The latest television news from NewsOK.com

“American Restoration” series premieres April 15 on History Channel

 

“American Restoration,” a half-hour series centered on Rick’s Restorations in Las Vegas, Nev., premieres with back-to-back episodes at 9 p.m. Friday on the History Channel, according to a news release.

The owner of Rick’s Restorations, Rick Dale, looks at every new project as a unique challenge, whether it’s a Prohibition-era slot machine, a vintage candy machine missing many of its moving parts, or a 1940s U.S. mail box that needs refurbishing.

“American Restoration” tells the story behind these items and more, as Dale runs the family business.

“There’s no owner’s manual for what we do, but there’s no job we can’t handle,” Dale is quoted as saying in the news release.

Leftfield Pictures produces “American Restoration” for the History Channel.

Brent Montgomery and Colby Gaines serve as executive producers for Leftfield Pictures and Matthew Braley is co-executive producer; with David McKillop and John Verhoff serving as executive producers for the History Channel.

---

TV Premieres and Finales airing April 25-May 1, 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 April 25.
   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
••”Ray Johnston Band: Road Diaries,” 7 p.m. Sunday on HDNet (series premiere).
••”America the Story of Us,” 8 p.m. Sunday on History (series premiere).
••”Into the Universe With Stephen Hawking,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (series premiere). 
••”Girl Meets Gown,” 9 p.m. Sunday on WE (series premiere).
••”River Monsters,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••”Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern,” 9 p.m. Monday on Travel Channel (fifth-season premiere).
••”Food Party,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (second-season premiere).
••”Dinner With the Band,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (series premiere).
••”The Hills,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (seventh-season premiere).
••”The City,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (second-season premiere).
••”Sunset Daze,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on WE (series premiere).
••”Happy Town,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••”When I Was 17,” 10 a.m. Saturday on MTV (series premiere).
••”10 on Top,” 10 a.m. Saturday on MTV (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” 8 p.m. Monday on Logo (second-season finale).
••”Runaway Squad,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (series finale).
••”The Life & Times of Tim,” 8:30 p.m. Friday on HBO (second-season finale).
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” 7 p.m. Friday on NBC (first-season finale).
••“Bill Moyers Journal,” 7 p.m. Friday on OETA-13 (series finale).
••”I Shouldn’t Be Alive,” 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (third-season finale).

Pictured above: Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking of England presents a lecture titled, “Out of a Black Hole” at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, Monday, April 5, 2010. His new series “Into the Universe With Stephen Hawking” premieres April 25 on Discovery. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

---

Top 55 TV Programs for April 25-May 1, 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 April 25:

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 2010
••2010 Nadia Comaneci International Invitational (8 p.m. on KAUT-43): Olympic gymnastics champ Nadia Comaneci hosts this event along with her husband, Olympic champion and for University of Oklahoma gymnast Bart Conner. The competition taped February at the Cox Arena in Oklahoma City features future gymnastics stars from around the country, as well as athletes from the top clubs in Romania, the Ukraine, Australia, Peru, Canada, Israel, Venezuela and Mexico.
••”The Amazing Race” (7 p.m. on CBS): When teams face two roadblocks in a single leg for the first time on the series, two teams discover just how costly cab rides can be.
••”America the Story of Us” (8 p.m. on History): Liev Schreiber (“Taking Woodstock”) narrates this new 12-hour series that chronicles the story of how America was invented. It covers 400 years of American history, looking at the moments where Americans harnessed technology to advance human progress.
••”Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): More than one member of the Walker family suspects she might be pregnant, Nora offers to take her aging mother in (Marion Ross, “Happy Days”) when it’s discovered she has dementia, and Luc gets an exciting delivery in the mail.
••”Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): Donald Trump mixes up the teams and assigns them to create an original celebrity workout for 24 Hour Fitness and bring in donations.
••”Deadly Honeymoon” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Two young Denver newlyweds, Lindsey (Summer Glau, “Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles”) and Trevor Forrest (Chris Carmack, “Drop Dead Diva”) embark on their honeymoon cruise. What begins as a dream vacation devolves into a night of wild partying, infidelity and strange encounters with a group of passengers.
••”The Emeril Lagasse Show” (7 p.m. on ION): Chef Emeril Lagasse and special guest Sherri Shepherd (“The View”) enjoy a Hawaiian-themed celebration on this “Staycation” episode.
••”Girl Meets Gown” (9 p.m. on WE): This new series reveals what it truly takes for a bride-to-be to find the perfect gown that will compliment her style and make her shine on the most important day of her life. The creative and hard-working team at Stardust Celebrations in Dallas, one of the largest bridal boutiques in America, help the brides in their quest.
••”Into the Universe With Stephen Hawking” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In this four-part series, viewers will gain access to the mind of professor Stephen Hawking, who is physically confined but mentally free to explore the mysteries of the universe.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): The Marines, including the newly christened “Sledgehammer,” continue the battle of Peleliu against an enemy determined to fight to the last man.  Devastated by the loss of a revered leader, and witnessing unimaginable barbarity on both sides, Sledge veers to the very edge of moral collapse.
••”Ray Johnston Band: Road Diaries” (7 p.m. on HDNet): This eight-part series follows Ray Johnston, a cancer survivor and former Dallas Maverick point guard, as he and his band travel across the country trying to make it in the music business. The true focus and backdrop is the uplifting, behind-the-scenes story of the band’s leader, Ray Johnston, and his heroic battle with leukemia.
••”The Real Story: The Exorcist” (9 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Perhaps the scariest part of thye 1973 movie “The Exorcist” is that it’s not a work of complete fiction. This is the story of the ritual that took place in 1949 to rid a boy of demons, culled from witness accounts and written records. The events that inspired the film are detailed along with interviews of top neuroscientists who try to determine whether the forces at work were supernatural or psychological.
••”River Monsters” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Extreme angler and biologist Jeremy Wade goes on a worldwide mission to solve freshwater fish mysteries. Season 2 will take him to such locations as the Congo, Thailand, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Alaska and Florida to try to capture some amazing creatures and tell their tales.
••”TV Land Awards ’10″ (8 p.m. on TV Land): Tim Allen (“Home Improvement”) hosts the eighth annual event dedicated to reuniting and celebrating some of the most memorable TV performers of the past. Among the schedule honorees are the casts of “Glee,” “Charlie’s Angels” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
••”When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story” (8 p.m. on CBS): Spanning more than 30 years, this Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation is based on the true story of the enduring but troubled love between Lois Wilson (Winona Ryder, “Mr. Deeds”), co-founder of Al-Anon, and her alcoholic husband Bill Wilson (Barry Pepper, “Saving Private Ryan”), co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010
••”10 Things I Hate About You” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Bianca plans to take first place in Padua High’s talent show. That is, until Chastity steals her song. Josie Loren and Cassie Scerno from “Make It or Break It” guest star.
••“24” (8 p.m. on Fox): With only six hours left, the clock races toward the series finale as President Allison Taylor faces impossible choices and much to the dismay of CTU, she enlists a private security firm to complete a sensitive task led by Mark Bledsoe (D.B. Sweeney, “Eight Men Out”).  Meanwhile, Jack calls in a favor to his old friend Rick Vickers (Michael Madsen, (“Reservoir Dogs”) before he embarks upon a crucial mission of his own.
••”American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The documentary “My Lai” examines one of the darkest chapters of the Vietnam War: the 1968 My Lai massacre, its cover-up and the soldiers who broke rank to halt the attrocities.
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in Hour 2 from Phoenix include a 1982 bronze maquette by renowned sculptor Henry Moore and an heirloom amethyst jewelry collection.
••”Beyond Conviction” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows the courageous journey of three individuals as they face their assailants and hope to find peace and salvation.
••”The Big Bang Theory” (8:31 p.m. on CBS): A visit from Leonard’s mother (Christine Baranski, “The Good Wife”) delights Sheldon and horrifies Leonard.
••”Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): Host Andrew Zimmern’s appetite for the most unique foods is never satisfied. In the Season 5 premiere, he travels to Thailand to sample whole-roasted bamboo rat, cow bile and dung beetles, among other local delicacies.
••“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): When Lily’s ex-husband, Dr. William van der Woodsen (Billy Baldwin, “Dirty Sexy Money”), shows up unexpectedly in Manhattan, Serena finally gets the reunion she has so desperately wanted with her father, but the circumstances turn out to be far from ideal.
••“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): House and the team take on the case of a woman Julia (Sarah Wayne Callies, “Prison Break”), who is in an open marriage and becomes ill during a date with her on-the-side boyfriend. Meanwhile, House tests Wilson’s relationship with Sam (Cynthia Watros, “Lost”).
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Barney freaks out when Marshall bequeaths a “slap bet” slap to Ted and Robin. Meanwhile, Lily’s estranged father (Chris Elliott, “Everybody Loves Raymond”) shows up for Thanksgiving.
••”Law & Order” (9 p.m. on NBC): When a mother of 10 adopted special needs children is found dead, the detectives uncover an affair and a reality TV show offer. Jim Gaffigan (“My Boys”) guest stars.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Audrey forces Jeff to give up his hockey tickets and go to her boss’s party with her instead, he spends the night trying to avoid learning the score of the game. At the game, meanwhile, Russell is mortified when Timmy roots against the home team.
••”Runaway Squad” (9 p.m. on A&E): In the series finale, New York City provate investigator Joe Mazzilli continues to hunt down runaways and reunite them with their families.

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2010
••”9 By Design” (9 p.m. on Bravo): With the birth of their seventh child, Bob and Cortney Novogratz invite friends and family to their home to celebrate baby Major’s christening that will include a live performance from their good friend, singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega.
••”30 for 30″ (7 p.m. on ESPN): The documentary “Run Ricky Run” features footage of NFL running back Ricky Williams recorded during his time away from football. He became a media punching bag when he left the sport in 2004, but he has since redeemed himself as a father and a teammate.
••“90210” (7 p.m. on Fox): The gang is preparing for the SAT’s when Silver disagrees with Teddy’s decision to skip college to focus on his tennis career and things grow even more tense when she meets his movie star father, Spence (Ryan O’Neal, “Miss Match”).
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The remaining seven contestants head to Dallas to inspire Texans to get healthy and join them as they run a 5K at the Cotton Bowl. Sesaon 8 fan favorite Abby Rike makes a special appearans and invites Jillian to speak at her old high school.
••”The City” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): In Season 2, Whitney Port, Roxy Olin, Olivia Palermo and Erin Kaplan continue to traverse the New York City fashion industry and their relationships with each other.
••”Dinner With the Band” (9:30 p.m. on IFC): Hosted by New York City chef Sam Mason, this new cooking show combines culinary delights, musical performances and conversations with select acclaimed indie music artists. Artists scheduled to appear include Rufus Wainwright, The Devil Makes Three, The Mountain Goats, Andrew WK, My Brightest Diamond, Murder City Devils, Lightspeed Champion, Theophilus London and Vega.
••”Explorer” (9 p.m. on National Geographic): The new episode “Fatal Insomnia” looks at an extremely rare disease passed down through generations. The primary symptom of FFI — fatal familial insomnia — is sleeplessness, but with a tragic twist: Victims are dead within months.
••”Food Party” (9 p.m. on IFC): Brooklyn fringe artist Thu Tran created and hosts this series, which returns for a second season., Shot on location in Brooklyn in a handmade, technicolor cardboard kitchen, Thu interacts with a cavalcade of puppets, humans, baked goods and vegetables, as the gang embarks on journeys to bizarre and unexpected lands. 
••”Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment looks at the vaccine war, in which scientific medicine and the public health establishment are battling a coalition of paents, celebrities, politicians and activists over wther vaccines are a great achievement or a scourge on health.
••”Future Food” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): The staff at MOTO restaurant in Chicago let a bunch of youngsters come up with menu ideas, which include eyeballs, deep fried deer head with tree bark utensils and dirty socks with rocks — all made out of vegetables.
••”Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Kurt sets his dad (Mike O’Malley, “Yes, Dear”) up with an unexpected partner, and Sue demands that the Cheerios go on a crazy diet in preparation for a big interview with “Splits” magazine. Meanwhile, April Rhodes (Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies”) returns to save Will and the glee club.    
••”The Hills” (9 p.m. on MTV): In the seventh and final season, fans can expect to see Audrina Patridge dating singer Ryan Cabrera and Kristin Cavallari dealing with rumors of drug abuse. But will former star Lauren Conrad return for the big goodbye? Maybe.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): Gibbs and Special Agent T.C. Fornell (Joe Spano, “NYPD Blue”) try to uncover the truth when a polygraph specialist’s night job takes a dangerous turn that leads to murder.
••”NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): NCIS investigates the murder of a Navy officer entangled in the world of Hollywood glitz and glamour as the team is joined at Hetty’s request by LAPD liaison Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen, “Fired Up!”).
••”Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Mind Over Money” delves into arguments about the world of finance and explores behavioral economics, which aims to incorporate human psychology into finance.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2010
••”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a grief-stricken Hotchner takes a leave of absence from the Behavioral Analysis Unit to ponder his future career, Rossi and the team must regroup to solve a home invasion case. Rena Sofer (“Blind Justice”) guest stars.
••”Desperate Landscapes” (9 p.m. on DIY): Host and licensed contractor Jason Cameron visits the Las Vegas home of magician Penn Jillette (“Dancing With the Stars”) for a landscape renovation. It took Jason Cameron and his team 16 hours of sweat to turn Jillette’s 10,000 square foot front yard into an oasis complete with artificial turf, desert plants and more.
••”Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): David Tennant (“Doctor Who”) reprises his role as the melancholy Dane in this television adaptation of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed 2008 stage production of “Hamlet.” The presentation also stars Patrick Stewart (X-Men”) as King Claudius, the murderer of Hamlet’s father.
••”Happy Town” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): This new drama focuses on the residents of Haplin, Minn., also known as “Happy Town.” They have enjoyed an uneasy peace for the past five years, but that is about to change. Still haunted by a number of unsolved kidnappings, Haplin now faces a disturbing new crime that brings all of its unresolved fears to the surface.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): When a man is accused of murdering his daughters, detective Stabler’s former partner (Sharon Stone, “Bobby”) takes the case.
••“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): Zoe enlists the Lightman Group to investigate a star college football player accused of statutory rape. Jennifer Beals (“The L Word”) and James Marsters (“Angel”) guest star.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Matthew and Richard try to evict an elderly lady (Marion Ross, “Happy Days”) from the apartment they want to rent.
••”Sunset Daze” (9 p.m. on WE): This new reality series set in a retirement community in Surprise, Ariz., reveals seniors reconnecting with their youth and having the best time of their lives.

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010
••“Ask a Lawyer 2010” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This annual community service provided by the Oklahoma Bar Association gives the public the opportunity to call in during the live broadcast and speak with attorneys on various areas of the law.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): A legendary comic from the good old days of Las Vegas is set to reunite with his partner on stage for one night only, until one half of the famous duo is found dead. Tim Conway (“The Carol Burnett Show”) guest stars as legendary comic Knuckles Pratt and Jennifer Tilly (“Out of Practice”) guest stars as his wife.
••”Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): While Walter deals with some upsetting news, he tells Olivia’s niece a fairy tale that includes musical performances by Olivia and Angent Broyles.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Matthew Broderick (“The Producers”), Sarah Silverman (“The Sarah Silverman Program”) and Martin Short (“Damages”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a media mogul is murdered, Patrick Jane and the CBI team investigate cult leader Bret Stiles (Malcolm McDowell, “Entourage”), who may have had an axe to grind following the publication of a critical story about his group.
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Pam and Jim work on their first sales pitch together to Donna (Amy Pietz, “Aliens in America”), the manager of a local restaurant. But Michael keeps misreading the signals she’s putting out.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this installment, journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones sets out to prove that the allegations of child abuse against Michael Jackson were as responsible for his early death as sleep-inducing drugs.

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010
••“Bill Moyers Journal” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In his final program, host Bill Moyers reports on people  working for a chance and has a “World of Ideas” conversation with a leading public thinker.
••”I Shouldn’t Be Alive” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): A former special forces man travelled to the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania to go on a solo hiking expedition. The trip takes a turn for th4e worse when he is swept off a ledge by an avalanche.
••”The Life & Times of Tim” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 2 finale, Tim loses his job when the Chairman of Omnicorp flies in from the United Kingdom.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are The Killers, Chairlift and Florence and The Machine.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): After a neighbor (Jonathan Silverman, “In Case of Emergency”) is murdered, Allison’s fears for her own family prompt her to install a high-tech talking burglar alarm, which she later suspects may be communicating with Marie.  Also, Ariel meets a ghost (Greg Germann, “Ally McBeal”) who could help her get into the college of her choice.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): In order to show the importance of their facility, Dr. Proctor is forced to give a speech proving just how vital he and his team are in the minutes following a major accident. Shari Belafonte (“Hotel”) guest stars as Kimberly Davis, a hospital donor and Mike Farrell (“M*A*S*H,” “Providence”) guest stars as Dr. Carl Willis, a hospital administrator.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Director Spike Lee (“Do the Right Thing”) learns about his ancestors in the Season 1 finale. The one question that he wanted answered — “Who owned my family?” — takes him to Texas, where he comes face to face with an unlikely relative.

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2010
••”10 on Top” (10 a.m. on MTV): Lenay Dunn hosts this new show that countdowns the Top 10 most texted and talked about young celebs of the week. Viewers will get the very latest on their favorite superstar entertainers, what deals they landed, whose hearts they broke and whose star is shining brightest.
••”Accused at 17″ (8 p.m. on Lifetime): When 17-year-old Bianca’s two best friends find out that Bianca’s boyfriend cheated on her with a classmate, all three play a prank on the girl that goes horribly wrong. Nicole Gale Anderson (“Jonas”) and Cynthia Gibb (“Fame”) star.
••“Brothers” (11:30 p.m. on Fox): Mike and Chill hire their cousin Kenny (Snoop Dogg, “Soul Plane”), a shady lawyer who specializes in debt and fraud, to recover Mike’s laundered assets. But when Kenny is only able to locate funds donated to a children’s charity, Mike wrestles with a tough decision.
••”Dov Davidoff: The Filthy Operation” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Dov Davidoff’s urban flavor, Jersey accent and ADD comedic style brings out the funny in such issues as prejudice in politics and school lunches, gay rights, the relationship between transvestites and transformers and why men don’t stop for directions.
••”The Mentalist” (8 p.m. on CBS): While Jane and the team examine a crime scene where a baseball scout was found murdered, Jane is clocked in the head by a ball and flashes back to his childhood with his overbearing father (Nick Chinlund, “Desperate Housewives”).
••”When I Was 17″ (10 a.m. on MTV): In this enlightening new series, each episode will focus on the lives of three uniquely different celebrities. It will explore their family life, friendships, romantic relationships, part-time jobs and the things they did, or didn’t do, to get them to where they are today.
••”Made Presents: Kiss & Tell: The Do’s and Don’ts of Dating” (11 a.m. on MTV): The experts of “Kiss & Tell” teach an insecure high school boy how to become a more confident and romantically successful individual. Viewers will also hear firsthand from teenage girls about what they look for in a boyfriend.

–Penny TV

---

Top 55 TV Programs for March 28-April 3, 2010

 Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 28:

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010
••“Amish Grace” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Kimberly Williams-Paisley (“According to Jim”) stars in this movie based on a true story about the aftermath that followed the 2006 schoolhouse shooting in the Amish community of Nickel Mines, Penn. The film examines a mother’s personal journey as she copes with the loss of her daughter and struggles with her community’s belief of the transcending power of forgiveness.
••”Bubba’s World” (9 p.m. on Fuel TV): This new docu-series provides exclusive access into the daily life of motocross racer James “Bubba” Stewart, who completed a perfect outdoor national motocross season in 2008 and won the Supercross Championship in 2009. The premiere will be simulcast on Fox Sports Net, Speed Channel and Fox Reality Channel.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): When ballistics tie a recent murder case of Rush’s to a serial killer who was seemingly inactive for 27 years, a tough FBI agent with ties to Stillman shows up to enlist the team’s aid in finding the killer who has eluded her for 30 years. Susanna Thompson (“Once and Again”) guest stars.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Clint Black (country singer) joins the design team in Daviess County, KY, to tell Steve and Melissa Mattingly that their single-wide trailer will be replaced by a newly constructed home built in just seven days.
••”How to Make It in America” (9:05 p.m. on HBO): While Ben is getting tight with Julie, Rachel is put off by Darren’s sudden offer to let her and Edie (Martha Plimpton, “Parenthood”) design a hotel.  To pay off an overdue debt to Rene, Cam and Ben agree to hand out Rasta Monsta samples at Union Square, but cut the job short to retrieve their tees from the silk screener.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Sharpe’s Challenge,” British soldier-heo Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean, “The Lord of the Rings”) comes out of retirement to quash a rebellion in British India and rescue his old friend. Padma Lakshmi (“Top Chef”) guest stars as Madhuvanthi, a schemer who is out to seduce Sharpe.
••”Merlin” (9 a.m. on Syfy): This series, which aired last summer on NBC, is set in the mythical city of Camelot where magic has been banned by the ruthless tyrant Uther Pendragon. All 13 episodes from Season 1 will air back-to-back in this 13-hours marathon, and Season 2 will premiere at 9 p.m. Friday on Syfy.
••”New Pollution” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): Professional surfer Matt Beacham returns for a fourth season of introducing viewers to the next generation of action sports athletes no older than 16 who are proving their skills in the hills, waves, water and streets across the world.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): After their four-month ordean on Guadalcanal, Leckie and Basilone and thousands of their comrades land in Melbourne, where they are greeted by adoring crowds and hailed as the saviors of Australia.
••“Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): When Duffy dumps Whitey (Martin Mull, “Roseanne”), he moves in with Eddie and Joy as a way of coping, but he quickly overstays his welcome and Joy wants him out.

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2010
••”10 Things I Hate About You” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In the mid-season premiere episode, Kat and Patrick are caught skipping school and both get suspended. Meanwhile, Bianca has her own problems after a secret make-out session with Joey is caught on video.
••”Castle” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In “Boom,” the second part of the story begun in “Tick, Tick, Tick …,” the serial killer remains at large and is taunting Castle, Beckett and Jordan Shaw (Dana Delany, “Desperate Housewives”) to catch him.
••“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Chuck finds himself once again at odds with his uncle, Jack Bass (Desmond Harrington, “Dexter”).  Rufus attempts to get Jenny (Taylor Momsen) back on track by volunteering to have her help with Eleanor’s fashion show, but the opportunity takes a big turn for the worse when Jenny learns that Agnes (Willa Holland, “The O.C.”) will be one of the models.
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): In the Season 3 finale, the students of Cyprus-Rhodes University are on Spring Break in Myrtle Beach, which means the year is winding down and the seniors have big decisions looming over their heads. Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”) guest stars.
••“Iraq In Fragments” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This 2007 Academy Award nominee for best documentary feature chronicles the challenging journeys of individuals living within the war-torn country of Iraq.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): To make Audrey happy, Jeff begrudgingly agrees to see a couple’s therapist (Alan Ruck, “Spin City”). Meanwhile, Russell develops a crush on Timmy’s fiance.
••”Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Season 4 opens in the immediate aftermath of Grace and Neely’s survived fall from the top of a building. Grace, now known as “Angel Cop” by Oklahoma City residents, decides to have it out with God once and for all.  But a mysterious stranger (Gordon MacDonald, “”Law & Order”) might have something to say about that. Series creator Nancy Miller, an Oklahoma City native, says the final nine episodes of the show will be “a wild and exciting ride. I want (viewers) to come away thinking this was a series that constantly surprised them and gave them Holly Hunter in a character that broke new ground for women on television.”
••”Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (noon on KOCB-34): “Dancing With the Stars” host Tom Bergeron suts in as the featured expert this week, in which contestants will face questions about the “Dancing With the Stars” series in addition to general trivia. Assisting host Meredith Vieira in delivering questions will be “Dancing with the Stars” professional dancers Cheryl Burke, Mark Ballas, Lacey Schwimmer, Chelsie Hightower, Derek Hough and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, as well as judges Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010
••“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Liam catches his stepfather (John Schneider, “Smallville”) with another woman and confronts him with his fist.  Debbie and her instructor, Kai (Greg Vaughan, “General Hospital”) share tea and conversation after yoga, but Kai oversteps his boundaries.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The final nine contestants are delighted to learn from host Alison Sweeney that the game is now going to singles and they’ll all compete as individuals for the rest of the competition.
••”Future Food” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows chefs Homaro Cantu and Ben Roche as they try to change the world one concoction at a time. In the premiere episode, they make creative seafood dishes using everything but fish.
••”Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): On Jan. 12, Haiti was leveled by one of the most devastating earthquakes in recorded history. Correspondent Martin Smith and his team arrived in Port-au-Prince within days, and this report bears witness to the disaster and the ill-coordinated relief efforts in the poorest country in the Western hemisphere.  Drawing on interviews with key officials and humanitarian experts from Port-au-Prince to New York, “The Quake” asks, can the world do better?  And how?
••”The  Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia learns more information about her husband’s fall from grace when she represents the wife of State Attorney Glenn Childs in their divorce. Titus Welliver (“Deadwood”) and Craig Bierko (“Boston Legal”) guest star.
••”Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Whatever It Takes” documents the struggles and triumphs of the first year of an innovative public high school in New York City’s South Bronx.
••”Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Season 9 introduces Saffron Burrows (“Boston Legal”) as Detective Serena Stevens, a highly educated, worldly single parent with a broad range of life experiences to draw upon in solving even the toughest of cases. Teamed with Detective Zach Nichols (Jeff Goldblum), they create a partnership of challenging intellect and street-smart savvy. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio steps into the role of Captain Zoe Callas after an action-packed two-part series premiere.
••”Little Chocolatiers” (9p.m. on TLC): This new series explores the professional and personal lives Steve and Katie Hatch, a little people who are married and run a busy chocolate shop in Salt Lake City.  In the first two episodes airing back-to-back, the Hatches are challenged to build a life-sized chocolate desk and a giant chocolate boom box.
••“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): Ella discovers someone is embezzling from WPK and framing her for it.  Reuniting on this episode are original cast members Heather Locklear, Thomas Calabro, Josie Bissett and Daphne Zuniga.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): With the team’s help, Vance faces his demons while uncovering a complex relationship with a killer that puts his whole family in danger. Penny Johnson Jerald (“24″) guest stars as State Department Official Joanne Torrence.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Max re-joins the baseball team, Drew helps Adam connect with his son. Meanwhile, Sarah strikes up a friendship with Amber’s English teacher, Mr. Cyr (Jason Ritter, “Joan of Arcadia”).
••”The Real Face of Jesus?” (7 p.m. on History Channel): In this two-hour special, a team of graphic experts seeks to to create a living, moving 3D image of the man many believe to be Jesus Christ. The starting point of this journey is an ancient 14-foot linen cloth known as the Shroud of Turin, believed by millions to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ.  Imprinted on the fabric is a faint, ghostly image of a crucified man.
••”V” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In the mid-season premiere episode, Erica finds her life in danger when she’s attacked at home. Also, a dangerous new member is recruited for the Resistance, as the Visitors shore up their defenses.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Grayson introduces girlfriend Sara (Grammy winner Sheryl Crow) to Jules and company. Jules and Sara hit it off, but when Grayson is overly attentive to his new girl, Jules warns him to back off before Sara pulls away.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the culmination of a multi-episode mystery, Mac and his team uncover the dark lair of a murderous madman, the Compass Killer (Skeet Ulrich, “Jericho”).  But as they race to save his fourth victim, the sunrise presents one final surprise that no one ever expected.
••“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chance travels to a remote Alaskan island to find a missing doctor and expose an industrial giant’s involvement in the death of a mining foreman. Moon Bloodgood (“Terminator Salvation”) guest stars.
••”In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): In the Season 3 premiere, U.S. Marshals Mary and Marshall, who work in the secretive branch of the witness protection program, search for the person who nearly killed Mary in the Season 2 cliffhanger.
••”It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): Charlie, Sally, Lucy and Marcie get ready for the big day by making several unsuccessful attempts to prepare eggs for coloring — by frying, waffle-ironing, toasting, roasting and finally making soup out of them — while Linus insists no preparation is necessary. Luckily, the Easter Beagle steps in to take care of everything.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Officer Nate Kendall (Wentworth Miller, “Prison Break”) aids a woman in trouble and becomes roped into solving a rape case. While Detectives Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson believe that Kendall is not right for the case due to his unstable personality, Executive Assistant District Attorney Sonya Paxton (Christine Lahti, “Jack & Bobby”) brings evidence of a common thread among three other rape cases.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine begins seeing a therapist who shares office space with Matthew, although it’s unclear to both whether to pursue therapy or romance. Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”) guest stars as Dr. Max Kershaw, the therapist/love interest.
••”Prison Wives” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This installment follows Juli Cummings, a glass artist from Seattle who is engaged to Richard Sipe, a man serving 71 years at Davis Correctional Center in Holdenville for manufacturing methamphetamine and other violations. Juli is fighting to get him out of prison and prepares to fly to Oklahoma to visit him.
••“The Street Stops Here” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary offers a portrait of high school basketball coach Bob Hurley Sr. and his lifelong commitment to improve the lives of students at an inner city Catholic school in Jersey City, NJ.
••”Tavis Smiley Reports” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special report delves into Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” that he delivered April 4, 1967, at Riverside Church in New York City. He made the speech exactly one year before the date of his assassination.
••”Wa$ted!” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): Host Annabelle Gurwitch is back for a third season of helping homeowners audit waste, energy, water and transportation cunsumption. Her tips help with the eco haven and save participants cash in the process.

THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
••”Adam’s Rib” (7 p.m. on TCM): This 1949 film stars Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy as lawyers working on opposite sides of an attempted-murder case. Guest programmer Raquel Welch (“Thye Three Musketeers”) discusses the film with TCM host Robert Osborne during breaks. She also shares her thoughts on 1939′s “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (9 p.m.), 1961′s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (11:15 p.m.) and 1944′s “To Have and Have Not” (1:15 a.m.).
••”Beasts of the Bible” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This documentary delves into the origins of mysterious Biblical animals and examines the scientific facts behind their existence. The experts debunk myths and uncover Biblical beasts, showing what they might have looked like and who their modern day descendents may be.
••”Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the spring premiere, a subway train is thrown off the track by 60,000 gallons of flood water and a partially skeletonized body emerges out of the overflow. Clea Duvall (“Carnivale”) and Carla Gallo (“Men of a Certain Age”) guest star.
••”Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This documentary tells the inside story of one of history’s greatest business scandals, in which top executives of America’s seventh largest company walked away with over $1 billion while investors and employees lost everything.
••“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the spring premiere, Walter flashes back to 1985 while explaining Peter’s otherworldly origins to Olivia.
••”Fugitive Chronicles” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new docu-drama series brings to life compelling fugitive captures through archival footage, fugitive narrative recreated from real testimony and taped interviews with law enforcement officials. The premiere episode spotlights prison escapee Ralph “Bucky” Philips, a career criminal who spent most of his life in and out of prison.
••”Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of the locally-produced series spotlights The Culinary Institute at Platt College, where chefs who’ve worked all over the world are teaching the next generation what it takes to be the best in their field. The students are prepping for a regional competition that will put them head to head against other culinary schools from 15 states.  Last year, they took bronze.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Patrick Jane, Lisbon and the CBI team brace themselves to finally meet their new boss, Special Agent Madeleine Hightower (Aunjanue Ellis, “True Blood.”
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Pam’s contractions begin but she and Jim are determined to wait it out as long as possible so they can have more time at the hospital. Linda Purl (“Bones”) guest stars.
••”The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Host Drew Carey celebrates April Fools’ Day with special guest Kathy Kinney (“The Drew Carey Show”) As her character, Mimi, she will take over the show as executive producer and makes some unexpected changes, including adding four unusual looking male models and replacing announcer Rich Fields with a man in a monkey suit.
••”Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): When famed neurosurgeon Dr. Ginsberg and her team pay a visit to St. Ambrose to save the life of Kayla, Addison is shocked to see Amelia Shepherd – Derek’s younger sister on the team. Caterina Scorsone (“1-800-Missing”) guest stars.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this installment, journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones uncovers new information about the fall of music industry legend Phil Spector, who worked with some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. Actress Lana Clarkson turned up dead at his home, and the music producer was charged with murder.

FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010
••”Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): When comic book artist Damon Weaver begins drawing his own run-ins with ghosts before they happen, it is up to Melinda and Avery (Margaret Cho, “Drop Dead Diva”) to discover the secrets behind his art.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Yusuf, The Fray and White Lies.
••”Merlin” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In the Season 2 premiere, new servant Cedric (Mackenzie Crook, “The Office”) threatens Merlin’s position as Arthur’s right-hand-man, turning the Prince against his loyal friend.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): This new hospital drama follows a team of surgeons who thrive on the adrenaline rush of working at one of the premiere trauma facilities in the country while drawing upon their wit and irreverence to survive on the edge. As part of the Alpha Team, these professionals exclusively treat patients with life-threatening injuries.
••”A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism” (5 p.m. on HBO): Kate Winslet (“The Reader”) narrates this documentary debuting on International Autism Awareness Day. It charts the journey of a mother searching to unlock her autistic son’s mind. Traveling from Iceland to the United States and Europe, she learns how the brains of autistic children differ from “normal” children and discovers new techniques that could offer a promising future for children with autism, including her son.
••”The Pyramid Code” (7:30 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This 5-part series seeks to unlock the mysteries behind the ancient Egyptians, their technology and sacred cosmology by exploring the Egyptian pyramid fields and ancient temples.
••”Stargate Universe” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the mid-season premiere episode, The Destiny crew discovers a piece of Ancient technology that transports Colonel Everett Young to an unknown alien vessel.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Brooke Shields (“Lipstick Jungle”) traves her father’s family history to one of European aristicracy and royal connections. She also uncovers a tragic secret on her mother’s side of the family that changes the way she feels about her grandmother.
••”Wife Swap” (7 p.m. on ABC): Season 6 opens with a strict family in Alabama swapping moms with a New Jersey family that pampers their children and a collection of 14 plastic dolls they call reborn babies.

SATURDAY APRIL 3, 2010
••”30 for 30″ (3 p.m. on ABC): This installment of the ESPN film series is “Guru of Go” and coincides with the start of the NCAA Men’s Final Four. It documents the non-stop run-and-gun offensive system of Loyola Marymount’s men’s basketball team and the tragic death of star Hank Gathers.
••”Doodlebops Rockin’ Road Show” (9 a.m. on CBS): This new animated and music-filled comedy follows Deedee, Rooney and Moe Doodle on zany adventures through the Doodlenet as they help their young fans solve pre-school-relatable problems. Each episode features two original songs and encourages an understanding and appreciation of music, physical activity and health and promotes open-mindedness.

–Penny TV

---

Top 55 TV Programs for March 14-20, 2010

 Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 14:

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2010
••”30 for 30″ (8 p.m. on ESPN): The new documentary ‘‘Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks” explores how Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers became the most despised opponent of the New YorkKnicks.
••”America’s Worst Driver” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): In this new series, bad drivers in eight cities compete in various driving challenges to identify the worst local driver.  The participant earning the distinction of the worst from each city will watch as their car is destroyed before moving on to the finale.
••”Antonio Treatment” (9 p.m. on HGTV): ‘‘HGTV Design Star” Sesaon 4 winner Antonio Ballatore helps transform lackluster homes, offices, restaurants, stores, recording studios and more into radically original-yet functional-custom creations. In the second hour of the series premiere, he helps Mario Lopez (“Nip/Tuck”) upgrade his home and office gyms from makeshift spaces into a boxer’s paradise. He also receives a visit from boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard.
••”The Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the two-hour Season 3 premiere, Donald Trump divides 14 celebrities into men versus women and instructs them to choose a team name. Their first task is running a New York City diner. The celebrities are Darryl Strawberry, Cyndi Lauper, Bret Michaels, Sharon Osbourne, Michael Johnson, Holly Robinson Peete, Bill Goldberg, Carol Leifer, Sinbad, Summer Sanders, Rod Blagojevich, Maria Kanellis, Curtis Stone and Selita Ebanks.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team reopens the case of a dock worker who was moonlighting as an indy-circuit wrestler until he was shot dead in 1986, and Valens secretly looks into a lead on the man who mugged and raped his mother. Roddy Piper (“The Portal”) and Jay Thomas (“Murphy Brown”) guest star.
••”The Cutting Edge: Fire & Ice” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Figure skater Alexandra ‘‘Alex” Delgado (Francia Raisa), who gave up competing in favor of teaching after her partner became injured, agrees to team up with banned speed skater James McKinsey (Brendan Fehr, ‘‘Roswell”). But their relationship on and off the ice heats up as they get closer to competition.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Gaby and Angie head to New York in search of Danny and Ana. While in the Big Apple, a chance encounter with supermodels Heidi Klum and Paulina Porizkova leads Gaby to an unexpected revelation about herself. Julie Benz (“Dexter”) also guest stars.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team stops in Slaughterville, Okla., to help build a home for Brian and Audra Skaggs. Their son, Jhett, 3, survived a heart transplant at eight months of age, but the family’s moldy, rotting, termite-ridden home poses serious risks to his weakened immune system. Helping with the build are celebrity guest designer Jillian Harris (“The Bachelorette”), Xzibit (“Hoodwinked!”), Ideal Homes of Norman and almost 2,000 volunteers.
••”Fatal Attractions” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This three-part miniseries gets inside the minds of people who own venomous reptiles, deadly big cats and chimpanzees to see what drives their obsessions. While their love, admiration and intrigue is genuine, these exotic pet owners often ignore the fact that their choice of a pet could cost them, innocent bystanders or their beloved pets their lives. It kicks off with the reptile episode, followed by big cats (March 21) and chimpanzees (March 28).
••”Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): In the third-season finale, Miley Stewart faces the biggest decision of her life – whether to say goodbye to her life in Malibu or to listen to her heart and return to her Crowley Corners ranch and beloved horse Blue Jeans in Tennessee. Meanwhile, Jackson moves into his own apartment, Lilly is contemplating what to do after her mom accepts a job in Atlanta and Oliver must decide whether to stay with his two best friends or go on the road to pursue his fledgling music career.
••”Killer Aliens” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): Florida is being overrun by lethal Burmese pythons, feral hogs, Nile monitor lizards and Gambian rats the size of cats. With no natural predators, their populations are spreading disease, destroying vegetation and crops, preying on native species and harming humans.
••”Minute to Win It” (6 p.m. on NBC): Guy Fieri hosts this new game show that leads competitors through a series of challenges using everyday household items. Each game has a 60-second time limit, and 10 have to be completed to win $1 million.
••“National Geographic Magazine’s Top Photos of the Year” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special counts down the Top 10 photos from the magazine and reveals the stories behind the photographs.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): Based on the true stories of three World War II Marines, this 10-part miniseries follows them from their first battle with the Japanese on Guadalcanal to their return home. In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. Sgt. John Basilone (Jon Seda) departs for the Pacific, Robert Leckie (James Badge Dale) joins the Marines, and Eugene Sledge (Joe Mazzello) cannot enlist because of a heart murmur.
••”Sonny With a Chance” (7 p.m. on Disney): Season 2 follows Sonny as she lives out her dream of starring on her favorite sketch comedy show for tweens, “So Random!” in Hollywood. She tries to balance her friendships with the everyday problems that pop up at school and on set.
••”Sons of Tucson” (8:30 p.m. on Fox): This new family comedy follows three young brothers (Benjamin Stockham, Frank Dolce, Matthew Levy) who hire a charming slacker (Tyler Labine, ‘‘Reaper”) to pose as their dad when their real father is sent to prison.
••”Summit on the Summit: Kilimanjaro” (8 p.m. on MTV): This 90-minute documentary features a group of artists and activists as they attempt to reach the top of Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise awareness of the global clean water crisis. Grammy-nominated musician Kenna is the mastermind behind the expedition, and he will be joined by Jessica Biel, Emile Hirsch, Lupe Fiasco, Santigold, Isabel Lucas, Elizabeth Gore, Alexandra Cousteau, Kick Kennedy and more.
••”Til Death” (6 p.m. on Fox): When Joy and Eddie meet their rather unconventional new neighbors, Eddie can’t seem to get the idea of being with a younger woman out of his head. Gilbert Gottfried (“Greg the Bunny”) guest stars.
••“Ultimate Power Builders” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In downtown Guangzhou, China, one of the greenest structures is being built. The 71-storey building known as Pearl River Tower will rely on just wind and sunlight for its power supply.
••”Ultimate Recipe Showdown” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Guy Fieri returns for the third season of this culinary competition. Each episode pits four great home cooks against one another for a $25,000 prize. In this first of six episodes, the contestants have just 30 minutes to dish up the ultimate comfort food recipe.
••”Weather Proof” (8 p.m. on The Weather Channel): In the episode “Tornadoes: The Twisted Truth,” host Newton Wimer creates a special test to reveal just how safe a safe room really is in tornado-like conditions.

MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2010
••”Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): When Castle and Beckett are called to a wedding to investigate the death of a bridesmaid, Castle is stunned to discover that the soon-to-be bride is his old flame, Kyra (Alyssa Milano, “Charmed”).
••“Celtic Thunder  —  It’s Entertainment” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmed in front of a live studio audience in Toronto, this show is musical review spans six decades and reflects the romance and nostalgia of times gone by.
••”CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): After the lab is attacked, Horatio must give in to a gunman’s bizarre request to save five hostages, including the newest CSI team member, Jesse Cardoza. Sharif Atkins (“ER”) and Robert Gant (“Queer as Folk”) guest star.
••”Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Casey carries out a side mission for his old commanding officer (Robert Patrick, “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”) that leads to him committing treason.
••“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): In this episode directed by Andrew McCarthy (“Pretty in Pink”) Rufus and Lily grow suspect of Jenny’s relationship with Damien.
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family”): Casey and Cappie get a surprise visit from Cappie’s parents, April (Lea Thompson, “Back to the Future”) and Tobias (Jim Abele, “24″), who proceed to invite the couple to join them on a camping trip. While at first reluctant, Casey decides to go, in hopes that they may be able to encourage Cappie to choose a major and graduate with her.
••”HGTV Dream Home Giveaway” (7 p.m. on HGTV): A new, contemporary Pueblo-style home near Santa Fe, N.M., awaits the winner of the 14th annual giveaway. Host Jamie Durie (“The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie”) will be on location, using stealth maneuvers to surprise the winner at home.
••”Home Rules” (8 p.m. on HGTV): In this new series, life coach and former WNBA player Fran Harris will explore why a frazzled family is struggling to find harmony at home. After assessing the issue, Fran will help the family establish rules to help ease the pandemonium, and a designer will help create a well-designed space that enhances the family’s life.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barney and Robin hit a rough patch in their relationship, Lily devises the perfect plan to break them up, calling in help from Robin’s famous friend, Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”).
••”Jessica Simpson’s The Price of Beauty” (9 p.m. on VH1): In this new reality series, Jessica Simpson and her closest friends embark on a worldwide tour to examine what constitutes beauty in different cultures and what measures women will take in order to achieve it.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Season 14 features a new search for the greatest driving road in the world, a novel approach to caravanning and the invention of a new motor sport…well sort of. The premiere episode also features Eric Bana (“Hulk”), who does a lap in the reasonably priced car segment.
••”Transform Me” (9:30 p.m. on VH1): Each episode of this new series follows the makeover of one woman badly in need of a transformation — on the outside and inside. They’ll be transformed by three transgender women, including Laverne Cox (“I Want to Work for Diddy”).
••”Zeke and Luther” (6:30 p.m. on Disney XD): Season 2 of the skateboarding comedy series kicks off with an episode that pays homage to a seminal sitcom moment, as Zeke attempts to jump a shark.

TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
••”90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): Ryan meets free-spirited Laurel (Kelly Lynch, “The L Word”) at a bar, but soon they move to her car so they can get to know each other even better.
••“Andrew Rieu Live from Dresden” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Recorded at the Semper Opera House in 2008, this is not only a concert, but also a readl wedding party. The bride and groom are part of the famous “Vienna Debutantes.”
••”Bad Girls Club Reunion Special” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): Perez Hilton (celebrity blogger) hosts this two-part reunion special that concludes March 23. The “Bad Girls” come together for the first time since living together, and mayhem ensues as Hilton instigates rivalries and plans surprise guest visits.  
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chef Curtis Stone (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) stops by to help host Alison Sweeney judge a food cook-off challenge. Each team has 30 minutes to make an appetiser, entree and dessert using only 12 ingredients.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): In an emergency courtroom set up in a hospital, Alicia and Will battle Patti Nyholm (Martha Plimpton, “Parenthood”) and an insurance company that refuses to pay for life-saving in-utero surgery. Alan Cumming (“The L Word”) also guest stars.
••”Justified” (9 p.m. on FX): From the pages of crime novelist Elmore Leonard comes this series about Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant), a no-nonsense deputy U.S. marshal who returns to his native Kentucky to fight crime. In the premiere episode, Givens goes up against a buddy from his youth, Boyd Crowder, who has resurfaced as a violent white-power leader.
••“Love Games: Bad Girls Need Love Too” (10 p.m. on Oxygen): This new dating competition series features three former “Bad Girls Club” members — Amber (Season 3), Kendra (Season 4) and Sarah (Season 3) vying for the man of their dreams from a pool of 13 eligible bachelors. After a series of challenges and intimate group dates each week, in the end, only one Bad Girl and her beau will be left standing.
••”Marriage Under Construction” (10 p.m. on HGTV): This new weekly series follows newlyweds Natalie and Rodney as they purchase, renovate and decorate their new home. An expert foreman and an aspiring designer will help the couple transform their new house into a home as they adjust to married life and managing a household budget.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The team discovers striking similarities between themselves and their Coast Guard Investigative Services counterparts when a Navy diver seeking sunken treasure is found dead. Diane Neal (“Law & Order”) and Shanna Moakler (“Law & Order”) guest star.
••”NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): The investigation of a drive-by shooting has the NCIS team searching Los Angeles for the dead marine’s younger brother who may be the next target and the one with the answers. Sticky Fingaz Jones (“Platinum”) guest stars.
••”Samurai” (7 p.m. on History Channel): Actor/martial arts champ Mark Dacascos (“The Crow”) takes a personal journey in search of the life and legacy of Japan’s most celebrated and enigmatic warrior.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
••”Addicted” (9 p.m. on TLC): This new docu-series will demonstrate the debilitating disease of addiction and how it not only affects the addict but the family as well. Interventionist Kristina Wandzilak will pull from her own experiences to help bring a level of understanding and compassion to the healing process.
••“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When two bodies are discovered at the north and south ends of the city, Mac and the team deftly begin to navigate the trail of evidence left behind by the killer. Skeet Ulrich (“Jericho”) and Sarah Carter (“Shark”) guest star.
••”Destination Truth” (9 p.m. on Syfy): The crew heads to Ireland in search of the legendary leprechaun. Allison Scagliotti (“Warehouse 13″) and Kris Williams (“Ghost Hunters”) are guest investigators.
••”Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary finds out that he and Allison’s divorce papers were never filed, he uses the information to manipulate her into giving him his stuff back. Rachael Harris (“The Hangover”) and Lara Spencer (“Entertainment Tonight”) guest star.
••“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Claire feels slightly inadequate when her old friend, Valerie (Minnie Driver, “The Riches”), visits and is nothing like Claire remembered. Meanwhile Jay has an unsettling locker room moment when he and Cameron go play racquetball.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barb has her lawyer send over divorce papers, Christine hires an aggressive divorce attorney (Corbin Bernsen, “Psych”), who convinces her that Barb owes her alimony.
••”The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): The longest-running game show celebrates St. Patrick’s Day by giving away prizes such as a greem Mini Cooper convertible adna trip to Ireland. With most of the audience in a sea of green, the luck of the Irish seems to work for several contestants who come away as big winners.
••“Priests in Concert at Liverpool” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Internationally acclaimed artists The Priests perfom inspirational classic at the historic Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool, England.
••“Scrubs” (7 p.m. on ABC): On the Season 9 finale, the med students of Winston University finally find something to be thankful for when Cole identifies his true calling in surgery, Drew finds the love of his life and Lucy finds the inspiration to become a doctor.
••“South Park” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): The foul-mouthed fourth-graders return for more shenanigans Season 14.
••”Ugly Americans” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new animated horror-comedy series follows Mark Lilly, a social worker at the “Department of Integration,” as he helps new citizens, both human and “other,” adapt to hectic life in New York City. There are easier tasks than weaning vampires off blood, socializing land-whales and housebreaking werewolves, but Mark is up to the challenge.
••“Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Justin loves his acting class, helmed by the eccentric Lena Korvinka (Carol Kane, “American Dreamer”), and finds himself in an unexpected triangle with his new pals, Austin and Lily. When Betty drops by class, she’s smitten with a cool young playwright whom she will profile for Mode.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2010
••“Afghan Star” (8 p.m. on HBO): Since 2005, millions in Afghanistan have been tuning in to Tolo TV’s “American Idol”-style series. This documentary chronicles contestants on the show and the country’s ongoing struggle for modernity.
••“Archer” (9 p.m. on FX): In the Season 1 finale, questions about the identity of Archer’s real father lead him into a trap and a confrontation with Malory.
••“Benise: The Spanish Guitar” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Flamenco guitarist Benise’s special will transport viewers to exotic place with video, new songs and an ever-changing set.
••”Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Booth’s grandfather Hank (Ralph Waite, “The Waltons”) comes to live with him and tags along as Brennan and Booth investigate ashes and charred remains found by a real estate agent while showing a property to prospective buyers.
••“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mark is suspended from duty at the FBI and must meet with a Bureau-appointed therapist in order to regain his badge. But he resumes his own investigation into his disappearance of Lloyd. The series is scheduled to air without repeats through the end of the season.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”), Martha Stewart (“Martha”) and Cedric the Entertainer (“The Steve Harvey Show”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••“My First Sale” (7:30 p.m. on HGTV): Each episode of this new series follows a different first-time home-seller as he or she face the frustrations of a challenging real estate market. Viewers will get valuable takeaway information and expert advice to help demystify the home sales process.
••”Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): After Jerry gets mugged by a bunch of kids, Leslie meets with the head park ranger (Andy Samberg, “Saturday Night Live”) in hopes of improving park safety.
••“Selling New York” (8 p.m. on HGTV): This new series follows a colorful group of assertive, razor-sharp brokers from two upscale boutique real estate firms, The Core Group and the Kleier family of Gumley Haft Kleier. These realtors will do whatever it takes to sell a property, from scheduling photo shoots and last-minute open houses to pampering a potential buyer with an excursion to New York Fashion Week.
••“Tough as Nails” (8:30 p.m. on HGTV): This new docu-drama follows successful Boston developer Cindy Stumpo as she juggles the demands of running her booming construction business and living her family life.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this installment, journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones uncovers new information about the fall of former football player O.J. Simpson.

FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2010
••“CMT Crossroads” (9 p.m. on CMT): Taped before an invitation only audience, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band bring their tropical tastes and rousing performances to each other’s hit songs such as Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” and “Son of a Sailor” and Zac Brown Band’s “Chicken Fried” and “Toes.”
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Green Day, Bat for Lashes and Starsailor.
••“Thin Ice” (7 p.m. on ABC): Elisabeth Hasselbeck (“The View”) and Kurt Browning (Canadian figure skating champion) co-host this event, in which pro figure skaters compete in pairs for a panel of judges led by Kristi Yamaguchi and Dick Button. The winners are decided by a combination of the judges’ scores and viewer votes and will be revealed March 21. Competitors include Jamie Sale, Patrice Lauzon, Shizuka Arakawa, Shae-Lynn Bourne, David Pelletier, John Zimmerman and Michael Weiss.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Lisa Kudrow (“Friends”) travels from Los Angeles to Belarus and uncovers the answer to her father’s life-long unasnwered question.

SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2010
••“Freakiest Foods” (9 p.m. on FLN): Host Adam Gertler takes a peek as some of the most unique and unusual foods around the country, including pork brain sandwiches, Rocky Mountain oysters and tempura battered tarantula.
••“Handy Manny Big Race” (6 p.m. on Disney): In this primetime special for preschoolers and parents, Manny and the tools hit the motor speedway as a pit crew for the highly anticipated Wood Valley 500. NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. guest stars.
••“Healing Hands” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): A near-death experience leaves Buddy (Eddie Cibrian), a humble janitor, with the ability to heal others through a simple touch, and he feels newly empowered when strangers start coming to him for help. But as his gift begins to jeopardize his own health, as well as his plans with the woman he loves (Lisa Sheridan), he must decide what is more important: others’ futures or his own.
••”Kick Buttowski — Suburban Daredevil” (7:30 a.m. on Disney XD): Kick causes the school bus to get trapped during a blizzard.  Without the support of class president Kendall (Emily Osment, “Hannah Montana”), Kick and Gunther take it upon themselves to rescue their classmates by creating a snowmobile.
••“Moveable Feast” (10:30 a.m. on OETA-13): This special brings together six American chefs, including Oklahoma native Rick Bayless (“Mexico One Plate at a Time”), to represent the diversity of food and culture in the United States.

–Penny TV

---

TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Jan. 17-23, 2010

   Friday is when The Oklahoman
posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Jan. 17.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

BEGINNINGS
••“Human Target,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox (series preview, premieres Wednesday).
••“24,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Fox (eighth-season premiere).
••“I’m in the Band,” 6 p.m. Monday on Disney XD (series premiere).
••“Big Time Rush,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (series premiere). 
••“Life UneXpected,” 8 p.m. Monday on CW (series premiere).
••“The Buried Life,” 9 p.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Be Good Johnny Weir,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on Sundance (series premiere).
••“The Millionaire Matchmaker,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••“White Collar,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on USA Network (winter premiere).
••“Paranormal Cops,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (series premiere).
••“Meteorite Men,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel (series premiere).
••“Being Erica,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (second-season premiere).
••“Mantracker,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel (second-season premiere).
••“The Deep End,” 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC (series premiere).
••“Food Tech,” 8 p.m. Thursday on History (series premiere).
••“Burn Notice,” 9 p.m. Thursday on USA Network (winter premiere).
••“Caprica,” 8 p.m. Friday on Syfy (series premiere).
••“Friday Night With Jonathan Ross,” 8 p.m. Friday on BBC America (18th-season premiere).
••“Man Caves,” 8 p.m. Friday on DIY (fourth season resumes).
••“Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” 9 p.m. Friday on Starz (series premiere).
••“Mexican Made Easy,” 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“The Shift,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Investigation Discovery (second-season finale).
••“Dollhouse,” 8 p.m. Friday on Fox (series finale).

MARATHONS
••“The Unit,” 5 a.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday on Sleuth.
••“Hot Winter Projects,” 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday on DIY.
••“Burn Notice,” 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday on USA Network.
••“Psych,” 5 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Jan. 24 on Sleuth.

 Pictured above: HUMAN TARGET: Christopher Chance (Mark Valley) is a unique private contractor hired to protect his clients from dangerous and imminent threats in the new action-drama HUMAN TARGET airing with a special preview event Sunday,  Jan. 17 on FOX.  CR: Justin Stephens/FOX

---

Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 17-23, 2010

    Sunday’s
Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 17:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, JAN. 17, 2010
◊“24″ (8 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 8 premiere airing over two consecutive nights, Jack Bauer finds himself drawn back into the adrenalized action after he learns of a plot to assassinate a prominent Middle East peacekeeper. Joining the cast this season are Katee Sackhoff (“Battlestar Galactica”), Freddie Prinze Jr. (“Freddie”), Mykelti Williamson (“Boomtown”), John Boyd (“Lady in the Water”), Jennifer Westfeldt (“Notes from the Underbelly”) and Chris Diamantopoulos (“The Starter Wife”).
◊“The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards” (7 p.m. on NBC): The Hollywood Foreign Press Association honors achievement in film and television from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., with Emmy winner Ricky Gervais (“The Office”) hosting the alcohol-fueled ceremonies. Mavis Spencer, daughter of Oklahoma actress Alfre Woodard, helps hand out awards as Miss Golden Globe.
◊“Aziz Ansari: Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Filmed in front of a packed house at the Brentwood Theater in Los Angeles, comedian and actor Aziz Ansari (“Parks and Recreation”) discusses topics ranging from sheets with fraudulent thread counts to the chubbiness of his young cousin, Harris.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Kitty’s friend Buffy (Cheryl Hines, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) steps in where she doesn’t belong, pushing Kitty and Robert to another impasse over politics.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): After a private investigator’s remains are found buried in the cement foundation of a demolished building, Lilly and her team reopen the man’s 1974 murder case and discover the investigator had uncovered several unsavory things for his last few clients. Richard Moll (“Night Court”) and Matthew Willig (former NFL player) guest star.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Xzibit travels with Ty Pennington and the team to Suffield, Conn., to rebuild the small, fire-damaged and deteriorating home of the musical Hill family, who give the gifts of song and inspiration to their community.
◊“Freakiest Festivals” (8 p.m. on FLN): Host Adam Gertier is on a quest to take on America’s most bizarre and extreme festivals and events — from a cook-off in West Virginia where contestants use road kill as the main ingredient to a Colorado coffin race.
◊“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Adapted from a DC Comics book and graphic novel, this new action series follows Christopher Chance (Mark Valley, “Boston Legal”), a unique private security guard who saves his clients’ lives even if it means turning himself into a human target. Assisting him are Chance’s business partner, Winston (Chi McBride, “Pushing Daisies”), and hired gun Guerrero (Jackie Earle Haley, “Watchmen”).
◊“Iron Chef America” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Chef Jose Garces, the winner of “The Next Iron Chef,” represents the Chairman in Kitchen Stadium for his first battle as an Iron Chef.
◊“Live at the Golden Globes With Carrie Ann & Chris” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor”) co-host the red carpet event that will feature interviews with nominees attending the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards.
◊“Why Planes Crash: Breaking Point” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This special hosted by NBC News’ Lester Holt explores the terrifying consequences of plane crashes resulting from structural failure. It features dramatic animations that put viewers right next to passengers facing life or death situations — from an engine loss that caused the deadliest single airplane crash on U.S. soil to a decompression powerful enough to suck a flight attendant out of a plane.
◊“The Wronged Man” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Julia Ormond (“Legends of the Fall”) stars in the true story of Janet “Prissy” Gregory’s 22-year quest to overturn the sentence of wrongfully accused Calvin Willis (Mahershalalhashbaz Ali, “The 4400”).

MONDAY, JAN. 18, 2010
◊“Accidentally on Purpose” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): While working on a story with Sully, Billie gets some surprising news about the newspaper.  Meanwhile, Zack and Davis go into the sandwich business together. Executive producer Claudia Lonow’s brother, Michael Rapaport (“My Name is Earl”) returns as Sully, a sports reporter.
◊“American Character Along Highway 50″ (7 p.m. on USA Network): This special follows journalist Tom Brokaw as he travels across Highway 50 documenting the lives of Americans along the transcontinental road that connects the Pacific to the Atlantic. Brokaw captures the stories of real people and explores how their lives are being impacted economically, politically and culturally during these extraordinary times.
◊“American Pickers” (8 p.m. on History): This new series follows the adventures of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, business partners of Antique Archaeology based in Iowa, who are professional “pickers” trolling America’s small towns to salvage rare collectibles and good junk from regular folks. They get their hands dirty in search of weird and wonderful Americana.
◊“Be Good Johnny Weir” (9:30 p.m. on Sundance): This new eight-part documentary series explores the life of one of America’s most outspoken and colorful sports figures, three-time U.S. National Figure Skating Champion and World Medalist Johnny Weir. He is as comfortable walking in a downtown New York fashion show as he is on the ice, and he is known for giving candid, irreverent, responses at press events.
◊“Beyond Wise Guys” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Narrated by Paul Borghese (“Julie & Julia”) and executive produced by John Turturro (“The Bronx Is Burning”), this documentary shows how Italian-Americans transformed themselves from outsiders, stereotyped by the Hollywood establishment as mobsters, into industry insiders. Featured are interviews with well-known contemporary Italian-American filmmakers who used their heritage to positively shape the art and craft of American cinema.
◊“Big Time Rush” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Four fun-loving best friends from Minnesota trade in hockey practice for vocal lessons in this new musical comedy series that chronicles the making of a music group. They move from Minneapolis to Hollywood after being discovered by an eccentric record executive during a nationwide casting call for a new boy band. But the boys quickly realize they have a very short window to prove to themselves that they are serious about their new career choice. 
◊“The Buried Life” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new documentary series follows Duncan, Ben, Jonnie and Dave, who travel across the country in their purple bus named Penelope in an attempt to cross off items on their list of “100 things to do before they die.” The guys make a promise that for each item they cross off their list, they will help a perfect stranger accomplish one of their goals.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Awesome is mistaken for a super spy by the evil Sydney Price (Angie Harmon, “Law & Order”), Chuck must become his handler and show him the spy ropes.
◊“Fashion Police: The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards” (9 p.m. on E!): Host Joan Rivers will be joined by popular outspoken personalities Khloe Kardashian Odom, Giuliana Rancic and Jay Manuel to assess the fashion choices of Hollywood’s stars attending the event. They will debate over who deserves the titles of fashion’s biggest winners and losers.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Hiro’s life hangs in the balance as his brain tumor worsens, prompting him to subconsciously deal with some of his past decisions. George Takei (“Star Trek”) and David Anders (“Alias”) guest star.
◊“Obama’s America: 2010 and Beyond” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): Moderated by Chris Matthews (“Hardball”) and featuring radio host Tom Joyner, this two-hour special airing live from Texas Southern University in Houston will explore some of the most pressing and provocative issues connected to race and race relations in the U.S.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Marshall insists that his attractibe co-worker, Jenkins (Amanda Peet, 2012), tell Lily what really happened after Lily won’t believe that Jenkins kissed him. Series star Neil Patrick Harris (Barney Stinson) directed this episode.
◊“I’m in the Band” (6 p.m. on Disney XD): This new music-filled comedy series follows a teenager who realizes his wildest dream when he joins his favorite rock band, Iron Weasel.
◊“Improv-Ice” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Hosted by Olympic champions Brian Boitano and Kristi Yamaguchi, the live audience helps give an assist in picking the most innovative routines for the skaters to perform backed by the live music of the rock band the Goo Goo Dolls. Skating champions Sasha Cohen, Nancy Kerrigan, Kurt Browning, Evan Lysacek are among the performers.
◊“Life UneXpected” (8 p.m. on CW): This new series stars Brittany Robertson as Lux, an Oregon teenager who, after bouncing around from one foster home to another, decides to become an emancipated minor. Her quest reunites her with her biological father (Kristoffer Polaha), a bar owner who didn’t even know she existed, and her birth mother (Shiri Appleby), a local radio star.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (5:30 p.m. on Disney XD): Mr. Moseby forbids football on the Sky Deck so the students decide to play fantasy football instead. Cody enlists Kirby to teach him about football, and London unveils her secret weapon – Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kurt Warner.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie endures a colonoscopy to get out of a trip to see Chelsea’s bigoted parents, only to return home and find them in his living room. Stacy Keach (“Titus”) guest stars as Chelsea’s father.

TUESDAY, JAN. 19, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Guest judge Shania Twain (Grammy winner) helps Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi critique the talent at the Chicago auditions.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Host Alison Sweeney surprises the contestants with the news that this will be student/teacher week, in which the contestants on each team assume the role of either teacher or student. The teachers get to work out with the trainers and then have to teach the students what they learned.
◊“Love That Girl!” (8 p.m. on TV One): This new black sitcom stars Tatyana Ali (“Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”) as a young divorcee who returns home to southern California for a second chance in life and a career in her father’s real estate business. The four-episode series executive produced by Martin Lawrence (“Martin”) opens with back-to-back episodes and airs over three consecutive nights.
◊“The Millionaire Matchmaker” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In Season 3, matchmaker Patti Stanger and her staff once again give their big-bucks clients complete transformations with the help of personal shoppers, date coaches and therapists. In each episode, two wealthy clients are set up on dates hand-picked by Stanger based upon their beauty and intelligence.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): An international team of archeologists, architects and engineers is racing against time to save the Sphinx from erosion.
◊“Paranormal Cops” (9:30 p.m. on A&E): This new series follows a group of Chicago-area police officers who apply their forensic and investigative expertise to paranormal casework. Responding to the pleas of people who are victimized by distressing and inexplicable activities in their homes and workplaces, these cops bring their no-nonsense approach to hunting ghosts and real-life police skills to separate the fact from fiction.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Julianna Margulies (“The Good Wife”) helps Big Bird when he hurts his wing. Matthew Fox (“Lost”) presents the “Word on the Street”: “Bone.”
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): The winter premiere begins where the fall season cliffhanger left off with the tables turned between Neal and Peter. After going deep into the underworld of corrupt Wall Street brokers, the question remains as to whose side Peter is on.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Guest judge Kristin Chenoweth (“Pushing Daisies”) helps Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi critique the talent at the Orlando auditions.
◊“Being Erica” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): In Season 2, Erica is more experienced in the ways of time travel and therapy. As she continues to move forward in her journey, she will come to understand that changing her life isn’t a quick fix. It involves facing an ever-expanding series of challenges.
◊“Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Alan Alda gets a highly detailed scan of his brain, which for a man in his early 70s in in remarkably good shape. He learns that the human ability to imagine fires most fiercely when we are doing nothing at all.
◊“Human Target” (8 p.m. on Fox): Chance and Winston encounter some severe turbulance when they work together to protect a client they have never met from an assassin aboard a passenger plane. Courtney Ford (“Dexter”) and Alessandro Juliani (“Battlestar Galactica”) guest star.
◊“Mantracker” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): The chase continues with Season 2 of this adventure series that challenges the wits and wills of weekend warriors in an intense game of cat and mouse played out in the rough countryside. Each episode, two new competitors have a day and a half to reach a finish line that is 22 miles away without getting caught by the “Mantracker, a veteran outdoorsman trained in tracking and retrieving missing persons in the deep wilderness.
◊“Meteorite Men” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This new series follows Geoff Notkin and Steve Arnold, who build and keep secret maps of locations where they believe meteorites have fallen. Armed with an assortment of high-tech equipment, they search these secret locations combating rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions in their pursuit of scientific treasures.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies, Shorty (Chazz Palminteri, “Analyze This”), might be secretly gay. Jay doesn’t believe it, although he now keeps noticing all the questionable signs.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine’s promising romance with therapist boyfriend Max (Eric McCormack, “Will & Grace”) threatens to be derailed by old flame Mr. Harris (Blair Underwood, “Dirty Sexy Money”).
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With Bruce Springsteen” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello sits down with Bruce Springsteen for a special two-part episode that concludes Jan. 27. With his guitar in hand, Springsteen opens up about his pre-E Street Band bands, his early and current inspirations and the resurgence of New Jersey. E Street Band members Nils Lofgren and Roy Bittan also sit in for a couple of songs.

THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2010
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): When Liz Lemon decides to take the show on the road to cure a case of the winter blues for the staff, the anticipated trip doesn’t exactly go as planned. Julianne Moore (“Blindness”) guest stars.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Mr. White (Richard T. Jones, “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) and his team of government agents put the Jeffersonian Lab on lock down and demand that Brennan and her forensics team determine a cause of death for an unidentified, but highly classified set of remains. Meanwhile, Booth’s boss, Andrew Hacker (Diedrich Bader, “The Drew Carey Show”), helps him break into the lab and determine the motive behind the mystery investigation.
◊“Burn Notice” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Michael, a blacklisted spy who finds himself stranded on Miami, takes on a violent con man in the winter premiere. Guest star Sharon Gless reunites with her “Cagney & Lacey” partner Tyne Daly, who plays Michael’s mother on the series.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): The CSI team explores the outwardly sedate world of professional golf after the body of a legendary player is discovered during a major tournament. Pro golfers Rocco Mediate, Gary McCord, Duffy Waldorf and Natalie Gulbis guest star as themselves.
◊“The Deep End” (7 p.m. on ABC): Leah Pipes (“Sorority Row”), Tina Majorino (“Big Love”), Matt Long (“Jack and Bobby”), Ben Lawon (“Neighbours”) and Mehcad Brooks (“True Blood”) star in this new drama that follows the tragedies and triumphs of five earnest twenty-something first-year associates fighting to stay afloat in one of Los Angeles’ top law firms.
◊“Food Tech” (8 p.m. on History): In this new series, food industry veteran Bobby Bognar criss-crosses the nation in search of the origins and production secrets behind the foods we love. In the premiere episode, he unearths the hidden mysteries in a cheeseburger and fries, including how they get the sesame seeds to stick to the bun and what it takes to stuff 20 tomatoes inside a ketchup bottle.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): After learning of Richard’s drinking problem, Derek confronts him for the sake of his friend and the hospital. Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest stars.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Joshua Bell With Rriends @ the Penthouse” features the celebrated violinist performing with friends in the Kaplan Penthouse. His musical friends include Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth, Marvin Hamlisch and Frankie Moreno.
◊“The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Jane and the team investigate the murder of the mayor’s aide. Sharon Lawrence (“NYPD Blue”) guest stars as Mayor Melba Walker Shannon.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Rocco Fiorentino (blind, sixth-grade jazz singer) stops by for some fun. Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) presents the “Word on the Street”: “Miniature.”
◊“Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): Damon takes a trip to Georgia, where he surprises an old flame (Gina Torres, “Eli Stone”) and enlists her help to figure out how to open the tomb.  In the process, Damon comes face to face with someone who is determined to make him pay for past wrongs.

FRIDAY, JAN. 22, 2010
◊“Caprica” (8 p.m. on Syfy): This new series follows two rival families and their patriarchs – Daniel Graystone (Eric Stoltz) and Joseph Adama (Esai Morales) – as they compete and thrive in the realm of the 12 Colonies. It will feature the passion, intrigue, political backbiting and family conflict in an omnipotent society that is at the height of its glory and on the brink of its fall.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Set in the year 2020, Echo and her surviving Dollhouse crew attempt to restore order to a devastating future world before mankind is eliminated in “Epitaph 2: The Return,” the series finale episode.
◊“Man Caves” (7:30 p.m. on DIY): In this two-and-a-half marathon, viewers get an insider’s look at the man caves of some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison dreams of a schizophrenic child, who she later meets as the well-adjusted roommate of a missing psychiatric patient, and questions whether she was responsible for killing her own parents.  Danielle Panabaker (“Shark”) guest stars as Summer Lowry, the schizophrenic young girl from Allison’s dreams.
◊“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” (9 p.m. on Starz): Australian actor Andy Whitfield stars as the gladiator warrior Spartacus in this new series. Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”) plays Lucretia, who along with her husband, Batiatus, own the Ludus gladiator camp. They bought Spartacus hoping his fighting prowess will help them regain their status in the brutal world of gladiatorial contests.
◊“Supernanny” (7 p.m. on ABC): This special episode features the world’s first Super-Manny, Mike Ruggles, a Chicago native with more than 17 years of experience as a teacher and developmental therapist for children. But he faces his biggest challenge with a chaotic family of six from Colorado.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): Things percolate between the Sharks and a husband and wife team from Santa Monica after Kevin O’Leary mocks their poorly executed business pitch about providing legal services at a coffee house. Another coffee-oriented pitch finds a man who has created a way to determine if a cup of Joe does or doesn’t contain caffeine.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): This special hourlong episode features guest stars Gregg Sulkin (Disney Channel UK’s “As The Bell Rings”) and Bridgit Mendler (“Good Luck Charlie”) reprising their roles as Alex’s new boyfriend, Mason, and Justin’s vampire girlfriend Juliet Van Heusen, who recently disappeared after being turned into a mummy’s minion.

SATURDAY, JAN. 23, 2010
◊“The 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards” (7 p.m. on TNT and TBS): Actors honor their peers in the annual ceremony, which will air live from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. Betty White will receive the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.
◊“Arj Barker: LYAO” (11 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new stand-up special brings the “Flight of the Conchords” star to the stage to poke fun at controversial topics ranging from global warming to losing Pluto as a planet.
◊“Artie Lange: Jack and Coke” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): This special brings Artie Lange’s uncensored observations and incredible knack for funny storytelling to the stage. He talks about his competition with Heath Ledger and the opening monologue he’d do if he were ever asked to host the Oscars.
◊“Live at the Screen Actors Guild Awards With Carrie Ann & Chris” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor”) co-host the red carpet event that will feature interviews with nominees attending the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.
◊“Mexican Made Easy” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): In this new series, professional chef and cookbook author Marcela Valladolid prepares a fresh take on Mexican food and shares simple and authentic recipes with viewers.
◊“The Screen Actors Guild Awards Red Carpet Show” (6:30 p.m. on TNT): People Magazines deputy managing editor Peter Castro and entertainment reporter Thea Andrews co-host this live pre-show telecast. They will interview this year’s nominees, past recipients and presenters as they walk down the red carpet on their way into the prestigious ceremony.  Also on hand to report on the hottest red carpet styles and trends will be People StyleWatch correspondent Lori Bergamotto. 

–Penny TV

---

‘Life After People’ features Picher, Oklahoma

The Oklahoma town of Picher will be
featured in the History Channel’s “Life After People” series.
In Tuesday’s new installment, premiering at 9 p.m. (Jan. 12), Picher is the “abandoned town in America’s heartland” mentioned in the network’s episodic information.
The episode is titled “Toxic Revenge” and focuses on the horde of toxins and chemicals unleashed in a world without people. Deadly gases turn lakes and rivers into acid. And Picher, formerly a center of lead and zinc mining which is now considered to be too toxic to be habitable, provides a glimpse into this dim future.
–Penny TV

---

TV Premieres and Finales airing Jan. 10-16, 2010

   Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Jan. 10.
   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
••“Ax Men,” 8 p.m. Sunday on History (third-season premiere).
••“Big Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (fourth-season premiere).
••“Chuck,” 8 p.m. Sunday on NBC (third-season premiere).
••“Madhouse,” 9 p.m. Sunday on History (series premiere).
••“The Daily Rundown,” 8 a.m. Monday on MSNBC (series premiere).
••“Disappeared,” 9 p.m. Monday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Fantasia For Real,” 9 p.m. Monday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“Let’s Talk About Pep,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“American Idol,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (ninth-season premiere).
••“Blue Mountain State,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on SPIKE (series premiere).
••“I (Almost) Got Away With It,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Little Miss Perfect,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on WEtv (second-season premiere).
••“Southland,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT (series added).
••“High School Reunion,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TV Land (sixth-season premiere).
••“Leverage,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (second season resumes).
••“Solving History With Olly Steeds,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Tosh.0,” 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on Comedy Central (second-season premiere).
••“Carnie Wilson: Unstapled,” 7 p.m. Thursday on GSN (series premiere).
••“Hidden Agenda,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on GSN (series premiere).
••“The First 48,” 8 p.m. Thursday on A&E (10th-season premiere).
••“Archer,” 9 p.m. Thursday on FX (series premiere).
••“Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force,” 9 p.m. Thursday on A&E (second-season premiere).
••“Project Runway,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (seventh-season premiere).
••“Models of the Runway,” 10 p.m. Thursday on Lifetime (second-season premiere).
••“I Shouldn’t Be Alive,” 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (third-season premiere).
••“I’m In the Band,” 8 p.m. Friday on Disney (sneak peek, series premieres Jan. 18 on Disney XD)
••“The Singing Bee,” 8 p.m. Friday on CMT (second-season premiere).
••“Pit Boss,” 9 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (second-season finale).
••“The Bureau,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Investigation Discovery (first-season finale).
••“Sanctuary,” 8 p.m. Friday on Syfy (third-season finale).

 Pictured above: SANCTUARY — Pictured: (l-r) Agam Darshi as Kate Freelander, Robin Dunne as Dr. Will Zimmerman, Amanda Tapping as Dr. Helen Magnus, Ryan Robbins as Henry — Syfy Photo: Pete Tangen

---

Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 10-16, 2010

    Sunday’s
Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 10:

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, JAN. 10, 2010
◊“Ax Men” (8 p.m. on History): In Season 3, logger teams from Oregon, Washington, Montana, Louisiana and Florida tower higher atop the trees and go deeper into the seas, risking life and limb in pursuit of the timber from which America is built.
◊“Battlestar Galactica: The Plan” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The origin of the Cylons “plan” to annihilate the human race is finally revealed in full in this two-hour movie directed by and starring Edward James Olmos.
◊“Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): Having struggled to mend rifts that threatened the very existence of his family, Bill Henrickson now faces a host of new personal and professional challenges in Season 4 that opens with the launch of a Mormon-friendly casino. Series regulars include  Bill Paxton as Bill Henrickson and Jeanne Tripplehorn (born in Tulsa), Chloe Sevigny and Ginnifer Goodwin as his three wives.
◊“Brace For Impact” (8 p.m. on TLC): Harrison Ford (“Crossing Over”) narrates this documentary film about the remarkable landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River by Captain Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger, III. It features interviews with Captain Sullenberger, passengers, air traffic controllers and first responders who assisted the landing.
◊“Chuck” (8 p.m. on NBC): Chuck Bartowski continues as the Buy More electronics store computer geek, who unwittingly becomes the government’s most vital secret agent after a data download into his brain. Season 3 begins with back-to-back episodes and moves to its regular day and time at 7 p.m. Monday.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteers David Cook (“American Idol”) and Xzibit (“Gridiron Gang”) travel with thye team to Bunker Hill, Ind., to rebuild the home of the Cowan family. Daughter Kori, 12, is raising money to fight cancer in honor of her best friend, while she herself is battling a congenital blood disease.
◊“Madhouse” (9 p.m. on History): This new series spotlights Bowman Gray Stadium, a quarter-mile racetrack in Winston-Salem, N.C. that is one of the nation’s shortest NASCAR racetracks. Family racing rivalries go back generations, and ramming, spin-outs, high-speed crashes and fistfights are what fans have come to expect on Saturday night at the Madhouse.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Judi Dench returns to her critically acclaimed role as Matty in “Return to Cranford,” a two-part sequel to last season’s miniseries. Imelda Staunton, Francesca Annis and Julia McKenzie also rejoin the cast in the story of everyday life in a small Cheshire market town. The miniseries is based on the novels of Elizabeth Gaskell.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment “Hummingbird: Magic in the Air” features high-definition and high-speed footage of hummingbirds in the wild. They are the tiniest of birds, yet they qualify as some of the toughest and most energetic creatures on the planet.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): The Emmy-winning animated comedy series reaches its milestone 450th episode with “Once Upon a Time in Springfield,” a half-hour that finds Milhouse and Bart trying to help Krusty regain his popularity after he is forced to restructure his TV show to include a female sidekick, Princess Penelope (guest voice talent Anne Hathaway, “Bride Wars”).
◊“The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: In 3-D! On Ice!” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): Oscar-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me”) hosts this hourlong documentary about the animated series’ 20th anniversary, which includes an examination of how the show has become a global phenomenon and caps a yearlong worldwide celebration of ‘‘The Simpsons.” Spurlock’s travels take him to the home of the show’s biggest fan, and later, he chats with the cast, writers and guest stars about the show’s place in pop culture.

MONDAY, JAN. 11, 2010
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Jesse L. Martin (“Law & Order”) narrates “Sam Cooke: Crossing Over,” which profiles the singer who brought the spirit of the black church to popular music. Cooke was the first black artist to reach No. 1 on both the R&B and pop charts.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment from Raleigh, N.C. includes apprasals of a circa 1800 eastern North Carolina bottle case on stand, an 1812 needlework sampler and an 1985 Andrew Wyeth watercolor.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): While Sheldon and Koothrappali attend a university mixer, Leonard is upset to discover that Penny believes in psychics. Danica McKellar (“The Wonder Years”) guest stars as Abby, the object of Raj’s attraction.
◊“Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): When Castle and Beckett are called to a wedding to investigate the death of a bridesmaid, Castle is stunned to discover that the soon-to-be bride is his old flame, Kyra (Alyssa Milano, “Charmed”). Complications ensue as Kyra, caught off-guard by Castle’s reappearance in her life, wonders if she’s marrying the right guy.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck must use his relationship with Awesome to protect a visiting dictator, Premier Goya (Armand Assante, “American Gangster”), who is the target of an assassination.
◊“The Daily Rundown” (8 a.m. on MSNBC): NBC News White House Correspondents Chuck Todd and Savannah Guthrie will anchor this new show that will focus on the top political stories of the day.
◊“The Detroit Auto Show: All Access” 7 p.m. on CNBC): Award winning automotive reporter, Phil Lebeau, will show viewers the car and truck of the year and look ahead at what models will be hot and not in 2010. Also featured will be new gadgets and gizmos inside cars.
◊“Disappeared” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series follows the unpredictable twists of missing person cases, tracking investigations aimed at solving how and why people simply vanish.
◊“Fantasia For Real” (9 p.m. on VH1):  This new series follows “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino as she juggles her career and single-motherhood while devoting her energy into recording her highly anticipated third album.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Peter’s introduction of Emma (Deanne Bray, “Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye”) to his mother brings forth visions of a very grim future. Meanwhile, Hiro and Ando go to extreme lengths to save Dr. Suresh.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): When drug dealer Mickey (Ethan Embry, “Brotherhood”) mysteriously collapses while negotiating a sale, his partner-in-crime, Eddie (Nick Chinlund, “Desperate Housewives”), accompanies him to Princeton Plainsboro for treatment. But with a major deal pending, Mickey is not forthcoming with the necessary personal information the team needs to treat him.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Ted gets one step closer to meeting his future wife on the show’s 100th episode. The cast perform the musical number “Nothing Suits Me Like a Suit.” Guest stars include Rachel Bilson (“The O.C.”), Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”) and Stacy Keibler (“Dancing With the Stars”).
◊“Let’s Talk About Pep” (9:30 p.m. on VH1): This new series follows Sandra “Pepa” Denton of Salt-n-Pepa fame as she emerges from an over 4-year romantic and sexual sabbatical to search for love again. She is joining forces with three of her closest girlfriends to try the dating scene again.
◊“Men of a Certain Age” (9 p.m. on TNT): Joe goes to see his recently retired father (Robert Loggia, “Jagged Edge”), who gives new meaning to the word grumpy.  Owen’s wife and mother get upset when a commercial for the auto dealership implies that Owen’s co-worker, Marcus, is actually Owen Sr.’s son.  And Terry becomes obsessed over finding out why he has been rejected for a youth mentoring program.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Jake writes love songs to woo his ex-girlfriend, and Herb and Alan hide their secret friendship from Judith’s watchful eye. Ryan Stiles (“The Drew Carey Show”) returns as Herb, Judith’s current husband.

TUESDAY, JAN. 12, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Season 9 opens with two hours of auditions from Boston and continues on Wednesday with 75 minutes of auditions from Atlanta. Joining Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi at the auditions as guest judges were Victoria Beckham (Boston) and Mary J. Blige (Atlanta). 
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Dr. Huizenga delivers the sobering news that this season of contestants is the most unhealthy ever on the show. To illustrate his point, he gives each team a medical task that proves to be a real eye-opener as to what their poor health is really costing them.
◊“Blue Mountain State” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): This new comedy follows three incoming freshman attending college football powerhouse Blue Mountain State University. The series stars former NFL runninbg back and actor Ed Marinaro (“Hill Street Blues”) as the coach, Sam Jones III (“Smallville”) as the school’s top recruit and Darin Brooks (“Blue Crush”)as the talented quarterback who is content to ride the bench while partying with his best friend (Chris Romano, “The Sarah Silverman Program”), who aspires to be the school’s mascot.
◊“I (Almost) Got Away With It” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The perpetrators profiled in this new series evaded justice for years by using their families, fake identification and even violence to avoide capture. Viewers learn how law enforcement uses all means necessary to capture these fugitives.
◊“Independent Lens” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Stephen Walker’s documentary Young@Heart spotlights the acclaimed New England senior citizen chorus as it rehearses for its new show. The chorus has charmed audiences around the world with performances of songs from artists ranging from Coldplay to the Clash.
◊“Little Miss Perfect” (9 p.m. on WEtv): The docu-series returns for a second season of exploring the ins and outs of the junior beauty pageant world. Each episode looks at what motivates young beauty pageant contestants and their families to participate. National Pageant Director Michael Galanes also offers his expertiese at what it takes to bring home the crown.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): Gibbs questions DiNozzo’s ability to do his job when the elder DiNozzo (Robert Wagner, “Hart to Hart”) becomes involved in their latest investigation on the show’s 150th episode. Also guest starring are Penny Johnson Jerald (“24″) as State Department Official Joanne Torrence and  Joe Lando (“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Women”) as Navy Lieutenant Commander Rob Clarke.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Building Pharaoh’s Ship” follows a team of archeologists and boat builders as they reconstruct a vessel depicted on the wall of an ancient Egyptian temple.
◊“Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): NBC didn’t pick of this series for a second season, so TNT did. The network will begin with a commercial-free extended presentation of the pilot episode with never-before-seen footage. The remaining first-season episodes will follow, and the six new episodes shot for Season 2 will begin airing March 2.
◊“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” (9 p.m. on Bravo): On the Season 2 finale, Tabatha Coffey travels to the Earth Moon Sun salon in Western Springs, Ill., to help transform both a hostile manager and a stylist she calls one of the worst hairdressers she has ever seen.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13, 2010
◊“The Bureau” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In the Season 1 finale, the police in Bloomington, Ill., start to connect a series of late-night assauluts. Unwavering police work and an FBI profile become the keyes to inlocking the perpetrator’s true identity.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): The investigation of a brutal stabbing takes a dangerous turn when it’s discovered that evidence at the crime scene was planted, which pits the CSIs against a trusted colleague. D.B. Sweeney (“Jericho”) stars as assistant district attorney Craig Hansen. 
◊“Great Performances” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Director Spike Lee brings “Passing Strange,” Stew Rodewald’s Tony-nominated semiautobiographical Broadway hit, to television. It’s the story of a man who travels to Europe in search of his artistic and personal identity.
◊“High School Reunion” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Season 6 features a new class and new drama as former classmates from Chaparral High School in Las Vegas reunite for their 20-year high school reunion on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The Chaparral Class of ’89 makes “High School Reunion” history with three marriage proposals and a wedding.
◊“The Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the second installment of this three-part series, host Alan Alda joins researchers studying our fellow simians — mainly chimpanzees — to discover what we share with them and what new skills humans evolved since we went our separate ways,
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): In order to take down an oppressive sweatshop owner, the Leverage team infiltrates the fashion world. Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) guest stars.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Sonia manages a defiant hand transplant patient (Michael Imperioli, “Life on Mars”) who wants his donor hand amputated after discovering it once belonged to a pedophile.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies, Shorty (Chazz Palminteri, “The Usual Suspects”), might be secretly gay. Meanwhile Gloria gives Manny’s date a makeover and Claire faces off with Phil’s universal remote.
◊“Our Little Genius” (8:15 p.m. on Fox): Kevin Pollack (“Shark”) hosts this new game show that gives real child geniuses a chance to put their incredible knowledge to the test and work their way up to win their family hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, the little genius’ parents can stop the game at any time and walk away with winnings up to that point.
◊“Solving History With Olly Steeds” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In this new series, journalist Olly Steeds is out to find the truth behind some of the world’s biggest mysteries. From the possible sea floor ruins of Atlantis to the dizzying heights of the Andes, Olly throws himself into the story employing hidden cameras, trekking to remote locations and participating in ancient rituals.  
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Lyle Lovett, Ray LaMontagne, and John Prine” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello explores the role of the singer/songwriter with three guests: four-time Grammy winner Lyle Lovett, the critically acclaimed Ray LaMontagne the highly influential John Prine. Each stands alone in the spotlight to perform and sits for an intimate chat with Elvis on their craft.
◊“Tosh.0″ (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comedian Daniel Tosh returns for a second season of exploring all aspects of the Internet, from the absolutely absurd to the incredibly ingenious. The series features viral clips of the week and original videos created by and starring well-known actors and comedians.

THURSDAY, JAN. 14, 2010
◊“Ace of Cakes” (9 p.m. on Food Network): The crew of DIY Network’s “Man Caves” invades Charm City Cakes to outfit Duff Goldman with a new guy-themes basement. Meanwhile, Duff and his crew take a road trip to Chicago to deliver a cake.
◊“Archer” (9 p.m. on FX): This new animated adult comedy is set at a spy agency where espionage and global crisis are merely opportunities for its highly trained employees to confuse, undermine and betray each other. The voice cast includes H. John Benjamin as master spy Sterling Archer, Jessica Walter as his domineering mother and boss Malory, Aisha Tyler as his ex-girlfriend Anegnt Lana Kane and Judy Greer as Malory’s secretary Cheryl.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): An out-of-this-world case brings Brennan and Booth to New Mexico where they investigate human remains with extraterrestrial attributes. Dean Haglund (“The X-Files”) guest stars.
◊“Carnie Wilson: Unstapled” (7 p.m. on GSN): This new series will draw back the curtain Carnie Wilson as she juggles her careers as game show host, singer, entrepreneur, activist, wife and mother of two young girls. 
◊“The First 48″ (8 p.m. on A&E): The Season 10 premiere spotlights a Louisville, Ky., community that is outraged when a married couple is gunned down at home in front of their two young children. Det. Kevin Trees and the homicide team hit the streets hoping the community’s strong reaction to the killing will trump the neighborhood’s long-standing code of silence.
◊“Hidden Agenda” (7:30 p.m. on GSN): In this new domestic hidden-camera game show, one member of a couple attempts to persuade his or her partner to complete a series of challenges — without letting on that the world is watching. Comic Debi Gutierrez serves as host of the show and as the couples’ cheerleader.
◊“Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force” (9 p.m. on A&E): In the season premiere, Detective Kevin Searing and Trenton Police Detective Sgt. Luddie Austin turn to Cmdr. Lenny Depaul for help on the Fugitive Task Force’s toughest manhunt all year, pursuing a 31-year-old fugitive wanted for first-degree murder and weapons possession.
◊“Models of the Runway” (10 p.m. on Lifetime): Season 2 launches with 16 fresh faces aspiring for their chance at being paired with the last “Project Runway” designer standing on the catwalk. The winning model will receive a $25,000 cash prize from L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional make-up line and will also be featured in the designer’s fashion spread in Marie Claire. 
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Ann sets Leslie up on a blind date with a co-worker (Will Arnett, “30 Rock”) that does not go as well as Leslie hoped. An old friend of Ann’s (Justin Theroux, “Tropic Thunder”) makes Mark feel insecure.
◊“Project Runway” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Host Heidi Klum, mentor Tim Gunn, judges Michael Kors (leading designer) and Nina Garcia (fashion director for Marie Claire magazine) return to New York for Season 7. They welcome 16 new designers who are vying for a shot to make their way to Bryant Park and show their collection in front of top industry insiders during New York Fashion Week. Nicole Richie (“The Simple Life”) is a guest judge on the season premiere.

FRIDAY, JAN. 15, 2010
◊“I Shouldn’t Be Alive” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): The Season 3 premiere tells the story of extreme adventure athlete Danelle, who plunges 60 feet down a canyon wall onto solid rock in the remote Utah wilderness. With just her faithful canine companion Taz for support, she faces the endurance challenge of her life — a battle for her own survival.
◊“I’m In the Band” (8 p.m. on Disney): Get a sneak peek at this new series premiering Jan. 18 on Disney XD. In this episode, Tripp Campbell’s dreams come true when he wins a radio contest to have dinner with his favorite rock band, Iron Weasel, and manages to impress them with his musical skills. Amazingly, he lands the lead guitar role, and before long the band is staying in the guest room at his house and playing a gig at Tripp’s school.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison dreams of a schizophrenic child, who she later meets as the well-adjusted roommate of a missing psychiatric patient, and questions whether she was responsible for killing her own parents. Danielle Panabaker (“Shark”) guest stars as Summer Lowry, the schizophrenic young girl from Allison’s dreams.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a lost shipment of high-caliber firearms when one of the weapons is responsible for random killings throughout the city. Guest stars include James Remar (“Dexter”) as weapons dealer Randall Priest and Jon Seda (Close to Home”) as arms broker Lonnie Moses.
◊“Sanctuary” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the two-part Season 3 finale, Magnus, Will and Kate travel to Mumbai, India, to investigate a murder and connection to the Cult of Kali, an ancient cult whose followers can foretell disaster.
◊“The Singing Bee” (8 p.m. on CMT): Host Melissa Peterman (“Reba”) returns for a second season of the compeitition series that blends a mix of country music with popular favorites from other genres. The show tests contestants’ knowledge of lyrics to well-known songs, and those who fail to accurately sing the correct lyrics are eliminated from the competition.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): Alex finds her new boyfriend Mason, a transfer student from England, perfect in every way except for his artistic vision. She casts a spell on Mason so that she becomes the inspiration for all the art he creates in their school art class. Guest starring as Mason is Gregg Sulkin from Disney Channel UK’s “As The Bell Rings.”

SATURDAY, JAN. 16, 2010
◊“House of Bones” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In this Syfy7 original movie starring Corin Nemec (“Stargate SG-1”) and Charisma Carpenter (“Angel”), a group of ghost hunters from a nationally syndicated TV shyow arrive for their latest assignment — the mysterious Wicker House in New Orleans that has been the site of nsome of the most grisly murders in history.
◊“Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): The Movers help baker Ben Boudreaux, a.k.a. “The Muffin Man,” remember the secret ingredient for his world famous muffins. Duff Goldman (“Ace of Cakes”) guest stars as Ben Boudreaux.
◊“Pit Boss” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Former actor Shorty Rossi (“Criss Angel Mindfreak”), who runs a Hollywood talent agency for little people. He also has a passion for pit bulls and has gathered together three friends and fellow little people, including Ronald Lee Clark from Choctaw, to take on the task of rescuing, rehabilitating and training the most misunderstood of dogs.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Oscar-nominated actress Sigourney Weaver takes her second turn at hosting the show. Musical guest is the Grammy-nominated duo The Ting Tings, comprised of Katie White and Jules De Martino.

–Penny TV

---

Powered by Wordpress | WP Premium theme by WP Remix
Copyright 2007. Television Blog. All rights reserved

• Home
• RSS Feed
• Newsok | A&E