TV Premieres and Finales airing June 7-13
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of June 7.
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
••“Bridezillas,” 8 p.m. Sunday on WEtv (sixth-season premiere).
••“The Next Food Network Star,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (fifth-season premiere).
••“Web Soup,” 8 p.m. Sunday on G4 (series premiere).
••“The International Sexy Ladies Show,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on G4 (series premiere).
••“Amazing Wedding Cakes,” 9 p.m. Sunday on WEtv (second-season premiere).
••“Army Wives,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime (third-season premiere).
••“Brooke Knows Best,” 9 p.m. Sunday on VH1 (second-season premiere).
••“Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” 9 p.m. Sunday on A&E (fourth-season premiere).
••“How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” 9 p.m. Sunday on BBC America (series premiere).
••“Kendra,” 9 p.m. Sunday on E! (series premiere).
••“Denise Richards: It’s Complicated,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on E! (series premiere).
••“Z Rock,” 10 p.m. Sunday on IFC (second-season premiere).
••“Ideal,” 10:30 p.m. Sunday on IFC (series premiere).
••“The Closer,” 8 p.m. Monday on TNT (fifth-season premiere).
••“Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC (NBC premiere).
••“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” 9 p.m. Monday on Bravo (fifth-season premiere).
••“Raising the Bar,” 9 p.m. Monday on TNT (second-season premiere).
••“Weeds,” 9 p.m. Monday on Showtime (fifth-season premiere).
••“Nurse Jackie,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on Showtime (series premiere).
••“Food Party,” 10:15 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (series premiere).
••“The Wrong Door,” 10:30 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (series premiere).
••“Top Chef Masters,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“She’s Got the Look,” 8 p.m. Thursday on TV Land (second-season premiere).
••“Total Drama Action,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••“16 & Pregnant,” 9 p.m. Thursday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Raising Sextuplets,” 9 p.m. Thursday on WEtv (series premiere).
••“20Q,” 7 p.m. Saturday on GSN (series premiere).
••“The Money List,” 8:30 p.m. Saturday on GSN (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery (first-season finale).
••“How to Find a Husband,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fine Living Network (first-season finale).
••“Pushing Daisies,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC (series finale).
Top 55 TV Programs for June 7-13, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of June 7:
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
◊“The 63rd Annual Tony Awards” (7 p.m. on CBS: Neil Patrick Harris (”How I Met Your Mother”) hosts the event live from Radio City Music Hall in New York. The musical “Billy Elliot,” based on the 2000 movie about a coal miner’s son with a passion for ballet, is nominated for 15 awards, tying 2001’s “The Producers” for the record. In the play category, “God of Carnage” has the distinction of having all its cast members nominated for acting honors: James Gandolfini, Marcia Gay Harden, Jeff Daniels and Hope Davis.
◊“Amazing Wedding Cakes” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Season 2 takes viewers behind the scenes of seriously high-stakes cakes that are works of art. The series also captures how the bakers dip into new ventures, ranging from opening a new shop with new staff, to working with wealthier clientele, including unpredictable brides that change their minds last minute.
◊“Army Wives” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): In the Season 3 premiere, Frank gets ready lead mission in Iraq that could cause hurt for Denise.
◊“Bridezillas” (8 p.m. on WEtv): Season 6 introduces multiple women who will do anything to make their perfect weddings come true, no matter who they have to run over in the process. The premiere episode focuses on a California bride whose ego is matched only by her violent temper.
◊“Brooke Knows Best” (9 p.m. on VH1): Hulk Hogan’s daughter is back for a second season. While she has broken free from the family nest, she continues to deal with the pressure of adulthood including the advancement of her recording career as well as coping with family drama.
◊“Denise Richards: It’s Complicated” (9:30 p.m. on E!): From reconnecting with old friends to recharging her acting career, to supporting her dad’s new social life, Season 2 of the series will present a fresh look inside the hectic world of Denise Richards (”Starship Troopers”).
◊“Gene Simmons Family Jewels” (9 p.m. on A&E): Former Kiss rocker Gene Simmons and his unconventional family are back for Season 4 of their unscripted series. The 15-episode season kicks off with Sophie’s sweet sixteen party, giving viewers an all access pass to the milestone celebration.
◊“How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” (9 p.m. on BBC America): From all across the United Kingdom, thousands of singers and actresses audition in hopes of becoming Maria in the musical “The Sound of Music.” Graham Norton (“The Graham Norton Show”) visits with auditioners, and sitting at the judges table are Andrew Lloyd Webber (Tony and Grammy-winning composer) and John Barrowman (“Torchwood”).
◊“Ideal” (10:30 p.m. on IFC): British comedian Johnny Vegas stars in this eight-part series about Moz, a small-time dealer who lives in a run-down flat with his long-term girlfriend. Moz is content, but his girlfriend has aspirations for a better life.
◊“The International Sexy Ladies Show” (8:30 p.m. on G4): This new series features women in some of the funniest and most provocative television programming from around the globe with hilarious commentary from popular comedians.
◊“Kendra” (9 p.m. on E!): This new series follows the outrageous antics of the “Girls Next Door” star Kendra Wilkinson as she leaves her pampered world and adjusts to a new life filled with daily domestic duties. However Kendra’s adventures are only just beginning as she is busy planning her June wedding with Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Hank Baskett at the Playboy Mansion.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): World War II-era sleuth Christopher Foyle (Michael Kitchen) investigates the murder of a young doctor in the “Foyle’s War” mystery “Broken Souls.” The victim was quite unpopular, so there are plenty of suspects, and Foyle feels a strong empathy for one of them. Sam (Honeysuckle Weeks) helps a friend whose husband, an injured former prisoner of war, has trouble adjusting to changes on the home front.
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Television’s most challenging food fight is back for Season 5. Ten hopeful TV chefs will compete for the ultimate dream job: his or her own Food Network show. Iron Chef Bobby Flay leads the selection committee that will decide the winner.
◊“The Sun” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Take a journey to the sun using the latest technology, advances in astronomy and cutting-edge CGI animation. See how the sun was born, exists today and how our world will end when the sun consumes us all.
◊“Web Soup” (8 p.m. on G4): Stand-up comedian Chris Hardwick hosts this new series that offers a fresh look at the best – and worst – moments from the week’s Internet mayhem and presents topical web videos and viral classics with sarcastic tongue-in-cheek commentary.
◊“World’s Tallest Children” (9 p.m. on TLC): What is it like to tower head and shoulders above all of the teachers at your school, let alone your classmates and all of the older kids? Find out whether these vertically challenged kids enjoy being the world’s tallest children.
◊“Yankee Doodle Dandy” (7 p.m. on TCM): James Cagney won his only best actor Oscar for his performance in this 1942 musical. It is the first of 13 films Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe winner John Lithgow (”3rd Rock from the Sun”) will present during “TCM Essentials Jr.” airing Sundays in summer. All films are ideal for parents to introduce to their children.
◊“Z Rock” (10 p.m. on IFC): The series loosely based on the real lives of a New York based rock band returns for a second season. Brothers Paulie and David Z. and friend Joey Cassata make up the rock band ZO2 by night and the children’s party band The Z Brothers by day.
MONDAY, JUNE 8
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The installment “The Living Weapon” chronicles the United States’ efforts to create a biological weapons program in the 1940s and ’50s in response to reports that Germany and Japan were developing their own.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Brenda Johnson, the Los Angeles deputy police chief with the unconventional approach but excellent crime-solving record, is back for another season of cracking tough homicide cases. In the season premiere, she and the squad have their hands full investigating a quadruple murder that may be tied to a case the FBI is involved with.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the CSIs investigate a murder in Miami’s hippest fashion boutique, Horatio discovers that Julia’s instability has turned her into a ticking bomb. Elizabeth Berkley (”Saved By the Bell”) guest stars.
◊“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): It’s Homecoming Week and the Kappa Taus’ team up with the ZBZ to go against IKI and the Omega Chis in the annual float competition. Tim Matheson (“Animal House”) directs this episode filled with homecoming floats fiascos and perilous pranks.
◊“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 5 premiere, Kathy Griffin considers offering a bribe in hopes of getting her comedy album nominated for a Grammy. But she doesn’t need to bribe Bette Midler, who wants to give Griffin a cameo in her Las Vegas stage show.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the NBC premiere, Detectives Goren and Eames enter the steamy world behind the pulpit when a devout celebrity doctor is murdered.
◊“Nurse Jackie” (9:30 p.m. on Showtime): Edie Falco (‘‘The Sopranos”) plays the title character in this new comedy-drama series, a nurse in a busy New York hospital who’s not afraid to lie or bend the rules if she thinks it’s in a patient’s best interests.
◊“Private Screenings: Stanley Donen” (7 p.m. on TCM): He received an honorary Oscar in 1998 for his body of work, but director Stanley Donen never won the Academy Award for any of his films, which included “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Kismet.”
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 premiere, Jerry defends a man charged with abetting in the sale of crack.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Jake disappears with the daughter of Charlie’s neighbor, a former NFL player, and Charlie is left to cover his back. Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) guest stars.
◊“Weeds” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Following the events of her bombshell announcement, the Season 5 begins as Nancy digs deeper into the drug world and finds comfort in an unlikely family member.
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
◊“Food Party” (10:15 p.m. on IFC): Brooklyn artist Thu Tran hosts this new series shot on location in a technicolor handmade, cardboard kitchen. Each episode features Thu interacting with a cavalcade of puppets, humans, baked goods, vegetables and other critters as they embark on journeys to bizarre, unexpected lands.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Silk Road Ensemble, a multinational group that shares music traditions from around the world, joins cellist Yo-Yo Ma for an outdoor show at the Damrosch Park band shell.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The team must rely on information from some questionable individuals to stop a criminal bent on stealing government secrets. David Eigenberg (“Sex and the City”) guest stars.
◊“Out of the Wild: The Alaska Experiment” (9 p.m. on Discovery): It is the final leg of the group’s journey in Alaska. The snow has fallen, temperatures have plummeted, and they are out of food. The search for signs of civilization has grown ever more important if they want to make it out of the wild.
◊“Starz Inside: The Face Is Familiar” (9 p.m. on Starz): This new documentary features actors and filmmakers discussing the struggles and significance of character actors in Hollywood. Among those starring in the special are Samuel L. Jackson (“Pulp Fiction”), Joan Cusack (”What About Joan”) and Jane Lynch (“Glee”).
◊“Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” (9 p.m. on Style): The show’s 100th episode features wedding planner James Tramondo surprising a Dallas couple with an amazing – and totally free – dream destination wedding in Alaska. But there’s one big catch — they have only 100 hours to plan and pull off their perfect nuptials.
◊“The Wrong Door” (10:30 p.m. on IFC): This new Computer-Generated Imagery
enhanced British sketch comedy series is set in a parallel universe governed by the laws of comedy, not nature, where special effects seen in the movies and on television are part of everyday life.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment titled “Neil Young: Don’t Be Denied,” the musical artist uses previously unseen footage from his own archives to trace his long career from his early success with Buffalo Springfield through his stardom with Crosby, Stills and Nash and Crazy Horse to his later forays into new-wave music.
◊“Dollars & Danger: Africa, the Final Investment Frontier” (8 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Erin Burnett spent a year traveling to the world’s richest continent to find out why some investors are doubling down. This documentary focuses on Fortune 500 companies putting billions on the line and intrepid investors who say the reward is worth great risk.
◊“Mythbusters” (8 p.m. on Discovery): When hosts Adam and Jamie decide to find out if a sonic shock wave can shatter glass, they bring out the big guns — the Blue Angels. This episode also tests the myth on whether you can bend bullets around obstacles with a side-arm flick.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine agrees to go on a date with a children’s entertainer specializing in reptile parties in order to get Ritchie into the Reptile Club. Jeffrey Tambor (”Arrested Development”) guest stars as Neil, the lizard guy.
◊“Pitchmen” (9 p.m. on Discovery): One of Billy Mays’ most successful products – the Awesom Auger – was developed by a pitch guy who lost his legs in a plane crash. Billy helped him sell his planting sensation and stay in the pitch game by re-vamping the advertisement.
◊“Top Chef Masters” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In this new twist on the ‘‘Top Chef” formula, 24 world-renowned chefs, including Oklahoma City-born Rick Bayless, are pitted against one another to see who’s the best of the best. In the first six episodes, they compete in groups of four, with each group’s winner advancing to the finals. The winner gets $100,000 for his or her favorite charity.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
◊“16 & Pregnant” (9 p.m. on MTV): According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, more than 700,000 teenage girls in the U.S. become pregnant each year. This show will take an intimate look inside the lives of pregnant teenagers as they face the challenges that come with being a young parent and dealing with relationships, finance, school and other new responsibilities.
◊“How to Find a Husband” (8 p.m. on Fine Living Network): Sally Gray’s search for a husband forced her to warm up to the concept of dating multiple men at once, and now she’s found at least four men of potential husband quality. But now the problem is that she can’t decide which one she wants to take things further with in the Season 1 finale.
◊“Raising Sextuplets” (9 p.m. on WEtv): On June 11, 2007, Jenny and Bryan Masche became first-time parents…of sextuplets. This new series follows the marathon-running parents as they learn the hard way that no training can prepare you for parenthood with multiples.
◊“She’s Got the Look” (8 p.m. on TV Land): Season 2 returns with supermodel Kim Alexis as host and 10 new finalists – all over the age of 35 – competing to become the next great supermodel. In addition to a contract with Wilhelmina Models Inc., and a photo spread in SELF magazine, this season’s winner will also receive a check for $100,000.
◊“Total Drama Action” (8 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new animated comedy series follows 14 contestants as they face thrilling challenges on an abandoned film studio backlot. It showcases all the elements of reality TV shows — romances and friendships, scheming and sabotage, death-defying stunts and stomach-curdling challenges — all within larger-than-life elimination competition.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the death of a former pro surfer-turned park ranger, the team uncovers a shocking connection to another crime. Pro Surfer Brad Gerlach guest stars in this episode directed by Emilio Estevez (”The Breakfast Club”).
◊“Samantha Who?” (8 p.m. on ABC): In an attempt to find new direction in her life, Samantha decides to go to Africa and volunteer to help those in need. Her friends and family are convinced that she’ll chicken out – which she does after discovering the countless vaccinations and obstacles that she would face to make the journey. Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”) guest stars.
◊“Adam Ferrara: Funny as Hell” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central):Join comedian Adam Ferrara as he recalls his first night in jail and discusses the Italian-American medical term for a panic attack.
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
◊“20Q” (7 p.m. on GSN): Cat Deeley (“So You Think You Can Dance”) hosts this new game show based on the handheld game that utilizes artificial intelligence to systematically divine a player’s chosen word based upon a series of questions. Contestants must battle each other to guess a mystery word based on a series of clues that help them reveal the answer.
◊“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installment of the locally-produced program showcases rock climbing in Oklahoma City, a Tulsa culinary school for kids, Hinton’s Medicine Rock Ranch and Buffalo’s Selman Ranch.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): While Jack and David embark on a dangerous mission to Gath, King Silas acts quickly to prevent the outbreak of a deadly plague.
◊“The Money List” (8:30 p.m. on GSN): Fred Roggin (“GSN Live”) hosts this new fast-paced, high-suspense game of knowledge and teamwork. Players must quickly assess and trust their partners’ knowledge by predicting how many correct items they can come up with on a designated list.
◊“Pushing Daisies” (9 p.m. on ABC): In the series finale, the Darling Mermaid Darlings come out of retirement when one-half of the synchronized swimming duo The Aquadolls (Nora Dunn, “Three Moons Over Milford,” and Wendie Malick, “Jake in Progress”) meets with an unfortunate end that may have been murder-by-shark.
◊“Special Agent Oso” (5 a.m. on Disney): This four-hour marathon of the animated series for preschools will feature eight episodes, including the premiere of the new episode “The Living Flashlight / Sand Castle Royale” at 7 a.m.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for May 24-30, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of May 24:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, MAY 24
◊“2009 National Memorial Day Concert” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): For the fourth time, Emmy winner Gary Sinise (“CSI: NY”) and Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds”) return as co-hosts for this concert honoring the men and women in America’s armed forces. Broadcast from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, this year’s 20th anniversary telecast includes appearances by Colin Powell and actors Katie Holmes, Dianne Wiest and Laurence Fishburne, as well as singers Katharine McPhee, Trace Adkins and Denyce Graves.
◊“Diamonds” (8 p.m. on ABC): In this new two-part TV movie, the daughter of U.S. Senator Joan Cameron (Judy Davis) is killed in a massacre at an African diamond mine. That starts a chain of events that uncovers the darkest secrets of the international diamond trade.
◊“Stand” (8 p.m. on TV One): This documentary chronicles a road trip taken by broadcaster Tavis Smiley and 10 black male friends. The journey took place around the 40th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A total of six tornadoes appeared throughout Oklahoma in February 2009, but the most powerful of these destroyed the entire town of Lone Grove.
MONDAY, MAY 25
◊“American Experience: Buffalo Bill” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): William “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s legendary exploits helped create the myth of the American West. This program draws upon rich archival materials of the period to explore the man behind the legend, revealing the complexity of Buffalo Bill’s extraordinary life.
◊“Cake Boss” (9 p.m. on TLC): This new series focuses on master baker Buddy Valastro as he struggles to make his bakery in Hoboken, N.J., a household name.
◊“Hallowed Grounds” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This Memorial Day special visits American military cemeteries in 23 countries, including England, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium, Tunisia and the Philippines. It weaves historical elements with contemporary scenes of the cemeteries and features personal stories of the men and women who are buried there.
◊“Here Come the Newlyweds” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Comedian Pat Bullard hosts this new series in which nine just-married couples compete for a life-changing cash prize to help kick-start their new lives together and realize their dreams.
◊“In Treatment” (9 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 2 finale, Paul and Gina reach a crossroad in their relationship.
◊“Intervention” (8 p.m. on A&E): This Emmy-nominated series opens Season 7 with new profiles of individuals at the boiling point of a personal crisis. They are confronted by friends and family who have made the decision to plan an intervention.
◊“Jon & Kate Plus 8” (8 p.m. on TLC): Season 5 features more adventures of the Gosselin family, comprised of parents Jon & Kate, plus eight-year-old twins and a set of sextuplets. This season, the family celebrates the sextuplets’ fifth birthday and tackles training the new puppies.
◊“Mas Sabe el Diable” (7 p.m. on Telemundo): This new primetime novela tells the story of Angel, a young man who never met his father and grew up torn between his mother’s love and the wild world of his neighborhood streets.
◊“Obsessed” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new series profiles people suffering from extreme anxiety disorders and their efforts to overcome them.
◊“Our City Dreams” (6 p.m. on Sundance): This special visits the creative spaces of five women artists, each of whom possesses her own energy, drive and passion. The artists profiled are Nancy Spero, Marina Abramovic, Kiki Smith, Ghada Amer and Swoon.
◊Six Gun Birthday Salute to John Wayne: Encore Westerns (202 on Cox Digital Cable, 342 on Dish Network, 529 on DirecTV, 940 on U-verse) celebrates The Duke’s 102nd birthday by airing 28 hours of his movies, beginning with “The Undefeated” at 7 p.m. The marathon is interspersed with interviews with former Presidents George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Senators John McCain and John Kerry, director Steven Spielberg, producer Norman Lear, Wayne’s son Ethan and others.
◊“Super Why! Hurray for Heroes” (7 a.m. on OETA-13): This special two-hour marathon includes two new interactive episodes featuring the page-turning storybook adventures of Super Why and his fellow reading superheroes as they unveil what the power of reading can do. In-between the episodes, youngsters will share their thoughts about what it means to be a hero.
TUESDAY, MAY 26
◊“Alice Neel” (6 p.m. on Sundance): One of the great portrait painters of the 20th century, Alice Neel reinvented the genre by expressing the inner landscape of her subjects, which included luminaries such as Andy Warhol, Bella Abzug and Allen Ginsberg as well as her neighbors in Spanish Harlem. Alice Neel’s grandson Andrew Neel directs this biography of an influential but emotionally troubled painter.
◊“Beautiful People” (9:30 p.m. on Logo): Inspired by the eccentric childhood of style guru Simon Doonan, this new series delves inside Simon’s youthful memories and his desire to escape suburban working class Reading, England.
◊“Gallery” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): OETA’s Emmy-winning arts and culture series travels to the nation’s capitol to share the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian with Oklahomans. The grand opening witnessed the largest gathering ever of Native American tribes to converge on our nation’s capital.
◊“Hitched or Ditched” (8 p.m. on CW): This new series focuses on couples in long-term relationships who have not taken the leap into marriage yet. Will they or won’t they say “I do”?
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment titled “Steal a Pencil for Me” focuses on concentration camp prisoner Jack Polak, who shared the same barracks as both his wife, Manja, and his new love, Ina. Manja objects to Jack and Ina’s relationship, so the two rely on writing love letters to each other to gain the strength they need to survive.
◊“Jail” (8 p.m. on My Network TV): Back-to-back episodes follow individuals from their initial booking through their first moments in a Tulsa slammer.
◊“The Little Couple” (9 p.m. on TLC): This new series follows newlyweds Bill Klein and Jen Arnold, who are both under four feet tall and share their unique perspectives on life, love, and marriage.
◊“Man Caves” (8 p.m. on DIY): In the Season 3 premiere, hosts Jason Cameron and Tony Siragusa build a free-standing, office-style man cave for “The Office” star Rainn Wilson.
◊“Mental” (8 p.m. on Fox): This new medical drama follows Dr. Jack Gallagher (Chris Vance), a young psychiatrist who serves as Director of Mental Health Services at a Los Angeles hospital. At work he must reconcile his unorthodox treatment methods with his conservative boss, hospital administrator Nora Skoff (Annabella Sciorra), a woman with whom he shares a romantic past.
◊“New World Order” (5:45 p.m. on IFC): This documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the underground movement of people who want to expose “global elitists,” whom they claim are covertly masterminding a series of destructive events to cause a mass breakdown of the world’s economy and society.
◊“Reaper” (7 p.m. on CW): In the Season 2 finale, Sam and Andi try to find Tony (Ken Marino, “Party Down”) to help them translate the scroll Nina brought back from Hell.
◊“Science of the Movies” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This new series explores the scientific world that exists behind the screen, spotlighting the visionary artists, entrepreneurial spirit, innovative technology and techniques responsible for creating unforgettable moments in blockbuster films.
◊“Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): Actress Tori Spelling and her husband, Dean McDermott, open their fourth season as they return to the pressures of living and working in Tinseltown, this time with the added stress of new parenthood.
◊“TV’s 50 Funniest Phrases” (7 p.m. on NBC): NBC and The Paley Center for Media count down 50 of the all-time funniest catch phrases said on television in this two-hour special. With great scenes from the shows and interviews with the stars who brought the lines to life, this program will celebrate the history and humor of catch phrases.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Hollywood Chinese,” B.D. Wong (‘‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), Nancy Kwan (‘‘Flower Drum Song”) and Joan Chen (‘‘The Last Emperor”) are among the artists sharing their perspectives on how Chinese people have been portrayed in film over the past 90 years.
◊“Criminal Minds” (9 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the kidnapping of a young boy in Las Vegas, Dr. Reid begins to have dreams that may help reveal some buried memories from his childhood. Jane Lynch (”Glee”) guest stars as Dr. Reid’s mother.
◊“George Strait: ACM Artist of the Decade All-Star Concert” (7 p.m. on CBS): Currently riding the crest of a 25-year career, ‘‘the king of country” is saluted by peers and colleagues at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Scheduled performers include Brooks & Dunn, Jamie Foxx, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry, John Rich, LeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Lee Ann Womack.
◊“The Goode Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): This new animated series from Mike Judge (“King of the Hill”) follows Gerald and Helen Goode, a couple determined to obliterate their carbon footprint on the planet. They’re zealous vegans, they drive a hybrid and they recycle everything possible.
◊“Joan Mitchell: Portrait of an Abstract Painter” (6 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary reflects on the life and art of the late Joan Mitchell. She is revealed as a pioneering female artist and one of the only women who was part of the Abstract Expressionist circle in New York.
◊“The Nine” (9 p.m. on DirecTV): This series aired in 2000 on ABC but was cancelled after nine episodes. All 13 episodes that were produced, including four that were never broadcast, will air on DirecTV’s 101 Network over the next 13 weeks.
◊“Tattoo Highway” (9 p.m. on A&E): In this new series, master tattoo artist Thomas Pendelton and his wife-business partner, Monica, take a cross-country road trip in a 1970s tour bus they have transformed into a rolling tattoo parlor.
◊“True Hollywood Stories: 10 Greatest Stories Ever Told” (9 p.m. on E!): The 500th episode of this documentary series counts down the most memorable installments. The 10 subjects that made the cut were chosen for aspects of their stories that continue to have relevance today.
◊“Wipeout” (7 p.m. on ABC): Season 2 returns with contestants competing on the world’s largest extreme obstacle course. New obstacles include Hurtles and Sweeper Gyro, Gears of Doom and the Motivator, a massive anvil that sneaks up on contestants.
THURSDAY, MAY 28
◊“The 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee” (7 p.m. on ABC): Tom Bergeron (“Dancing with the Stars”) hosts live television coverage of the final championship rounds as 293 spellers from around the world compete. ESPN will air semifinal rounds from 9 a.m. to noon.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When the CSI team investigates a case involving the world of domination, Grissom pays a visit to Lady Heather (Melinda Clarke, “The O.C.”) to help find some answers.
◊“Guest of Cindy Sherman” (6 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary is a snapshot of photographer Cindy Sherman through her relationship with artist-turned-cable TV-host, Paul Hasegawa-Overacker, aka Paul H-O.
◊“Kick Like a Girl” (5 p.m. on HBO): This documentary tells the story of a third-grade soccer team that defied gender prejudice to compete with the boys.
◊“The Oprah Effect” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This news special hosted by Carl Quintanilla goes inside businesses to explain Oprah Winfrey’s unparalleled impact on their bottom line, their secrets to getting on her show and how this so-called Oprah Effect continues to translate her brand and others into big business.
◊“Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): Sam and Dean are stunned when the spirits of Meg (Oklahoma actress Nikki Aycox, “Over There”) and Agent Henricksen appear and accuse the Winchesters of failing them.
FRIDAY, MAY 29
◊“Agnes Martin: With My Back to the World” (6 p.m. on Sundance): “I’m very careful not to have ideas, because they’re inaccurate,” says abstract expressionist painter Agnes Martin in this documentary about her. But it’s a lie, as she was full of ideas and dispenses them engagingly in the course of this film.
◊“Don’t Forget the Lyrics” (7 p.m. on Fox): Gary Dell Abate (“Baba Booey” from “The Howard Stern Show”) takes center stage to fill in missing lyrics in the hopes of raising $1 million dollars for LIFEbeat, a music industry charity that fights AIDS. When he gets stuck locking in his lyrics, Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray) backs him up.
◊“Ladette to Lady” (7 p.m. on Sundance): It is the final week, and with it will bring the emergence of a lady. The three final ladettes are not only trying to complete their tasks with high marks, but get ready for the graduation ceremony.
◊“Nature’s Most Amazing Events” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This six-hour high definition series spotlights explosive events of nature triggered by seasonal change and vast climate change. The first two installments feature polar bears battling climate change and grizzly bear cubs emerging from winter dens. The remaining installments air Saturday and May 31.
◊“The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” (10:35 p.m. on NBC): “Tonight Show” heir Conan O’Brien is scheduled to be the final guest to sit on the couch during Jay Leno’s last show as host of the franchise. O’Brien, who has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” 16 times previously, will be taking over the hosting duties on June 1.
◊“Un-Broke: What You Need to Know Anout Money” (8 p.m. on ABC): This special takes an unconventional look at the fundamentals of everyday finance with all the facts about credit cards, mortgages and investing in a fresh new format combining information and humor. Will Smith (”Seven Pounds”) gets down to basics with a boardroom full of corporate finance executives while the Jonas Brothers teach screaming teenage girls the mysteries of the stock market.
◊“What Not to Wear” (8 p.m. on TLC): Hosts Stacy London and Clinton Kelly return for a seventh season of makeovers that transform the fashion-challenged from the inside and out. The season premiere features Mayim Bialik (“Blossom”).
SATURDAY, MAY 30
◊“American Idol Rewind: Carrie Underwood Special” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network, (4 on Cox, 117 on Dish Network, 237 on DirecTV): Through clips and interviews, find out what inspired the girl from Checotah to audition for Season 4 of ◊“American Idol.” She also reveals how she made her very first appearance before the judges a memorable one — by clucking like a chicken.
◊“Maneater” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Sarah Chalke stars in this miniseries as a shallow socialite with an elaborate plan to lasso a filmmaker to marry her. It concludes May 31.
◊“Nature’s Most Amazing Events” (7 p.m. on Discovery): The next two installments of this high definition series feature more than a million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle migrating on Tanzania’s Serengeti Plains and nearly a billion sardines arriving along South Africa’s east coast.
◊“OKC Metro” (5:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Gerry Bonds discusses the recent University of Oklahoma women’s basketball season with head coach Sherri Coale and freshman sensation Whitney Hand.
◊“Pete Correale: The Things We Do For Love” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comedian Pete Correale discusses why gossiping, assembling IKEA furniture and going to nude beaches just wouldn’t be the same without his wife.
◊“Pushing Daisies” (9 p.m. on ABC): ABC has canceled this comedy series, but the network the remaining three unseen episodes. In this episode, Emerson and Chuck team up when Ned refuses to use his “gift.” Richard Benjamin (”Henry Poole Is Here”) and George Segal (”Just Shoot Me!”) guest star.
◊“Safe Harbor” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Treat Williams (“Everwood”) and Nancy Travis (”The Bill Engvall Show”) star in this true story of a Florida couple helping troubled boys chart a new course for their lives.
– Penny TV
IFC in search of America’s Hottest Rocker moms
Season 2 of “Z Rock” starts June 7 on IFC. It follows the adventures of three guys who play in a kids band by day and a rock band by night.
To celebrate the upcoming season, the band members are searching for the rocking-est mom in America. Four finalists will be flown to New York City to vie for the title of “America’s Hottest Rocker Mom,” and the winner gets the $5,000 grand prize.
To be considered for the title and loot, go to www.IFC.com and provide details about your favorite rock band, best rock concert moment and biggest rocker crush. Submission deadline is May 14.
The judges — Z Rock boys Paulie, David and Joey, along with rocker Sebastian Bach — will select the finalists, who will then take part in a live competition. The final four rocker moms will be judged on attire (best rocker outfit), knowledge (rocker trivia), lyrics (rock karaoke contest) and dance (show off your best moves).
–Penny TV
12 TV Premieres and Finales airing May 3-9
Eliza Dushku, "Dollhouse" (Fox 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 May 3.
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
••“The IFC Media Project,” 10 p.m. Sunday on IFC (second-season premiere).
••“Cook Yourself Thin,” 4 p.m. Monday on Lifetime (series premiere).
••“Belly of the Beast,” 8 p.m. Monday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“I Love Money 2,” 8 p.m. Monday on VH1 (second-season finale).
••“Yard Crashers,” 8 p.m. Monday on DIY (third-season premiere.
••“New York Goes to Work,” 9 p.m. Monday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“Gotti’s Way,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on VH1 (second-season premiere).
••“Apprentice UK,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on BBC America (series premiere).
••“Garage Mahal,” 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on DIY (series premiere).
••“The Fashion Show,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“Samantha Brown’s Great Weekends,” 9 p.m. Saturday on Travel Channel (second-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Cold Case,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS (first installment of two-part season finale).
••“Tough Love,” 9 p.m. Sunday on VH1 (first-season finale).
••“The Real Housewives of New York City,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (second-season finale).
••“Scrubs,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series finale).
••“The Millionaire Matchmaker,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (second-season finale).
••“Everybody Hates Chris,” 7 p.m. Friday on CW (fourth-season finale).
••“Dollhouse,” 8:01 p.m. Friday on Fox (first-season finale).
••“Ace of Cakes,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Food Network (sixth-season finale).
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for May 3-9, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which
includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of May 3:
SUNDAY, MAY 3
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): When Kitty and Robert reach a crossroads in their marriage, she is forced to reflect on her father’s (Tom Skerritt, “Picket Fences”) past indiscretions and decide what’s most important in life.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): In the first installment of the two-part sixth-season finale, Rush and the team delve into the 2005 murder case of the first female cadet of a local military school who didn’t live beyond her first semester. A total of 16 Pearl Jam hits will be woven throughout the two consecutive finale episodes.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team goes to Martin County, NC, helps a decorated disabled veteran who has worked with Congress to improve veteran’s benefits. Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell presents Jeff Cooper and is family with a gift.
◊“Family Guy” (8 p.m. on Fox): When Brian discovers that his beloved Jillian (Drew Barrymore, “He’s Just Not That Into You”) is getting married to her new boyfriend, he hits the sauce to drown his sorrows away but wakes up with more than just a hang-over. After realizing that he has just pick-up “The Hills” star Lauren Conrad (voiced by herself) he wants to run and hide until he discovers that she is nothing like what she’s portrayed on TV. Jimmy Fallon (”Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”), Craig Ferguson (”Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”) and Jay Leno (”The Tonight Show”) guest star.
◊“Hannah Montana” (7 p.m. on Disney): Miley inadvertently agrees to go to prom with Aaron, the school nerd. When the chance comes up to record a duet with David Archuleta (”American Idol”), Miley uses it as an excuse to flake on her date. However, guilt takes over and Miley does the right thing after realizing the importance of keeping a promise. The episode includes the debut of “I Wanna Know You,” by Miley Cyrus and David Archuleta.
◊“The IFC Media Project” (10 p.m. on IFC): Season 2 of this series hosted by Peabody and Emmy Award winning news correspondent Gideon Yago (CBS News, MTV) will bring a fresh first-hand perspective on a variety of important news stories that were inaccurately reported on from leading news outlets.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the Charles Dickens tale “The Old Curiosity Shop,” a teenage girl (Sophie Vavasseur, “Northanger Abbey”) and her grandfather lose everything to a maniacal moneylender and flee his relentless pursuit.
◊“Steve-O: Demise and Rise” (9 p.m. on MTV): This special gives a first-hand account of Steve-O’s downward spiral to when he ultimately hits rock bottom and is saved by the intervention of friends and his own will to do whatever it takes to get – and stay – sober. It follows him right up until his first performance this year on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.”
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): In June 2008, melted snow and pouring rain flooded seven states across the Midwest. Panicked residents rushed to save their lives, as the worst flood in recent history washes away their livelihoods.
◊“Tough Love” (9 p.m. on VH1): Professional matchmaker Steven Ward has taught a relationship boot camp for eight single women over the last seven weeks. In the season finale, they will face their biggest challenge yet.
◊“The Unit”( 9 p.m. on CBS): While Jonas is tracking down a Russian terrorist cell, a kidnapped Molly is used as bait. Marika Dominczyk (wife of series star Scott Foley) guest stars as his informant.
MONDAY, MAY 4
◊“Belly of the Beast” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In this new series, host Rossi Morreale finds out what makes tanks, helicopters and giant trucks work, meeting with people who make them and the people who depend on them.
◊“Cook Yourself Thin” (4 p.m. on Lifetime): Culinary experts Harry Eastwood, Allison Fishman and Candice Kumai make a steak dinner, lasagna and vanilla cupcakes with half the calories.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio and the team work to figure out why a seemingly normal family was targeted in a brutal grenade attack. Sprague Grayden (”Joan of Arcadia”) guest stars.
◊“Gotti’s Way” (9:30 p.m. on VH1): In Season 2, the family is shifting their focus on all ends of the spectrum, privately and professionally.
◊“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Casey’s grand-big sister, Kiki (Collette Wolfe, “17 Again”), is back at Cyprus-Rhodes University for her wedding and all the ZBZ girls are invited. Amidst all the wedding frenzy, Max decides it’s time to take his relationship with Casey to the next level and gets down on one knee.
◊“The Hip Hop Project” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary follows rapper Chris “Kazi” Rolle as he coaches, cajoles and inspires a group of at-risk New York teens to transform their experiences into rhyme. This film is also executive produced by Bruce Willis and Queen Latifah.
◊“I Love Money 2″ (8 p.m. on VH1): In the second-season finale, the final five contestants will need to use everything they’ve learned so far in an anything-goes challenge testing brains, brawn and a fear of heights. One will leave Mexico with the grand prize of $250,000.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on NBC): Allison leaves the district attorney’s office to pursue an offer from one of the world’s largest corporations. Tracy Pollan (”Natalee Holloway”) and David Morse (”John Adams”) guest star.
◊“New York Goes to Work” (9 p.m. on VH1): Tiffany “New York” Pollard (”I Love New York”) will work a different job each week in this new series. Viewers will select what she does, and she will work in all aspects of the job. If she can impress her new employers, she’ll receive a $5,000 bonus each week. But, if she quits, fails or gets fired, she gets nothing.
◊“The Oprah Winfrey Show” (4 p.m. on ABC): In their first U.S. interview, Kate and Gerry McCann — parents of missing child Madeleine McCann — join Oprah to discuss the two-year search for their daughter. For the first time, viewers will see an age progression that reveals what Madeleine might look like today. Plus, cameras go inside their London home, spending the day with them and their 4-year-old twins, Sean and Amelie.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:31 p.m. on CBS): Confirmed bachelor Russell challenges his engaged buddy Adam and the married Jeff to a contest to see which of them has an easier time ‘‘sealing the deal” with women. Adhir Kalyan (‘‘Aliens in America”) guest stars.
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): Hosts Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Al Roker, Ann Curry, Natalie Morales, Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford will broadcast live from the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. It is the first stop during “Today Takes a Vacation” week. The anchors will don cowboy boots and chaps and learn the ropes of the famed Dixie Dude Ranch, the country’s oldest working dude ranch. Grammy Award winner Lee Ann Womack will join in for a special performance and a little Texas two-step.
◊“Yard Crasher” (8 p.m. on DIY): Host Ahmed Hassan waits at home improvement stores looking for weekend warriors who could use his help. Once he finds his target, Ahmed and his team follow the shoppers home and completely transform their yards.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
◊“Apprentice UK” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Like the U.S. version, 14 young high-fliers battle it out through a grueling selection process while competing for a six-figure salary and a year-long job with self-made tycoon Sir Alan Sugar.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Past season winners cheer on the final four contestants as they face their toughest challenge of the season — running a full marathon. Those who finish the marathon will get $10,000 to donate to the charity of their choice.
◊“Garage Mahal” (8:30 p.m. on DIY): Licensed contractor brian Corsetti turns desperate garages into incredible living spaces in this new series. Projects include an entertainment garage complete with a flat-screen TV, copper-topped bar and dinning area; a rock and roll refuge retrofitted with a fold down stage, concert lighting and acoustic panels; and a home gym with monkey bars, punching bags and a climbing wall.
◊“Ice People” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Anne Aghion follows polar explorers across terrain of incomprehensible scale, as they brave extreme conditions and relinquish all modern conveniences in the name of science. During the four-month shoot, the geologists capture one of the most significant discoveries about the history of climate change.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): In ‘‘Wings of Defeat,” filmmaker Risa Morimoto retraces the footsteps her her uncle, who trained as a kamikaze pilot but carried that secret to his grave. Morimoto landed rare interviews with surviving kamikaze pilots to explore their experiences, including the brutal training they underwent.
◊“Kiki Melendez’ Hot Tamales Live” (11 p.m. on Showtime): This special hosted by Host Kiki Melendez features performances by Amy Anderson, Kira Soltanovich, Nikki Payne, Valentino, Jill-Michelle Melean, Nadine Rajabi and Thea Vidal.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Detective Stabler’s daughter is called in to help when a teenager is brutally beaten after her nude photos are spread throughout her high school. Swoosie Kurtz (”Pushing Daisies”) guest stars.
◊“Live With Regis and Kelly” (9 a.m. on KWTV-9): Hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa heads down to Miami, Fla., for four shows broadcast live from the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. In addition to spotlighting their luxe setting at the resort, Philbin and Ripa will sample the sights, sounds, food, culture and nightlife that make Miami one of the country’s hottest destinations for fun and sun.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): With the appearance of Mossad agent Michael Rivkin, Tony is forced to question Ziva’s loyalty to NCIS. Chris O’Donnell (”Grey’s Anatomy”) and LL Cool J (”In the House”) guest star.
◊“The Real Housewives of New York City” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Clashes, disagreements and conflicts abound as the ladies take care of the final details for Jill’s charity event that they are all planning together.
◊“State of Creativity” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Follow the journey of Whittier Middle School in Norman and Yellow Jacket Academy in Kingfisher as the teams create and program a robot to compete for the Botball championship.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Tyrone Power was born on this day in 1914, and TCM celebrates by airing four of his films, including 1938’s “Marie Antoinette” (7:45 a.m.) and 1957’s “Abandon Ship!” (1 p.m.).
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team races against the clock to find a teenager who was last seen in an amateur video being psychologically tormented by her unseen captor in the new episode ‘‘Devotion.” Series star Anthony LaPaglia came up with the idea for this episode’s story line.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
◊“The Business of Being Born” (8 p.m. on Showtime): This documentary executive produced by former talk show host Ricki Lake examines America’s birth culture and current maternity care system. The film interlaces intimate birth stories and interviews with numerous obstetricians, experts and advocates about the history, politics and economics of childbirth.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team suspects that a series of vehicular homicides along a dangerous stretch of road in Oregon may be the work of a serial killer who is using his car as a lethal weapon. Nicholas Brendon (‘‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) guest stars.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Mac informs an ex-con that he served time for a crime he didn’t commit, and Anna tells Danny “it’s time” for the first CSI baby to be born. Charles S. Dutton (”Roc”) and Mare Winningham guest star.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When his rambunctious half brother, Mitch (Rob Riggle, “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart”), returns home from the war and decides to move in, Gary quickly loses control of his kids and his house and is forced to play the role of grown up.
◊“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): Mekhi Phifer (”ER”) guest stars as Ben Reynolds, an FBI agent who partners with Lightman to track down a serial rapist terrorizing the Washington, DC area.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine’s plan to prove that she’s comfortable with Richard’s remarriage backfires when her date (Lee Tergesen, “Oz”) acts obnoxiously at the rehearsal dinner.
◊“Scrubs” (7 p.m. on ABC): When random furnishings from Elliot’s apartment turn up in J.D.’s place, it becomes clear that she finally plans to take their relationship to a whole new level on the series finale.
◊“WWII Behind Closed Doors: Stalin, the Nazis and the West” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This three-part series shatters the myths of World War II. The first installment titled “Unlikely Friends” lays bare a history of secret allegiances that Joseph Stalin wanted to hide.
THURSDAY, MAY 7
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Liz and Tracy convince Jack to begin the search for his real father, Alan Alda (“M*A*S*H”) and Steve Buscemi (“Fargo”) guest star.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Brennan decides she wants to have a baby and surprises Booth with a request to father her child. The stress of the situation, coupled with Booth’s undiagnosed health issue, paves the way for a surprise visit from Stewie, the youngest member of the “Family Guy” clan (voiced by Seth MacFarlane).
◊“China’s Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province” (7 p.m. on HBO): On May 12, 2008, an earthquake hit Sichuan Province in rural China, killing nearly 70,000 people, including 10,000 children as poorly constructed school buildings crumbled and wiped out classrooms filled with students. This film visits parents of deceased children from several schools a few days after the disaster, sharing in their unimaginable grief at the loss of what was for most their only child.
◊“The Fashion Show” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Designer Isaac Mizrahi and Grammy winner Kelly Rowland share hosting duties and also serve as judges as 15 professional designers compete for a chance to have their designs sold in the retail market and win a $125,000 prize.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment focuses on Jon Burris, a private curator for Oklahoma businessmen who has traveled the world and skirted the bad guys to bring home mementoes worth millions. Now, this globe trotting, book publishing, photographing artist has turned his attention to home, as the executive director for an Oklahoma City art gallery.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): It’s Meredith and Derek’s wedding day on the the show’s 100th episode. But as they prepare to celebrate the big day, a group of college students are injured in a car crash on the way to their graduation ceremony and are admitted to the emergency room.
◊“Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): The former star of “Spin City,” who revealed in 1998 that he had been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease, travels across the globe to explore the enduring strength of hope. He talks to both famous and everyday people, venturing everywhere from the Far East to President Barack Obama’s inspiring inauguration.
◊“The Millionaire Matchmaker” (8 p.m. on Bravo): Patti ?? hits the town with her girlfriends who are visiting from Miami, and the girls dish out many good stories on her in the Season 2 finale.
◊“My Name is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): All of Camden County has gathered at the Crab Shack to learn about the dramatic conclusion to the story of Ernie Belcher’s disappearance. Geraldo Rivera (”Geraldo at Large”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Gary Cooper was born on this day in 1901, and TCM celebrates by airing four of his films, including 1932’s “A Farewell to Arms” (11:45 a.m.) and 1958’s “Man of the West” (4:15 p.m.).
FRIDAY, MAY 8
◊“Christian Finnegan: Au Contraire” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comedian Christian Finnegan, one of the original cast members on VH1’s “Best Week Ever,” pushes the envelope as he recounts the purple shorts that have haunted him since middle school and the history of giving rabbit ears.
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Alpha’s reugn of terror continues as his obsession with Echo endangers Caroline’s survival, and one doll is permanently decactivated while another’s shocking past is revealed.
◊“Everybody Hates Chris” (7 p.m. on CW): During the last week of school, Chris is informed that if he gets one more tardy he will have to repeat the 10th grade. Chris does his best to make it to school on time, but one day he misses the bus and arrives at school late, forcing him to deliver the bad news to his parents .
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): As Melinda prepares for her wedding day, she takes time out to help a girl (Alexa Vega, ‘‘Spy Kids”) who believes that she is being lured into danger by vampires.
◊“Head Case” (9 p.m. on Starz): Tiffani Thiessen (”Good Morning, Miami”) has a session with Dr. Goode in which she suggests she get herself a “gay” to help her with all her life’s issues.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team investigate a string of copycat bank robberies and zero in on disgraced FBI Agent Roger Bloom (Henry Winkler, “Happy Days”) as a suspect when they discover he has been studying the files of some of the original bank heists.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): In an attempt to get back at Casey for flirting with another guy, Henry flirts with a woman at a familly and friends party for Ricky, who turns out to be a mobster. Steven Weber (”Wings”) guest stars.
SATURDAY, MAY 9
◊“Ace of Cakes” (8 p.m. on Food Network): When the ABC series “Lost” needs a cake to celebrate its 100th episode, actor Jorge Garcia (“Hurley) calls the bakery to commission a unique cake creation.
◊“Samantha Brown’s Great Weekends” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): Host Samantha Brown takes viewers to places she found during her many travels and meets up with local people who make these places so unique.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Grammy winner Justin Timberlake returns to studio 8H as host. Grammy winner Ciara will be the musical guest, and Timberlake will join her to perform her newest single “Love Sex Magic.”
◊“Talkshow With Spike Feresten” (midnight on Fox): Tulsa natives Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson of the pop trio Hanson perform an acoustic version of their single “Follow My Lead.”
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs
for April 19-25, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which
includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 19:
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
◊“Cake Boss” (9 p.m. on TLC): After beginning a week completely jam-packed with cake orders, Buddy gets a call from a customer he cannot possibly turn down – a photo spread in Brides Magazine. But last minute changes mean Buddy has to crack the whip to make the deadline.
◊“The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler” (8 p.m. on CBS): Academy Award winner Anna Paquin (”The Piano”) stars in this fact-based drama as 2007 Nobel Peace Prize nominee Irena Sendler, who is credited with saving the lives of 2,500 Jewish children while she was working as a Polish Catholic social worker during World War II.
◊“Death of the Old West” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Just before sunrise on April 19, 1909, a mob of men — many believed to be community leaders in Ada — avenged the murder of a local rancher by lynching the four suspects in a livery stable behind the city jail. To mark the 100th anniversary of the event, this documentary examines the chain of events that preceded the hanging and the fallout that continues to stir emotions to this day.
◊“HGTV Green Home 2009″ (7 p.m. on HGTV): Craftsman Carter Oosterhouse (”Carter Can”) hosts this on-air tour of the eco-friendly home in Florida that is part of the second annual HGTV Green Home Giveaway grand prize package. In addition to the 2,430-square foot contemporary Spanish-style cottage, the winner will recive a new GMC Sierra Hybrid car.
◊“In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Mary McCormack returns for Season 2 as Mary Shannon, a U.S. Marshal working in the highly specialized branch of the witness protection program (WITSEC), who relocates Federal Witnesses – many of them career criminals and many others, just the innocents who have had the misfortune of witnessing a crime.
◊“Knights of Bloodsteel” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): David James Elliott (”JAG”), Natassia Malthe (”Elektra”) and Christopher Lloyd (”Taxi”) star in this four-hour, two-night movie event set against the backdrop of knights, sorcerers and dragons where heroes battle the forces of darkness. It concludes at 8 p.m. Monday.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on USA Network): The stepdaughter of a powerful city councilman narrowly escapes death when her boyfriend is killed in what appears to be a drug-related shooting, but Detectives Goren and Eames soon discover the victim had been planning to blackmail the politician. Kathy Baker “Boston Public”) guest stars.
◊“Miss USA 2009″ (6 p.m. on NBC): Billy Bush (”Access Hollywood”) and Nadine Velazquez (”My Name Is Earl”) co-host the event live from Las Vegas. Contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Representing Oklahoma is Lauren Lundy.
◊“My Fake Fiance” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Melissa Joan Hart (”Sabrina the Teenage Witch”) and Joey Lawrence (”Dancing With the Stars”) star in this new romantic comedy about two people who can’t stand each but decide to get married for the money and gifts. Just as true love never runs smoothly, neither does true distain and despite their mutual commitment to fraud, these two unlikely partners begin to soften towards each other.
◊“Natalee Holloway” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Teenager Natalee Holloway vanished in 2005 while visting Aruba on a senior class trip. This new movie focuses on Natalee’s mom, Beth Twitty, and her work to solve the mystery that shattered her family’s life. It is based on Twitty’s book “Loving Natalee: A Mother’s Testament of Hope and Faith.”
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA): In the new installment titled “The Loneliest Animals,” scientists attempt to breed new generations of nearly extinct species, such as Yangtze turtles and Spix macaws.
◊“Robert Blecker Wants Me Dead” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): Cameras follow law professor Robert Blecker, one of America’s most impassioned crusaders for capital punishment, to Riverbend Maximum Security Institution outside of Nashville. There he meets Daryl Holton, who, in 1997, methodically lined up his four children in an auto shop and shot them to death. Sentenced to death, Holton has declined to file any of his permitted appeals as he prepares to die.
◊“Rock of Love Bus With Bret Michaels Reunion Special” (8 p.m. on VH1): Find out what’s happening in the lives of the women since their wild ride on the show. Will old feuds resurface? Has Bret’s search for love finally ended? Tune in to find out.
◊“Running in Heels” (7 p.m. on Style Network): As winter hits its peak, Joanna announces that they will be doing a Mexico shoot. But who among the staff at Marie Claire magazine will be chosen to go?
◊“Sit Down, Shut Up” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): The new animated comedy focuses on the dysfunctional faculty and staff at a high school in a small Florida fishing town as they strive to do anything but teach. The voice talent for the series includes Will Arnett (“Arrested Development”), Jason Bateman (”Arrested Development”), Kristin Chenoweth (”Pushing Daisies”), Will Forte (“Saturday Night Live”), Tom Kenny (“SpongeBob SquarePants”), Nick Kroll (“Caveman”), Cheri Oteri (”Saturday Night Live”) and Henry Winkler (”Happy Days”).
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A combination of weather events in the Canadian Rocky Mountains created a weak snow base that lead to a number of fatal avalanches, the 2nd deadliest in Canadian history, on December 28, 2008. Sixteen men in total were killed, including one of the four mean on the rescue team. In an unbelievable story of survival, the three survivors make a heart wrenching decision to leave their buried friends until the danger of further avalanches is passed.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas A&M in college softball action airing live at noon on ESPN.
MONDAY, APRIL 20
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Part two of “We Shall Remain” focuses on Shawnee warrior Tecumseh and his brother, the prophet Tenskwatawa, who organized an ambitious pan-Indian resistance movement.
◊“Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed” (8 p.m. on My Network TV): The Masked Magician reveals the secrets behind how to make a playing card pass through a glass windor and how to survive underwater while holding your breath for 18 minutes.
◊“Cash Cab” (5:30 p.m. on Discovery): Host Ben Bailey is is back for a fourth season of picking up unsuspecting contestants on the streets of New York City and giving them a chance to win big money on the way to their destination. New this season, random contestants are given the opportunity to double their winnings in the “double ride” portion of the show.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Chuck and Sarah go AWOL to rescue Chuck’s father, they discover that spending time together without any surveillance allows for unchartered chemistry. Tony Hale (”Arrested Development”) and Chevy Chase (”Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
◊“For the Love of Ray J” (9 p.m. on VH1): Fourteen women started out vying for the heart of singer Ray J. But after many romantic dates and intense challenges, Ray must now decide if he is ready to settle down with one of the remaining three.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Sylar continues his unusual partnership and begins to have an unexpected identity crisis. Clint Howard (“Frost/Nixon”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): After Stella and Ted make the spontaneous decision to get married in three days, the presence of their exes destroys what was to be the “happiest day of their lives.” Sarah Chalke (”Scrubs”) guest stars.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Victoria (Daphne Zuniga, “Beautiful People”) returns to lure Brooke back to Clothes Over Bro’s.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:31 p.m. on CBS): Jeff invites Audrey to watch him play softball, hoping to show her that he’s not an old fogy after he falls asleep while watching a movie. Orlando Jones (”MADtv”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Harold Lloyd was born on this day in 1893, and TCM celebrates by airing eight of his films, including 1920’s “High and Dizzy (5 a.m.) and 1932’s “Movie Crazy” (10:30 a.m.).
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
◊“The 12th annual Interactive Achievement Awards” (7 p.m. on IFC): Jay Mohr (”Gary Unmarried”) hosts the event that was taped Feb. 19 and recognizes the year’s best games, computer games, online entertainment, outstanding individuals and groundbreaking development teams. The big winner was LittleBigPlanet (Sony Computer Entertainment America) which won eight awards.
◊“90210” (8 p.m. on CW): Series star Rob Estes (Harry Wilson) directed this episode in which Donna (Tori Spelling, “Beverly Hills, 90210”) reveals details of her separation to Kelly (Jennie Garth, “Beverly Hills, 90210”), and the two search for locations so Donna can open a clothing store in Beverly Hills.
◊“Build It Bigger” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Costing more than $1.1 billion, the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium will be the largest sports complex ever constructed in the United States. It covers 73 acres and features 80,000 seats, the largest operable glass door in the world and two 180 foot long HD video screens.
◊“Carbon Cops” (8:30 p.m. on Sundance): The reality-style show follows six families as they are led through a fascinating step-by-step process of auditing their current use of energy in order to lessen their carbon footprint and the effects of global warming on the planet.
◊“Eco-Trip: The Real Cost of Living” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Eco-adventurer David de Rothschild hosts this series that traces the eco-life of an everyday item (chocolate, light bulb, cell phone, etc.) from production to disposal, revealing the environmental, social and health effects along the way. Each episode leads to a world of greener alternatives presented by de Rothschild.
◊“Fringe” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): As a suicide incident occurs at New York’s Grand Central station, Agent Dunham simultaneously witnesses the event while asleep and dreaming in Boston. The episode was written and directed by Oscar winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman (“A Beautiful Mind”).
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment titled “Poisoned Waters,” correspondent Hedrick Smith examines the rising hazards to human health and the ecosystem, and why it is so hard to keep our waters clean.
◊“Life After People: The Series” (9 p.m. on History): This series picks up where the network’s January 2008 special left off. It will reveal the fate of the complex structures we’ve built, the creatures that take our place and the history we leave behind.
◊“The Phone” (9 p.m. on MTV): Justin Timberlake is an executive producer for this new competitive reality series in which players receive a phone call invitation to participate in a movie-like drama. If they accept, they become part of one of two teams confronted by a series of mental and physical challenges for a chance to win up to $50,000.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Anthony Quinn was born on this day in 1915, and TCM celebrates by airing six of his films, including 1955’s “The Naked Street” (8 a.m.) and 1962’s “Requiem for a Heavyweight” (5 p.m.).
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
◊“As Seen on TV” (8 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Darren Rovell takes a look at the world of infomercials. He speaks to the pitch people and the inventors and executives who produced the greatest products. He also shows viewers how the infomercial world works and explores various products and their claims.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A man falls 52 stories to his death, and his body goes missing after it hits the ground. With no body to process, the CSIs must treat this strange development as a missing persons case. Craig T. Nelson (‘‘Coach”) and Thad Luckinbill (‘‘The Young and the Restless”) guest star.
◊“Dress My Nest” (10 p.m. on Style Network): Interior design guru Thom Filicia rescues desperate homeowners from their drab, unstylish and out-of-touch décor in Season 4. No project is too big, as Thom rolls up his sleeves to help roommates, single mothers, couples and even Audrina Patridge (”The Hills”) overcome daunting design challenges.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): Jason and Grant have enlisted the crew from “Ghost Hunters International” to investigate unexplained activity on their newly purchased property in Whitefield, N.H.
◊“Jean Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Chris Noth (”Sex and the City”) narrates this new two-hour installment titled “Call of the Killer Whale.” Jean-Michel Cousteau and his team examine the social connections between humans and Killer Whales. Included is footage from the two-and-a-half year ordeal Cousteau oversaw to rehabilitate and release the “Free Willy” whale into the wild.
◊“Law & Order” (7 p.m. on NBC): The murder of a plaintiff in a high profile lawsuit with a major airline leads detectives to a lawyer who will do anything to protect his big payday. Mercedes Ruehl (“Loving Leah”) guest stars.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): A young girl is kidnapped and Det. Elliot Stabler must work with an ex-convict (Ron Eldard, “Blind Justice”) to get her back.
◊“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): Jennifer Beals (“The L Word”) guest stars as Asst. U.S. Attorney Zoe Landau, Lightman’s ex-wife and Emily’s mother. When she enlists Lightman to help investigate an arson case in which the only eyewitness is a 5-year-old boy, it becomes clear that she and Lightman still have feelings for each other.
◊“Lost: The Story of the Oceanic 6″ (8 p.m. on ABC): This special will explore what happened to the Oceanic 6 and the remaining island survivors during the three years after Ben moved the island.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Ex-husband Richard joins Christine on a dinner date with her new boyfriend, Patrick (Tim DeKay, ‘‘Tell Me You Love Me”).
◊“Scrubs” (7 p.m. on ABC): As J.D. plans to move closer to Sam, he reaches out to make peace with Kim (Elizabeth Banks, “W.”) and finds that she has a new boyfriend (Scott Foley, “The Unit”).
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
◊The 11th Annual Billboard Latin Music Awards (7 p.m. on Telemundo): Aylin Mujica and Alan Tacher will co-host the event live from Coral Gables, Florida. Flex is up for 13 awards, while Enrique Iglesias is a finalist in 10 categories.
◊The 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards (7 p.m. on Gospel Music Channel): Artists from every style of gospel and Christian music come together for a night of music and celebration. Nominees for artist of the year are Casting Crowns, Steve Curtis Chapman, Fireflight, Marvin Sapp, Third Day, Toby Mac and Chris Tomlin.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Catherine revisits one of the very first cases she worked as a CSI when the convicted felon in the murder (Henry Thomas, “ET”) claims the verdict was based on faulty evidence.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As she endures aggressive treatment for her cancer, Izzie throws herself into planning Derek and Meredith’s wedding. Hector Elizondo (”Pretty Woman”) and Amy Madigan (”Carnivale”) guest star.
◊“The Millionaire Matchmaker” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Patty Stanger searches for a match for Farrah, former member of Destiny’s Child, who has been hurt in previous relationships and is very guarded in her dating life.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael’s new company struggles to make early morning deliveries while the office tries to get their expense reports in on time after Angela enforces Dunder Mifflin’s policy. Idris Elba (”The Wire”) guest stars.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): When a pregnant woman starts to show signs of heart complications, Addison rushes her St. Ambrose where Noah is standing by to help. Josh Hopkins (”Swingtown”) and Idina Menzel (”Rent”) guest star.
◊“Samantha Who?” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Sam wants to give Todd a fresh start and offers to go on a “first date” with him. But Todd doesn’t trust her boss, billionaire Winston Funk (Billy Zane, “Titanic”), who continues his relentless quest to get “new” Sam to continue the affair they had before her accident.
◊“Southland” (9 p.m. on NBC): When officer Ben Sherman reveals details of his past to the department therapist and his training officer, John Cooper, the motivation behind his decision to be a cop becomes clear. C. Thomas Howell (“A Gunfighter’s Pledge”) and Tom Sizemore (“Crash”) guest star.
◊“Trouble the Water” (7:30 p.m. on HBO): Equipped with meager supplies and a camcorder, aspiring rap star Kimberly Roberts and her husband, Scott, filmed this documentary when they and their 9th Ward neighbors became trapped in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
◊“The Game” (7:30 p.m. on CW): Malik meets his half-sister (Lisa Tucker, “American Idol”) and sees an unmistakably familiar tattoo on her lower back, causing him to wonder whether they slept together before they knew they were related.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): A soap opera “remote” shoot descends on Grandview, and Melinda unearths a story as soapy as the show it’s disrupting. Thad Luckinbill (”The Young and the Restless”) and Kellie Martin (”Life Goes On”) guest star.
◊“Hatching Pete” (7 p.m. on Disney): Pete Ivey (Jason Dolley, “Cory in the House”) is a quiet 16-year-old who must stand in for his outgoing best friend Cleatus Poole (Mitchel Musso, “Hannah Montana”) when Cleatus cannot complete his duties as their high school mascot, a chicken. The chicken mascot, with Pete anonymously behind the mask, soon becomes the main attraction at school.
◊“Iron Man: Armored Adventures” (6 p.m. on Nicktoons): This new series based on Marvel’s armored Super Hero follows a teenage Tony Stark as he attempts to balance the pressures of being a teen with his responsibilities as Iron Man. The rock band Rooney performs the show’s original theme song.
◊“Mighty Jungle” (4:30 p.m. on Sprout): This new live-action puppet series follows the adventures of three jungle friends — a meerkat named Babu, a gorilla named Bruce and a rhino named Rhonda. The silly situations that the friends find themselves in, the fantastical characters that they come into contact with and the mayhem that ensues are created or inspired by real kids.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the FBI is called in to investigate a series of home invasions, the team uses Charlie and his math skills to help profile the suspects. But when his calculations go awry during a raid, Don suffers a life-threatening injury. Alan Blumenfeld (”Heroes”) and Michael Gaston (”Fringe”) guest star.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): Constance and Casey try to console the daughter of an angry Hollywood mogul (J.K. Simmons, ‘‘The Closer”) when only nerds show up for her birthday party.
◊“Return to Tarawa” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): Ed Harris (“Pollock”) narrates this special that documents World War II veteran Leon Cooper’s mission to preserve the hallowed ground at Red Beach on Tarawa Island. The battle at Tarawa was the U.S. Navy’s first major amphibious assault and more than 1,600 American servicemen died.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Shirley MacLaine was born on this day in 1934, and TCM celebrates by airing four of her films, including 1963’s “Irma La Douce” (10:30 a.m.) and 1961’s “The Children’s Hour” (5 p.m.).
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
◊2009 Nadia Comaneci International Invitational (noon on KFOR-4): Olympic champion Sandra Izbasa from Romania headlines the list of international elite gymnasts representing eighth countries and competing for team, all-around and individual honors at the event held in Oklahoma City. Calling the action are Bart Conner (1984 Olympic gold medalist) and Nastia Liukin (2008 Olympic gold medalist). The hourlong highlight show also includes a profile of Nadia Comaneci (1976 and 1980 Olympic gold medalist).
◊“Ashes to Ashes” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 1 finale, Alex reaches the day her parents were killed and believes that if she can prevent that fatal car bombing, she can escape her exile into 1981 and return to her daughter in 2008.
◊“Chasing a Dream” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a high school athlete’s dream is cut short, his best friend (Andrew Lawrence, “Oliver Beene”) throws himself into training for the race of his life. Treat Williams (”Everwood”) and Joanna Going (”Close to Home”) also star.
◊“I Want to Save Your Life” (9 p.m. on WEtv): In this new intervention series, nutrition and public health advocate Charles Stuart Platkin follows unsuspecting subjects on their daily routines to identify their negative patterns.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for March 15-21, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 15:
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
◊“Au Pair 3: Adventure in Paradise” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): The Caldwell family returns in the third installment of the movie franchise, as the family hits the tropical beaches. Gregory Harrison (“Trapper John, M.D.”) stars.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team members try to curtail their emotions as they search for the person who shot both Jeffries and the elderly long-time owner of the corner convenience store Jeffries had entered on his way home from work.
◊“Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Country music star Toby Keith from Moore will be among the roasters making this event unfor-git-able for Larry the Cable Guy. Other roasters include Drew Carey, Nick DiPaolo, Jeff Foxworthy, Greg Giraldo, Lisa Lampanelli, Dan Marino and Jeffrey Ross.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Susan tries to impress Jessie (Swoosie Kurtz, “Pushing Daisies”), a teacher at work, Jessie comes away with the wrong impression.
◊“Eastbound & Down” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Convinced he’s lost his stuff, Kenny ecides to give up his comeback dreams and move on as a working stiff. But his resolve is tested by arrogant car dealer Ashley Schaeffer (“Will Ferrell, “Semi-Pro”).
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): As a publicity stunt, Hannah pretends to be the girlfriend of fellow celebrity Austin Rain when, in reality, they can’t stand each other. Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”) guest stars.
◊“HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Tune in to find out who wins the Victorian-style home in Sonoma, Ca. It is part of the $2 million grand-prize package that also includes a 2009 GMC Acadia.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): This contemporary retelling of the biblical David and Goliath story follows the adventures of David Shepherd (Chris Egan, “Eragon”), a young soldier who crosses enemy lines to save the life of another soldier who turns out to be the son of King Silas Benjamin (Ian McShane, “Deadwood”).
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A winter storm in northern California caused a private plane with three people on board to crash in Yosemite Park. This episode captures the amazing rescue in blizzard conditions.
◊“Tough Love” (9 p.m. on VH1): In this new series, matchmaker Steven Ward will examine the bad habits of eight women and retrain them on the basics of dating and maintaining a relationship.
MONDAY, MARCH 16
◊“Betty Ford: The Real Deal” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Jane Alexander (“Tell Me You Love Me”) narrates this new documentary profiling the life of an outspoken former First Lady who became a pioneer in substance abuse treatment. It features never-before-seen photos and film footage, plus interviews with Mrs. Ford, her four children and close friends.
◊“Built From Disaster” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Engineers and designers learn hard lessons from tragic disasters at stadium, skyscrapers, bridges and ships. This series investigates the lessons learned since catastrophes such as the Hillsborough stadium disaster, the Minneapolis bridge collapse and the skinging og the Estonia in the Baltic Sea.
◊“Death on a Factory Farm” (9 p.m. on HBO): This documentary chronicles an investigation into alleged abuses that took place at a hog farm in Creston, Ohio.
◊“Dhani Tackles the Globe” (8 p.m. on Travel Channel): Dhani Jones, a linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals, embarks on a global sports odyssey as host of this new series. In each episode, he tries his hand at a new sport, including rugby in England, muay thai in Thailand, hurling in Ireland and dragon boat racing in Singapore.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): The Constance Billard and St. Jude seniors put on a production of “The Age of Innocence” and find their personal lives mirroring conflicts in the play. Sebastian Stan (“Kings”) guest stars.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dr. House and the team take on the case of Morgan (Judy Greer, “27 Dresses”) who works in a nursing home with a pet cat who only sleeps next to people if they are about to die – and does so with alarmingly accuracy.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Ted is shocked to learn that Lily is not only responsible for his breakup with Karen (Laura Prepon, “That ’70s Show”), but many of his former girlfriends, as well.
◊“Kyle XY” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): In the series finale, Kyle learns what Cassidy and Latnok’s true plans are for Adam’s experiment and must stop them at all costs.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Allison’s old car sputters and dies, Joe surprises her with an immaculate used car after being tipped off to a great deal. Unfortunately, the Dubois’ discover that the car is at the center of a horrific, unsolved crime. Kelly Preston (“The Tenth Circle”) guest stars.
◊“The Navigator” (7 p.m. on TCM): Director John Landis (“An American Werewold in London”) is today’s guest programmer on TCM, and this 1924 Buster Keaton comedy is one of the seven films he picked for broadcast. Among his other selections are three shorts featuring Roscoe “Fatty Arbuckle, a classic musical, a cult horror film and a masterful thriller from Alfred Hitchcock.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): Jeff is surprised to learn that his new friend he made at the gym is gay. Orlando Jones (“Men in Trees”) guest stars.
◊“Runnin’ Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers” (6:45 a.m. on Sundance): Peter Bogdanovich directed this film, which recently won the Grammy Award for best long form music video. It focuses on 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and tells a story three decades in the making of a band and its front man.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): While the squad investigates the death of a drug dealer at an apartment complex, Ham and Butch run into Bobby, who is still undercover.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Series guest star John Schneider (“Smallville”) directed this episode in which Amy is in the hospital and slides in and out of sleep as she waits to get her epidural during labor.
◊“Speed Dreams” (9 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton of McLaren Automotive, Porsche factory GT driver Wolf Henzler and drag racing specialist Jason Whitfield of Whitfield Racing discuss personal experiences on and off the track that have propelled him to auto racing success.
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): Meredith Vieira and Al Roker will don Irish green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Emerald Isle. Today, they will broadcast live from Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow, a sprawling country estate known as one of Ireland’s most famous house and gardens. On Tuesday, they will broadcast live from The Dublin Castle in Dublin City Centre and from along the route of the famed St. Patrick’s Festival Parade.
TUESDAY, MARCH 17
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Six-time Emmy winner Carol Burnett (“The Carol Burnett Show”) guest stars as a former dancer caught up in the murder of a young couple.
◊“The Mentalist” (8 p.m. on CBS): After Patrick loses his sight in an explosion, he is forced to rely on his other senses to help him solve the murder of a financial adviser. Gregory Itzin (‘‘24”) guest stars.
◊“Modern Toss” (10 p.m. on IFC): This new series is a partially-animated, distinctly adult British comedy complete with gross-out moments, profanity and inappropriate cartoon characters. It was created by former journalists Mick Bunnage and Jon Link is based on their comic and website also dubbed “Modern Toss.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A boxer’s death leads Vance to start up his own investigation, causing a sparring match with Gibbs, on NCIS, Tuesday, March 17 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Paula Newsome (“Women’s Murder Club”) guest stars.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): March means nonstop basketball action, and this installment serves up three compelling basketball stories, plus a profile of unorthodox skier Bode Miller.
◊“Reaper” (7 p.m. on CW): Ben would like to introduce Nina to Sam and Sock, but he’s concerned they won’t accept her because she’s a demon.
◊“State of Creativity” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment of OETA’s documentary series titled “Pizza boxes and 3-D animation” looks at two ideas that are playing important roles in educating Oklahoma’s workforce.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a missing trial consultant and tries to narrow down the list of suspects involved with his disappearance. Vanessa Marcil (”Las Vegas”) guest stars as a juror on a murder trial on which the victim had recently consulted.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
◊“Better Off Ted” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This new office comedy follows a successful good guy Ted (Jay Harrington) who runs research and development at the morally questionable Veridian Dynamics. No achievement is too far-fetched and no invention too unorthodox for Veridian.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): Agent Hotchner revisits the first case he worked at the Behavioral Analisus Unit when details come forth that one of the deadliest serial killers in New England’s history has struck again after a 10-year hiatus. C. Thomas Howell (‘‘The Outsiders”) guest stars.
◊“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. Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (“7th Heaven”) and Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy bassist) guest star as Bonnie and Clyde wannabes.
◊“General Hospital” (2 p.m. on ABC): NASCAR driver Jeff Burton pays a visit to Port Charles and has a comedic run-in with race-car enthusiast and top neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson), who does not recognize the 21-time winner on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition.
◊“Global Warming: The New Challenge With Tom Brokaw” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In this follow-up piece to his Emmy winning 2006 special, journalist Tom Brokaw interviews some of the world’s leading experts about what Americans should be prepared for in the coming years. The special also takes a close look at the most promising scientific, technological, and economic solutions our nation can offer in the fight against global warming.
◊“Inside the FBI” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Discovery Channel was granted unprecedented access to the inner workings of the San Diego field office. For the first time, viewers will follow along with the agents as they build a case against one of the largest and deadliest gangs in southern California – the Mexican Mafia.
◊“Journey to Planet Earth: The State of the Planet’s Oceans” (10:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Matt Damon (“The Bourne Ultimatum”) hosts this new installment of the award-winning environmental series. It investigates the health and sustainability of the world’s oceans, with a special emphasis on issues affecting marine preserves, fisheries, and coastal ecosystems in the United States and worldwide.
◊“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): When Lightman is hired to find a corporate spy at a pharmaceutical company, he discovers a high-level conspiracy surrounding a new drug that could put thousands of lives at risk. D.W. Moffett (“Friday Night Lights”) guest stars.
◊“Life” (8 p.m. on NBC): With Reese still on loan to the FBI, Crews is assigned a new partner, Detective Jane Seever (new cast member Gabrielle Union, “Night Stalker”).
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): When Detective Sam Tyler poses as a streetwise tough to infiltrate a vicious New York City gang suspected of truck hijackings, he’s pushed to the limit not to blow his cover, and he reveals a much darker side. Paige Turco (“The Agency”) guest stars.
◊“The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Making an appearance during a special Dodger-themed showcase are Los Angeles Dodgers players James Loney, Russell Martin, Delwyn Young, James McDonald, and Mark Loretta, as well as former Dodgers Bobby Castillo, Kenny Landreaux and “Sweet” Lou Johnson.
◊“Toughest Cowboy” (10 p.m. on SPIKE): This reality series tested 12 cowboys in three major disciplines — bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. The winner will receive a ranch in Wyoming.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): As Liz spends more time with her boyfriend Drew, she finds that his handsomeness has allowed him to bypass many of the usual frustrations of daily life. Meredith Vieira (“Today”) guest stars.
◊“Hometown Baghdad” (10:30 p.m. on Sundance): Beginning its account in spring 2006, this documentary knits together the daily experiences and testimonies of three Baghdad university students. It is one of three programs airing on the network today to mark the sixth anniversary of the start of the war with Iraq. The other two are “Heavy Metal in Baghdad” (9 p.m.) and “No End in Sight” (12:15 a.m.).
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): After he apologizes to a crazy witch lady (Betty White, “The Golden Girls”) for all the trouble he caused her as a kid, Earl faces his fears and tries to make it up to her. But when she turns out to be crazier than Earl thought, he and Randy wind up in a life-or-death situation along with a bunch of their friends.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael has big plans for his 15th anniversary party at Dunder Mifflin, but is in for a shock when the new, no-nonsense Vice President (Idris Elba, “The Wire”) has some ideas of his own.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): After Addison discovers that a mentally unbalanced pregnant patient has lost her baby, Violet must convince her that the baby has died and that surgery is necessary. Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) guest stars.
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Echo becomes the perfect wife for a lonely internet mogul (Patton Oswalt, “The King of Queens”).
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode titled “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s Just Frozen,” Keith gets frozen like a statue when he’s zapped by one of Manny’s gadgets. Making guest appearances are rocker Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy bassist) and Tony Award winning composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda.
◊“Head Case” (9 p.m. on Starz): Dr. Elizabeth Goode (Alexandra Wentworth, “In Living Color”) is back in session for Season 2 of this comedy. She plays the judgmental and unconventional “it therapist” to Hollywood’s celebrity elite. Macy Gray (“Lackawanna Blues”) pays a visit in the season premiere.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): Ken Marino (“Veronica Mars”) and Jane Lynch (“Role Models”) star in this new comedy series that follows a Los Angeles catering team – a sextet of Hollywood wannabes stuck working for tips while hoping for their “big break.”
◊“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (8 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In the first-season finale, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s squad of troopers have a new mission – rescuing the small Jedi team from General Grievous on Hypori.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
◊“Cops” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the show’s 750th episode, an officer on the graveyard shift in Sacramento, CA, is called to investigate a traffic stop where the driver has passed off illegal substances to the passenger.
◊“The Locator” (8 p.m. Saturday on Wetv): Troy Dunn, an Enid High School graduate who helps reunite loved ones, returns for Season 2 of his feel-good show. He has been reconnecting people for 20 years, however, and has located more than 40,000 men, women and children.
◊“MADtv” (10 p.m. on Fox): Kathy Griffin (“My Life on the D-List”) hosts a special episode honoring MADtv alum Michael McDonald and his fan-favorite characters, including “Stuart Larkin,” “Mofaz,” “Dr. Phil,” “Hugh Laurie” and “Maury Povich.”
◊“Nora Roberts’ Northern Lights” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): In an attempt to start a new life after the death of his work partner, a former Baltimore policeman (Eddie Cibrian, “Third Watch”) accepts a job as chief of police in a small Alaskan town. But the moment he meets a feisty bush pilot (LeAnn Rimes, “Holiday in Your Heart”), he finds himself falling in love.
–Penny TV
TV Talk: Top 10 Shows for Feb. 15-21
The Oklahoman’s TV Talk personalities Penny Soldan and Heather Warlick tape a weekly video for Newsok.tv that highlights upcoming TV programs worth watching. They’re not fast talkers, but just in case you didn’t catch all the information for a show of interest, here is their script for the week of Feb. 15:
P: Hi, I’m Penny Soldan, this is Heather Warlick and this is TV Talk, The Oklahoman’s final Top 10 countdown of programs worth watching. And these are our picks for the week of Feb. 15.
H: Since this is our last TV Talk video, and we’ll talk more about that later, let’s start it off with a reunion. Or rather “High School Reunion,” our No. 10 pick. The TV Land reality show premieres at 9 p.m. Wednesday and follows 19 classmates from the 1988 graduating class of Arizona’s Chandler High School at a special reunion in Hawaii.
P: Chad Ramirez, who is the head rodeo coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, is among the “High School Reunion” classmates. But he considers Oklahoma home now.
H: No. 9 is “Spectacular!”, a new Nickelodeon movie premiering at 7 p.m. Monday. This new TV movie for tweens focuses on a talented teen rebel who is on an unpredictable road to rock stardom. Penny tells me that the soundtrack, which features 10 original songs, is in itself spectacular.
P: If you’re like Heather and love awards shows, be sure and catch our No. 8 pick. It’s the 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards airing uncut, uncensored and commercial free at 4 p.m. Saturday on IFC. Steve Coogan from “Tropic Thunder” hosts this year’s ceremony which will be edited and rebroadcast at 9 p.m. Saturday on AMC.
H: No. 7 is “Mistresses,” a new British series airing at 7 p.m. Friday on BBC America. It chronicles the adventures of four 30-something friends with one thing in common — infidelity. And it stars four of Britain’s leading actresses — Sarah Parish, Sharon Small, Orla Brady and Shelley Conn.
P: OK, maybe Heather doesn’t like awards shows as much as me. But No. 6 is a topic I know interests her. It is “Stealing Lincoln’s Body” premering at 8 p.m. Monday on History. This new special explores the final chapter of the 16th president, who was assassinated in 1865 but did not come to rest in his hometown of Springfield, Ill., until 1901.
H: No. 5 are five guest stars making appearance on five primetime shows. Monday morning, it’s Marcia Wallace from “The Bob Newhart Show” on “The Young and the Restless” at 11 a.m. on CBS. And Monday evening, its Rob Reiner from “All in the Family” on “Hannah Montana” at 6:30 p.m. on Disney.
P: Then on Wednesday, see chef Emeril Lagasse on “Top Chef” at 9 p.m. on Bravo. And Thursday, look for Danny Glover from “Lethal Weapon” on NBC’s “My Name Is Earl” at 7 p.m. and Faye Dunaway from “Network” on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” at 8 p.m.
H: No. 4 is “American Idol” which airs at 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday on Fox. For the next three Tuesdays, 12 different semifinalists will perform. And be sure and watch for Matt Breitzke from Bixby who is among the Top 32 semifinalists.
P: And vote for Matt if you enjoy his singing. Because during Wedneday’s live results shows, the three contestants with the highest number of votes — one male, one female and the next top vote-getter, will secure spots in the Top 12.
H: No. 3 is Conan O’Brien’s final show as host of NBC’s “Late Night.” He signs off after Friday’s telecast, but he will take over “The Tonight Show” hosting duties on June 1. And Jimmy Fallon will take over the reins as “Late Night” host on March 2.
P: And taking over the No. 2 spot on our list is “Taking Chance.” It is a very touching fact-based drama starring Kevin Bacon as a volunteer military escort who accompanies the body of Chance Phelps, a 19-year-old lance corporal killed in Iraq, home to Wyoming. Be sure and watch it with a box of tissue at 7 p.m. Saturday on HBO.
H: And No. 1, if you don’t count the OU men’s basketball game against Texas at 8 p.m. Saturday on ESPN, is “The Amazing Race.” And Christie Volkmer from Choctaw is Oklahoma’s first contender for the six-time Emmy Award-winning reality-competition program that begins Season 14 at 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
P: Christie and teammate Jodi Wincheski from Houston make up one of 11 teams that will travel one of the most grueling courses ever assembled on the race – spanning 40,000 miles and nine countries in just 22 days.
H: And that’s a wrap for TV Talk. The Oklahoman will debut a new TV video next week in which Penny will narrow the must-see programs from 10 to three. But as always, readers can consult TV Week in Sunday’s Oklahoman or go online to newsok.com/tv for even more TV choices.
P: Thanks, Heather, for your help in making a year’s worth of TV Talk videos that are still entertaining to watch. And to everyone out there watching, thanks for your time.
Top 60 TV Programs for Feb. 15-21
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 15:
SUNDAY, FEB. 15
◊The 51st annual Daytona 500 (1 p.m. on Fox): NASCAR opens the 2009 season with the top-rated event in American motorsports. Country music artist Keith Urban will headline the 2009 Daytona prerace show live at noon, performing three of his No. 1 songs prior to the drop of the green flag.
◊“The Amazing Race 14” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christie Volkmer from Choctaw is Oklahoma’s first contender for the six-time Emmy Award-winning reality-competition program that hits the road for Season 14. She and teammate Jodi Wincheski from Houston make up one of 11 teams that will travel one of the most grueling courses ever assembled on the race – spanning 40,000 miles and nine countries in just 22 days.
◊“Eastbound & Down” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Danny McBride (“Pineapple Express”) stars in this new six-part comedy series. He plays Kenny Powers, a former pro baseball pitcher whose self-destructive behavior ruined his career. Now he’s back in his North Carolina hometown teaching physical education at his old middle school.
◊“Food Nework Challenge” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Four pastry chefs design a cake for Miley Cyrus’ Sweet 16 birthday. Miley’s grandmother is among the panel of judges who will decide with chef wins $10,000 and the chance to serve their cake to the teen star.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Timothy Spall (“Harry Potter” movies) stars as Fagin, leader of a gang of boy thieves, in this new two-part adaptation of the Dickens classic “Oliver Twist.” Newcomer William Miller stars as Oliver.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Art Dept. and include 1958’s ”The Horse’s Mouth” (10 a.m.), 1956’s “Lust for Life” (2:15 p.m.) and 1943’s “No Time for Love” (7 p.m.).
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): Harper is helping Mr. Frenchy, a famous fashion designer, during Fashion Week, and enlists Alex’s help to care for a one-of-a-kind dress. When Alex ruins it, she decides to host the designer’s show at the Waverly Sub Station in an attempt to fix things. Cindy Crawford (”Fashion Flashback”) and Willie Garson (“Sex and the City”) guest star.
◊“World’s Heavist Man Gets Married!” (7 p.m. on TLC): This special profiles the wedding of Manuel Uribe to his longtime girlfriend, Claudia Solis. In 2006, Uribe tipped the scales at 1,232 lbs., but now he is 400 lbs. lighter and seizing his second chance at life and love.
MONDAY, FEB. 16
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The first hour from Wichita, Kan., features a 1949 payroll check made out to professional baseball rookie Mickey Mantle. It is valued between $30,000 and $50,000.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck and Sarah’s latest assignment forces them to pose as a happily married couple living in the suburbs. They meet some interesting characters including Brad (Andy Richter, “Andy Barker, P.I.”), a cheerful next-door neighbor in the stationary business, and Sylvia (Jenny McCarthy, “John Tucker Must Die”), a seductive and attractive woman who lives across the street and has her eye on Chuck.
◊“Dadnapped” (7 p.m. on Disney): Emily Osment (“Hannah Montana”) and George Newborn (“Father of the Bride”) star in this new daughter-father action comedy set in and around the fictional Western town of Mercury. Melissa and her father, Neil, the author of a popular action hero book series, attend a conference and become part of a prank dad-napping.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Sylar and Luke embark on a road trip to find Sylar’s father, but are secretly being hunted by Nathan’s agents. Moira Kelly (“The West Wing” ) guest stars.
◊“ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): U.S. skaters Johnny Wier and Evan Lysacek were among the competitors at this competition held Dec. 10-14 in South Korea.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Series star Patricia Arquette (Allison) makes her directorial debut in this episode, in which Allison’s strange behavior leads to an explosive discovery that may change the future of Joe’s business.
◊“Right America: Feeling Wronged” (7 p.m. on HBO): In this new documentary, filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi (daughter of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives). hits the road to ask conservative Americans to share their thoughts on the way the country is changing.
◊“Sex … With Mom and Dad” (3 p.m. on MTV): Dr. Drew Pinsky returns for Season 2, which will incorporate vintage sex education footage into the show that features therapy sessions and homework assignments for famlies in crisis.
◊“Simon Schama’s Rough Crossings” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Writer-narrator Simon Schama reconstructs the journey of black slaves who were offered their freedom if they fought for Britain during the American Revolution. They were resettled in Nova Scotia, which proved a poor fit for those from the Deep South. So arrangements were made to transport them to Sierra Leone, where worse conditions awaited.
◊“Spectacular!” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon)(Nickelodeon Photo of “Spectacular!” cast above): Taking center stage in this new TV movie for tweens is a talented teen rebel (Nolan Gerard Funk, “Smallville”) who is on an unpredictable road to rock stardom. Tammin Sursok (“The Young and the Restless”) also stars in the film, which features 10 original songs.
◊“Stealing Lincoln’s Body” (8 p.m. on History): This new special explores the final chapter of the 16th president, who was assassinated in 1865 but did not come to reat in his hometown of Springfield, Ill., until 1901. For the first time, Lincoln walks and moves according to the historical record, thanks to new digital visualizations.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Criminology Dept. and include 1938’s ”Boys’ Town” (7 a.m.), 1944’s “Double Indemnity” (2:30 p.m.) and 1991’s “Bugsy” (11:15 p.m.).
◊“True Beauty” (9 p.m. on ABC): In week seven, contestants attend a red carpet party where they will be the guests of honor and be judged on their poise and presentation as they walk the red carpet and work the crowd. But there’s a twist: The contestants will each have a date, and their dates are their parents.
◊“The Young and the Restless” (11 a.m. on CBS): Marcia Wallace (“The Bob Newhart Show”) guest stars as Ammie Wilkes, a woman who poses possible danger to Katherine Chancellor (Jeanne Cooper).
TUESDAY, FEB. 17
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): For the next three Tuesdays, 12 different semifinalists will perform. During Wedneday’s live results shows, the three contestants with the highest number of votes — one male, one female and the next top vote-getter, will secure spots in the Top 12.
◊“Dogg After Dark” (8 p.m. on MTV): Rapper, record producer, entrepreneur and actor Snoop Dogg will host this new weekly variety talk show from Los Angeles hotspot Kress on Hollywood Boulevard. The show will feature interviews with A-list celebrities and musicians, sketch-comedy segments and musical performances.
◊“Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): “Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life” revisits the life of composer and pianist, who was Duke Ellington’s right-hand man and wrote some if his best-known songs. Dule Hill (“Psych”) plays Strayhorn in re-enactments.
◊“Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Dr, Melinda Warner’s expertiese comes into play when a homeopathic doctor (Martin Mull, “The Ellen Show”) goes on trial for the death of a girl with AIDS.
◊“The Real Housewives Of New York City” (10 p.m. on Bravo): The series franchise returns to the New York social scene for a second season. Alex, Bethenny, Jill, Luann and Ramona, along with new cast member Kelly Killoren Bensimon, continue to juggle their careers and home lives with busy calendars.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Dance Dept. and include 1937’s ”Shall We Dance” (9:30 a.m.), 1951’s “Royal Wedding” (2:30 p.m.) and 1952’s “Million Dollar Mermaid” (7 p.m.).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on Cox.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
◊“Against the Elements” (9 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 284 on DirecTV): This new series explores the science behind the most heart-stopping natural disasters ever captured on camera. Forensic investigations reveal what caused these catastophes and shows what scientists have learned from the past that will protect us in the future.
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Jerome Robbins: Something to Dance About” profiles one of Broadway’s best directors and choreographers. It includes never-before-scene rehearsal footage and interviews with many of his colleagues, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Chita Rivera and Stephen Sondheim.
◊“High School Reunion” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Nineteen classmates from the 1988 graduating class of Arizona’s Chandler High School come together for a special reunion in Hawaii. Chad Ramirez, head rodeo coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, is among them.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): After New York City Councilman Bobby Prince is caught with a hooker during a police raid on a motel, he shares a secret with Det. Sam Tyler.
◊“Lost” (8 p.m. on ABC): The way back to the island is revealed to members of the Oceanic 6, but there’s trouble ahead when not all of them wish to return.
◊“Rick Steves’ Iran” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): World traveler Rick Steves journeys to Iran in hopes of getting to know this ancient country and to better understand the 70 million people living there.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello welcomes his wife, jazz artist Diana Krall. She is interviewed by the program’s executive producer, Elton John.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Law Dept. and include 1942’s ”The Talk of the Town” (8:15 a.m.), 1929’s “Madame X” (noon) and 1954’s “The Caine Mutiny” (9 p.m.).
◊“Top Chef” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The final chef’testants will need to “kick it up a notch” to impress guest judge and famed chef Emeril Lagasse. This supersized episode also features a twist that changes the face of game as the field is narrowed from four to three.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas Tech in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19
◊“Being Erica” (9 p.m. on SoapNet, channel 170 on Cox Digital Cable, 188 on Dish Network, 262 on DirecTV): This new series follows the life of Erica Strange, 32, who is given chances to revisit various events from her past that caused regret and attempts to fix them. Newcomer Erin Karpluk plays Erica.
◊“Biography: Mötley Crüe” (9 p.m. on BIO, channel 119 on Dish Network, 164 on Cox Digital Cable, 266 on DirecTV): This new installment takes viewers through the nearly 30 years career span of one of the most infamous rock bands that sold more than 45 million records worldwide. The LA quartet – made up of lead singer Vince Neil, drummer Tommy Lee, bass player Nikki Sixx and guitarist Mick Mars – parlayed whiplash hard-rock songs, melodic power ballads and a hedonistic image into superstardom and lived the rock & roll lifestyle to its fullest.
◊“ER” (9 p.m. on NBC): It’s Valentine’s Day in the ER and Neela seems to be under the spell of Dr. Brenner. Meanwhile, Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) makes a surprise return to the ER.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): One segment in this locally-produced show focuses on Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee, the only university in the country that offers courses in boot and saddle making.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Cristina calls the abilities of a renown surgeon into question after she botches a standard procedure. Faye Dunaway (“Network”) guest stars as Dr. Campbell.
◊“Kath & Kim” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Kath discovers that she is still married to her ex Rusty (guest star Ron White) and must find him in order to finalize their divorce. Busy Philipps (“Dawson’s Creek”) guest stars.
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): Darnell’s absentee father (Danny Glover, “Lethal Weapon”) arrives in Camden claiming he needs to make amends with his son. Earl and Randy smell trouble and go to warn Joy and Darnell.
◊“Sin City Law” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This new two-part documentary, which concludes Feb. 26, chronicles Las Vegas criminal cases.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Dept. of Education and include 1955’s ”Blackboard Jungle” (7 a.m.), 1939’s “Goodbye Mr. Chips” (5 p.m.) and 1938’s “Pygmalion” (7 p.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Wilhelmina fears she’s lost her edge in the fashion world because she’s been spending too much time with Conner. Bernadette Peters (“Living Proof”) guest stars.
FRIDAY, FEB. 20
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): New quarterback J.D. McCoy (Jeremy Sumpter, “Clubhouse”) becomes a victim of freshman hazing but begins to win the respect of the town and his team after he wins his first game.
◊“Late Night With Conan O’Brien” (11:37 p.m. on NBC): Talk show host Conan O’Brien signs off as host of “Late Night.” He will take over “The Tonight Show” hosting duties on June 1. Jimmy Fallon will take over the reins as “Late Night” host on March 2.
◊“Mistresses” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This new series chronicles the adventures of four 30-something friends with one thing in common — infidelity. Starring are four of Britain’s leading actresses, Sarah Parish (“Viva Blackpool”), Sharon Small (“About a Boy”), Orla Brady (“Shark”) and Shelley Conn (“Innocence”).
◊“Real Time With Bill Maher” (9 p.m. on HBO): The comedian and commentator returns for a seventh season of
roundtable discussions with panelists and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.
◊“Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special examines the turmoil that surrounded the 1960s variety show “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” including the events that led to its cancellation.
◊“The Soup Awards” (9:30 p.m. on E!): Host Joel McHale presents spray-painted-gold soup cans to celebrities and reality TV gluttons who make for such great “Soup” all year long.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Philosophy Dept. and include 1952’s ”Pat and Mike” (7:45 a.m.), 1941’s “Sergeant York” (4:30 p.m.) and 1967’s “The Graduate” (11 p.m.).
SATURDAY, FEB. 21
◊The 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards (4 p.m. on IFC): Steve Coogan (“Tropic Thunder”) hosts the this year’s ceremony that will air uncut, uncensored and commercial free (an edited rebroadcast of the event will air at 9 p.m. on AMC). Nominees for best feature are “Ballast,” “Frozen River,” “Rachel Getting Married,” “Wendy and Lucy” and “The Wrestler.”
◊“Aisha Tyler is Lit: Live from the Fillmore” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Recorded in her hometown of San Francisco at the historic Fillmore rock venue, comedienne Aisha Tyler tackles such important topics as staying in shape, married life, honesty and her drinking habits.
◊“Extreme Cuisine with Jeff Corwin” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Renowned for his expertise in wildlife and conservation, Jeff Corwin sets his sights on exploring human culture through regional cuisine in this primetime special. He enjoys countless surprises and unforgettable flavors as he interacts with natives and showcases how exotic foods and customs uniquely shape each community.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (7 p.m. on NBC): When celebrity illusionist Miles Stone disappears from his own stunt, Goren and Eames must explore the exclusive and very secretive world of magic and magicians in order to unravel the mystery. Paul Shaffer (“Late Show With David Letterman”) guest stars.
◊“Taking Chance” (7 p.m. on HBO): This fact-based drama stars Kevin Bacon as Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, the volunteer military escort who accompanied the body of Chance Phelps, a 19-year-old lance corporal killed in Iraq, home to Wyoming.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the American History Dept. and include 1944’s ”Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” (7 a.m.), 1989’s “Glory” (4:30 p.m.) and 1953’s “From Here to Eternity” (7 p.m.).
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Baylor in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
–Penny TV
