••Oct. 27: Scream 2009 (9 p.m. on SPIKE) — Fourth annual event honoring the best in horor, science fiction, fantasy and comics. Top nominee is “Star Trek” (17).
••Oct 27: Fourth Annual BET Hip Hop Awards (7 p.m. on BET) — Mike Epps hosts. Top nominees are Kanye West (9), Lil’ Wayne (7), Jay Z (7), T.I. (6).
••Nov. 11: The 43rd Annual CMA Awards (7 p.m. on ABC) — Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley co-host. Top nominees are Brad Paisley (6), Taylor Swift (4), Keith Urban (4), Jamey Johnson (4), George Strait (4), Zac Brown (4). Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Miranda Lambert (female vocalist of the year, single of the year), Carrie Underwood (female vocalist of the year, album of the year), Rascal Flatts (vocal group of the year), Brooks & Dunn (vocal due of the year, album of the year), Trisha Yearwood (musical event of the year). Performers with Oklahoma ties are Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood.
••Nov. 5: The 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards (7 p.m. on Univision) — Top nominee is Calle 13 (5).
••Nov. 22: 2009 American Music Awards (7 p.m. on ABC) — Top nominees are Taylor Swift (6), Michael Jackson (5), Eminem (4). Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Rascal Flatts (favorite band, duo or group, favorite album), Reba McEntire (favorite female artist), Carrie Underwood (favorite female artist).
••Jan. 6: The 36th Annual People’s Choice Awards (8 p.m. on CBS) — Queen Latifah hosts. Nominees announced in November.
••Jan. 17: The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards (7 p.m. on NBC) — Nominees announced Dec. 15.
••Jan. 23: The 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (7 p.m. on TNT and TBS) — Nominees announced Dec. 17.
••Jan. 31: The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards (7 p.m. on CBS) — Nominees announced Dec. 2.
••Feb. 21: 2010 Orange British Academy Film Awards (usually broadcast on BBC America) — Nominees announced Jan. 21.
••March 5: The 25th Annual Independent Spirit Awards (7 p.m. on IFC) –  Nominees announced in January.
••March 7: The 81st Annual Academy Awards (7 p.m. on ABC) — Nominees announced Feb. 2.

SUNDAY, OCT. 18, 2009
◊“Alex’s Day Off” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Alexandra Guarnaschelli, professional chef, working mom and passionate home cook, invites viewers to share her down-to-earth recipes. She shows how cooking her personal and playful style of American, French and Italian fare can be elegant and approachable, with a side of sass.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Having just returned from France, Sarah distracts Kitty through chemo treatments with tales of her intense romance with a French artist (Gilles Marini, “Sex and the City”).
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team delves into the 1970 murder of a musician who tried to keep his involvement with the Philadelphia Soul scene a secret from his strict preacher father for whom he was an organist. Loretta Devine (”Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry learns to embrace the upside of disability without actually being disabled, and looks to disprove the rumor that Rosie O’Donnell can kick his butt.
◊“An Engtlishman in New York” (9 p.m. on Logo): This film follows the life of famed writer and performer Quentin Crisp at the peak of his career in the late 1970’s.  Upon the recent success of Crisp’s famous autobiography-turned-film, “The Naked Civil Servant,” Quentin (John Hurt) leaves the U.K. to offer lectures and performances in New York City.  The film explores Quentin’s psyche as he faces the consequences of his casual quip stating that AIDS was “a fad,” leading to social rejection and obscurity.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team travels to Lancaster, Texas, to rebuild the home of Carlton Marshall, who lost most of his mobility and all of his hearing after being shot while leading a Dallas Police Department SWAT team. Country singer Trace Adkins is the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Halloween Block Party” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Three families join forces with lifestyle experts and event planners Michael Russo, Kelley Moore and Eddie Ross to create a Halloween neighborhood bash. The special will offer up design tricks and treats on decor, food, pumpkin carving, floral arrangements, tablescapes and entertainment to help viewers get their haunt on this Halloween.
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): Hannah fills in for Kara DioGuardi (”American Idol”) alongside judges Andy and Byron on reality show “America’s Top Talent.” Her stint as a guest judge turns complicated when Oliver auditions and delivers a knock-out performance.
◊“I Am a Champion” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary follows three athletes in their quest to compete in the 40th annual Special Olympics Oklahoma Summer Games held May 13-15 in Stillwater.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The murder of a small-time criminal leads Lewis and Hathaway to a prominent Oxford don-turned-celebrity athiest in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: The Point of Vanishing.”
◊“Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut)” (8 p.m. on IFC): This six-part documentary series airing today through Friday will feature interviews with the surviving Python troupe members, who tell their life story and reveal deeper truths alongside the more tried and tested Python history lessons.
◊“Occupation” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This new drama captures the lives of three British soldiers caught physically and emotionally in the cross-fire of the Iraq war. Amid growing sectarian conflict and a boom time fuelled by billions of dollars from the U.S., their dreams of riches, love and making a difference come to define not just their lives but also the occupation itself.
◊“On the Case With Paula Zahn” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this new weekly newsmagazine, Paula Zahn steps away from the traditional anchor chair and into the field to interview the pivotal figures shaping stories. Her interviews, including several exclusives where people are speaking for the first time, lift the secrecy on acts of deceit, malice and revenge.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): “Treehouse of Horror XX” features three new tales of the strange, spooky and supernatural. It begins with a homage to classic Alfred Hitchcock movies, followed by a parody of the horror film “28 Days Later” and a nod to the Broadway musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In Season 3, University of Oklahoma graduate Reed Timmer and his team return with their newly armored chase vehicle “The Dominator,” racing to be first on the storm scene ahead of IMAX filmmaker Sean Casey and his monster tank-like TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle).
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): In order to save his life, Andy tries a risky new procedure on his wife’s partner who suffers from an aortic aneurism. Lennie James (”Jericho”) guest stars as Dr. Timothy Maguire, a cardiologist.
◊“Timewatch: The Rebel Pharaoh’s Lost City” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Archaeologosts in the central Egyptian desert make an extraordinary discovery of an ancient cemetery whee 1,000 people from the Pharaoh’s lost capital of Amarna are buried. The 3,500-year-old bones tell a remarkable new story about these peoplke and their city.
◊“Witness to Waco” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This new documentary provides an in-depth look into the Branch Davidians, a religious cult led by David Koresh in the late 1980s and early 1990s that ultimately met with a tragic end.  Featured are interviews with survivors of the tragedy and rarely-seen footage of David Koresh and other members of the group inside the compound throughout the siege of the property.

MONDAY, OCT. 19, 2009
◊“American Carny: True Tales from the Circus Side Show” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Magician Penn Jillette narrates this special that explores the world of American circus entertainers and features behind-the-scenes footage with some of the world’s most interesting acts.
◊“Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): When Lakewood Elementary’s lunch lady Mrs. MacGrady is diagnosed with cancer, Arthur and his friends all react differently to the news. Lance Armstrong (seven-time Tour De France winner) makes a special appearance to show Francine and the Elwood City residents how they can take a stand, or ride a bike, for cancer survivors.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): While Sheldon settles a score with his nemesis, Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Wolowitz begs Leonard to get Penny to set him up with one of her friends.
◊“Bud Greenspan Presents: Beijing 2008 — America’s Olympic Glory” (6 p.m. on Showtime): With behind-the-scenes footage and a poignant narrative, this film features six American stories. Among those profiled are gymnast Nastia Liukin, swim team captain Jason Lezak and fencers Keeth and Erinn Smart.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alexx Woods (Khandi Alexander) and Eric Delko return to help the CSIs stop a deadly outbreak in Miami.
◊“Dr. G: America’s Most Shocking Cases” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): Medical examiner Jan “Dr. G” Garavaglia opens the files on astonishing forensic investigations. She demonstrates how the impact of these deaths extends far beyond the morgues of their investigators.
◊“Extreme Paranormal: New Mexico State Penitentiary” (9 p.m. on A&E): Paranormal investigators Shaun, Nathan and Jason explore an abandoned maximum security lockup where visitors claim the tortured souls of inmates, who were violently murdered in the worst prison riot in U.S. history, still linger. The investigators want to see if there is any truth behind the legend in this potentially volatile paranormal environment and go as far as recreating moments of this horrific event, shedding their own blood, to provoke the violent spirits to show themselves to the cameras.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Dan invites Olivia (Hilary Duff, “Lizzie McGuire”) to meet Rufus and Lily, which leads to all sorts of problems for the new couple.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): The team takes on the case of a reckless police detective who has a family history of sudden heart failure that killed his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all at age 40. Jon Seda (“Close to Home”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): While Barney tries to convince Robin to become an American citizen, Ted and Marshall’s fabled road trip takes a wrong turn when Marshall invites Lily. Kenny Rogers (“The Gambler”) narrates the audio book played on Marshall and ted’s road trip.
◊“Latin Music USA” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The final two installments of this four-hour series focus on Mexican-Americans in California, Texas and elsewhere in the Southwest creating their own musical voice during the latter half of the 20th century, as well as the Latin pop explosion at the turn of the 21st century that introduced artists such as Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and Shakira to the English-language market.
◊“Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags” (8 p.m. on HBO): For generations, New York City’s Garment District was the lifeblood of the city.  But in recent years, with the increased globalization of clothing manufacturing, this once-thriving district has continued to shrink. This documentary tells the story of this vanishing industry through the voices of the people who experienced its highs and lows.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who has been on maternity leave since Aug. 7, returns. “The View” creator, executive producer and co-host Barbara Walters said, “We’ve missed Elisabeth both on and off the air. We’ve missed her opinions and her good humor. I am so happy she is coming back.”

TUESDAY, OCT. 20, 2009
◊“18 Kids and Counting” (8 p.m. on TLC): The Duggars take a trip to Oklahoma to see what life is like working on a farm.
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): It’s Halloween at the Beverly Hills Beach Club and Adrianna channels Marilyn Monroe to help her deal with the end of her relationship with Navid. Silver and Kelly (Jennie Garth, “Beverly Hills, 90210″) continue to have differing opinions about caring for Jackie (Ann Gillespie, , “Beverly Hills, 90210″).
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Contestants on today’s show are “Deal or No Deal” models Leyla Milani, Patricia Kara and Marisa Petroro.
◊“Eyes” (9 p.m. on DirecTV): In the first of seven never-before-seen episodes, Harlan works with a former colleague to uncover a counterfeiting scheme and with a reluctant Las Vegas detective (Stephen Baldwin, “The Usual Suspects”) to stop a burglary ring. The detective drama starring Tim Daly premiered on ABC in 2005 but was canceled after five episodes.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Warning,” producer-director Michael Kirk sifts through the ashes of the economic meltdown in search of pivotal moments when things might have gone much differently.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia and Will have only 72 hours to find the smoking gun that proves the train company, and not the three engineers, is responsible for the crash, thus securing the widows their pensions the company is holding back. Martha Plimpton (”Parenthood”) guest stars as the train company’s very pregnant attorney.
◊“Shark Tank” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the season finale, an entrepreneur who sells customized Bobble Heads wants an investment from the sharks to create an extension of his already lucrative business. But it becomes a battle of wills when the Sharks won’t bite unless he gives up a stake in his successful business.
◊“Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?” (7 p.m. on ESPN): This documentary showcases the remarkable influence the United States Football League (USFL) had on football history and looks at what forced the league out of business.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): The girls put their interviewing skills to the test as they interview Jessica Lowndes from “90210″ on the set of “The Insider.” Kim Kardashian is this week’s guest judge.
◊“CNN Presents: Latino in America” (8 p.m. on CNN): Soledad O’Brien anchors this two-part documentary that examines the growing diversity of America, revealing insight into a changing nation on the eve of the U.S. census that is expected to officially confirm that Latino Americans are the largest minority group within the country.  It concludes Thursday.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team hunts a suspect who impregnates young women and has them give birth before murdering them.
Max Gail (”Barney Miller”), Hallee Hirsh (“ER”), Diana Scarwid (“Wonderfalls”) and Mae Whitman (“Acceptance”) guest star.
◊“Dodsworth” (7 p.m. on TCM): Walter Huston reprises his Broadway performance in this 1936 adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ novel. This is the firsy of four classic films picked by guest programmer Dennis Miller The other films Miller presents along with TCM host Robert Osborne are 1949’s “The Third Man” (9 p.m.), 1941’s “Suspicion” (11 p.m.) and 1948’s “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” (1 a.m.).
◊“Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Join the opening night festivities for conductor Gustavo Dudamel’s inaugural gala concert with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
◊“Living With Ed” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): This series chronicles chronicles the lives of eco-activist/actor Ed Begley. Jr. and his frequently exasperated wife Rachelle Carson Begley. The third season will follow the couple as they embark on an unlikely trip to Vegas, a wedding anniversary getaway only Ed could organize and a major home renovation.
◊“Lock ‘N Load” (7 p.m. on Showtime): This new reality series offers viewers a fly-on-the-wall look at “The Shootist” gun store in Englewood, Colo., where expert gunslinger Josh T. Ryan interacts with customers. The hidden camera, revealed after the transaction is completed, insures a particularly candid and revealing take on why we buy guns.
◊“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.

THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 2009
◊“American Chopper” (8 p.m. on TLC): Life at Orange County Choppers is forever changed now that Jr. and Mikey have been squeezed out of the business. Even with all the drama, the guys in the shop must forge ahead as they build a bike for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Host Alfonso Ribeiro welcomes three of his former castmates from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” to the show as contestants. Taking part in the challenge are James Avery, Tatyanna Ali and Karyn Parsons.
◊“The Jeff Dunham Show” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comic-ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his suitcase posse of comedic cohorts — including Walter, Peanut, Bubba J, Jose Jalapeno on a Stick and Achmed the Dead Terrorist — to this new series featuring Dunham and puppets in performance before a live studio audience as well as interacting with people around Los Angeles.
◊“Nitro Circus” (8:30 on MTV): The cast put on the brakes long enough to spill their guts about all the jaw-dropping makes and laughter-inducing misfires from their risk-fuelled second season.
◊“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” (8 p.m. on MTV): In Season 2 of the show, where fantasies come alive inside, the adventures have been bigger and the action wilder.
◊“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The lawless black gold boomtowns of early 20th century Oklahoma were a fertile field for the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan’s power faded with the dust bowl but never completely disappeared from Oklahoma. Secret groups survive and operate in towns all over the state to this day.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Joan Fontaine was born on this day in 1917, and TCM celebrates by airing three of her films — 1938’s “Blond Cheat” (10 a.m.), 1952’s “Ivanhoe” (11:15 a.m.) and 1953’s “The Bigamist” (1:15 p.m.).

FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 2009
◊“Brothers” (7 p.m. on Fox):Trainor’s newest hostess spreads some juicy rumors to help attract customers to Trainor’s, but when her gossip attracts Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”), Kim Kardashian (“Keeping Up With the Kardashians”) stops by the restaurant to set the record straight.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Sierra is forced to face her past as her connection to the Rossum Corporation leads to obsession and murder. Keith Carradine (“Complete Savages”) guest stars.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): On the show’s 100th episode, Allison investigates an infant’s kidnapping. But Joe worries when she becomes too attached to the little boy. Also, Bridgette and Joe are amazed when Marie plays the clarinet perfectly without one lesson while Bridgette struggles to learn to play.
◊“My Super Psycho Sweet 16″ (9 p.m. on MTV): This new original movie produced by MTV tells the story of Madison Penrose (Juliana Guill, “Friday the 13th”), a spoiled high school queen bee, and Skye Rotter (Lauren McKnight, “House of Fear”), the class outcast whose father committed a series of grisly murders. Madison’s plans for the ultimate birthday bash are ruined when Skye’s dad crashes the party.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): When recording artist Jordin Sparks (”American Idol”) comes aboard the S.S. Tipton for a concert, Zack, Cody and Marcus write a song for her to sing.
◊“Supernanny” (7 p.m. on ABC): A dad at odds with his teenage daughter brings his family to the brink on the Season 5 premiere. Supernanny Jo Frost pushes the parents to closely examine their marriage.
◊“Til Death” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): When Doug’s father gives him and Ally a large sum of money, they struggle with the decision to keep it or give it back. Barry Bostwick (“Spin City”) and Richard Lewis (“Anything But Love”) guest star.
◊“Trading the Globe” (7 p.m. on CNBC): This special will teach viewers how to think about emerging markets as a source of returns, how to access these markets and how to incorporate trading them into the formula for success in the coming years.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Betty fires on all cylinders to get a big scoop with Gucci’s new designer, Evan York (Hamish Linklater, “The New Adventures of Old Christine”). Meanwhile Daniel begins to attend a bereavement group, where he meets Natalie (Jamie-Lynn Sigler, “The Sopranos”), a sexy girl who takes him out for an interesting night on the town.
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Matthew Bomer (”Chuck”) and Tim DeKay (”Carnivale”) wstar in the new drama about an unlikely partnership between a con artist and an FBI agent. In the series premiere, they hunt an elusive and vicious counterfeiter known as the “Dutchman.”

SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 2009
◊“24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto” (9:15 p.m. on HBO): This four-episode, all-access series follows Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, two of boxing’s brightest stars, as they prepare for their Nov. 14 pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas. Pacquiao seeks to continue his reign as the sport’s pound-for-pound king, while Cotto looks to prove that his ring skills are ideal for derailing the Pacquiao express.
◊“The Academy: Orange County Fire” (8 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): This new series will take viewers on a journey with 28 recruits of differing backgrounds as they endure 18 weeks of intense physical training for the Orange County Fire Authority in California.
◊“Always and Forever” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Rena Sofer (”24″) and Dean McDermott (”Tori and Dean”) star in this new original movie about high school sweethearts who reunite at their high school reunion. As they reminisce over old times, the memories and laughs lead to rekindled feelings from their abandoned relationship.
◊“America’s Cutest Dog” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special counts down the most cuddly and aww-inspiring canine moments caught on camera.
◊“Blackboards and Bullies: Are Your Kids Safe?” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special explores the roots of violent incidents in America’s school systems and tangible ways for communities to improve child safety. Using case studies and interviews with leading experts, it shows the consequences of American adolescent violence and provides information to families on how to protect their children.
◊“Extreme Sweets” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Adam Gertler (“Will Work For Food”) goes in search of America’s most unusual sweets, including worm-covered caramel apples and a treat so spicy that he has to sign a waiver to eat it.
◊“Ghost Town” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Gil Gerard (“Buck Rogers in the 25th Century”) and Billy Drago (“Charmed”) star in this film about a busload of college students that takes a wrong turn on a back road and ends up in a town inhabited by the ghosts of outlaws who return to earth every 13 years to refight a shoot-out.

–Penny TV

ENDINGS
••“Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” 8 p.m. Sunday on USA (eighth-season finale).
••“In Plain Sight,” 9 p.m. Sunday on USA (second-season finale).
••“Jesse James Is a Dead Man,” 9 p.m. Sunday on SPIKE (first-season finale).
••“Z Rock,” 10 p.m. Sunday on IFC (second-season finale).
••“Obsessed,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (first-season finale).
••“NYC Prep,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (first-season finale).
••“Better Off Ted,” 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“Ghost Hunters International,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Syfy (summer finale).
••“The Mom Show,” 9 a.m. Friday on WE (season finale).
••“Mental,” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox (first-season finale).

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

SUNDAY, AUG. 9
◊“At Sea” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): This three-part miniseries airing today through Tuesday focuses on the new responsibilities of the Navy, as well as new technologies and training necessary to achieve success on the seas.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star John Finn (John Stillman) directed this episode in which Rush and the team investigate the 1964 murder case of a young white woman who secretly travelled to Mississippi during Freedom Summer.
◊“Comedy Central Roast of Joan Rivers” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Kathy Griffin (”My Life on the D-List”) will serve as roast master for this event that pays homage to the career of comedienne Joan Rivers. Roasters include Brad Garrett (”Everybody Loves Raymond”), Carl Reiner (“The Dick Van Dyke Show”), Gilbert Gottfried (“Clerks”), Lily Tomlin (“Nine to Five”) and Richard Belzer (“Law & Order”).
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): At a charity golf tournament, Vince and Drama up the stakes with teammates Mark Wahlberg (“Rock Star”) and Tom Brady (New England Patriots quarterback).
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): The three remaining families take a detour off Route 66 to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas where they get a special performance by Penn and Teller. This leg of the journey also includes a trip to one of the man made wonders of the world – the Hoover Dam – where the families compete in The King of the Road challenge.
◊“Jesse James Is a Dead Man” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): Modern-day daredevil Jesse James takes on another death-defying challenge in the show’s first-season finale.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on USA): In the Season 8 finale, detectives Nichols and Eams pursue a surviving member of the radical Baader-Meinhof gang as he stages a revolutionary terrorist campaign. An eight-hour marathon of the season’s episodes begins at 9 a.m.
◊“Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d’Arabian” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): Last week, stay-at-home mom and home cook Melissa d’Araboan was crowned the Season 5 winner of “The Next Food Network Star.” In her new series, she will show viewers how to incorporate creative and tasty meals into their budgets by sharing her tried-and-true recipes. And she keeps her $10 promise in every episode.
◊“Raging Planet” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This new series takes viewers right into the heart of the planet’s most amazing forces, revealing the speed of a twister, the lethal force of a lightning bolt, the power of a hurricane and the instant devastation of a flood.
◊“Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew” (8 p.m. on MTV): Mario Lopez (”Saved By the Bell”) hosts Season 4 of the series in which dance crews of five to seven members perform their hottest moves for dance supremacy and a $100,000 cash prize. Each week, viewers will choose their favorite crews via text messaging and online voting (http://dancecrew.mtv.com). The two crews with the least number of votes will be up for elimination with the judges – JC Chasez, Lil Mama and Shane Sparks – making the final call on which crew will be sent home.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): In this new reality series, budding entrepreneurs try to persuade five tycoons to invest in their business proposals in return for part equity in the company. On the panel of “sharks” are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, infomercial pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O’Leary.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Cary Grant is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1964’s “Father Goose” (3 p.m.) and 1950’s “Crisis” (11 p.m.).
◊“There Goes the Neighborhood” (8 p.m. on CBS): In this new reality competition series, eight families in a suburban neighborhood in Georgia are enclosed by a massive 20-foot wall as they compete in family-friendly games for the grand prize of $250,000. Matt Rogers (”American Idol”) hosts.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Regis Philbin returns as host as the game show returns to primetime for a two-week, 11-night event celebrating the show’s 10th anniversary. The game show will air Sunday through Thursday, and finale on Aug. 23 will feature a visit from the show’s first woman to win $1 million — Nancy Christy of Tulsa.
◊“Z Rock” (10 p.m. on IFC): The band ZO2 gets the gig of a lifetime: a Bar Mitzvah. Technically speaking, it’s actually a “B-iz-ar Mitzvah” for a well-known black rapper, and it’s being filmed as the pilot episode of a highly anticipated reality series about crazy Bar Mitzvahs. Guest stars include Joan Rivers (”The Celebrity Apprentice”) and Gary Dell’Abate (“Howard Stern”).

MONDAY, AUG. 10
◊“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Morgan Fairchild guest stars as a Beverly Hills socialite friend of Stephanie Forrester (Susan Flannery), who prompts a dueling fashion show between rival fashion houses Forrester Creations and Jackie M. Her character will appear in the Tuesday, Thursday and Friday episodes, as well.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): A large box with a body stuffed inside leads Brenda in search of suspects, and she winds up with several: a scripture-thumping stepfather, a disgruntled ex-girfriend, a buddy who was constantly being hit up for money and a landlord who simply hated the victim’s guts.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include an instrument that may have been recovered from the Hindenburg, a book that may have beem a gift from President John Adams to his son and a home in the Bronx that may have been the birthplace of hip hop.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted tells the gang Stella’s intimate secret, he must face the consequences of breaking her trust. Sarah Chalke (”Scrubs”) and Will Forte (”Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
◊“Jon & Kate Plus 8” (8 p.m. on TLC): While Jon overseas the installation of new cabinets in the kitchen, Kate and the kids get some fun in the sun at the beach. She allows them to body paint with pudding yet again, despite her natural desire for cleanliness and order.
◊“Lord of the Revolution” (7 p.m. on VH1): Richard Belzer narrates this five-part series airing today through Friday. Each hour-long episode celebrates the counterculture icons of the ‘60s and ‘70s – the legends who defied the social, political and cultural mores of their time — from the Black Panthers and  Andy Warhol to Harvard professor turned psychedelic advisor Timothy Leary.
◊“The Nine Lives of Marion Barry” (8 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary profiles the controversial Washington, D.C. politician, viewed by some as a philandering, drug-addled disaster, and by others as a folk hero. It tells Barry’s improbable personal history through a wealth of archival footage of him as a young activist in the 1960s, a rising African-American political star in the 1970s, and his resurgence into D.C. politics with his most recent campaign in 2004. 
◊“Obsessed” (9 p.m. on A&E): The Season 1 finale focuses on an extreme hoarder who can’t throw away anything that belonged to his deceased mother and a woman who pulls her hair out when she feels anxious.
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): When Peyton’s pregnancy is threatened, Lucas struggles to pick up the pieces.  Victoria (Daphne Zuniga, “American Dreams”) returns to lure Brooke back to Clothes Over Bro’s.
◊“Popular Science’s Future Of” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Author and comedian Baratunde Thurston hosts this new series that gives viewers a glimpse of the unbelievable scientific and technological innovations destined to shape our lives in five, ten, 15 or 25 years. Through in-depth interviews with maverick scientists and hands-on experience with breakthrough research and extraordinary prototypes, each episode examines how one important characteristic of human life will fundamentally change within our lifetimes.  
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): Bobbi defends a young woman accused of trying to smuggle a brick of cocaine, but her client’s appearance proves to be an issue.  Michelle, who is prosecuting the case, has to rely on testimony by her cop boyfriend, but there’s something a little too coincidental about his involvement.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Dirk Bogarde is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1957’s “Doctor at Large” (2 p.m.) and 1950’s “The Blue Lamp” (7 p.m.).
◊“Teen Choice 2009″ (7 p.m. on Fox): The Jonas Brothers host and perform during the 11th annual awards show honoring the year’s hottest teen icons for contributions to television, music, film, sports and fashion. “Twilight” and its cast lead the pack with 12 nominations, followed by “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” and its cast, Miley Cyrus and “Gossip Girl” and its cast with 10 nods each.
◊“Twilight Weekly: Spotlight” (9 p.m. on REELZ, channel 238 on DirecTV, 299 on Dish Network): Correspondent Naibe Reynoso hosts this new series that gives viewers the most buzzed-about news, behind-the-scenes coverage of the “Twilight” sequels “New Moon” and “Eclipse,” as well as interviews with key cast members.

TUESDAY, AUG. 11
◊“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): In an attempt to get close to Liam (Matt Lanter, “Commander in Chief”), Naomi offers to be his math tutor, but she gets more than she bargains for when he takes her out for a wild night.
◊“America’s Got Talent” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the second week of live performance shows, 10 of the top 40 contestants perform for a chance to win $1 million and be named the most talented person in America. Judging is turned over to the American viewing audience.
◊“Better Off Ted” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, a new Veridian invention accidentally reveals buttoned-up Veronica’s surprising “secret” life. Meanwhile, Linda decides that if Ted won’t date her, she’s going to fix him up with her old roommate.
◊“Chain Gang Girls 2” (8 p.m. on WE): This two-hour special focuses on America’s only female chain gang. The women have all committed crimes as varied as their backgrounds, but all are bound together by one thing — a 30-foot steel chain. This month-long rotation, part of an intense military-style reform program, forces the women to work together and come to terms with inner issues.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): Christine Lahti (“Chicago Hope”) guest stars as a mother who asks William and Swenton to retrieve her drug-addled son from jail in the Inland Empire.  Whoopi Goldberg (”The View”) reprises her role as PK, William’s former sponsor.
◊“Daddy’s Girls” (9 p.m. on MTV): Season 2, which opens with back-to-back episodes, showcases Angela and Vanessa’s new life in Los Angeles and how they’ve adjusted to the West Coast  —  especially how their father, Rev Run, has dealt with giving his daughters room to grow.
◊“Great American Seafood Cook-Off” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special highlights the fifth annual event held last August in New Orleans. Overcooked fish and other culinary calamities cause major stress for the contestants as they attempt to create a masterpiece in three hours.
◊“Hawthorne” (8 p.m. on TNT): Christina leaves Bobbie in charge of the entire hospital nursing staff while she goes into budget battles with Morrissey, who gives Christina until the end of the day to lay off six nurses.  The order couldn’t come at a worse time for Kelly, who gets into trouble when she refutes Dr. Marshall’s treatment for a stroke patient.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on CBS): Allison is visited again by the ghost of FBI Agent Cooper (Kurtwood Smith, “That ’70s Show), who helps her investigate who the real killer is in a series of questionable murders, but she starts to question Cooper’s motives and wonders if she can trust his advice.
◊“NYC Prep” (8 p.m. on Bravo): In the first-season finale, the school year comes to a close and seniors PC and Jessie give their parting goodbyes  —  but not without a good fight.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Made in L.A.” chronicles the remarkable and tireless efforts of three Latina garment workers in Los Angeles to secure better working conditions in factories that bear an uncomfortable resemblance to early 20th-century New York sweatshops. The women waged a three-year battle to bring a major clothing retailer to the negotiating table.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): The squad investigates the death of a parole officer with secrets, while Grace and her brother Johnny finally track down Neely, the young addict who shares visions of Earl.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Audrey Hepburn is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1952’s “Secret People” (7 a.m.) and 1953’s “Roman Holiday” (9:30 p.m.).

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12
◊“Acid Test: The Global Challenge of Ocean Acidification” (9:30 p.m. on Planet Green): Sigourney Weaver (“Aliens”) narrates this documentary produced by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) that explores the startling phenomenon of ocean acidification, which may soon challenge the survival of thousands of marine species.
◊“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Appearing in the next three episodes as celebrity judges at a fashion show will be Jim J. Bullock (“Too Close for Comfort”), who reprises his role as Sergei; Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”), who returns as Rich Ginger; and Melissa Rivers (“The Celebrity Apprentice”), who plays herself.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): A serial killer who disguises his victims’ demise by creating car accidents to mask their earlier deaths is the subject of a BAU manhunt. William Mapother (”Lost”) and Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) guest star.
◊“Criss Angel Mindfreak” (9 p.m. on A&E): Illusionist Criss Angel returns for a fifth season of putting himself to the ultimate life or death test. Each week, he will perform a variety of different illusions and end with a never-before-seen demonstration (in the premiere episode, he is being buried alive in ice and snow).
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the shooting of a man in an empty theater, Stella realizes that the crime scene is oddly familiar and staged. Katherine McPhee (”American Idol”) guest stars.
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): Carter’s unit races against the clock to save a kidnapped woman, and it’s up to Ty as a gangbanger, Dean as a security guard and Jaimie as a potential victim to track down the woman’s whereabouts.  But the situation is not helped by the fact that the FBI are involved in the case, dredging up a deeply personal grudge Carter has against the feds.
◊“Dinner: Impossible” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Robert Irvine and his team try to overcome culinary obstacles in this series, which returns for its seventh season. In the premiere episode, they cater a utensil-free meal for 250 Roller Derby women and their families.
◊“Ghost Hunters International” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The team investigates Chile’s famed El Bosque City Hall, which was once a retirement home for Catholic priests and doubled as a house of detention for the secret police during the reign of Augusto Pinochet.
◊“Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Cincinnati Bengals” (9 p.m. on HBO): HBO Sports, NFL Films and the Cincinnati Bengals will team up for an all-access look at what it takes to make it in the National Football League in this sports-based reality series, which returns for its fifth season. The five-episode series will focus on the daily lives and routines of players and coaches as the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for the 2009 NFL season.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): The crew dives into the paranoid world of government conspiracies to expose a heartless tabloid newscaster as a fraud.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The 200th anniversaries of Franz Joseph Haydn’s death and Felix Mendelssohn’s birth are commemorated with performances by violinist Joshua Bell and the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra. The program includes Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and his popular concert work “The Hebrides”; Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 in D Major (”London”); and Mozart’s Rondo for Violin and Orchestra in C Major and Adagio for Violin and Orchestra in E Major.
◊“Man vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In the Season 4 premiere, host and survival expert Bear Grylls navigates through the icy Arctic Circle where he tackles a frozen waterfall, hunts wild reindeer and battles against some of the coldest conditions on the planet.
◊“Meet the Browns” (8 p.m. on TBS): Attractive principal Mr. Hughes gives Cora a full-time job teaching at the high school, but she immediately runs into problems when a student shows up to class drunk.  And the Colonel tries to find a job after losing his nest egg.
◊“The Philanthropist” (9 p.m. on NBC): Teddy has come to the impoverished Caribbean nation of Haiti with his partner, Philip, to try and solve an almost-hopeless food shortage. Philip, who was born in Haiti but left as a teenager, is locking horns with a powerful island senator named Jean Beauvais who also happens to be Philip’s estranged brother.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Clark Gable is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1954’s “Betrayed” (noon) and 1932’s “Red Dust” (7 p.m.).
◊“Truth Be Told” (8 p.m. on TLC): This new series focuses on compulsive hoarders who hold onto worthless possessions to the point where clutter makes their homes unlivable.
◊“TV’s 50 Funniest Phrases, Part 2” (7 p.m. on NBC): Host Jane Krakowski (”30 Rock”) celebrates the humor and history of television’s funniest phrases with this special, that will begin with the 24th most popular catchphrase from TV and will countdown all the way to No. 1. Also featured are the top three phrases of popular genres including science fiction and action adventure.

THURSDAY, AUG. 13
◊“30 Rock” (7 p.m. on NBC): C.C. (Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”) wants to go public with her relationship with Jack, but Jack is still very reluctant. Meanwhile, Liz continues to appease both Tracy and Jenna as stars of “TGS with Tracy Jordan.”
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (7:59 p.m. on CBS): Nick’s case of a deceased skydiver takes an interesting turn when Catherine discovers there may be a connection
between the skydiver and a mysterious double murder case. Charisma Carpenter (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Greg Germann (”Ally McBeal”) guest star.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Bailey heads up a team of surgeons performing a “domino procedure” in which each surgery hinges on the one preceding it; Derek gets sole credit for the brain tumor study he did with Meredith; Lexie goes to great lengths to have George notice her romantically, and Sloan counsels a desperate Callie on the ways of love. Carl Lumbly (”Alias”) and Kevin McKidd (”Rome”) guest stars.
◊“Into the Pride” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): In this five-part series, large predator expert Dave Salmoni heads deep into the African bush on a double mission – to return to his wild roots and save a rogue pride of lions from elimination.
◊“Special Ops Mission” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): In each episode of this new series, special forces operator Wil Willis must complete a nearly impossible mission. Each episode introduces a new “Op-For” team that will employ the latest military tactics to stop Willis.
◊“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment titled “Buffalo Soldiers” takes viewers back into the past in order to recognize some of those who secured Oklahoma’s future. Native Oklahomans nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers” protected Indians from white settlers and white settlers from hostile Indians. They also built forts, railroads, ran telegraph lines and mapped much of Oklahoma and Indian Territories.  Many were eventually awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for various acts of heroism.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Gloria Grahame is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1953’s “The Glass Wall” (2 p.m.) and 1953’s “The Big Heat” (8:45 p.m.).

FRIDAY, AUG. 14
◊“Degrassi Goes Hollywood” (7 p.m. on The N): Old friends, flames and rivals reunite as the Degrassi gang takes over Tinseltown in the network’s first original two-hour movie. The only thing bigger than their dreams is the drama when they venture to Hollywood to score parts in a film, Mewesical High, directed by Jason Mewes (“Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”). The movie also features guest appearances by Kevin Smith (“Clerks”), Perez Hilton (celebrity blogger), Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy), Vivica A. Fox (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Kelly Carlson (“Nip/Tuck”) and Cassadee Pope (“Hey Monday”).
◊“The Doors: Live in Europe” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special features performances from the American rock band’s 1969 European tour, including the songs “Light My Fire,” “Hello, I Love You” and “The Unknown Soldier.” It also offers a glimpse of life on the road for band members Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore.
◊“Gown Crazy” (9 p.m. on TLC): Norman designer Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie, who finished fifth in Season 3 of “Project Runway,” is featured in this new special, which was taped as a pilot for a possible series. He has four days to design and sew five outfits for the Miss Oklahoma Pageant, put on a charity fashion show and design and complete a custom evening gown and wedding gown.
◊“Kai-Lan’s Great Trip to China” (9 a.m. on Nickelodeon): This new one-hour special takes Kai-lan, Yeye and friends on a trip to China to visit Kai-lan’s great aunt and attend the naming ceremony of a baby panda. Along the way, viewers will be asked to help Rintoo, Tolee, Hoho and the baby panda overcome their fears of trying something new so they don’t miss the special naming ceremony at sundown. Ming-Na (“ER”) guest stars as the voice of Kai-lan’s Great Aunt Gu Nai Nai.
◊“Kung Fu Panda” (7:15 p.m. on Cinemax): The title character doesn’t know martial arts when the movie begins, but that changes fast in this fun, animated comedy-adventure featuring the voice of Jack Black in the main role. The voice cast also includes Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu and Ian McShane.
◊“The Mom Show” (9 a.m. on WE): In the season finale, resident doctor Dave Greenberg joins the moms to talk about a growing epidemic — stress.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA): While investigating the high-profile murder of a maid whose assailant apparently tried to treat her wounds, Monk finds himself drawn to another case involving a visiting African man investigating his wife’s hit-and-run death.
◊“Neil Diamond — Hot August Night: NYC” (7 p.m. on CBS):  This new concert special features performances from Neil Diamond’s latest sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York. He sings several of his classics, including “America,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “I Am…I Said,” “Cherry, Cherry” and “Sweet Caroline.”  In addition, Diamond reflects on a recent visit to his hometown, as he takes the audience on his journey from Brooklyn to Madison Square Garden.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When Robin’s seemingly strong case against a weapons smuggler falls apart, the team decides to look into the jury who heard the case. James Marsters (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Ray Wise (”Reaper”) guest star.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Sidney Poitier is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1967’s “To Sir, With Love” (5 p.m.) and 1963’s “Lilies of the Field” (9:15 p.m.).
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): Alex opts to plan a zombie-themed anti-prom, but she is unprepared for the real zombies that arrive for the ultimate prom dance-off.
◊“Woodstock: Now & Then” (8 p.m. on VH1): This documentary directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple (“American Dream”) examines the 1969 three-day music festival from the perspectives of not only the musicians who graced the stage, but the fans who gathered in mass and the concert promoters who risked everything. History Channel will air the 2-hour documentary on Aug. 17.

SATURDAY, AUG. 15
◊“The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): When Bill refuses to shave his beard after a fishing trip, Susan decides to teach him a lesson, and Paul winds up in the crossfire.   Meanwhile, Bryan tries to join Trent in tormenting Lauren, but it’s unclear he has what it takes to be a prankster.
◊“Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a missing plastic surgeon who is found dead in the front seat of his car after a week of being parked curbside. As they delve into the twisted world of surgery obsessed patients and secret operations, Castle experiences a fatherly rite of passage as Alexis attends her first prom.
◊“Househusbands of Hollywood” (8 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): This new series follows the lives of five men and their high-powered, successful wives.  The men live under a different set of circumstances, but they all have one thing in common –their wives are bringing home the bacon. The Hollywood husbands include former Los Angeles Dodger Billy Ashley (married to celebrity makeup artist Lisa Ashley), actor Darryl M. Bell (married to actress Tempestt Bledsoe) and former Marine Corps sniper Grant Reynolds (married to ‘Good Day LA” host Jillian Reynolds).
◊“My Sinatra: A Musical Tribute” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): New York crooner Cary Hoffman celebrates Frank Sinatra’s classic period from 1953 to the early ‘60s with his renditions of “Luck Be a Lady,” Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way” and others classics.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Deborah Kerr is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are
1942’s “The Avengers” (9:30 a.m.) and 1957’s “An Affair to Remember” (7 p.m.).

–Penny TV

Mariah Carey

    Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Aug. 2.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

GUEST STARS
••Jackson Browne (singer/songwriter) on “Big Ideas for a Small Planet,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance.
••Mariah Carey (Grammy winner) on “America’s Got Talent,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Tom Cavanagh (“Ed”) on “Scrubs,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Melinda Clarke (“The O.C.”) on “Hell’s Kitchen,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
••Gary Collins (“Born Free”) on “Dirty Sexy Money,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
••Bruce Davison (“Knight Rider”) on “The Closer,” 8 p.m. Monday on TNT.
••Stephen Dunham (“The Mummy”) on “The Bill Engvall Show,” 8 p.m. Saturday on TBS.
••Steve Eckholdt (”The West Wing”) on “Cold Case,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Cary Elwes (“The X Files”) on “Psych,” 9 p.m. Friday on USA.
••Eve (Grammy winner) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Carrie Fisher (“Star Wars”) on “30 Rock,” 7 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Joe Flanigan (“Stargate: Atlantis”) on “Warehouse 13,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy.
••Rebecca Gayheart (“Dead Like Me”) on “The Cleaner,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on A&E.
••Jason Gedrick (”Desperate Housewives”) on “Cold Case,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Katheryn Joosten (”Joan of Arcadia”) on “Scrubs,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Drew Lachey (“Dancing With the Stars”) on “Hell’s Kitchen,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
••Sarah Lancaster (“Chuck”) on “Hawthorne,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on TNT.
••Martin Landau (”Ed Wood”) on “Without a Trace,” 9:01 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Michael Learned (”The Waltons”) on “Scrubs,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Constantine Maroulis (”American Idol”) on “Z Rock,” 10 p.m. Sunday on IFC.
••Christa Miller (”The Drew Carey Show”) on “Scrubs,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Jason Mraz (singer/songwriter) on “Today,” 7 a.m. Friday on NBC.
••James Naughton (“The Devil Wears Prada”) on “Warehouse 13,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy.
••Frankie Negron (Latin music star) on “One Life to Live,” 1 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••John O’Hurley (“Dancing With the Stars”) on “Hell’s Kitchen,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
••Elizabeth Perkins (“Weeds”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA.
••Luke Perry (”Beverly Hills, 90210″) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Judy Reyes (“Scrubs”) on “Hawthorne,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on TNT.
••Joan Rivers (”Celebrity Apprentice”) on “Z Rock,” 10 p.m. Sunday on IFC.
••John Schneider (”Smallville”) on “Dirty Sexy Money,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
••Jamie-Lynn Sigler (“The Sopranos”) on “Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (“7th Heaven”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Rena Sofer (“Blind Justice”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA.
••Nicole Sullivan (“Rita Rocks”) on “Scrubs,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Henry Winkler (”Happy Days”) on “Handy Manny,” 7:30 a.m. Saturday on Disney.
••Cynthia Watros (“Lost”) on “The Closer,” 8 p.m. Monday on TNT.

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

SUNDAY, AUG. 2
◊“Blood in the Water” (8 p.m. on Discovery): The network’s 22nd annual Shark Week opens with this two-hour re-enactment of the true events that inspired ‘‘Jaws” — a 1916 series of shark attacks along the New Jersey shore, which turned the waters near the beach into a killing ground and triggered a nationwide panic.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a recently missing teenager while also investigating the five-month-old murder of the boy’s father, both of whom were in a witness protection program as the father prepared to testify against a mob boss. Steve Eckholdt (”The West Wing”) and Jason Gedrick (”Desperate Housewives”) guest star.
◊“Defying Gravity” (8 p.m. on ABC): This new space thriller is set in the very near future and follows eight astronauts from
five countries who undertake a mysterious six-year space mission covering eight billion miles. The series stars Ron Livingston (“Office Space”) as Antares flight engineer Maddux Donner, Laura Harris (“24”) as ship geologist Zoe Barnes, Malik Yoba (“New York Undercover”) as Antares commander Ted Shaw, Christina Cox (“Blood Ties”) as biologist Jen Crane, Florentine Lahme (“Impact”) as pilot Nadia Schilling, Paula Garces (“The Shield”) as on-board documentary producer Paula Morales, Eyal Podell (“24”) as psychiatrist and medical officer Evram Mintz and Dylan Taylor (“House Party”) as theoretical physicist Steve Wassenfelder.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): With production on his next film delayed, Vince searches for ways to amuse himself, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler (“The Sopranos”) takes Turtle shopping for back-to-school clothes.
◊“The Ford HBCU Business Classic” (10:30 p.m. on TV One): Darryl Bell (”A Different World”) hosts this reality-style special that brings together some of the nation’s most talented young business minds from prestigious historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to compete for scholarship money while they hone their entrepreneurial skills in a business plan competition.
◊“Legally Blondes” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Reese Witherspoon (”Legally Blonde”) serves as producer for the third installment of the movie franchise, and she passes the blonde-baton to British twin sisters Becky and Milly Rosso (”The Suite Life of Zack & Cody”). They play Elle’s cousins Izzy and Annie Woods, who move to Californina to attend a posh prep school and end up becoming the target of  the school’s wealthy “queen.”
◊“Megan Wants a Millionaire” (8 p.m. on VH1): Megan Hauserman, who had her heart broken by Bret Michaels in “Rock of Love 2 and lost out on the $1 million check on “I Love Money,” is back to find both love and money. Seventeen eligible multi-millionaires will vie for her heart in this new reality series.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): A mysterious black knight arrives in Camelot to reveal deep, dark secrets from the past that King Uther would rather keep buried.
◊“Mountain Gorilla” (6:15 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This is the first of 21 IMAX films that the cable network has scheduled for Sundays in August. Today’s line-up also features “T-Rex: Back to Cretaceous” (7 p.m.), “China: The Panda Adventure” (8 p.m.) and “Mission to Mir” (9 p.m.).
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): In the Season 5 finale, Alton Brown (“Good Eats”) spends one-on-one time with the final two contenders to learn more about their culinary points of view before directing their pilots. And all the finalists return and join a live audience to find out who will be the next Food Network star.
◊“Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew Top 10 Performances of All Time” (8 p.m. on MTV): Randy Jackson (”American Idol”) will count down the best crew performances from seasons past in this hourlong clip show. Season 4 of the show premieres Aug. 9.
◊“The Storm” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the finale to this two-part TV movie, scientist Kirk Hafner (James Van Der Beek) seeks to save the world from the potential devastation to be caused by billionaire Robert Terrell’s (Treat Williams) obsession with controlling the weather. As weather conditions continue to worsen, Hafner turns to Detective Devon Williams (Marisol Nichols) to help him maneuver his way through Terrell’s deadly game.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: James Mason is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1946’s “The Wicked Lady” (7 a.m.) and 1946’s “They Were Sisters” (9 a.m.).
◊“Tony Bennett: An American Classic” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Grammy winner Tony Bennett performs duets of his greatest hits with other Grammy winners, including Barbra Streisand (“Smile”), Elton John (“Rags to Riches”) and Stevie Wonder (“For Once in My Life”). Woven throughout the special are narratives by special giests, including Billy Crystal, John Travolta and Robert DeNiro.
◊“Ty’s Great British Adventure” (7 p.m. on ABC): “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” host Ty Pennington crosses the Atlantic to help the seaside town of Portreath in southwest England bring life back to the town’s park. The once-thriving park suffered neglect and eventually became a rusty, muddy mess, and infighting and indecision amongst the town leaders and community members led to a stalled effort to get anything done.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a man who goes missing after a late night dive and try to zero in on who could be responsible for his disappearance. Oscar winner Martin Landau (”Ed Wood”) reprises his role as Frank Malone, Jack’s father.
◊“Z Rock” (10 p.m. on IFC): While the band is having difficulty being signed to a label, John Popper (Blues Traveler lead singer) helps ZO2 with the next best things – lunch, and an audition for Paulie for the lead on Broadway’s “Rock of Ages.” Constantine Maroulis (”American Idol”) and Joan Rivers (”Celebrity Apprentice”) also guest star.

MONDAY, AUG. 3
◊“Boy Interrupted” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary from director Dana Perry and her husband, Hart, tells the story of how their teenage son, Evan Scott Perry, ended his lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder in 2005 by jumping from his New York bedroom window.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): A man (Bruce Davison, “Knight Rider”) who confessed to murder while Brenda was away on her honeymoon gets details of the crime wrong during his allocution, causing Brenda to reopen the case.  Cynthia Watros (“Lost”) also guest stars.
◊“The Dan Patrick Show” (8 a.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): Syndicated sports talk radio host Dan Patrick’s new weekday series is more than just a simulcast of the radio hours. It will include behind-the-scenes antics and video segments as Patrick interacts with his production staff to create a unique blend of situational comedy and sports commentary. 
◊“Day of the Shark 2″ (9 p.m. on Discovery): See what happens when a great white breaks through a 300-pound aluminum shark cage and traps the divers inside. Another shark tackles a former Navy Seal in shallow waters off the coast of St. Petersburg, Florida. And a bull shark invades a spear-fishing trip in the Bahamas.
◊“Deadly Waters” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Survivorman’s Les Stroud is back for more nail biting – shark chomping action, and this time, he’s taking on the deadliest waters around the world. His quest is simple – which water is the deadliest? Starting from historical data from the Florida Museum Of Natural History’s famed “Shark Attack Files”, Les will begin his journey to test the waters in the world’s sharkiest “hotspots”
◊“Forensics: You Decide” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series shows how the prosecution and defense can reach two very different conclusions on what truly happened and allows viewers to decide for themselves whom they believe. The premiere episode focuses on the 2008 case of Lawton resident Greg Maurek, who stood trial for the murder of his brother, Peter.
◊“Get Down Tonight  —  The Disco Explosion” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Hosted by KC and the Sunshine Band, Karen Lynn-Gorney (“Saturday Night Fever”) and Denny Terrio (“Dance Fever”), this special includes performances by artists featured on the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack.
◊“Gimme Sugar: Miami” (9 p.m. on Logo): In the Season 2 finale, Charlene tries to convince her bosses Linda and Michelle to allow Charlene manage the “Truck Stop” launch event in Miami again after previous altercations with local Miami club promoters. As her entire future with the company rests on its success, Charlene relies on her newly found friends in Miami to offer the support she needs to make her career aspirations a reality.
◊“Indoors Out” (9:30 p.m. on DIY): Cousins Dean Marsico and Derek Stearns are back for a third season of this show dedicated to expanding homes with outdoor rooms  —  from fully outfitted kitchens to spa showers.
◊“Invitation Only: Brad Paisley” (8 p.m. on CMT): Country music artist Brad Paisley performs his greatest hits as well as new music from his album, American Saturday Night, in this new special.  He also takes part in a laid-back question and answer session and talks about his interests outside of the entertainment industry, his family and how his marriage stays strong.
◊“Real Chance of Love 2: Back in the Saddle” (8 p.m. on VH1): Bachelor brothers “Real” and “Chance” are back and still eager to find the fillies of their dreams. These former “I Love New York” contestants are single again and ready to restart the dual search for Ms. Right with a new set of challenges that promise to be both outlandish and true tests for the new contenders.
◊“Rock Solid” (9 p.m. on DIY): Cousins Derek Stearns and Dean Marsico return to host Season 5 of this show dedicated to helping viewers increase their home’s value by starting in the yard. They are stonemasons, and they demonstrate how to create sturdy stone-top tables, outdoor shows, fire pits and more.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Everyone returns from their summer vacations, and george makes a big revelation to Anne. Prior to this new episode, viewers can catch up on the show with a six-hour marathon beginning at 1 p.m.
◊“Sugarland: Live on the Inside” (7 p.m. on ABC): The Grammy-winning country music duo made up of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Brooks takes fans behind the scenes of one of its concerts in this special that airs the day before the duo’s new CD and DVD hits music stores. Filmed with 20 cameras at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., the show features previously unseen footage of Sugarland performing hits such as ‘‘Settlin’ ” and ‘‘All I Want to Do.”
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Marion Davies is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1935’s “Page Miss Glory” (5:15 p.m.) and 1933’s “Going Hollywood” (11:30 p.m.).
◊“Ultimate Cake Off” (9 p.m. on TLC): Here’s a sneak peek at the new competition series that pits three cake artists against each other as they creaye edible masterpieces in hopes of winning $10,000 and and having their cakes featured at marquee events. The series premieres Aug. 31.

TUESDAY, AUG. 4
◊“Addicted to Beauty” (10 p.m. on Oxygen): This new reality workplace dramedy follows the outrageous staff at Changes Plastic Surgery and Spa, located in Southern California.  Dianne York-Goldman, socialite and marketing expert, has brought her over-the-top employees from her previous spa to help with this new venture with well-known plastic surgeon Dr. Gilbert Lee.
◊“Big Ideas for a Small Planet” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Each week, this documentary series brings a different green theme into focus through the work of forward-thinking innovators. The Season 3 premiere looks at the music industry’s ideas of a green record label, sustainable stages and green guitars. Featured innovators include singer Jackson Browne, Emmett Malloy of Brushfire Records and Neal Turley of Sustainable Waves.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): Rebecca Gayheart (“Dead Like Me”) guest stars as a speed addicted nurse whose shares her addiction and a relationship with her surgeon. The hospital administrator reaches out to William to help the duo kick their problem before they embark on major heart surgery on a child.
◊“The Colony” (9 p.m. on Discovery): Volunteers manage to secure the basic necessities in order to survivea global catastrophe, but turning their focus to one creature comfort they really miss — a hot shower — proves to be costly as it leaves them open to a massive attack.
◊“Dolly: Live in London O2 Arena” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Grammy-winning country singer Dolly Parton performs many of her classic hits to a sell-out crowd in London. She also sings selections from her recent release “Backwoods Barbie.”
◊“Hawthorne” (8 p.m. on TNT): Christina treats a female patient who may have been abused by her boyfriend, but things might be different than they seem at first.  Sarah Lancaster (“Chuck”) and Judy Reyes (“Scrubs”) guest star.
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): Stopping by for dinner service are Drew Lachey (“Dancing With the Stars”), “John O’Hurley (“Dancing With the Stars”), Tom Green (“Grind”), Melinda Clarke (“The O.C.”) and Kristy Swanson (“Early Edition”).
◊“The Little Couple” (9 p.m. on TLC): In the Season 1 finale, Jen and Bill are anxious to start a family. But they have major concerns about Jen’s safety during pregnancy, so they’ve made an appointment with a doctor who is an expert on little people pregnancies.
◊“One Life to Live” (1 p.m. on ABC): Latin music star Frankie Negron will perform a unique version of his song “Holding on to Love” in both English and Spanish during a private rooftop performance for Todd (Trevor St. John) and Tea (Florencia Lozano).
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): The bizarre murder of a drug company whistle blower becomes a potential national news story for Butch’s reporter girlfriend, Kendra Burke.  Grace’s brother Leo is convinced his next door neighbor is keeping a dead body in his house.  And Johnny pressures Grace to arrange a chance for him to finally meet Earl.
◊“Scrubs” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): J.D.’s fantasy comes to life as he bids Sacred Heart Hospital a final farewell. Guest starring in “My Finale” are Christa Miller (”The Drew Carey Show”), Nicole Sullivan (“Rita Rocks”), Tom Cavanagh (“Ed”), Michael Learned (”The Waltons”) and Katheryn Joosten (”Joan of Arcadia”).
◊“Sharkbite Summer” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This new special revisits the attack sites and builds an exact picture of the bloody summer of 2001 using news archive, interviews with victims, witnesses, surgeons, family members and shark experts.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: James Coburn is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1967’s “The President’s Analyst” (7 p.m.) and 1975’s “Hard Times” (9 p.m.).
◊“Warehouse 13” (8 p.m. on Syfy): When a sculpture is stolen thanks to an American Indian artifact that allowed the thief to walk through the steel walls of a vault, Pete and Myka are sent to New York City to investigate. Joe Flanigan (“Stargate: Atlantis”) and James Naughton (“The Devil Wears Prada”) guest star.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 5
◊“America’s Got Talent” (8 p.m. on NBC): Grammy winner Mariah Carey will perform her new single “Obsessed” on the first results show. “Obsessed,” written and produced by Carey, The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, is the first single pick from her album “Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.”
◊“Country Bluegrass Homecoming” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Country, bluegrass and classic gospel singers gather together in this musical celebration hosted by Bill Gaither. The special includes appearances by Vince Gill, George Jones and Marty Stuart.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Prentiss and Reid go undercover to investigate possible child abuse at an underground cult, they get trapped inside the compound when a federal raid goes bad. Luke Perry (”Beverly Hills, 90210″) guest stars as cult leader Benjamin Cyrus.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a former medical examiner is found murdered, a white powder found at the scene provides the CSIs with a major lead in tracking the killer when it is discovered that the powder is heroin made from human bodies. Pop Singer and Actress Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz (”Fall Out Boy”) guest star as “Bonnie and Clyde Wannabes.”
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): Ty and Dean go after a major Korean gang into everything from drugs to counterfeiting.  Their target is known as President Lee, an old-school mob boss who doesn’t take lip from anyone.  But their biggest problem might be more internal, as Ty and Dean butt heads over every aspect of the case, with Ty being too cautious and Dean throwing caution to the wind.
◊“Giuliana & Bill” (8 p.m. on Style Network): This new reality series looks inside the marriage of E! news anchor Giuliana Rancic and best-selling author Bill Rancic as they juggle high-profile careers and married life while traveling between homes in Los Angeles and Chicago.
◊“Great White Appetite” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Observe first hand the experiments that uncover the Great Whites unique eating habits. Cameras will travel the globe, stopping at three major Great White feeding grounds – Seal Island, South Africa; Adelaide, Australia and Guadalupe Island, Mexico to administer visual experiments in an effort to better understand the shark’s appetite.
◊“House Crashers” (9 p.m. on DIY): In this new series, host and contractor Josh Temple stalks the aisles of home improvement stores in search of daring weekend warriors willing to let him remodel a room in their home. With the help of his expert crew, Temple takes on top-to-bottom transformations, and trusting homeowners cash in the ultimate home improvement lottery.
◊“How’d You Get So Rich?” (9 p.m. on TV Land): In this new series, Joan Rivers (”Celebrity Apprentice” winner) explores the lifestyles of the rich and lucky. She takes viewers on a journey to meet the millionaires who
struck gold as she tours the most lavish and extravagant homes and introduces them to folks who made a lot of money in really interesting ways.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): While trying to recover embezzled cash from a Madoff-like funds manager, the team finds themselves acting as unlikely fairy godparents to the mark’s lovable loser stepson.
◊“Make My Day” (9:30 p.m. on TV Land): This new comedic hidden-camera series provides a window into one day in the life of an unsuspecting participant. Tune in as cameras capture the action as they experience weird coincidences, extraordinary situations and surprise celebrity appearances for one whole day.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Harold Lloyd is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1928’s “Speedy” (7 p.m.) and 1933’s “Feet First” (10:30 p.m.).
◊“War Dogs of the Pacific” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): This program tells the story of the U.S. Marine war dog platoons of World War II, following the marines and their dogs through training and into combat.

THURSDAY, AUG. 6
◊“Bollywood Hero” (9 p.m. on IFC): Chris Kattan (”Saturday Night Live”) stars in this Bollywood musical-style miniseries, in which he fleas Hollywood and travels to India to star in the Bollywood film “Peculiar Dancing Boy.”  The three-part, six-hour miniseries airing today through Saturday also stars Maya Rudolph (”Away We Go”), Julian Sands (”A Room with a View”), Neha Dhupia (former Miss India) and Pooja Kumar (former Miss India U.S.A).
◊“Burn Notice” (8 p.m. on USA): In the Season 3 finale, a recently widowed woman hires Michael and Fiona to get her away from a group of violent con men. Michael turns to Madeline for help, but he may ask her to go too far.
◊“Celtic Woman: The Greatest Journey” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special is the essential collection of Celtic Woman’s most beloved and memorable songs. It showcases vocalists Lisa, Chloë, Órla, Méav, Hayley, Alex, Lynn and fiddler Máiréad, and all of the songs are intertwined using stunning scenic and landscape images of Ireland.
◊“Daniel O’Donnell: Hope and Praise” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special, taped in November before 2,500 fans in Branson, Mo., features Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell performing multi-denominational hymns, up-tempo gospel and pop songs. He is backed by a 24-member young adult choir, a 12-member children’s choir, an orchestra and his band.
◊“Hawaii: Message in the Waves” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): This documentary features the wildlife of Hawaii’s famous surf zone and the surfers and scrientists who are fighting to protect it. Turtles, dolphins, monk seals and albatrosses all have to cope with the growing number of people using the island beaches, but now animals face a new threat from washed-up plastic.
◊“Police Women of Broward County” (8 p.m. on TLC): This new reality series follows the four tough-talking police women of Broward County in Florida as they battle crime. In the premiere episode, Andrea tackles a drug dealer twice her size, Ana outsmarts a stripper hiding drugs, Julie goes undercover as a prostitute and Shelunda investigates a bloody fight.
◊“Shark After Dark” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Sharks are most aggressive and most active in the dark, but the fact is, we know very little else about the nocturnal nature of these creatures. Now, armed with the latest in infrared thermography cameras and night vision technology, a team of divers travels around the world, and descends into the sharks dangerous after-dark hunting grounds.
◊“Skins” (8 p.m. on BBC America): This award-winning British series returns for a second season and continues to push boundaries and tell shocking and sometimes heartbreaking stories about the trials of adolescence. The Class of 2009 is headed up by the beautiful and mysterious Effy (Kaya Scodelario), returning as the new queen bee. Effy is as enigmatic and elusive as ever. She’s joined by best friend, Pandora (Lisa Backwell), sweet and kooky, she keeps the gang together.
◊“So You Think You Can Dance” (7 p.m. on Fox): Find out who will be crowned America’s favorite dancer live from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Judy Garland is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1950’s “Summer Stock” (5 p.m.) and 1945’s “The Clock” (9 p.m.).

FRIDAY, AUG. 7
◊“Chefs vs. City” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Acclaimed chefs Chris Cosentino and Aaron Sanchez test their food knowledge and competitive spirits in this new series. Each week, they will travel to a different city, where they will be pitted against two local foodies in a winner-takes-all race in five different challenges that could include eating spicy dishes and crab fishing in a gator-infested river.
◊“The Goode Family” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Gerald thinks Trish and Mo (guest stars Julia Sweeney, Laraine Newman) want him as the sperm donor for their next child in the Season 1 finale. Meanwhile, when Ubuntu starts sprouting his first facial hair, Charlie decides it’s time to take his grandson under his wing and teach him how to be a man, much to Gerald and Helen’s dismay.
◊“Great Performances” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment highlights Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday celebration from Madison Square Garden. Joining the folk singer for the concert event taped in May are Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, Kris Kristofferson and many others.
◊“Jeffery and Cole Casserole” (10 p.m. on Logo): In the Season 1 finale, Jeffery and Cole attempt to use their friend “Becky” to get to Boca Raton, Fla. — all for the love of vampires and musical theater.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA): When an attempt is made on the life of a former child star who recently publiushed her tell-all biography, Monk is thrilled to act as her bodyguard  —  until he learns how different she is from her TV alter ego. Guest starring in the Season 8 premiere are Rena Sofer (“Blind Justice”) and Elizabeth Perkins (“Weeds”).
◊“Mr. Friday” (8 p.m. on FLN): This new docu-series follows former model and jet-setter Derek Friday, who has never done a day’s work in his life. He is forced by his wealthy, philanthropic mother to switch places with a hardworking recipient and perform various tasks from cleaning and feeding reptiles to working in the circus in exchange for his weekly trust-fund check.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): A stolen pair of “kicks” leads the team into the world of sneaker collecting after a foreign Ambassador finds his prized pair missing.
Grammy winner Eve guest stars.
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA): In the Season 4 premiere, Shawn and Gus outwit a notorious international art thief, Despereux (Cary Elwes, “The X Files”). When they travel to the ski slopes of Vancouver, they discover that he’s not an art thief but an insurance scam artist.
◊“Surviving Suburbia” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, Steve motivates Anne to break away from her manipulative mother after her parents abuse the new cell phones they gave them. And Dr. Jim counsels Henry after he reprimands Rhonda for glamorizing teen pregnancy in front of Courtney.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Glenn Ford is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1949’s “Mr. Soft Touch” (2 p.m.) and 1946’s “Gilda” (7 p.m.).
     
SATURDAY AUGUST 8, 2009
◊“The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): Bill invests a hefty chunk of money in his brother Dan’s (Stephen Dunham, “The Mummy”) latest sure-thing business proposition, something he’s done too many times before.  Determined to put a stop to it, Susan pushes Bill to talk to his brother about being a responsible adult.
◊“Dirty Sexy Money” (9 p.m. on ABC): After being stabbed by Nola, the badly wounded Simon is secretly taken to the Imperial to recuperate. While there, Nick forces Simon to reveal how he is controlling Nola and why he had her prosecute Letitia for Dutch’s murder. Entanglements arise with Nick and the pregnant Karen’s budding romance when it’s revealed that his ex-wife, Lisa, is writing a tell-all book about the Darlings. Gary Collins (“Born Free”) and John Schneider (”Smallville”) guest stars.
◊“George Lopez: Tall, Dark & Chicano” (9 p.m. on HBO): Comedian George Lopez delivers an all-new stand-up show before a live audience at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.  Some of the hot topics he’s expected to cover are Latino perspectives on change in America, kids today, parenting and “rednecks” who date Latino women.
◊“Handy Manny” (7:30 a.m. on Disney): When Manny is the 100th customer at Mr. Diller’s (guest star Henry Winkler, “Happy Days”) Variety Store, he wins his choice of any item in the store and shares his prize with the tools.
◊“iCarly: iFight Shelby Marx” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this special hourlong movie, features Victoria Justice (”Spectacular”) as Shelby Marx, a female championship fighter who challenges Carly (Miranda Cosgrove) to meet her in the ring.
◊“Lars and the Real Girl” (8 p.m. on Showtime): Ryan Gosling stars as Lars, a loner who surprises everyone with his  introduction of a girlfriend — actually a lifelike doll that others decide to treat like a living being. Patricia Clarkson plays his psychologist.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Bette Davis is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1937’s “Marked Woman” (11:30 a.m.) and 1946’s “Deception” (9 p.m.).

–Penny TV

Miyam Bialik

  Friday is when The Oklahoman posts
a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 20 celebrities making special TV appearances the week of March 15.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

GUEST STARS
••The All American Rejects (rock band from Stillwater) on “Today,” 7 a.m. on NBC.
••Ted  Allen (”Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”) on “The Next Food Network Star,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Food Network.
••Chris Carmack (”The O.C.”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Miyam Bialik (”Blossom”) on “Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT.
••David Gallagher (”7th Heaven”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Jack Hanna (”ZooLife with Jack Hanna”) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Billy Idol (English rock musician) on “Soundstage,” 10 p.m. Thursday on OETA-13.
••Chris Jericho (professional wrestler) on “Z Rock,” 10 p.m.Sunday on IFC.
••Star Jones (“The View”) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Cyndi Lauper (“Vibes”) on “Gossip Girl,” 8 p.m. Monday on CW.
••Michael Lerner (”Barton Fink”) on “Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT.
••Jeff Lewis (”Flipping Out”) on “Top Chef Masters,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo.
••Peggy Lipton (”The Mod Squad”) on “Rules of Engagement,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Donna Mills (“Knots Landing”) on “Dirty Sexy Money,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
••Sofia Milos (“CSI: Miami”) on “Twilight Zone,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on My Network TV.
••Julia Ormond (”The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Williams “Refrigerator” Perry (former NFL player) on “According to Jim,” 8 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Marion Ross (”Happy Days”) on “Handy Manny,” 7:30 a.m. Saturday on Disney.
••Yakov Smirnoff (“What a Country”) on “Great American Road Trip,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Charles Martin Smith (”The Untouchables”) on “Leverage,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TNT.
••Gina Torres (“Standoff”) on “Dirty Sexy Money,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
••Andy Williams (“The Andy Williams Show”) on “Great American Road Trip,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour, for PST, subtract two hours)

"Dark Blue" (TNT Photo)

 Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
   And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of July 12.
   If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
 
BEGINNINGS
••“Big Daddy’s House,” 12:30 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (third-season premiere).
••“Stories From the Vaults,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Smithsonian Channel (second-season premiere).
••“Surprise Vacations With Karen Duffy,” 7 p.m. Sunday on FLN (series premiere).
••“Drop Dead Diva,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime (series premiere).
••“I Survived …,” 8 p.m. Sunday on BIO (third-season premiere).
••“Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO (sixth-season premiere).
••“The Wendy Williams Show,” noon Monday on KAUT-43 (series premiere).
••“Miami Social,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“Leverage,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (second-season premiere).
••“Dark Blue,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (series premiere).
••“Michael & Michael Have Issues,” 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on Comedy Central (series premiere).
••“Watch What Happens: Live,” 11 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“Catch It Keep It,” 9 p.m. Friday on Science Channel (series premiere).
••“Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-Up,” 10 p.m. Friday on Starz (fourth-season premiere).
••“Barefoot Contessa,” 12:30 p.m. Saturday on Food Network (12th-season premiere).
••“The Bill Engvall Show,” 8 p.m. Saturday on TBS (third-season premiere).
••“Dirty Sexy Money,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC (series returns).

ENDINGS
••“Expedition Africa,” 9:02 p.m. Sunday on History (first-season finale).
••“Here Come the Newlyweds,” 9:02 p.m. Monday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“Is Your House Killing You?” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance (series finale).
••“Food Party,” 10:15 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (first-season finale).

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

SUNDAY, JULY 12
◊“Addicted to Surrogacy” (9 p.m. on BBC America): This special follows the stories of the women who are addicted to giving babies away. Approximately one thousand surrogate babies have been born in the United Kingdom over the past two decades. In recent years, half of them have been born to serial surrogates: women who’ve been surrogates more than once.
◊“Amazing Octopus” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Shot off the southern coast of New Zealand, this film tells the life story of a single female octopus, from birth to old age. that includes her encounters with squid, paddle crabs, sea eggs, anemones and cod.
◊“Big Daddy’s House” (12:30 p.m. on Food Network): Big Daddy creates a sandwich menu that includes a fall-off-th-bone braised short rib sandwich.
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): This new series tells the story of a shallow model-in-training who dies in a sudden accident only to find her soul resurface in the body of a brilliant, plus-size and recently deceased attorney. She must come to terms with inhabiting a curvier frame in the ultimate showdown between brains and beauty.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): When Season 5 ended last year, Vince was on the verge of ending a prolonged career slump, thanks to an offer to star in Martin Scorsese’s next movie.  Now, with “Gatsby” about to open, he’s a hot property once again.
◊“Expedition Africa” (8 p.m. on History): See the two-hour conclusion of this series following four modern-day explorers as they relive Sir Henry Stanley’s journey to find Dr. David Livingstone. They confront obstacles and dangers similar to those encountered by the explorers before them. 
◊“Expedition Borneo” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): A team of explorers, biologists and filmmakers travel through Borneo’s swamps, caves cliffs and jungle in search of new species.
◊“I Survived …” (8 p.m. on BIO): Season 3 features eight new episodes exploring first person accounts of extraordinary true-life tales of those who found the strength and courage to endure when faced with unforeseen, life-threatening situations.
◊“Let’s Hear It for the Laurie Berkner Band” (6 p.m. on Noggin): This special features 17 music videos from the band, including a music video for the new song “My Family” and preschool favorites “Victor Vito” and “Pig on Her Head.”  Noggin’s Moose and Zee serve as hosts and play interactive music and movement games throughout the special that promote creativity and foster an appreciation for music.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Murder is Easy,” Miss Marple investigates a string of murders in a peaceful village town. 
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): A mysterious man from the past arrives in Camelot and delivers a bunch of enchanted flowers to Morgana, and she becomes ill when a spider creeps from the boquet and enters her ear.
◊“Meteor” (8 p.m. on NBC): As smaller meteorites begin to lay waste to major cities around the globe, two scientists (Christopher Lloyd, Marla Sokoloff) discover that Kassandra, a giant slab of space rock three times the size of Mount Everest, is barreling straight toward Earth, but a military scientist (Jason Alexander) discounts their dire warnings.
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): The remaining four finalists met Ted Allen (”Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”) and learn of their next challenge: creating a dish for a restaurant at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
◊“Stories From the Vaults” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Tom Cavanagh (”Ed”) hosts returns for Season 2 of the series that goes beyond exhibit halls for an insider’s tour of Smithsonian’s vast collections. The season premiere focuses on food in a fun but educational lesson in three different museum locations, concluding a visit to the National Museum of Dentistry to explore the effect of food on our teeth.
◊“Surprise Vacations With Karen Duffy” (7 p.m. on FLN): In this new series, one unsuspecting and deserving person is surprised by family, friends and co-workers with the vacation of their dreams. Edmond resident Amy Eldridge, who helped found the Love Without Borders organization, is featured in the premiere episode.
◊“Wild Pacific” (7 to 10 p.m. today and Monday on Discovery): These three-hour specials explore the largest ocean on Earth, the isolation of its islands and the
extraordinary journeys that wildlife and people have gone through to reach these specks of land.
◊“Z Rock” (9 p.m. on IFC): The band plays a wrestling-themed children’s party in which they get to dress up in tights and capes. Chris Jericho (professional wrestler) guest stars.

MONDAY, JULY 13
◊“The Blonde Mystique” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This Canadian documentary brings together three women — two natural brunettes and one natural blonde — for a series of real-world experiments that test blonde stereotypes.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Brenda’s team investigates the shooting death of a popular online “hook-up king” who was in the process of putting together a television pilot for a men’s cable network. Meanwhile, Pope does a rotation as a regular member of Brenda’s squad.
◊“Here Come the Newlyweds” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): The final two couples learn that the seven newlywed couples they competed against will be the ones to decide who will win the life-changing grand prize. Host Pat Bullard also takes the two final couples to a retirement home where long-married couples tell them what makes a strong, successful marriage.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include Navajo rug that features a controversial design and a 1933 Chicago World’s Fair souvenir silver baby cup.
◊“Immokalee USA” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary chronicles the daily lives of migrant farm workers and their challenges and struggles to make a living in Immokalee, Fla.
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): Jerry takes on a pro bono case in which he defends a man arrested for running over his crooked lawyer with a car.  But it looks like he’s going to have to rely on jury sympathy instead of facts to get an acquittal.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Adam’s mother, Fay, comes to visit, Audrey warns Jennifer about the judgmental tendencies of a mother-in-law,
however, it’s Jennifer who discovers that she is the one who is critical of Fay and her kooky lifestyle. Peggy Lipton (”The Mod Squad”) guest stars.
◊“Teddy: In His Own Words” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary profiles U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, using his own words and previously unseen home movies. It chronicles his childhood and the 46-year Senate career that began in the shadows of his ill-fated brothers, John and Robert, culminating with his speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
◊“The Wendy Williams Show” (noon on KAUT-43): Radio personality Wendy Williams is known for being audacious, bold and original. She raises the talk show bar with her new nationally syndicated show that will combine the latest buzz and hot topics with a diverse mix of celebrities from the arenas of film, music, sports and television.

TUESDAY, JULY 14
◊The 80th Major League Baseball All-Star Game (7 p.m. on Fox): Play-by-play announcer Joe Buck and analyst Tim McCarver call the action live from Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
◊“Bob le Flambeur” (1 p.m. on Sundance): This 1956 French film follows an aging gambler plotting one final score. It is the first film in a triple feature dedicated to French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Melville and airing in honor of Bastille Day. The other films include 1962’s “Le Doulos” (2:45 p.m.) and 1969’s “Army of Shadows” (4:45 p.m.).
◊“Food Party” (10:15 p.m. on IFC): In the Season 1 finale, Thu is pregnant and plans on making a special dinner for her husband and two children. But, after cooking Tamarind soup and birthing a kitten, the night goes awry when a mysterious villain stalks her family.
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): The remaining families travel to Branson, Mo., where they perform skits in front of stars Andy Williams and Yakov Smirnoff.
◊“Hawthorne” (8 p.m. on TNT): Christina spends the day giving special attention to a young heart patient who is beginning to suffer from seizures, but the brash young surgeon called in to handle the case has an ego that rubs Christina the wrong way.
◊“Miami Social” (9 p.m. on Bravo): this new docu-series shows viewers what life is like in the energetic social scene of South Beach. It explores the lives of a group of hot, young professionals – corporate types by day and party animals by night – as they navigate the sometimes murky waters of Miami’s hottest locales.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A slain sergeant’s private life is on full display as the team must determine if a suspected act of treason lead to his death. Chris Carmack (”The O.C.”) guest stars.
◊“NOVA scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment looks at two drugs that may aid children with muscular dystrophy, the demise of the dinosaurs and the danger of the northern lights.
◊“Oxygen’s 25iest: Celeb-U-Tots” (10 p.m. on Oxygen): This special counts down the offspring of celebrities, including Trey, Jaden and Willow Smith (Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s children), Emme and Max Muniz (Jennifer Lopez and and Marc Anthony’s children) and Suri Cruise (daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise).
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installnent “The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court” chronicles the work of the first permanent court created by more than 120 countries for the purpose of prosecuting crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): During a case that puts Grace’s spirituality to the test, the squad investigates the murder of a Hasidic Jew whose body is found near a herd of dead cows.  Miyam Bialik (”Blossom”) and Michael Lerner (”Barton Fink”) guest star.
◊“Square Roots: The SpongeBob SquarePants Story” (8 p.m. on VH1): Commissioned by Nickelodeon to commemorate the anniversary of the series’ first episode, the documentary chronicles the beloved character’s journey to international pop culture icon status and showcases the series’ impact on everyone from President Barack Obama, children across the globe and San Quentin inmates who sing its catchy theme song. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A Russian tourist is found stabbed to death and the CSIs come face to face with the frightening realities of human trafficking.  Solving this case becomes personal when it directly affects a prominent member of the NYPD. Julia Ormond (”The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) guest stars.
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): This new series stars Dylan McDermott (”The Practice”) as Carter Shaw, who leads a team of undercover cops in Los Angeles. In the series premiere, he is determined to bring a gang leader down while ensuring that one of his officers has not switched loyalties. Oklahoma actress Nicki Aycox plays Jamie Allen, the newest member of the team.
◊“Gordon Ramsay’s F Word” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Chef Gordon Ramsay travels to Oklahoma for an extraordinary food adventure spent catfish noodling, in which he attempts to catch sharp-toothed catfish using nothing but his hands.
◊“The Kid: The Life and Death of Ted Williams” (9 p.m. on HBO): This documentary explores the life of Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams, who was a tireless fundraiser, expert fisherman and all-around outdoorsman extraordinaire. His final years were marked by ill health; following his death, the decision to have his body preserved in a cryonics facility inspired public disputes among his family and friends, sparking controversy and ridicule.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 premiere, Nate Ford reluctantly reassembles the team to pit the local Irish mob against a banker who is gaming a government bailout. Charles Martin Smith (”The Untouchables”) guest stars.
◊“Michael & Michael Have Issues” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Long-time comedic partners Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter star in this new twist on narrative and sketch comedies. Viewers will get a first hand look at issues that the two misguided stars wrestle with as they confront their own issues of insecurity and jealousy and attempt to undermine each other.
◊“Monsters Inside Me” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): In Oklahoma, a chemical sprayer’s cough is the result of parasitic worms that multiply in the human lung. Learn how these pests have manipulated reproduction to overwelm their host.
◊“Porn: Business of Pleasure” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This new CNBC original production takes an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look inside the multibillion pornography business, from the threats to its profitability to the one issue that could bring the adult industry to it’s knees.
◊“Time Team America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Scientists travel to the swamps of South Carolina in an effort to discover when people first came to North America. Many experts think humans followed big game here about 13,000 years ago, but others think it may have been much earlier.

THURSDAY, JULY 16
◊The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards Nominations (7:35 a.m. on www.emmys.tv): Chandra Wilson (”Grey’s Anatomy”) and Jim Parsons (”The Big Bang Theory”) will join Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Chairman John Shaffner at NOKIA Theatre L.A. Live to announce the nominees. The Emmy Awards will be handed out on Sept. 20, and the ceremony will air live on CBS.
◊“Are We Alone?” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This new special ventures to Earth’s strangest, most extreme regions to uncover clues to the universe’s evolution.  From Death Valley, California, to the glaciers of Chile; from the harsh desert climates of Africa to the lush seascapes of the Caribbean, the world’s top astrobiologists and astrophysicists examine the geological record and the biological influence of life forms that created and continue to sustain life on Earth.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Series star David Boreanaz (FBI special agent Seeley Booth) directed this episode in which a bungee-jumping couple plunges off a bridge and come face-to-face with a corpse lying at the bottom of a gorge.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Meet the man who saved Oklahoma City’s Paseo District and turned it into a vibrant arts community. It was built in 1929 as Oklahoma City’s first commercial shopping district, and it was almost torn down in the late 1970s.
◊“J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life” (7 p.m. on ABC): Timed to the release of the newest Harry Potter film, this hourlong documentary follows the author during the months prior to publication of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the final book in the series. Cameras also travel back to her hometown and discover where many of the Harry Potter characters originated.
◊“The Listener” (9:01 p.m. on NBC): After Toby witnesses a young woman revive a badly injured baby, he feels a strong kinship and curiosity about her gift.
◊“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of the locally-produced documentary series follows the men and women of the Oklahoma National Guard’s 45th Fires Brigade as they train at Fort Hood, Texas, for their mission in Iraq.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Barbara Stanwyck was born on this day in 1907, and TCM celebrates by airing three of her films: 1929’s “The Locked Door” (5 a.m.), 1940’s “Remember the Night” (6:30 a.m.) and 1944’s “Double Indemnity” (8 a.m.).
◊“Watch What Happens: Live” (11 p.m. on Bravo): Bravo programming executive Andy Cohen hosts this new interactive series. He will sit down with guests from some of Bravo’s most popular series, as well as from the world of entertainment, to chat about what has transpired on-air and in pop culture that week.

FRIDAY, JULY 17
◊“According to Jim” (8 p.m. on ABC): Jim uses his passion for sports to connect with son Kyle. But sports-challenged Kyle identifies more with fellow sci-fi nerd Andy, forcing a reluctant Jim to dress up as a Cyclops at a sci-fi convention in order to win his son back. Williams “Refrigerator” Perry (former NFL player) guest stars.
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on Fox): Star Jones (“The View”) and Jack Hanna ((”ZooLife with Jack Hanna”) compete for $1 million for charity by testing their elementary school knowledge in subjects ranging from art and geography to math and social studies. Real students will offer to help them if they are unsure of an answer.
◊“Call 911″ (7 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This installment of the show, which features actual 911 recordings between operators and callers, includes a tornado survivor is pinned inside his truck that is surrounded by downed live electrical lines.
◊“Catch It Keep It” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): During each episode of this new series, three contestants test their scientific and engineering mettle against Science Channel’s “engineer of destruction” Mike Senese, who devises dastardly schemes uniquely designed to obliterate the prize of the week. The contestants must brainstorm, plan and construct a way to rescue the item within the span of 48 hours.
◊“Fats Domino: Walkin’ Back to New Orleans” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special chronicles musician Fat Domino’s return to the stage after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation to his hometown of New Orleans. It features performances from a 2007 benefit concert for the city, as well as interviews with Domino and singers Robert Plant and Randy Newman.
◊“Flashpoint” (8 p.m. on CBS): After hearing on the radio that a talk show host is holding a prominent politician hostage, the Strategic Response Unit races to the station to talk the host out of killing him on the air.
◊“Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-Up” (9 p.m. on Starz): Doug Williams (”The Bernie Mac Show”) returns as host of the show that presents up-and-coming comics and established stars performing before a live audience.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don looks toward his newly found religious beliefs to help him contend with an escaped criminal bent on revenge. David Gallagher (”7th Heaven”) guest stars.
◊“SpongeBob SquarePants” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Nickelodeon kicks-off a 50-hour marathon with the premiere of “To SquarePants or Not to SquarePants”, which follows SpongeBob after his square pants have shrunk in the dryer. Unable to find a new pair, he tries round pants, but no one seems to recognize him as SpongeBob RoundPants. Patchy the Pirate hosts the marathon that will include 11 “SpongeBob” premieres.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: James Cagney was born on this day in 1899, and TCM celebrates by airing three of his films: 1935’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (11:45 a.m.), 1936’s “Something to Sing About” (2 p.m.) and 1955’s “Love Me or Leave Me” (3:45 p.m.).
SATURDAY, JULY 18
◊“Barefoot Contessa” (12:30 p.m. on Food Network): Host Ina Garten showcases portable food with full flavor made for two desk-bound friends.
◊“The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): Bill and Susan are feeling the economic pinch, just as Lauren prepares to take an expensive trip for spring break. Bill is certain her disappointment in not being able to go will permanently scar their father-daughter bond.
◊“Discovery Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installment of the locally-produced program visits Okmulgee State Park and Discoveryland.
◊“Dirty Sexy Money” (9 p.m. on ABC): While the Darlings are away for Thanksgiving, Clark the chauffeur offers his version of various Darling family rumors to a persistent reporter. This is one of the series’ final episodes scheduled to air over the next four Saturdays.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): After imprisoning Jack and Savid for treason, Silas continues with his plan to hand over Port Prosperity to long-time enemy Gath.
◊“Mamma Mia!” (7 p.m. on HBO): In this musical inspired by the songs of the Swedish pop group ABBA, Amanda Seyfried plays a young bride-to-be who wants to know her father’s identity before she walks down the aisle. Her mother (Meryl Streep) isn’t much help on that count, so she invites the likeliest candidates (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard) to the nuptials.
◊“Mending Fences” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a Los Angeles journalist (Laura Leighton) visits her ailing mother (Angie Dickinson) and the farm she grew up on, she finds out that her mother’s vision is deteriorating and that her hometown has been struggling with a terrible drought that is forcing many residents to sell out to a casino developer.
◊“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This 2002 comedy transfers writer and star Nia Vardalos’ stage show to film, thanks to producers Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. Vardalos plays a Greek woman who risks her tradition-bound family’s wrath when she falls for, then plans to wed, a decidedly non-Greek educator (John Corbett, ‘‘Sex and the City”).
◊“Outdoor Oklahoma” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): Produced by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, this series keeps Oklahoman informed about fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation, as well as policies and programs. Learn about the latest quail research, what’s happening with deer season or where fisheries personnel have found the biggest catfish in the state.
◊“SpongeBob SquarePants” (9 a.m. on Nickelodeon): The marathon continues with the Top 10 most memorable “SpongeBob” episodes as picked by fans on Nick.com.  The night will be capped off with “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” at 9 p.m.
◊“Tom Jones” (7 p.m. on TCM): This adaptation of Henry Fielding’s novel, which won the best picture Oscar for 1963, follows the adventures of the title character (Albert Finney), whose enjoyment of the earthly delights of 18th-century England almost get him hanged.

–Penny TV