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
Top 60 TV Programs for Feb. 1-7
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. 1:
SUNDAY, FEB. 1
◊“Bathtastic!” (7 p.m. on DIY, channel 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on DirecTV): DIY expert Matt Muenster hosts this new series that shows viewers ways they can revitalize their bathrooms with just a few days and a little elbow grease. It premieres with five back-to-back episodes.
◊“Cold Case” (7 p.m. on CBS): After a substantial splatter of the blood of a popular deaf teen who went missing in 2006 is discovered in a storage room at the high school for the deaf he attended, the team attempts to find the boy’s body and killer. Shoshannah Stern (“Jericho”) guest stars as an obsessed ex-girlfriend of the victim.
◊“The Office” (9:30 p.m. on NBC): In this special post Super Bowl episode, some of the office workers try to secretly watch a bootlegged Hollywood movie during the workday. Guest stars Jessica Alba (“Fantastic Four”) and Jack Black (“Be Kind, Rewind”) will play characters in the bootleg movie.
◊“Oklahoma Passage” (1 p.m. on OETA-13): This five-hour dramatic film that originally aired on OETA in April 1989 dramatizes 150 years of Oklahoma history. The encore presentation has been digitally remastered.
◊“Puppy Bowl V” (2 p.m. on Animal Planet): This alternative to the Super Bowl features a bunch of pups frolicking in a stadium-shaped pen, with a halftime show featuring by kittens. Performing the National Anthem will be Pepper the Parrot.
◊“Shameless” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This British comedy-drama, beginning Season 4, follows the lives of the Gallagher clan and their extended network of lovers, friends and foes at Chatsworth Estate, a public housing project in Manchester, England.
◊Super Bowl XLIII (5:30 p.m. on NBC): This is NBC’s first NFL title game telecast in 11 years. Al Michaels and John Madden will call the action live from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at halftime.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Communications Dept. and include 1963’s ”Bye Bye Birdie” (9 a.m.), 1937’s “Artists & Models” (1 p.m.) and 1951’s “Ace in the Hole” (7 p.m.).
◊“Wipeout Superball Sunday” (during halftime of Super Bowl): Hosted by John Anderson (ESPN’s “SportsCenter”), John Henson (“Talk Soup”) and Michael Irvin (former Dallas Cowboy), this event features 13 cheerleaders trying to blitz 13 couch potato guys in a special football-inspired edition of the hit summer series. More hilarious antics will air immediately following the game.
MONDAY, FEB. 2
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this 3-D episode, Chuck foils a plan to kill international rock star Tyler Martin (Dominic Monaghan, “Lost”). Later, Tyler convinces Chuck to go out on the town, which only leads to a night of trouble.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): An extremely overweight body turns up in the trunk of a car, a body that happens to be that of a man who stole $3 million in diamonds from his own jewelry store. But the body is in such bad shape, it’s impossible to determine the cause of death. When the team finally tracks down a possible witness, they get quite a shock.
◊“For the Love of Ray J” (9:30 p.m. on VH1): In this new reality series featuring Ray J (“One on One”), 14 women move into his bachelor mansion and compete to win his heart through a series of challenges, dates and eliminations.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Months after explosions brought down Pinehurst and Primatech, the heroes try to put the past behind them and begin new lives. Emmy winner Zeljko Ivanek (“Damages”) guest stars as “The Hunter” as the third season continues with “Volume 4: Fugitives.”
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the show’s 100th episode, House and the team take on the case of a woman who collapsed in the middle of a cooking class. When they learn that the patient gave up her career as a highly renowned cancer researcher in order to pursue her own personal happiness, the members of the team question their own happiness.
◊“I Love Money 2” (8 p.m. on VH1): Hosted by Craig J. Jackson, the new season will pit 19 fan favorite contestants from “Rock of Love,” “I Love New York,” “Flavor of Love” and “Real Chance of Love” against each other for a chance to win $250,000.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Patricia Arquette returns for a fifth season as Allison Dubois, the wife and mother who uses her psychic power to help the police solve murders.
◊“Ni Hao, Kai-lan” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Today is the eighth day of the Chinese New Year, and this animated series that teaches Mandarin to tots debuts the new primetime special. It follows Kai-lan and her friends as they hike to the ladybug festival and learn the importance of listening to friends.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Series star Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley) directs this episode, in which Lucas wrestles with casting for his movie while Peyton tries to prepare for their wedding.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Economics Dept. and include 1940’s ”Comrade X” (7:15 a.m.), 1954’s “Sabrina” (5 p.m.) and 1945’s “Brewster’s Millions” (7 p.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): In this Winter Olympics special, the team travels to Norway where they attempt Olympics events in cars. A rocket-powered mini is fired off a ski jump, they tackle to biathlon with 4x4s and the Jaguar XK races a speed skater.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Convinced that Alan’s family doesn’t fully appreciate him, Melissa invites him to live with her and her mom. Carol Kane (“Taxi”) guest stars as Alan’s mother.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Tennessee in women’s college basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
TUESDAY, FEB. 3
◊“10 Items or Less” (10 p.m. on TBS): After being humiliated by SuperValueMart in competing car washes for charity, Leslie decides to put his whistling talent to good use. He manages to surprise everyone by getting airplay for his tunes and a distribution offer from SuperValueMart. Kim Coles (“Living Single”) guest stars.
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Contestants vie for a semifinalist position during the grueling next phase of the auditions. The “Hollywood Round” episodes will air today, Wednesday and Feb. 10.
◊“Celtic Woman: The Greatest Journey” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This collection of the musical group’s most memorable songs will give new fans an opportunity to catch up on their success and old fans a chance to reminisce.
◊“The IT Crowd” (10 p.m. on IFC): The United Kingdom’s offbeat sitcom returns for a third season. It follows the adventures of Roy, Moss and Jen, who continue against the odds to be employed by Reynholm Industries as IT consultants.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): To discover where an investment broker hid money he swindled from a charity, the team tricks the financier into entering a rehab facility to deal with his addictions to nicotine patches, porn, gambling, lying and eating.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Architecture Dept. and include 1932’s ”Grand Hotel” (9 a.m.), 1953’s “Julius Caesar” (11 a.m.) and 1942’s “My Sister Eileen” (9 p.m.).
◊Westmoore takes on Southmoore in high school basketball action airing live at 6:15 p.m. on Cox.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4
◊“The Exterminators” (9:30 p.m. on A&E): This new series follows Billy Bretherton and his family who run Vexcon, one of Louisiana’s busiest pest removal companies, as they balance family life with the drama of running a successful business.
◊“George Carlin: The Mark Twain Prize” (12:29 a.m. on OETA-13): For the first time in its 11-year history, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is being presented posthumously. The announcement that Carlin was this year’s recipient came about a week before he died.
◊“Katie Couric’s All Access Grammy Special” (8 p.m. on CBS): CBS News anchor Katie Couric will interview past and present Grammy nominees, including Justin Timberlake, Lil’ Wayne, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. Grammy nominees Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Jonas Brothers, Metallica, Kid Rock and others will also make appearances.
◊“Knight Rider” (7 p.m. on NBC): Mike’s old Army friend recruits his help to investigate the suspicious death of a tough-as-nails drill sergeant named Jack Burber (Tiki Barber, “Today”).
◊“Law & Order” (9 p.m. on NBC): An NYPD officer troubled over mounting financial difficulties is killed by fellow police officers after taking hostages at gunpoint. As detectives Lupo and Bernard look into the incident, they discover valuable stolen documents hidden in the officer’s apartment, along with a dead body.
◊“Life” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a retired NASA pilot is shot to death mid-flight, Charlie Crews and Dani Reese work to narrow down the list of suspects who include the dead pilots son and his current business partner.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Sam Tyler receives a mysterious phone call that leads to a headless body. Simultaneously Lt. Hunt finds a severed head delivered in a gift box to the precinct, which sets off the discovery of a chain of bizarre decapitations.
◊“The Priests in Concert at Armagh” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The Priests’ three Roman Catholic clergymen from Northern Ireland are trained vocalists brought together ny their faith and passion for music. This performance took place at Armagh, one of Ireland’s most prestigious cathedrals.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with …” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello welcomes jazz musician Herbie Hancock, winner of last year’s Grammy Award for album of the year.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Music Dept. and include 1938’s ”The Great Waltz” (7 a.m.), 1951’s “Tales of Hoffman” (4:30 p.m.) and 1946’s “Night and Day” (7 p.m.).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas A&M in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on KOCB-34.
Okahoma State University takes on Texas Tech in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPNU.
THURSDAY, FEB. 5
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Liz discovers she has a handsome and newly single neighbor, Dr. Drew Baird (Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”), she;d like to meet after receiving his mail by mistake. However, in true Liz fashion, their chance at getting to know one another doesn’t begin so well.
◊“American Originals: Westminster Dog Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This special reports on the big business of this prestigious dog show. The program also traces Westminster’s history from it roots in the bar of New York’s Hotel Westminster in 1876 to today’s event.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): During the course of an investigation, the CSIs discover that their victim, a young woman who was murdered and found with several different blood types in her system, is the daughter of a wanted criminal. Jason Lewis (“Sex and the City”) and Nicholas Turturro (“NYPD Blue”) guest star.
◊“Eleventh Hour” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): When one of the government’s experiments to enhance the abilities of its soldiers goes lethally off track, Dr. Jacob Hood is called upon to investigate what went wrong. Judd Nelson (“Suddenly Susan”) guest stars.
◊“ER” (9:01 p.m. on NBC): Dr. Morgenstern (William H. Macy, “Wild Hogs”) decides to visit County General when he finds out an old mentor is gravely ill.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Bailey, who is encouraged by her work on recent cases and by Dr. Dixon (Mary McDonnell, “Battlestar Galactica”), considers a new direction for her medical career.
◊“Kath & Kim” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Kath and Kim are in the running to host a dinner for country music star Wynonna Judd (guest starring as herself), but they must first be interviewed by Wynonna’s people.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Biology Dept. and include 1960’s “The Time Machine” (6 a.m.), 1961’s “The Parent Trap” (12:30 p.m.) and 1966’s “Georgie Girl” (9 p.m.).
◊Tulsa Union takes on Broken Arrow in high school wrestling action airing live at 6:15 p.m. on Cox.
FRIDAY, FEB. 6
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): Tyra gets wooed by Cash, the new bad boy rodeo star in town, and says goodbye to her relationship with Landry.
◊“Jockeys” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series chronicles the lives of seven 112-pound jockeys and their 1,200-pound horses during the course of a 30-day racing season.
◊“Red Green Story: We’re All in This Together” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This new special is a retrospective and behind-the-scenes celebration of the long-running public television comedy hit from Canada.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Physics Dept. and include 1984’s ”2010” (9 a.m.), 1939’s “Only Angels Have Wings” (1 p.m.) and 1950’s “Seven Days to Noon” (7 p.m.).
SATURDAY, FEB. 7
◊“Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story” (7 p.m. on TNT): Cuba Gooding Jr. has the title role in this new film based on the true story of Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, whose lifelong journey led him to become director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
◊“The Good Witch’s Garden” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): In this sequel to 2008’s “The Good Witch,” Cassie Nightingale (Catherine Bell, “Army Wives”) finds herself at a crossroads when a stranger shows up claiming ownership of her family home, Grey House.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the World History Dept. and include 1963’s ”Cleopatra” (6:45 a.m.), 1962’s “Lawrence of Arabia” (3 p.m.) and 1943’s “Sahara” (8:45 p.m.).
◊“Welk Stars: Through the Years” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Mary Lou Metzger hosts this 2-hour special that salutes members of Lawrence Welk’s musical family and showcases musical productions from past shows.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Colorado in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊Okahoma State University takes on Kansas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
–Penny TV
Top 44 TV Programs for Jan. 25-31
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 25:
SUNDAY, JAN. 25
◊The 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (7 p.m. on TNT and TBS): The winners in five film and eight primetime television categories will be decided by the entire active membership of the Guild. James Earl Jones is this year’s Life Achievement Award honoree.
◊“Celebration of Gospel” (7 p.m. on BET): Steve Harvey (“The Steve Harvey Show”) returns to host the ninth annual event that featuring performances and spoken-word segments to “raise the praise.” Taking the stage this year will be Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., Grammy-winning hip hop star LL Cool J. and gospel singers Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Vickie Winans and Heather Headley.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The crew helps an injured Iraqi war veteran and his family from Kansas rebuild their lives. The Tutwilers have been living on a military base ever since their house in Chapman, Kan., was devastated by an F4 tornado. Rock singer Gavin Rossdale performs his hit single “Love Remains” for the family at the reveal.
◊“The Last Templar” (8 p.m. today and Monday on NBC): This new miniseries is based on Raymond Khoury’s novel about an ancient mystery with a Vatican connection. It stars Mira Sorvino as an archaeologist who teams up with an FBI agent (Scott Foley) to investigate when four masked horsemen crash a museum exhibit of Vatican treasures.
◊“Loving Leah” (8 p.m. on CBS): In this new Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, a young Hasidic rabbi dies, and his nondevout brother (Adam Kaufman) is asked to honor an ancient custom and marry his widow, Leah (Lauren Ambrose).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas in women’s college basketball action airing live at noon on FSOK.
MONDAY, JAN. 26
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment titled “The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer” offers a revealing portrait of the American scientist who led the development of the atomic bomb. The dramatic recreations feature David Strathairn (“Good Night, and Good Luck”).
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The show rides into Dallas where everything is larger than life, including a few examples from a collection of more than 600 antique American flags.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Brenda’s squad reopens a case that could leave another division with a black eye. Barry Corbin (“No Country for Old Men”) and Frances Sternhagen (“Misery”) guest star as Brenda’s parents.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio” (7 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton chats with Conan O’Brien about everything from O’Brien’s childhood to his pre-”Late Night” career as a writer for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons.”
◊“Olivia” (10:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon)(Nickelodeon Photo pictured above): This new animated series invites children into the life—both real and fantasy—of an adventurous, can-do 6¾-year-old girl named Olivia who believes she can do anything and sees every day as an opportunity to try new things. The series is based on author/illustrator Ian Falconer’s best-selling books.
◊“One Way Out” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Escape artist Jonathan Goodwin attempts extreme excapes created by mechanical engineer Terry Stroud in this new series.
◊“Private Screenings: Ernest Borgnine” (7 p.m. on TCM): Ernest Borgnine, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of the titular shy butcher in 1955’s “Marty,” talks about his life and career. He is still working at age 92, with several movies due out this year.
◊“Trust Me” (9 p.m. on TNT): This new series stars Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”) and Tom Cavanagh (“Ed”) as best friends who work together in the cutthroat world of advertising.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State University in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
TUESDAY, JAN. 27
◊“Frontline/World” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the season premiere titled “Getting Out of Gitmo,” correspondent Alexandra Poolos reports on several dozen men from rural China who spent years at the infamous detention facility.
◊“Last Restaurant Standing” (7 p.m. on BBC America): World-renowned chef and Michelin-starred restaurateur Raymond Blanc returns for Season 2 of the series. Nine couples will battle it out for a once in an opportunity to open a new restaurant with him.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): a famous astronaut is found dead and Det. Stabler’s ikd mentor, Dick Finley (James Brolin, “The Reagans”) helps investigate the case.
◊“Scrubs” (8 p.m. on ABC): J.D. learns the hard way that not even Elmo can teach the gift of compassion to those who don’t care to learn. Guest starring from Sesame Workshop’s “Muppets” are Kevin Clash as Elmo, Eric Jacobson as Grover and Carroll Spinney as Oscar the Grouch.
◊“The Whitest Kids U’ Know” (9 p.m. on IFC): Season 2 of the sketch comedy show continues to showcase the raucous and peculiar talents of Trevor, Zach, Sam, Darren and Timmy as they take on our culture’s obsessive fascination with celebrities, infomercials and office culture.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for Elena’s former partner who disappears after an undercover sting operation. The idea for the episode came from series star Roselyn Sanchez (Elena).
◊Tulsa Memorial takes on Tulsa Washington in high school basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on Cox.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28
◊“The Detonators” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This new series follows explosives experts Dr. Braden Lusk and Dr. Paul Worsey as they get backstage passes to the world’s biggest and toughest demolition blasts.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Lieutenant Hunt faces off with his arch rival from another precinct while investigating a bank robbery with international connections.
◊“Lost” (7 p.m. on ABC): Hurley and Sayid are on the run from the cops after stumbling into trouble at the safehouse, the island survivors come under attack by unknown forces, and an old friend offers some shocking advice to Kate in order to ensure that “the lie” remain a secret.
◊“Make ’em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment titled “Wiseguys and Smart-Alecks: Never Give a Sucker an Even Break” is devoted to the masters and mistresses of the snappy comeback, from W.C. Fields and Jack Benny to Chris Rock and Larry David. The miniseries wraps up with an hour devoted to parody and satirical comedy.
◊“Secrets of the Summer House” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Lindsay Price (“Lipstick Jungle”) and David Haydn-Jones (“Rumours”) star in this 2008 drama about a centuries old curse that haunts a family summer house.
The University of Oklahoma takes on Baylor in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KWTV-9.
THURSDAY, JAN. 29
◊“Burn Notice” (9 p.m. on USA): Michael, Fiona and Sam pose as a gang of ruthless car thieves to stop a thug who is threatening a local high school football star. Former Dallas Cowboy football player Michael Irvin guest stars as the local football coach.
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (8 p.m. on Fox): A new batch of 16 aspiring chefs step up to the plate to face world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay as he serves up the fifth course of his fiery unscripted series. The winner will receive a head chef position at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J.
◊“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): Series star Allison Mack (Chloe Sullivan) makes her directorial debut with this episode titled “Power.” Clark finds Tess in Lana’s ransacked apartment and realizes Lana is missing.
◊“The Trials of Ted Haggard” (7 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary chronicles the sex scandal that enveloped the Rev. Ted Haggard in 2006 when a male prostitute alleged the two of them had been having sex for three years and had done meth together.
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Gio (guest star Freddy Rodriguez) returns and Betty tries to make amends, but he’s not having any of it.
◊“The VH1 Pepsi Smash Bowl Bash” (8 p.m. on VH1): Jerry O’Connell (“Sliders”) will host this concert that kicks off the celebration of the 43rd Super Bowl. Scheduled performers at the event airing live from Tampa, Fla., include Rihanna, Fall Out Boys and Lifehouse.
FRIDAY, JAN. 30
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): Matt Saracen feels the heat asw the fans lose faith in him and turn to the new quarterback, J.D. McCoy (Jeremy Sumpter, “Clubhouse”).
◊“The Game” (7:30 p.m. on CW): Malik’s invitation to appear on the children’s television show of his childhood hero, Mookie (voiced by Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash who also appears as himself in the episode), is rescinded.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA): Monk scores tickets to the biggest football game of the year, but he and Captain Stottlemeyer can’t go inside until they figure out who tried to blow up a fan in the parking lot. Sports announcer Bob Costas guest stars.
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA): Shawn and Gus are drafted in when the guys sign up for training camp after the foot of a professional football kicker is discovered. Mykelti Williamson (“Forest Gump”) guest stars.
Putnam City takes on Edmond Santa Fe in high school basketball action airing live at 6 p.m. on Cox.
SATURDAY, JAN. 31
◊“AKC/Eukanuba National Championship” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): Thousands of canines from around the country and across the globe compete, but only one will come away with “best in show” honors.
◊“Lisa Lampanelli: Long Live the Queen” (9 p.m. on HBO): Taped recently before a live audience in Santa Rosa, Cal., this special features the comedienne offering her unique take on social taboos and stereotypes that even today’s boldest comics rarely broach.
◊“The Note II: Taking a Chance on Love” (8 p.m. on Hallmark): Genie Francis (“General Hospital”) and Ted McGinley (“Hope and Faith”) reprise their roles in this sequel to the network’s highest-rated film of 2007. They return as Peyton MacGruder and King Danville, a columnist and a sports writer brought together by the power of words and the power of love.
◊“Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials” (7 p.m. on CBS): Jim Nantz (“The NFL on CBS”) and Daisy Fuentes (“Ultimate Style”) co-host this special that showcases 10 of the most famous ads introduced during past Super Bowls. The top three picks will be revealed during the show, and viewers can go to www.cbs.com/superbowl to vote for their favorite.
◊“Kevin Hart: I’m a Grown Little Man” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): The comedian, who stands 5-foot-4, takes a grown-up perspective on being a “little man.”
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Iowa State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Missouri in women’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 on KAUT-43.
Oklahoma State University takes on Texas A&M in men’s college basketball action airing live at 1 p.m. on ESPN.
–Penny TV
