer settlers against Sioux Indians.
◊“The Universe” (8 p.m. on History): With ground-breaking new discoveries and even more stunning high-definition computer animations, it’s a wondrous yet deadly adventure through space and time in Season 4. Topics this season include the lethal surprises of our ringed planets, quasars that burn with the intensity of a trillion suns and a countdown of the biggest blasts to ever rock the cosmos.
◊“Warehouse 13″ (8 p.m. on Syfy): Pete and Myka rejoin their Secret Service detail in Washington to intercept a samurai sword that’s about to be given as a gift to the president. CCH Pounder (“The Shield”) guest stars.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from Doug Van Gundy of Elkins, W.V. He won $250,000 in 1999, which at the time was the largest amount of money won in a single network game show appearance.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 19
◊“Black Gold” (9 p.m. on truTV): In Season 1, competing oil crews put everything they could into erecting their rigs and successfully drilling crude before the other crews could get to it. This season will focus on the roughnecks of Rig 28, who have a seemingly impossible job. Assembled by oilman Autry Stephens, they have only 50 days to try to save the lease on a very valuable piece of land before it expires.
◊“Bobb’e Says” (7 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In this new series, Bobb’e J. Thompson (“30 Rock”) hits the streets, malls and beaches to dispense invaluable advice to the masses by telling them what not to do. He uses his charm, wit and personality, along with video clips of other people’s mistakes, to illustrate his hysterical words of wisdom.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the kidnapping of a young boy in Las Vegas, Dr. Reid begins to have dreams that may help reveal some buried memories from his childhood. Jane Lynch (“Two and a Half Men”) guest stars as Dr. Reid’s mother, Diana Reid.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a man falls 52 stories to his death and his body goes missing after it hits the ground, the CSIs must treat this strange development as a missing persons case. Thad Luckinbill (“The Young and the Restless”) and Craig T. Nelson (“Coach”) guest stars.
◊“Dude, What Would Happen” (7:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network): Armed with an insatiable thirst for answers and an unlimited access to anything and everything, hosts CJ, Ali and Jackson conduct extreme experiments that lead to some very outrageous results in this new series. The trio of friends have no labs and no limits to what they’ll think of next.
◊“Fastest Growing Companies of 2009″ (8 p.m. on CNBC): Each September, Fortune Magazine publishes its fastest growing companies and six stocks to buy now list. CNBC Managing Editor Tyler Mathisen and Fortune Magazine Managing Editor Andy Serwer co-host this special that profiles five companies that made it onto the list, including the company that owns the No. 1 spot. The companies are ranked on revenue, earnings growth, and their stock returns over the past three years.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The series chronicling the exploits of Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, plumbers by day and amateur paranormal investigators by night, resumes its fifth season. In this episode, they’re on the trail of an “Inhuman Entity.”
◊“Gordon Ramsay’s F Word” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Actress Jessica Hynes (“Doctor Who”) challenges chef Gordon Ramsay with her macaroni and cheese. And in the restaurant, the diners enjoy a three-course meal cooked by actor Christopher Biggins (“Revelations”) and family.
◊“In a Dream” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This documentary follows artist Isaiah Zagar and his muse and gallerist wife Julia who are fixtures in the South Philadelphia art scene. It was directed by their youngest son, Jeremiah, and offers a portrait of love and betrayal and the strength of family bonds.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Red Skelton is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1950’s “Watch the Birdie” (2:45 p.m.), 1941′s “Whistling in the Dark” (7 p.m.) and 1944′s “Bathing Beauty” (11:45 p.m.).
◊“Time Team Special Edition” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special two-hour presentation from the United Kingdom’s archaeolgy series “Time Team” takes viewers on an expedition to Jamestown, Va. The trip yields some fascinating finds that offer insight into the settlers and their fates.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (8 p.m. on Bravo): Season 6 features two brothers among the 17 chef-testants. Cookbook author, actress and host Padma Lakshmi returns to preside over the judge’s table alongside judges Tom Colicchio, chef/owner of Craft Restaurants; Gail Simmons, Food & Wine magazine; and Toby Young, food critic. Also appearing in the premiere episode is chef Wolfgang Puck.
◊“Top Chef Masters” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the first-season finale, three accomplished chefs stand to face their final challenge — the creation of a four-course meal, with each course inspired by a memoray from their past.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Host Regis Philbin, back for a special 10th anniversary run of the game show, receives a visit from Dan Doody of Seattle. He was nicknamed “Doo dy” by Regis and won $1,000.
THURSDAY, AUG. 20
◊“Blog Cabin” (8 p.m. on DIY): Licensed contractor and home improvement expert Amy Matthews will host Season 3 of the interactive building series. Kevin “O’Connor (“This Old House”) will help create the mountainside vacation home, along with numerous DIY experts including Jason Cameron (“Man Caves”), Jimmy DiResta (“Against the Grain”). Once completed, the cabin will be given away to a lucky sweepstakes winner.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Hodges and Wendy run into each other at a science fiction convention for one of their favorite classic television shows, they end up investigating the murder of one of their beloved actors. Kate Vernon (“Battlestar Galactica”) guest stars as Dr. Penelope Russell.
◊“Models of the Runway” (10 p.m. on Lifetime): This new companion series to “Project Runway” will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the reality competition – from the models’ perspective. Viewers can experience the drama, anxiety, joys, tears and frustrations as the models themselves face elimination each week and compete for a cash prize and photo spread in Marie Claire magazine.
◊“Most Popular” (9 p.m. on WEtv): This game show in which one woman braves a hailstorm of judgement and goes home with up to $10,000 just for being herself, ends its first-season run.
◊“Project Runway” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Heidi Klum returns as host for Season 6. Also returning are mentor Tim Gunn (Liz Claiborne Chief Creative Officer) and judges Michael Kors (fashion designer) and Nina Garcia (Fashion Director of Marie Claire Magazine), who will guide 16 new contestants as they show off their design skills to see who makes the cut for New York’s Fashion Week.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Miriam Hopkins is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1949’s “The Heiress” (5 p.m.), 1932′s “Trouble in Paradise” (8:45 p.m.) and 1935′s “Barbary Coast” (midnight).
◊“Wicked Attraction” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new installment focuses on Alicia Woodward and John Esposito, a young couple that traveled across the country and committed robberies in Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas and Alabama.
FRIDAY, AUG. 21
◊“Deadly Women” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): Back for a third season, this series investigates the motives of female murderers and takes viewers on a journey into the world of women who kill for thrills.
◊“Eureka” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Eureka-fied baby gifts for Allison’s shower push the envelope of eco-friendly design and prove deadly when rival scientists are found drowned. Billy Campbell (“The 4400”) guest stars.
◊“Hard Rock Calling Festival” (8 p.m. on VH1 Classic): Hosts of “That Metal Show” take viewers back stage to the festival held June 12-14 in London. Headliners at the concert in Hyde Park include Bruce Springsteen and the E! Street Band, Neil Young, Dave Matthews Band and Ben Harper.
◊“Invitation Only: Reba McEntire” (8 p.m. on CMT): Country music star Reba McEntire, who was born in McAlester, performs before a small audience in Nashville, Tenn. She also takes questions from fans and delivers revealing and candid answers.
◊“Jockeys” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): As Season 2 starts, the jockeys are inching closer to their dream of riding in the Kentucky Derby. Crey Nakatani, who suffered an injury and was out for two months, is ready to fight his way back to the top.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk assumes the identity of a dead hit man in an effort to foil an assassination plot. Guest stars include Reed Diamond (“Dollhouse”), Tim Bagley (“Will & Grace”) and Eric Balfour (“Six Feet Under”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the FBI is called in to investigate a series of home invasions, the team uses Charlie and his math skills to help profile the suspects, but when his calculations go awry during a raid, Don suffers a life-threatening injury. Michael Gaston (“Fringe”) guest stars.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Gene Hackman is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1961’s “Mad Dog Coll” (5 a.m.), 1964′s “Lilith” (5 p.m.) and 1988′s “Mississippi Burning” (11 p.m.).
SATURDAY, AUG. 22
◊“Acceptance” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Joan Cusack (“Working Girl”) and Mae Whitman (“Arrested Development”) star in the new comedy about the pressures of today’s col;ege admissions process. It is based on the critically acclaimed book “Acceptance: A Novel” by Susan Coll.
◊“Ask Aida” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): In the season premiere, host Alsa Mollenkamp perfects three different types of burgers — a bacon cheeseburger topped with chilo mayo, a canjun veggie burger and cheesey sliders — to satisfy all cravings.
◊“Can You Teach My Alligator Manners?” (5:25 a.m. on Disney): Season 2 of this short-form animated series has Mikey helping his pet alligator, Al, learn about using proper manners in a number of new situations, including at family meals, at the supermarket and on an airplane trip.
◊“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installment focuses on Oklahoma connections in cartoons and comic strips, including the fact that Donald Duck is from Watonga, an Enid man created Dick Tracy and Yogi Bear camps in Eufaula.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Sterling Hayden is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1955’s “Battle Taxi” (5 a.m.), 1949′s “Manhandled” (9 p.m.) and 1952′s “The Golden Hawk” (12:30 a.m.).
◊“Without a Trace” (7 p.m. on CBS): Series star Eric Close (Martin Fitzgerald) directed this episode in which Jack grudgingly agrees to search for Hannah’s boyfriend who disappears after he runs away from Chicago to be with her in New York. Adam Kaufman (boyfriend of series star Poppy Montgomery) reprises his role as Brian Donovan, the father of Samantha’s son, Finn.
–Penny TV
Attention Aspiring Ninjas: G4 Wants You
Last season, G4 sent three American Ninja Warriors to Japan to take on the world’s most difficult obstacle course. This summer, the cable network devoted to the world of video games seeks the nation’s top 10 Ninjas to be a part of the event.
Those who possess all the necessary “Ninja Warrior” attributes — strength, speed, agility, flexibility, stamina and the passion to compete among the world’s top athletes — have until July 31 to submit a video of themselves demonstrating their abilities. On-screen charisma is also key. Go to www.G4tv.com/AmericanNinja for submission guidelines.
Those selected from the video search will be sent to Mount Mioriyama in Japan to attempt the nearly impossible obstacle course. The event will be chronicled and featured on an upcoming episode of “American Ninja Warrior” (8 p.m. Tuesdays on G4, channel 191 on Dish Network, 258 on Cox Digital Cable and 354 on Direct TV).
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for July 19-25, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of July 19:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JULY 19
◊“AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute to Michael Douglas” (8 p.m. on TV Land): Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Matthew McConaughey, Tobey Maguire, Martin Sheen, Oliver Stone, Benicio Del Toro, and Kathleen Turner are among those honoring Michael Douglas as the American Film Institute’s 37th recipient of the award. His father Kirk Douglas, the 1991 AFI honoree, also makes an appearance.
◊“Held Hostage” (6 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Three masked men break into the home of Michelle Estey (Julie Benz, “Dexter”), an asistant bank vice president, and hold her and her daughter captive. It is part of the network’s “Best Seller Summer” and is based on the novel by Michelle Renee.
◊“Hell Hounds” (8 p.m. on Syfy): After his bride (Amanda Brooks, “Flightplan”) is poisoned at their wedding, a young Greek warrior (Scott Elrod, “Men In Trees”) risks a journey to Hades to rescue her from the God of the Underworld and bring her back to life. When he leaves with her, Hades sends his hellhounds to track them down and kill them. Ricky Schroeder (“Strong Medicine”) directed the movie.
◊“HGTV Design Star” (9 p.m. on HGTV): The competition series is back for Season 4 with 11 creative finalists and a judging panel featuring Genevieve Gorder (Dear Genevieve), Candice Olson (Divine Design) and Vern Yip (Deserving Design). The finalists must navigate demanding design challenges and dazzle the judges with creativity until one wins their own show on HGTV.
◊“Labor Pains” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This new original movie stars Lindsay Lohan as an assistant at a publishing company who pretends to be pregnant in order to avoid being fired by her boss. Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Chris Parnell (“Saturday Night Live”), Luke Kirby (“Tell Me You Love Me”), Kevin Covais (“American Idol”) and Janeane Garofalo (“24”) also star.
◊“Life After Film School” (6:30 p.m. on Fox Movie Channel): Film students interview Barry Josephson, producer of the 20th Century Fox release “Aliens in the Attic.” He discusses his new film starring Ashley Tisdale, Kevin Nealon, Doris Roberts and a group of kids who confront
aliens invading their vacation home. The movie opens in theaters July 31.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “They Do It With Mirrors,” Miss Marple must summon all her uncanny attention to detail to solve the case of a murder that takes place during the confusion that ensues when the power goes out during a rehearsal for an amateur show.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): Arthur becomes love-struck with a mysterious girl and stands to lose more than just his heart.
◊“Most Popular” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Graham Norton (“The Graham Norton Show”) hosts this new series that will test an audience of 100 women on snap-judgments that could cost one of seven contestants a cash prize of $10,000. The show kicks off with a special bridal episode featuring brides from the sixth season of “Bridezillas.”
◊“NewNowNext” (11 p.m. on Logo): This new special features an intimate interview with award-winning music artist Stevie Nicks. She discusses various aspects of her career as a solo artist and part of legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac. Nicks also opens up about her own inspirations and future projects.
◊“Pawn Star$” (9 p.m. on History): This new series takes viewers inside the doors of the only family-run pawnshop in Las Vegas, where three generations of men from the Harrison family – grandfather, father and son – amusingly clash while running the business together. Each episode features an array of quirky characters attempting to sell, purchase or pawn items.
◊“Shark Therapy” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian): In an attempt to overcome her shark phobia, Tanya Streeter travels to the shark hot-spot, the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. In this difficult personal journey, she freedives at night amongst feeding white-tips, discovers the curious deep-living zebra shark and comes face to face with the largest fish in the sea, the whale shark.
◊“State of Creativity” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): To prove that Oklahoma lives up to the show’s title, the producers picked one county from which to features stories. The result is 10 stories demonstrating creative ideas from Noble County, including a segment on Travis Brorsen from Perry. Last summer, he showed TV viewers that he has the “Greatest American Dog” by winning the CBS competition series and $250,000.
MONDAY, JULY 20
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): A major shootout leaves two patrol cops and an 18-year-old boy dead with lots of unanswered questions as to what happened and who else might have been involved. The investigation is made all the more difficult by the involvement of Capt. Sharon Raydor (Mary McDonnell, “Battlestar Galactica”) of the Force Investigation Division.
◊“Dating in the Dark” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In this new reality series, three men and three women share a house in which they are sequestered from the opposite sex apart from an opportunity to “date” in a completely dark room. After several days of this blind dating, each participant will pick one member of the opposite sex to be revealed in the light.
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): The families leave Missouri and head out into the prairies of Kansas and Oklahoma to see buffao and the actual setting of “Little House on the Prairie.” The dad must step up to the plate at the “King of the Road: BBQ challenge.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigation include a recording that may have played a part in the World War II treason trial of Tokyo Rose and a diary of a World War II pilot.
◊“Moonshot” (8 p.m. on History): This new special puts viewers in the cockpit alongside the crew of Apollo 11 at the moment when man first lands on the Moon. The dramatization of the Apollo 11 flight is combined with original NASA archival footage converted to high definition, news footage from around the world, mission transcripts, background interviews and other source materials.
◊“Prom Night in Mississippi” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary chronicles the historic journey of Charleston High School in Mississippi that that holds its first integrated senior prom in 2008. In 1997, Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman (??), a Charleston resident, offered to pay for the prom, under one condition: that it be integrated. Though his offer was ignored, he made it again in 2008, and this time, the school accepted.
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): Moments after being acquitted on a weapons charge, one of Jerry’s clients is re-arrested on a parole violation for weapons possession.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Much to Audrey’s dismay, Jeff’s chauvinist father, who expects Audrey to wait on him hand and foot, extends his visit after spraining his ankle. Brian Dennehy (“Murder in the Heartland”) guest stars.
◊“Solved” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This series, back for its second season, goes deep undercover to expose some of the career-defining cases of police officers and FBI agents. Each episodes features a mysterious murder case told through first person accounts.
◊TCM Goes to the Moon: Atronaut Buzz Aldrin joins TCM host Robert Osborne to introduce an evening of movies commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The movie lineup includes 1989′s “For All Mankind” (7:15 p.m.), 1983′s “All the Right Stuff” (9 p.m.) and 1969′s “Marooned” (12:30 a.m.).
◊“Three Sheets” (9 p.m. on FLN): This series, entering its fourth season, follows comedian Zane Lamprey as he engages in drinking customs around the world and befriends the people who take part in them. This season, Zane, who can say “I’m buying” in more than 37 languages, will visit Poland, Iceland, Lithuania, St. Martin, New Zealand, Panama, Namibia, Tuscany, Barbados, New Castle, Hamburg, Amsterdam and Tanzania.
◊“Torchwood: Children of Earth” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In this five-part miniseries, airing over consecutive nights, the future of the human race is in danger as every child in the world stops his routine to announce, ‘‘We are coming.” As Torchwood investigates, a trap closes around Captain Jack (John Barrowman) and sins of the past return as long-forgotten events from 1965 threaten to reveal an awful truth.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Convinced that Alan’s family doesn’t fully appreciate him, Melissa invites Alan to live with her and her mom. Carol Kane (“Taxi”) guest stars.
◊“Wake Up With Al” (6 a.m. on The Weather Channel): In this new weekday morning show, Al Roker (“Today”) will explore all aspects of the day’s weather. He will appear both in the studio, interacting with guests and viewers, and in the field, reporting on the most compelling weather stories of the day.
◊“The Wanted” (9 p.m. on NBC): This new series brings together an elite team with backgrounds in intelligence, unconventional warfare and investigative journalism. It focuses on real operators in search of real targets — all in an effort to see individuals brought to justice.
◊“Yard Crashers” (8 p.m. on DIY): In this series, now in its third season, professional landscape contractor Ahmed Hassan waits at home improvement stores looking for the perfect weekend warrior who could use his help. Once he finds his target, Ahmed and his team follow the surprised shoppers home and transform their yards.
TUESDAY, JULY 21
◊“18 Kids and Counting” (8 p.m. on TLC): While in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., the Duggars meet Dolly Parton (“9 to 5”), who is a Duggar fan. And what will the Duggars and Dolly do when they meet? Sing, of course.
◊“California in Crisis” (8 p.m. on CNBC): The world’s eighth largest economy is on the brink. This news special takes viewers inside the budget impasse, speaking to government officials, CEOs and bondholders. The ramifications of a financial failure here will impact the entire US economy as well as companies and investors worldwide.
◊“The Colony” (9:01 p.m. on Discovery): This new series challenges 10 strangers in a controlled experiment that attempts to determine exactly what it would take to survive and rebuild a functioning new society when the world has been destroyed. With no electricity, no running water and no communication with the outside world, all they have to work with are their skills and whatever tools and supplies they scavenge from their surroundings.
◊‘Hawthorne” (8 p.m. on TNT): The ER is plunged into chaos when the hospital director agrees to take on extra patients because another local ER is closed down. Among the patients is a study partner of Christina’s daughter, Camille.
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chef Gordon Ramsay welcomes 16 aspiring chefs to a sixth course of his unscripted series that begins with a two-hour season. Unlike past seasons, the signature dish challenge becomes a team challenge, pitting the men against the women. After the signature dishes of each team are presented to Gordon, one team will receive a coveted special prize, while the others will experience the agony of losing in Gordon’s kitchen.
◊“Moving Up” (7 p.m. on TLC): Hosted by Doug Wilson, this series follows along as three people move into new homes and renovate and redecorate them. Then, they have a chance to revisit their former house and see the changes – will they like what the new owners have done, or will they regret moving out of their house? In addition to great design tips, this season Doug has some surprises in store for the homeowners that help make the transformation complete. The new series premiere Tuesday, July 21 at 8 PM.
◊“NOVA scienceNow” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment looks at the science of picky eaters, capturing carbon and talking walruses.
◊“NYC Prep” (8 p.m. on Bravo): In the season finale, Kelli works on her singing career by meeting with a prominent voice coach, Taylor has her hands full with schoolwork and social activities and Jessie works on the benefit for Operation Smile.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmmaker Ellen Kuras made her directing debut with “The Betrayal (Nerakhoon),” a harrowing, Oscar-nominated account of how her co-director, Thavisouk Phrasavath, and his family escaped from Laos during the Vietnam War. Their arrival in their new home, however, forced them to face a different kind of war.
◊“Ruby & the Rockits” (7:30 p.m. on ABC Family): This new series stars Patrick Cassidy (“I’ll Do Anything”) as a former teen idol whose quiet life with his wife and two sons is upset when his former Rockits bandmate and brother, played by David Cassidy (“The Partridge Family”), shows up unexpectedly with his newfound teenage daughter, Ruby. Alexa Vega (“Spy Kids”) plays Ruby and also sings the opening title song written by Shaun Cassidy.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Graces chases after a rape and kidnapping suspect on foot and suddenly disappears, possibly becoming his latest victim. But nothing about the situation seems to make any sense, including Earl’s activities close to the investigation.
◊“Starz Inside: Zombiemania” (9 p.m. on Starz): This special traces the evolution of the zombie from its roots in African folklore and Haitian Voodoo to its curent role as pop culture icon. It features clips from a vast library of zombie films and zombie experts.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
◊“Black in America 2″ (7 p.m. on CNN): In the first installment of this two-part special, CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien reports on how community organizers across the country are creating progress and improvements at a local level. Part two airs at 7 p.m. Thursday and focuses on solutions aimed at developing black leaders of tomorrow.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the Mayor’s dead body falls from the ceiling at a charity fundraiser, Stella and her date find themselves in the middle of the crime scene. Craig T. Nelson (“Coach”) guest stars.
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): Team leader Carter has less than 12 hours to wrangle $100,000 in order to save the life of one of his undercover officers.
◊“Deadly Dance Under the Sea” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This marine wildlife documentary film features breathtaking underwater combat scenes where all marine creatues hunt, feed, attack, bite, swallow, hide and fear. From the tiniest creatures to the monster with razor sharp teeth, each has its own hunting and suvival strategy.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): When the Leverage crew tries to get a corrupt mixed martial arts promoter to invest everything he has in a fake cable television network, their con is discovered. Now, Eliot must throw a fight in order to save the day. Professional mixed martial arts fighters Ed Herman (“The Ultimate Fighter 3”) and Matt Lindland (“Ultimate Fighting Championship”) guest star.
◊“Over a Barrel: The Truth About Oil” (9 p.m. on ABC): With Americans facing yet another summer season of rising gas prices, ABC News’ Charlie Gibson has traveled the country to uncover some of the little known secrets of the oil industry, including why prices fluctuate so much and who exactly is pulling the strings. One of his stops is at a remote outpost in Cushing, where the price of a barrel of oil there dictates the price nationally.
◊“The Philanthropist” (9 p.m. on NBC): Teddy takes his ex-wife on a journey as he tells her about his business venture to Kosovo, a country full of depression and poverty since the 1990s when the Serbian army attacked the Albanian Muslims, who make up the majority of the population.
◊“Radical Hollywood Remedies” (9 p.m. on E!): This special takes an inside look at the trends and treatments found at the most elite Hollywood spas and doctor’s offices. It examines the ins and outs of the elaborate and sometimes scary treatments that have helped make the stars who they are.
◊“Time Team America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The team digs into the lives of freed slaves at the site of an Illinois town founded by a freed slave.
◊“Toddlers and Tiaras” (9 p.m. on TLC): This chronicles the lives of tiny beauties and their passionate parents as they stop at nothing to win the ultimate crown at America’s top child beauty pageants. Season 2 will feature more state and national level competitions, including the several pageants by Gold Coast Pageants — the pageant system that inspired the movie “Little Miss Sunshine.”
◊“Wide Angle” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This new documentary “The Market Maker” follows an Ethiopian economist, who sets up her country’s first commodities exchange in hopes of revolutionizing Ethiopia’s market system and end its food shortages. Unfortunately, she hadn’t counted on the disastrous collapse of the global financial market.
THURSDAY, JULY 23
◊“16 & Pregnant” (9 p.m. on MTV): The finale special hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky will feature all six teen mothers profiled in the first season. Dr. Drew will discuss each girl’s episode and update viewers on what’s going on in their lives now. This open discussion will address the controversial topics from Season 1, including birth control, adoption, abortion, marriage, religion, gossip, finances, high school graduation and employment.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When the CSIs are called to a murder scene at a familiar motel, Nick is thrown for a loop as he pieces together three separate murder investigations that all took place at the same establishment over the course of a year. Taylor Swift (best-selling musical artist of 2008) guest stars as Haley Jones, a teenaged girl whose family runs the seedy Vegas motel.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Derek’s confidence is shaken like never before as he faces off with Addison over what course is best for their dying pregnant patient; Cristina calls the abilities of a renown surgeon into question after she botches a standard procedure; and Bailey, who has decided to pursue a fellowship in Pediatrics, is appalled by the Chief’s less-than-stellar recommendation letter. Faye Dunaway (“Network”) guest stars.
◊“How Do I Look?” (8 p.m. on Style Network): The series returns for a 10th season of giving the fashion challenged a brand new look and a stronger sense of style. The series gets its own makeover, as it moves into a chic new penthouse loft, debuts some cool high-tech tools and spices up each big reveal with celebrity stylist and fashion guru Jeannie Mai as the new host.
◊“The Listener” (9:01 p.m. on NBC): When it appears a serial rapist has struck again, Toby senses Detective Marks’ guilt over failing to convict him on a previous occasion.
◊“Samantha Who?” (7 p.m. on ABC): Sam discovers that billionaire Winston Funk’s (Billy Zane, “Titanic”) ex-wife, Gigi (Angie Harmon, “Law & Order”), played an important role in her life before the accident.
◊“So You Think You Can Dance” (8 p.m. on Fox): On the show’s 100th episode, two of the final eight dancers will be sent home.
◊“Soundstage” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): With their stadium rock riffs and anthem choruses, Chicago-based Fall Out Boys offers up unparralleled energy in this set that includes their recent hits “America’s Suitehearts” and “I Don’t Care.”
◊“Southern Belles: Louisville” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): Shea’s perfect life is turned upside down when she receives some shocking news that no one saw coming on the Season 1 finale.
Also, Kellie makes several impulsive decisions regarding her boyfriend Jeff, and Hadley questions her relationship with bad boy Russ.
◊“Wild Russia” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new six-part documentary reveals the fierce beauty of the country and the animals that have adapted to survive there. It was filmed over three years and focuses on the brown bear, sea eagle, Amur tiger and arctic fox.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
◊“According to Jim” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): When Jim chokes on a shrimp puff, he dies and arrives at Heaven’s gate. With Jim on trial to prove his selfless acts on earth, best friend Andy is summoned to heaven to defend him. As Jim attempts to prove his good works to God (Lee Majors, “The Fall Guy”), his sister-in-law Dana represents the Devil (Erik Estrada, “CHiPs”), arguing that Jim’s selfishness should mean a certain trip to hell.
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on Fox): Celebrity contestants Bill Goldberg (??) and Sugar Ray Leonard (??) return to the classroom to test their knowledge of elementary school subjects ranging from geography and art to math and history. Find out how much information these stars have retained – or forgotten – since their grade-school days.
◊“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (7 p.m. on AMC): Paul Newman and Robert Redford star in this quirky 1969 Western as turn-of-the-century outlaws who become the targets of a posse after committing one too many train robberies. Oscars went to Burt Bacharach and Hal David for their score and the song ‘‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” as well as to screenwriter William Goldman and cinematographer Conrad L. Hall.
◊“The Chopping Block” (7 p.m. on NBC): The remaining two couples battle it out one last time to win the competition. In order to succeed they must remodel the restaurants, come up with a menu and provide service that is above and beyond anything they have achieved so far. Piers Morgan (“America’s Got Talent”) guest stars.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): In this episode directed by series star Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melinda confronts a crisis that grips the whole town — the unearthing of a grave that leads to a mass haunting. But that’s not nearly as scary to her as the woman who shows up to accept the engagement ring Sam bought for her.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team has only four hours to stop a group of hijackers who take a bus full of Hollywood tourists hostage. Fisher Stevens (“Early Edition”) guest stars.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): Chef Claire Robinson returns for a second season of straightforward cooking that proves delicious dishes need no more than five ingredients – making cooking easier and faster.
◊“Being Human” (8 p.m. on BBC America): This new series revolves around three twenty-somethings and their secret double-lives – as a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. Russell Tovey (“Doctor Who”), Lenora Crichlow (“Doctor Who”) and Aidan Turner (“The Clinic”) star as housemates trying to live normal lives, despite their strange and dark secrets.
◊“The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): Bill gets upset when he finds out Susan and her friends discuss their husbands during girls-only game night, and he’s determined to find out what has been said about him.
◊“Dances With Wolves” (7 p.m. on AMC): Kevin Costner directed and starred in this 1990 Academy Award winner for best picture. Costner plays an idealistic Civil War lieutenant who befriends a Sioux tribe. The picture also won Oscars for best director, screenplay, cinematography, film editing, music and sound.
◊“Dirty Sexy Money” (9 p.m. on ABC): Now a partner with Simon Elder, Tripp asks Patrick to try to reverse Congressman Charles Whatley’s (John Schneider, ??) standing against Simon’s bio-fuel that Tripp had helped influence many years earlier. And Simon tells Nola that he suspects that Jeremy’s amnesia isn’t real.
◊“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): The locally-produced show seeks out wheelchair accessible tourists destinations and explores Robbers Cave State Park on horseback.
◊“GoldenEye” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Pierce Brosnan makes his entrance as dashing Agent 007 and does a credible job filling the natty shoes of his predecessors. Perhaps even more importantly, the special effects, gags and drop-dead gorgeous women appearing in this recent James Bond outing live up to the high standards of previous films.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): In the series finale, Jack and William make plans for Jack to take his father’s place as King of Gilboa. To everyone’s surprise, Silas is alive and David escapes Shiloh to warn Silas about the chaos to come. Macauley Culkin (“Home Alone”) guest stars.
◊“Primeval” (7 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 3 finale, Helen Cutter decides the only way to stop the destruction of life on Earth is to stop humans ever evolving. So she goes back in time to the Pliocene period, intent on poisoning the very first humans that evolved in the Rift Valley in Africa.
◊“The Star Wars Spectacular” (1 p.m. on G4): This two-hour special will feature never-before-seen footage, breaking news, surprise announcements, guest stars and more. In addition, G4 will present three hours of live coverage from the San Diego Comic-Con floor beginning at 3 p.m.
◊“True Jackson, VP” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): True finds out that she will be helping the Mad Style team create a window display for the fanciest department store in New York City. True is especially excited about this assignment since it has been a childhood dream of hers. Willow Smith (daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith) guest stars.
–Penny TV
