The latest television news from NewsOK.com

Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing March 7-13, 2010

  Friday is when The Oklahoman
posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of March 7.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

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

GUEST STARS
••Madchen Amick (“Gossip Girl”) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••John Amos (“The West Wing”) on “Two and a Half Men,” 8 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Kathy Baker (“Boston Public”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Kathy Bates (“The Blindside”) on “The Office,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Mayim Bialik (“Blossom”) on “Til Death,” 6:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••Timothy Busfield (“The West Wing”) on “Law & Order,” 9 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Billy Campbell (“The 4400”) on “Melrose Place,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CW.
••Bucky Covington (country singer) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Alan Cumming (“The L Word”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Larry David (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) on “The Marriage Ref,” 9 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Loretta Devine (“Grey’s Anatomy”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Devo (new wave band) on “Yo Gabba Gabba,” 9:30 a.m. Thursday on Nickelodeon.
••Steven Eckholdt (“The L Word”) on “Two and a Half Men,” 8 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Eve (“Eve”) on “Glee,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
••Ana Gasteyer (“Saturday Night Live”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Ricky Gervais (“The Ricky Gervais Show”) on “The Marriage Ref,” 9 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Bruce Gray (“Playmakers”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Judy Greer (“27 Dresses”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Joel Grey (“Cabaret”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Jamie Hector (“The Wire”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Perez Hilton (celebrity blogger) on “America’s Next Top Model,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CW and 6 p.m. Saturday on KOCB.
••Jack Ingram (country singer) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Elton John (“Tommy”) on “The View,” 10 a.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Wesley Jonathan (“What I Like About You”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Lainie Kazan (“My Big Fat Greek Life”) on “Ugly Betty,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Stacy Keach (“Titus”) on “Two and a Half Men,” 8 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Perry King (“Melrose Place”) on “Big Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Jay Leno (“The Tonight Show”) on “Top Gear,” 7 p.m. Monday on BBC America.
••Jennifer Lopez (“Monster-in-Law”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Madonna (“Evita”) on “The Marriage Ref,” 9 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Brian Stokes Mitchell (“One Last Thing”) on “Ugly Betty,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Martin Mull (“Roseanne”) on “Til Death,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••Niecy Nash (“G-Force”) on “Gary Unmarried,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Lena Olin (“Alias”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Sam Page (“Mad Men”) on “Greek,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Lou Diamond Phillips (“SGU: Stargate Universe”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Lauren Prepon (“That ’70s Show”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Faith Prince (“Huff”) on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Stephen Root (“Office Space”) on “24,” 8 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Nestor Serrano (“24″) on “Ugly Betty,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Ally Sheedy (“The Breakfast Club”) on “Psych,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on USA Network.
••Sarah Silverman (“The Sarah Silverman Program”) on “Yo Gabba Gabba,” 9:30 a.m. Monday on Nickelodeon.
••Emmitt Smith (“Dancing With the Stars”) on “Who Do You Think You Are?” 7 p.m. Friday on NBC.
••Sissy Spacek (“Carrie”) on “Big Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Vincent Spano (“Lone Rider”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Ben Stiller (“Tropic Thunder”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 8 p.m. Monday on Disney XD.
••Joe Torre (Los Angeles Dodgers manager) on “Gary Unmarried,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Alexa Vega (“Spy Kids”) on “The Middle,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Weezer (alternative rock band) on “Yo Gabba Gabba,” 9:30 a.m. Tuesday on Nickelodeon.
••Steven Williams (“The X-Files”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Rumer Willis (“Sorority Row”) in “90210,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CW.
••Weird Al Yankovic (“Halloween II”) on “Yo Gabba Gabba,” 9:30 a.m. Monday on Nickelodeon.
••Ian Ziering (“Beverly Hills 90210″) on “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.

 Pictured above: WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? — “Emmitt Smith” — Photo by: Kent Eanes/NBC

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Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 3-9, 2010

   Sunday’s Oklahoman,
which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 3:

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

SUNDAY, JAN. 3, 2010
◊“Durham County” (8 p.m. on ION): While the villain of the first season turned out to be the former high school classmate and neighbor of Homicide Detective Mike Sweeney, the evil threat in Season 2 comes from a brilliant but deeply troubled forensic psychiatrist Pen Verrity (Michelle Forbes, “True Blood”).
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): “Good Morning America” weather anchor Sam Champion joins the design team to help repair the 100-year-old home of the Morris family in St. Paul, Minn. Kermit, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppet gang also volunteer to rebuild the home that also serves as a daycare in the community.
◊“Frank the Entertainer … in a Basement Affair” (7 p.m. on VH1): Frank Moresco, aka the “Entertainer” from “I Love New York 2” and “I Love Money,” is back and looking for love. Fifteen women traveled to New York for Frank, only to find out that they won’t be living in the elaborate mansion they expected – they will be living in Frank’s parents’ house. Each week at elimination, Frank will give the ladies keys to his basement, and those locked out will have to pack up.
◊“Giuliana & Bill” (8 p.m. on Style Network): Season 2 takes viewers inside the adventures of celebrity power couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic as they focus on the future, including trying for a baby and settling down in one city.
◊“Platinum Weddings” (8 p.m. on WEtv): The economic downturn hasn’t hurt the budgets of these “want-it-all” brides and grooms, as Season 4 features more one-of-a-kind weddings that come with price tags no less than six figures. The premiere episode showcases a Black-Eyed-Peas guitarist who treats his guests to a leisurely swim with sharks.
◊“Secrets of Aspen” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new docu-soap style series will explore the lives of six single women who live in America’s most renowned resort town – Aspen, Color.  Known as a playground for the rich and famous, Aspen has become one of the country’s most expensive zip codes to live in. However, not everyone living in this small town can afford to live the lavish lifestyle.
◊“Smucker’s Stars on Ice 2010″ (3 p.m. on NBC): Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi will host this special that gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the tour, how it all began, the star skaters, emotional memories and a collection of standout performances. Among those featured are skating greats Scott Hamilton, Rosalynn Sumners, Brian Orser, Kurt Browning, Paul Wylie, Evan Lysacek and Sasha Cohen.
◊“Super Chef Battle: An Iron Chef America Event” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network personalities Mario Batali, Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse travel to the White House to take part in a culinary competition. Greeted by First Lady Michelle Obama, the chefs are joined by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and receive their challenge: create a meal for America using The White House Kitchen Garden’s produce as their secret ingredients.
◊“Worst Cooks in America” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Twelve of the most hopeless cooks in the country are put through a culinary boot camp led by chefs Anne Burrell (“Secrets of a Restaurant Chef”) and Beau MacMillan (executive chef at elements in Phoenix). At stake for the last two standing is the chance to cook for a panel of esteemed culinary critics and win the grand prize of $25,000.

MONDAY, JAN. 4
◊“All My Children” (noon on ABC): Mark Consuelos (“Killer Hair”) and Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) return to the daytime drama for the show’s 40th anniversary episodes, which air today and Tuesday. This will be the first time either actor has appeared on the show since they left in 2002. The milestone special episodes will air on January 4 and 5, 2010.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The 14th-season premiere features a record-setting appraisal of four Chinese carved jade objects estimated to be worth as much as $1,070,000 – -the highest value appraisal ever featured on the series. The collection was discovered at the “Roadshow: event last june in Raleigh, N.C.
◊“The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love” (7 p.m. on ABC): Airline pilot Jake Pavelka, who was rejected by Bachelorette Jillian Harris, gets a chance to hand out the roses himself in the 14th edition of the romantic reality series. Kimberly, a Norman native and former NBA dancer for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is among the 25 women competing for his attention.
◊“Blood, Sweat & Takeaways” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new four-part series, a group of young fast food junkies spend a month finding out the truth behind how their favorite foods are produced.
◊“Conveyor Belt of Love” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In this fast-paced special, 30 men go by on conveyor belt and are given 60 seconds to impress one of five women. If a woman is interested in someone, that man will step aside and wait as the rest of the men go by. But if another man comes by on the belt who seems better than that woman’s first choice, she can swap out the man waiting off of the belt as many times as she wants until the last man has passed by. Each woman is left with her final choice as she embarks on a date in the hope of finding a true connection.
◊“Forensics: You Decide” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The Season 1 finale presents both sides of the case involving Jeffrey Lamb of Florida. He is a suspect in the murder of his wife and attack of his own dogs.
◊“Make It or Break It” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): The series, which returns to complete its first season with 10 new episodes, is set in the world of competitive gymnastics. And while the girls celebrate their win at the National Gymnastics competition, Payson struggles with the ramifications of her back injury, becoming increasingly detached from her family and friends.
◊“This Emotional Life” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This three-part series, airing nightly through Wednesday, explores ways to improve social relationships and become more resilient while coping with depression and anxiety. The opening episode, ‘‘Family, Friends & Lovers,” explores the importance of relationships to a person’s emotional well-being. Tuesday’s episode is “Facing Our Fears,” followed by “Rethinking Happiness” on Wednesday.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This drama, which returns to complete its second season with 12 new episodes, focuses on the relationships between families and friends and how they deal with teenage issues, including an unexpected pregnancy. In the premiere episode, Amy and Anne decide to take their babies and escape their problems by going on vacation — and things back at home start to fall apart in their absence.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie must decide between his fiancée, Chelsea, and his old flame, Mia, on a rebroadcast of the seventh season premiere. Rock Superstar Eddie Van Halen makes a cameo appearance as himself.
◊“Welcome to Macintosh” (8:30 p.m. on CNBC): This CNBC special is the Apple story told by people who build, use, love, hate, and obsess over the company’s revolutionary products.  When Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched Apple Computers in 1977, they had no idea the impact their company would have on the world.  Now, more than thirty years later, filmmakers Robert Baca and Josh Rizzo take an in dept look how Apple has created a cult fan base and how Steve Jobs has become a modern day hero.

TUESDAY, JAN. 5, 2010
◊“As the World Turns” (1 p.m. on CBS): Model Paulina Porizkova (a judge on Season 4 of “America’s Next Top Model”) makes her daytime debut as Clarissa, a character who has a history with Simon Frasier (Paul Leyden), who recently returned to the show.
◊“The Biggest Loser: Couples” (7 p.m. on NBC): Cheryl and Daris George from Ardmore are among the 11 family teams of two on Season 9 of the weight-loss competition series. Alison Sweeney hosts the series and contestants work out under the supervision of trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels.
◊“ID Investigates: The Secret Life of Tiger Woods” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special takes a comprehensive look at the Tiger Woods scandal — the details curently unfolding and the legal ramifications.
◊“Last Restaurant Standing” (8 p.m. on BBC America): World-renowned chef and restaurateur Raymond Blanc returns for a third season with nine couples vying for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open a restaurant with him. The couples are working and living together 24 hours-a-day under enormous pressure, and only one will succeed.
◊“Maneaters” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series tells the stories of people who have survived terrifying encounters with animals. The premiere episode is titled “Sharks.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): When a Navy pilot is found dead under strange circumstances in a secluded area, the team finds themselves battling a no-nonsense attorney with a hidden agenda. Rena Sofer (“General Hospital”) guest stars as attorney Margaret Allison Hart. Marcus Giamatti (“Judging Amy”) guest stars as aerospace engineer Victor Tillman.
◊“Nova: Killer Subs in Pearl Harbor” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment presents evidence that a torpedo fired from a Japanese midget submarine may have struck the USS Oklahoma during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Parks Stephenson was the lead investigator on the underwater expedition, and he says there are accounts that indicate one torpedo fired at the USS Arizona was a dud, but he believes another torpedo hit the USS Oklahoma.
◊“Wild Recon” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new 10-part series follows Donald Shultz, a venom expert, as he travels the world collecting bio specimens from the world’s deadliest animals. He’s the guy who approaches the animal, like a cobra, to extract the venom, or the 400-pound wild African lion to get a blood sample — all in pursuit of bio-specimens for research and potential new scientific discoveries.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6, 2010
◊“The 36th Annual People’s Choice Awards” (8 p.m. on CBS): Queen Latifah (“Chicago”) hosts the event live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Fans cast more than 16 million votes to determine the nominees and winners in the fields of music, movies and television. Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Carrie Underwood (favorite female artist and favorite country artist), Brad Pitt (favorite movie actor) and Rascal Flatts (favorite country artist).
◊“Big Chef Takes on Little Chef” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new four-part series, Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal has six months to help put an old-fashioned chain of roadside cafes back on the map.
◊“Building Your Future: Educational Opportunities in Oklahoma” (7 p.m. on KWTV-9): Oklahoma City TV personaliity Jennifer Eve hosts this special that is designed to engage high school students and their parents into thinking ahead about college. John Feaver, president of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma will appear along with two USAO alums, a faculty member and a current student.
◊“Conviction Kitchen” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new series, chef Marc Thuet and his wife have three weeks to help 24 ex-cons with no culinary experience open a high-end restaurant from scratch.
◊“Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Despite fearing the meanest and most unrelenting dermatologist in town, Dr. Amy Evans (Lisa Kudrow, “Friends”), Jules and Ellie are willing to endure the harsh ridicule and wrath for an appointment with the best in the business. But when Jules learns Dr. Evans is seeing Bobby, she’s determined to stand up to her and protect him.
◊“Ghost Hunters International” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Season 3 will have the team traveling to a different international country each week in pursuit of the truth behind bizarre supernatural claims. In the premiere episode titled “Hitler’s Ghost,” the investigators venture to Miramar, Argentina, and set their sights on the Gran Hotel Viena, once the secret residence of many Nazi war criminals including rumored guest, Adolf Hitler.
◊“The Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Alan Alda (“Scientific American Frontiers”) hosts this three-part series that examines paintings and carvings that date back 30,000 years in an attempt to determine when mankind developed the ‘‘human spark” that produced art, innovative technology and symbolic communication.
◊“I Get That A Lot” (7 p.m. on CBS, 2:37 a.m. on KWTV-9): This new special features celebrities tricking everyday citizens in a case of supposed “mistaken identity.”  Among the celebrities confusing customers who can’t decide if it’s the actual celebrity or a look-alike, are Julie Chen (“Big Brother”) working at a yogurt shop, Paris Hilton (“The Simple Life”) as a gas station employee, Snoop Dogg (hip-hop artist) as a parking lot attendant, Rachael Ray (“The Rachael Ray Show”) working at a dry cleaner, Gene Simmons (rocker of the band Kiss) as a psychic guru and Tony Hawk (skateboarder) working in a surf shop.
◊“Launch My Line” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Pop star Lady Gaga, known for her fashion-forward outfits, surprises the designers and provides inspiration. In this week’s challenge, the teams create an avant-garde outfit, but they must make sure they are pushing the boundaries of fashion without crossing the line of good taste.
◊“Man Vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Host Bear Grylls hits the global road for extreme adventures and invaluable lessons in survival. His locations this season include China, Panama, Montana, Guatemala and Poland.  No feat is too large, nor task too daunting as Bear climbs a 200-foot waterfall, gets bitten by aggressive weaver ants, encounters a deadly Green Pit viper snake and lands on an active volcano.
◊“Marriage From Hell: The Breakup of AOL Time Warner” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special takes viewers inside the story of what has been called the worst deal ever made. In includes candid comments from one of the chief architects of the deal, former Time Warner CEO Gerald Levin, who underwent a stunning reversal of fortune.
◊“The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie fears that a confrontation with trashy neighbor Rita Glossner (Brooke Shields, “Lipstick Jungle”) is at hand when Sue has a run-in with her sons. Meanwhile, Axl tries to bribe Brick when he’s asked to teach his little brother how to kick a ball for a gym requirement, but it’s Brick who turns the tables on Axl and ends up bribing him for another favor.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Gloria is less than pleased with Jay’s reaction to the arrival of Manny’s infamously unreliable dad, Javier (Benjamin Bratt, “The Cleaner”). Meanwhile, Phil is suffering from kidney stones and his dramatics leave Claire no other choice but to call for the hot firemen to rush him to the hospital.
◊“Nip/Tuck” (9 p.m. on FX): As the seventh (and final) season begins, the doctors are honored by their alma mater, the University of Miami, prompting Sean to recall their college years and past pains. Meanwhile, a man whose genetic disorder has led to self-mutilation wants it undone.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Elvis Costello” (9 p.m. on Sundance): In this special edition, Elvis Costello slides from the host chair to guest chair for a revealing conversation with actress/music journalist Mary Louise Parker (“Weeds”). While it’s impossible to cover all of Costello’s 30 year plus musical journey in an hour, he performs a wide selection of his material.
◊“Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Betty wants to spend some time apart from Matt, so she finds him something else to keep him occupied. Meanwhile, Hilda has a tough decision to make regarding her baby, and Mark’s fling looks to be heading towards something more serious.

THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2010
◊“Bear Whisperer” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): Every summer, tourits and black bears converge on the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, Calif. “Bear Whisperer” Steve Searles is fearless in his efforts to jeep the peace between man and beast.
◊“Best of the World Music Awards” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This special looks back at over a decade of the most memorable World Music Award moments, including performances by Michael Jackson, Byonce, Britney Spears and Mariah Carey.
◊“Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on VH1): Season 3 will follow the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment at a center in the Los Angeles area.  The show will follow Mackenzie Phillips (“One Day at a Time”), Heidi Fleiss (“Alien 51″), Tom Sizemore (“Crash”), Dennis Rodman (“Celebrity Apprentice”), Mindy McCready (country singer), Lisa D’Amato (“America’s Next Top Model”), Mike Starr (Alice in Chains) and Joey Kovar (“Real World Hollywood”).
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston and Riley are taken hostage during the aftermath of a shootout in a typically calm Las Vegas community. Denzel Whitaker (“The Great Debaters”) guest stars.
◊“Duel in the Sun” (7 p.m. on TCM): Actress Jennifer Jones, who was born in Tulsa, earned an Oscar nomination for this 1946 Western about an American Indian woman caught between two brothers. It is the first of a four-film tribute to Jones, who died Dec. 17 at age 90. The other films are “1954′s ◊“Beat the Devil” (9:30 p.m.), 1949′s “Madame Bovary” (11:15 p.m.) and 1954′s “Indiscretion of an American Wife” (1:15 a.m.).
◊“The Newlywed Game” (8 p.m. on GSN): Game show host Bob Eubanks, who first began hosting “The Newlywed Game” more than 40 years ago, returns as guest host of the new version. This special episode features current host Carnie Wilson and her family as the celebrity contestants. Competing against Wilson and her husband, Rob Bonfiglio, are Wilson’s sister Wendy Wilson and her husband Dan Knutson, and Wilson’s mother, former singer Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford, and her husband, Daniel Rutherford.
◊“Planet of the Apps: A Handheld Revolution” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special looks at the recent “app” explosion and how they have changed the way we live. It introduces viewers to some of the creators who are designing applications and striking it rich and explains just how the big business of apps really works.

FRIDAY, JAN. 8, 2010
◊“Bartender Wars” (9:30 p.m. on FLN): Three bartenders pair drinks with flavored popcorn, try to send psychic messages to their patrons and play a game of catch—with olives.  Guest judge Dan Aykroyd (“Ghostbusters”) asks them to impress him with their bartending skills and create a drink they’d be proud to put on their headstones.
◊“Big Band Blues” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This program presents performances from the Motor City Blues & Boogie Woogie Festival. It also features commentary from the artists about the relationship between blues, boogie woogie, jazz and swing music.
◊“Big, Bigger, Biggest” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): This series follows the evolutionary engineering leaps that enable iconic structures to grow in size. The Season 2 premiere focuses on the largest submarine ever constructed by the U.S. Navy.
◊“Elvis on Tour” (7 p.m. on TCM): In honor of the 75th celebration of Elvis Presley, TCM host Robert Osborne is joined by Priscilla Presley and Jerry Schilling to introduce the 1972 concert documentary. They also comment on the 2001 re-edited version of the 1970 film “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” (9 p.m.) and the 1957 film “Jailhouse Rock” (11 p.m.).
◊“John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): John Oliver (“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”) hosts this new series that features some of Oliver’s favorite comedians. In the premiere episode, Oliver ditches the suit to discuss his surprising affection for America, the upside-down Australians and the effects of voting under the influence. The episode also features sets from Maria Bamford, Nick Kroll, Greg Fitzsimmons and Eugene Mirman.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team try their luck at investigating the theft of scratch-off lottery tickets, but the stakes are raised when one of the culprits killed at a botched robbery turns out to be a former lottery winner. Guest stars include Michael O’Neill (“Transformers”) as California Lottery security supervisor Boyd Keene; Nicole Sullivan (“Rita Rocks”) as eccentric lottery agent Nancy Hackett; and Allison Smith (“Kate & Allie”) as Sara Lewis, a financial advisor working with lottery winners.
◊“Operation Wild” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows the officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In the premiere episode, the officers are busy patrolling the annual Lobster Mini-Season as thousands of people put their lobster-catching skills to the test over a 48-hour period.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): This series, back for Season 2, gives budding entrepreneurs a chance to make their business dreams come true and make them successful and possibly wealthy people. But first, the entrepreneurs must convince a panel of five ruthless, multi-millionaire tycoons – known as Sharks — to part with their own hard-earned cash to give them the funding they need to jumpstart their breakthrough business concepts, products, properties and services. The five Sharks are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, “infomercial” industry pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O’Leary.

SATURDAY, JAN. 9, 2010
◊“Renovation Realities Best Freakin’ Moments” (8 p.m. on DIY): This special looks as some of the most compelling moments from the home renovation show — from big mistakes and injuries to major fights and meltdowns.
◊“The View Special Edition — All My Children: Moving Pine Valley” (5 p.m. on SoapNet): This encore presentation pays tribute to the daytime drama that is relocating to Los Angeles. The one-hour celebration features the show’s creator, Agnes Nixon, and cast members Susan Lucci, Debbi Morgan, Rebecca Budig, Cameron Mathison, Michael E. Knight and Vincent Irizarry.
◊“The Wishing Well” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a city-bred journalist (Jordan Ladd, “Death Proof”) heads to small-town Illinois for a story, her one-day visit turns into a much longer stay with the toss of a coin. Sally Kellerman (“Open House”), Jason London (“All Roads Lead Home”), Tempestt Bledsoe (“The Cosby Show”) and Charles Shaughnessy (“The Nanny”) costar in the time-twisting story about finding answers in the most unexpected of places.
◊“World’s Greenest Homes” (5 p.m. on Planet Green): The Season 2 premiere spotlights a dome home in upstate New York. It has a spaceship-like exterior that rotates to make the most of the sun’s rays.

–Penny TV

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Top 25 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Dec. 20-26, 2009

  Friday is when The
Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 25 celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Dec. 20.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)

GUEST STARS
••Jerry Adler (“Rescue Me”) on “Til Death,” 7:30 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Morena Baccarin (“V”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Elizabeth Berkley (“The L Word”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Carol Burnett (“The Carol Burnett Show”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 9 p.m. Saturday on NBC.
••Kristin Chenoweth (“Pushing Daisies”) on “Glee,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
••Peter Coyote (“The 4400″) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) on “Two and a Half Men,” 8 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Charles S. Dutton (“Threshold”) on “CSI: NY,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Frankie Faison (“Silence of the Lambs”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 9 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Jordan Farmar(Los Angeles Lakers) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Scott Foley (“Felicity”) on “Courgar Town,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Gina Gershon (“Face/Off”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Valerie Harper (“Valerie”) on “Til Death,” 7:30 p.m. Friday on Fox.
••Cyndi Lauper (“Vibes”) on “Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox.
••Sharon Lawrence (“NYPD Blue”) on “Ghost Whisperer,” 7 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Matthew Lillard (“The Pool Boys”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 9 p.m. Saturday on NBC.
••Mary McDonnell (“Battlestar Galactica”)(pictured above) on “The Closer,” 8 p.m. Monday on TNT.
••Ann Meara (“The King of Queens”) on “Mercy,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men”) on “Mercy,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Martha Plimpton (“Grey’s Anatomy”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 9 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Jerry Stiller (“The King of Queens”) on “Mercy,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Fred Willard (“Best in Show”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Mare Winningham (“Clubhouse”) on “CSI: NY,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••WWE superstars MVP and Big Show on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.

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Top 55 TV Programs for Dec. 20-26, 2009

 Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Dec. 20:
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)

SUNDAY, DEC. 20, 2009
◊“Addicted to Psychics” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special focuses on people who cannot eat, sleep of move without consulting a psychic. In the premiere episode, discover the secret world of Gabby, the psychic hotline addict who can not find peace until she gets her regular psychic fix. And watch as self-confessed psychic junkie Susie consults her readers on matters from real estate deals to what designer shoes to buy.
◊“Christmas in Washington” (7 p.m. on TNT): George Lopez hosts the 28th holiday event that is annually attended by the President and First Lady and benefits the National Children’s Medical Center. Scheduled performers include Mary J. Blige, Neil Diamond, Sugarland, Rob Thomas and Usher. This marks the 28th event overall and 11th broadcast on TNT.
◊“Future 2025″ (9 p.m. on MSNBC): The third installment of MSNBC’s four-part environmental series will focus on the most desperate — but rarely discussed — crisis currently facing our global landscape: the severe threat to our water supply due to global warming and vast population growth. 
◊“The Gigantic World of Epics” (7 p.m. on TCM): This special looks at Hollywood’s biggest screen spectaculars from all sides, including the genre’s beginnings, literary adaptations, great epic directors and actors, the challenges of making big-budget movies, classic set-pieces and epic music scores.
◊“History in HD: The Last Bomb” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This special documents one of the 21st Bomber Command’s long distance, low altitude, daylight strikes over Tokyo during the spring and summer of 1945. This rare Technicolor film, transferred to stunning HD, covers the mission in its entirety – from General Curtis Lemay’s initial planning stage, through fighter action and “bomb’s away,” and finally to final touchdown back at the base on Iwo Jima.
◊“Kendra: Here Comes Baby” (8 p.m. on E!): This holiday special follows reality star Kendra Wilkinson (“Kendra”) who is expecting her first child with her new husband, Indianapolis Colts football player Hank Baskett. They are busy trying to settle into their new life before becoming parents.  The baby is coming quickly, but the nursery is still in shambles, and the couple can’t seem to decide between baby blue and Colt blue for their future wide receiver.
◊“Nature: Christmas in Yellowstone” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other.
◊“She Survived That … Pregnant?” (8 p.m. on TLC): Four pregnant women face the most harrowing moment of their lives and leave their unborn babies hanging in the balance.
◊“Two Weeks in Hell” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This two-hour special reveals the grueling Green Beret Special Forces selection process. Over 14 days, a candidate’s true character is exposed through physical and mental challenges. Sixty percent of the candidates will not last the two weeks — and passing this test is just for the opportunity to start real Green Beret training.
◊“White House Christmas” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Designer Genevieve Gorder offers viewers an insider’s look at how dozens of volunteers find inspiration in this year’s decor theme, “Reflect, Rejoice, Renew,” to give the White House a traditional yet fresh and eco-friendly transformation for the holidays. During the one-hour special, President Barack Obama and his family light the National Christmas Tree in a special ceremony.
◊“With All Due Respect” (9 p.m. on HLN): This roundtable discussion on the biggest stories of 2009 is hosted by HLN anchor Robin Meade and features TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley, TBS MLB analyst Dennis Eckersley and TNT NASCAR analyst Kyle Petty giving their opinions on topics ranging from sports to world news, entertainment and current events.

MONDAY, DEC. 21, 2009
◊“ABC World News” (5:30 p.m. on ABC): Diane Sawyer (“Good Morning America”) anchors the newscast today and Tuesday. She is replacing former anchor Charles Gibson, who has retired. Sawyer will permanently take over the anchor spot in January.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): In this episode directed by series creator James Duff, Mary McDonnell reprises her guest role as Capt. Raydor, with whom Brenda forms an unlikely partnership to close an emotional murder case.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs make a shocking discovery about their murder victim, while Horatio tries to save his son from Julia’s erratic behavior. Elizabeth Berkley (“The L Word”) guest stars as Julia.
◊“Find My Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, the search team lends a helping hand to a grieving daughter in search of her birth mother after losing her adoptive mother to ovarian cancer. The team gives her news she never could have expected.
◊“Great Performances: Nutcracker” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi hosts this broadcast of the San Francisco Ballet’s production of “Nutcracker.” It s reset during the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exhibition.
◊“I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!” (7 p.m. on ABC): This 2003 animated special reunites the updated Peanuts gang and the yuletide season. It centers on ReRun, the younger brother of Linus and Lucy, who asks Snoopy to invite his canine brother Spike to come for a visit during Christmas break.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio: Kate Hudson” (6 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton interviews Kate Hudson, who without relying on her personal role as the daughter of Goldie Hawn has become a notable presence on the big screen over the past 10 years.
◊“Little Chocolatiers” (8 p.m. on TLC): Meet the Hatches, little people who own a chocolate shop in Salt Lake City. Watch as Steve and Katie attempt to produce 600 chocolate dice for a casino night party and build a life-sized all-chocolate flower garden for a couples’s fifth anniversary.
◊“Make My Day” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Each episode of this laugh-filled hidden camera series follows a clueless participant who is enjoying a day filled with lucky coincidences and even chance encounters with favorite celebrities, never guessing for a second the whole thing is set up by the show’s production team.
◊“Rufus Wainwright: Prima Donna” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This special chronicles the career of musician Rufus Wainwright as he tackles his grandest project yet: mounting his first classical opera “Prima Donna.”
◊“Search for the Star of Bethlehem” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This special unveils how modern science is re-examining the mystery behind the Star of Bethehem. Recent developments in computer technology are allowing astronomers, historians and scientists to map the ancient world’s star with exceptional accuracy.
◊“The Sing-Off” (7 p.m. on NBC): Nick Lachey (“Charmed”) hosts this live finale in which viewer votes decide which a cappella group wins the $100,000 prize and an Epic Records/Sony recording contract.
◊“Top Gear Polar Special” (7 p.m. on BBC America): In this special, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond set out on a 450 mile land race in the the vehicles of their choice from the town of Resolute in Northern Canada to the magnetic North Pole.
◊“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. Meanwhile, Alan scores a hot date with the help of Charlie’s Mercedes. Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) guest stars.
◊“Unlikely Angel” (2 p.m. on ABC Family): This 1996 movie stars Dolly Parton as a brassy lounge singer who accidentally drives her car off a cliff. She meets St. Peter (Roddy McDowell) at the Pearly Gates, and he sends her back because she hasn’t earned her wings.
◊“World Chocolate Championship” (9 p.m. on TLC): Nineteen of the best chocolatiers in the world assemble in Paris to compete for the title of World Chocolate Master. These elite pastry chefs must use all their skills, creativity and cunning to impress judges in five mouthweatering categories.

TUESDAY, DEC. 22, 2009
◊“The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this encore presentation, viewers can catch up with contestants from the previous seven seasons. Danny Cahill from Broken Arrow won Season 8.
◊“Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special” (7 p.m. on Fox): In this encore presentation, the Grammy-winning and multiplatinum country singer performs holiday songs and selections from her albums. Performers joining Underwood onstage include Kristin Chenoweth, David Cook, Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley.
◊“Chelsea Lately Bloopers” (9:30 p.m. on E!): This is the first of three comedy specials highlighting hilarious outtakes and never-before-seen moments from Cheslea Handler’s latenight series.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia and Will have only 72 hours to find the smoking gun that proves the train company, and not the three engineers, is responsible for the crash, thus securing the widows their pensions the company is holding back. Martha Plimpton (“Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars as the train company’s very pregnant attorney.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): While stuck working on a case over Christmas, the team searches for a suspect presumed dead…and begins to discover some startling personal revelations. Peter Coyote (“The 4400″) guest stars.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): Departing from the show’s regular format, host Bryant Gumbel leads correspondents Mary Carillo, Frank Deford, Jon Frankel, Bernard Goldberg and Andrea Kremer in a spirited roundtable discussion of 2009, touching on everything from favorite stories of the year to the interviews and pieces that had the greatest impact on them.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23, 2009
◊“The 11th Annual A Home for the Holidays With Faith Hill” (7 p.m. on CBS): Grammy and Country Music Association Award winner Faith Hill headlines this holiday special that celebrates the joys of adoption from the perspectives of the adoptive families and the children who finally have found stable homes. Joining Hill are musicians Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Mary J. Blige, Michael Franti and Shakira. Jenna Elfman (“Accidentally on Purpose”) and Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) are among the celebrities presenting inspirational stories about adoption.
◊“Christmas at Belmont” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Country music singer Trisha Yearwood hosts this annual concert at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The three-time Grammy winner will be joined by Belmont University’s 10-voice, pop, R&B, rock, and alternative ensemble, Phoenix;  female a cappella ensemble, Session;  12-voice, Blues, Swing, Bebop and contemporary jazz group, Jazzmin;  and Women’s Choir.  Yearwood graduated from Belmont in 1987 and now lives in Owasso with husband Garth Brooks.
◊“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC): The 1966 animated holiday story based on the classic children’s book by Dr. Seuss takes viewers inside a snowflake to Whoville, the magical land of the Whos. But high above this holiday-loving town resides the Grinch, a hateful creature with a heart three sizes too small, who despises Christmas and plots to steal it from the Whos.
◊“E! Entertainment Special: Jonas Brothers” (9 p.m. on E!): Through intimate interviews with brothers Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas, as well as those who know them best, this special uncovers the phenomenon surrounding these gifted performers.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Will thinks the glee club desperately needs more of an edge, so he brings in his former classmate, April Rhodes (Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies”), to spice things up. Will’s plan seems to be going smoothly until he realizes he may be losing a key member of the club.
◊“Mega-Tsunami: 5 Years Later” (7 p.m. on TLC): This special about the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami is told almost entirely through amateur archive footage that delivers a powerful story of confusion and panic, heartbreak and heroism, death and survival.
◊“Mercy” (8 p.m. on NBC): As her secret affair with Dr. Sands becomes less and less a secret, Veronica takes a cue from a cancer patient and contemplates coming clean to her husband. Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men”), Ann Meara (“The King of Queens”) and Jerry Stiller (“The King of Queens”) guest star.
◊“Sports Jobs With Junior Seau” (9 p.m. on Versus): The pressure is on as Junior learns how to jack up the car, fill it with gas and change the tires — and do it all to have Scott Dixon’s car back on track in seven seconds.

THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 2009
◊“2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This encore presentation features floats, marching bands and Santa Claus coming down the Tinseltown parade route. Susan Lucci (“”) is the 2009 Grand Marshal.
◊“American Story” (7 p.m. on MSNBC): Journalist Bob Dotson (former KFOR-4 reporter and producer) hosts this special that highlights the extraordinary lives of ordinary Americans throughout the United States. For more than three decades, Bob Dotson has been traveling this country uncovering the stories of people who are practically invisible, the ones who quietly change our lives, but who don’t seek fame or fortune.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Angela’s psychic, Avalon Harmonia (Cyndi Lauper, “Vibes”), reveals while reading Angela’s tarot cards that there are multiple bodies buried under a Washington, D.C. fountain. Angela shares the information with Brennan and Booth, but they’re both a little skeptical considering the source.
◊“Christmas at The Cathedral – Beacon of Hope” (12:05 a.m. on CBS): This special features highlights from the concert series at St. Joseph Cathedral, the seat of the diocese which covers 35,000 square miles east of the Missouri River. The event filled with music and song focuses on the universal story of the Prince of Peace.  A prayerful message and Christmas blessing will be lead by the Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, The Most Reverend Paul J. Swain.
◊“Courgar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): A very wealthy potential home buyer (Scott Foley, “Felicity”) feigns interest in an overpriced home in order to get Jules’ attention.  Meanwhile, Ellie begrudgingly leaves the baby with Andy for a day to prove to herself that she trusts her husband.
◊“CSI: NY” (7 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 (“Threshold”) and Mare Winningham (“Clubhouse”) guest star.
◊“Faith Hill, Joy to the World: A Soundstage Special Event” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Singer Faith Hill, backed by an orchestra led by conductor David Campbell, presents favorites from her holiday album “Joy to the World.”
◊“The Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special” (9 p.m. on BBC America): Last season ended with Gavin and Stacey reuniting after a difficult separation and happily celebrating the birth of Smithy and Nessa’s baby. Now it’s Christmas Eve and Stacey’s family decide to join Gavin’s for one of his dad’s famous turkey dinners. The British series returns for Season 3 next year.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (9 p.m. on ABC): As Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s pass, Miranda is visited by her father, who disapproves of her choices in life; meanwhile, Mark and Lexie must cope with the shocking arrival of a woman from his past, and Thatcher Grey questions the Chief’s recent behavior as Meredith comes to his defense. Frankie Faison (“Silence of the Lambs”) and Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest star.
◊“It’s a Wonderful Life” (7 p.m. on NBC): This special presentation of director Frank Capra’s 1946 film will be described for the blind and visually impaired by former President George Bush. His descriptions will inform the viewer of what is occurring on the screen, filling in blanks where no dialogue or other sounds tell viewers what is happening.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Christmas is in full swing at the Dunphy house until the kids get in some trouble and Phil and Claire threaten to take away Christmas until one of them fesses up. Meanwhile, Jay struggles with wanting to stick to his holiday traditions while Gloria and Manny want to incorporate some of their Colombian practices. Fred Willard (“Best in Show”) guest stars as Phil’s dad.
◊“Raising the Bar” (7 p.m. on TNT): The canceled legal drama will conclude its two season run with a three-episode marathon.

FRIDAY, DEC. 25, 2009
◊“America’s Children’s Holiday Parade” (8 a.m. on OETA-13): Mark Curry (“Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper”) hosts the 2009 parade featuring children’s favorites appearing as giant ballons and characters waiving from floats. This event in downtown Oakland, Calif., is produced by renowned parade professionals and has a complete focus on children.
◊“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Encore presentation of a classic episode from Christmas 2007.
“Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” (9 a.m. on ABC): The 26th annual parade hosted by Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) at Walt Disney World and Ryan Seacrest (“American Idol”) at Disneyland will feature performances by the Jonas Brothers (“Jonas”), Demi Lovato (“Sonny With a Chance”), Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”), Kris Allen (“American Idol:) and Grammy winners Celine Dion and Stevie Wonder.
◊“Don’t You Forget About Me” (5:40 p.m. on Encore): This documentary follows a group of young filmmakers searching for director John Hughes. It was filmed a year before his untimely death and includes appearances by Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Andrew McCarthy, Kevin Smith, Alan Ruck, Kelly LeBrock, Justin Henry, Roger Ebert, Jason Reitman and Richard Roeper.
◊“Forbes’ Most Bankable Stars” (7:30 p.m. on E!): The experts at Forbes came up with a formula that determined how much money, on average, an actor/actress earned for every $1 he/she was paid. And this special counts down the 10 men and 10 women Hollywood can count on to rake in the big bucks at the box office without breaking the bank.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Melinda helps a family in turmoil after a freak accident.  Meanwhile, Delia has her first haunting and discovers why sometimes it’s easier to be a skeptic than a believer. Sharon Lawrence (“NYPD Blue”) guest star.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison works on a seemingly routine missing persons case, but her dreams lead her to suspect that the missing woman’s children may have something to do with her disappearance.  Also, Joe’s sister moves in when she thinks her husband is cheating. Guest stars include James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”), Morena Baccarin (“V”) and Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team has only hours to investigate a last-minute tip that could exonerate a dangerous mob boss on the eve of his execution. Meanwhile, Charlie’s attempt to help the CalSci basketball team break their incredible losing streak leads to some interesting outside help. Gina Gershon (“Face/Off”) and Los Angeles Lakers players Pau Gasol and Jordan Farmar guest star.
◊“The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Encore presentation of a Christmas 2008 episode.
◊“Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas” (7 p.m. on NBC): This encore presentation features guest appearances by Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, as well as sketches with troublemaker Gilly (played by Kristen Wiig) and holiday-themed sketches from the show’s 35-year history.
◊“Til Death” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): When Eddie and Joy pay a visit to his parents in Florida, Eddie discovers that his parents are planning to divorce in order to qualify for medical insurance. Eddie refuses to accept the idea and tries to convince his mother (Valerie Harper, “Valerie”) that it’s a bad decision to put his father (Jerry Adler, “Rescue Me”) back on the market .
◊“The Young and the Restless” (11:30 a.m. on CBS): Encore presentation of a classic episode from Christmas 2003.

SATURDAY, DEC. 26, 2009
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): In the Season 3 premiere, host Claire Robinson cooks up a no-fuss cocktail party menue perfect for any gathering. She prepares bite-sized Beef Wellington, sweet and spicy cocktail nuts, shortbread and a classy cocktail.
◊“Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part One” (8 p.m. on BBC America): It’s the Tenth Doctor’s final journey, but his psychotic nemesis the Master has been reborn on Christmas Eve. With both determined to cheat death, the battle ranges from the wastelands of London to the mysterious Immortality Gate. Meanwhile, the alien race Ood warn of an even greater danger approaching.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Detectives Benson and Stabler arrive on the scene of a single murder, they discover two more dead bodies in the apartment next door. Carol Burnett (“The Carol Burnett Show”) and Matthew Lillard (“The Pool Boys”) guest star.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Host Suze Orman celebrates with a new “best calls you’ve never heard,” plus a look back at her year in jackets.
◊“Three Sheets: New Year’s Eve in New York” (8 p.m. on FLN): This special introduces viewers to the premier bar scenes in the city that never sleeps, so drink and be merry with host Zane Lamprey who takes being “spirited” to a whole new level.

–Penny TV

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Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Dec. 13-19, 2009

   
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 celebrities making special TV appearances the week of March 15.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)

GUEST STARS
••Tichina Arnold (“Everybody Hates Chris”) on“Brothers,” 6:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••Christine Baranski (“The Good Wife”) on “The Big Bang Theory,” 8:31 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Tiki Barber (“NFL Monday Night Football”) on “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” 2 p.m. Monday on Nick Jr.
••Ned Beatty (“Roseanne”) on “Law & Order,” 7 p.m. Friday on NBC.
••Mary J. Blige (Grammy winner) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC. 
••Beau Bridges (“My Name Is Earl”) on “The Closer,” 8 p.m. Monday on TNT.
••Jarrod Bunch (New York Giants) on “The Forgotten,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Jessica Capshaw (“The Practice”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Nick Chinlund (“Desperate Housewives”) on “The Mentalist,” 9 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Jude Ciccolella (“24″) on “Cold Case,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Snoop Dogg (“Old School”) on “Brothers,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••Harvey Fierstein (“Hairspray”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Laird Hamilton (professional surfer) on “Gary Unmarried,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Jimmy Johnson (“Fox NFL Sunday”) on “Brothers,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••Kim Kardashian (“Keeping Up With the Kardashians”) on “CSY: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Alex Kingston (“ER”) on “FlashForward,” 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Gloria Loring (“Renegade”) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Chad Lowe (“24”) on “Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox.
••Vanessa Minnillo (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) on “CSY: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Leonard Nimoy (“Star Trek”) on “Fringe,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox.
••Ty Pennington (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”) on “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” 2 p.m. Monday on Nick Jr.
••Lori Petty (“The Cleaner”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Gabrielle Reece (professional volleyball player) on “Gary Unmarried,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Joe Regalbuto (“Murphy Brown”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Carl Reiner (“Life With Bonnie”) on “Two and a Half Men,” 8 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Corey Reynolds (“The Closer”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Brian Scannell (“Brotherhood”) on “Cold Case,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Molly Shannon (“Saturday Night Live”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Cybill Shepherd (“The L Word”) on “Eastwick,” 9:01 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Sherry Stringfield (“ER”) on “Law & Order,” 7 p.m. Friday on NBC.
••Nancy Travis (“The Bill Engvall Show”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Ralph Waite (“The Waltons”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Michaela Watkins (“Saturday Night Live”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Tuc Watkins (“One Life to Live”) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.

 Pictured above: CSI: NY — “Second Chances” — Det. Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise) takes a walk with Grace Chandler (Guest Star Vanessa Minnillo), on CSI: NY, Wednesday, Dec. 16 on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS

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Top 55 TV Programs for Dec. 6-12, 2009

   Sunday’s Oklahoman,
which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Dec. 6:

(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)

SUNDAY, DEC. 6, 2009
◊“Alice” (8 p.m. today and Monday on Syfy): This modern day spin on the classic stories by Lewis Carroll stars Oscar winner Kathy Bates (“Misery”) as the Queen of Hearts and Caterina Scorsone (“Crash”) as Alice.
◊“The Amazing Race” (7 p.m. on CBS): Season 15’s final three teams race home from Prague to the United States, with the finish line holding a $1 million prize for the first to cross it.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): As the wedding grows closer, Justin’s resolve to stay sober is weakened as he and Rebecca harbor secrets that could make or break their relationship for good. Series star Matthew Rhys (Kevin Walker) makes his directorial debut.
◊“Burn Up” (8 p.m. today and Monday on Planet Green): Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing”), Neve Campbell (“The Philanthropist”) and Rupert Penry-Jones (“Spooks”) star in this British miniseries. It is a high-stakes conspiracy thriller in which two friends – power players in the international oil industry – face a series of violent events and shocking revelations that could tear apart their friendship, their business, even civilization as we know it.
◊“Chainsaw Ice Sculptors” (9 p.m. on TLC): Enter the world of ice sculpting through three distinct personalities facing similar challenges. With chainsaws and chisels, these ice sages pour their heart, sweat and soul into creating works of art.
◊“Clash of the Dinosaurs” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This four-hour special, which concludes Dec. 13, combines cinematic photo-real 3D graphics and leading-edge anatomy and paleontology to show how dinosaurs survived in such a violent world.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for the killer of a champion debater who was wrongly believed to have committed suicide after losing his first debate three months into his scholarship-funded schooling at a competitive top private high school. Reed Diamond (“Dollhouse”) guest stars as the debate team coach at the victim’s new school.
◊“Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this new special, Dora and Swiper explore the past, present and future of Christmas. It includes a special holiday version of the “Dora the Explorer” theme song recorded by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteers Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”) and Usher (“Moesha”) travel with the team to Clarksville, Tenn., to give Trina Scott and her three daughters the good news that their problem-ridden home would be rebuilt in just seven days.
◊“I Survived …” (8 p.m. on Biography): Season 4 features all-new first person accounts from ordinary people catapulted into extraordinary situations who found the strength and courage to survive.
◊“Invasion of the Christmas Lights” (8 p.m. on TLC): This holiday special criss-crosses the United States to chronicle families of extreme Christmas lighting enthusiasts and document their glorious, outrageous and elaborate displays.
◊“Jonas” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): Kevin is thrilled when he learns that Anya, his friend and president of the Scandinavian JONAS fan club, is going to be an exchange student at their school. Madison Riley (“Hatching Pete”) guest stars.
◊“Robin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction” (8 p.m. on HBO): The comic performs at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., in an act that tackles a variety of political topics but also includes candid riffs on Williams’ own life.
◊“Sexpo Australia” (9 p.m. on G4): Sasha Grey (“Girlfriend Experience”) hosts this two-hour special that offers unprecedented access to the world’s largest adukt expo. The annual four-day event in Australia covers all aspects of health, adult entertainment, sexuality and adult lifestyles for the curious consumer.
◊“Shatner’s Raw Nerve” (9 p.m. on Biography): Rush Limbaugh and Regis Philbin are the first two guests for the second season of William Shatner’s unique talk show. Every interview, Shatner attempts to probe his guest’s most fascinating and sensitive subjects and touch upon a “raw nerve.”

MONDAY, DEC. 7, 2009
◊“Born Again” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary uncovers filmmaker Markie Hancock’s slow and painful break with her faith and devout Christian family as she experiences new directions for her life, including her sexual awakening as a lesbian.
◊“Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special” (7 p.m. on Fox): The Grammy-winning and multiplatinum country singer performs holiday songs in addition to selections from her albums. Performers joining Underwood in this two-hour variety special include Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Tony and Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth, and “American Idol” winner David Cook.
◊“Circumcise Me: The Comedy of Yisrael Campbell” (9:30 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary chronicles the life journey of Christopher Campbell, a stand-up comedian who humorously recounts his tale of converting to Judaism three different times.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): The squad investigates the death of a 12-year-old boy whose father and brother are both gang members. The boy is found dead in a known gang party house, but soon the case includes two more bodies at a different house related to the same crime.
◊“Handy Manny” (8 a.m. on Disney): Manny and the tools are enjoying a day at the beach when a marine biologist (voiced by Rosario Dawson, “Rent”) approaches them with an emergency – an orca whale has washed up on the shore.
◊“Healthy Minds” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installlment “Helping Our Troops,” experts in the military and mental health industry unite efforts and expertise to help soldiers who suffer from post-tramatic stress disorder.
◊“Holiday Celebration on Ice” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): REO Speedwagon and Rick Springfield perform as a star-studded cast of Olympic, world and national figure skating champions celebrate the wonders of the holiday season.
◊“Men of a Certain Age” (9 p.m. on TNT): Ray Romano (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), Scott Bakula (“Quantum Leap”) and Andre Braugher (“Thief”) star in this new series as three longtime friends. Between daily lunches at a local diner and hikes in the hills overlooking Los Angeles, they do their best to support each other through the challenges mid-life throws at them.
◊“Million Dollar Listing” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 3 finale, a broker invites Chad, Madison and Josh to help him with charity work, but egos clash as the agents try and work together.
◊“Moises Rules!” (4 p.m. today through Thursday on Disney XD): This new sports series invites youngsters to challenge Moises Arias (Rico in “Hannah Montana”) in fun sports competitions such as foam tetherball and finger football.
◊“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this 1970 animated special, Fred Astaire narrates this timeless tale of Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), a young boy with an immense desire to do good things for others.

TUESDAY, DEC. 8, 2009
◊“Better Off Ted” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 2 premiere, Veridian Dynamics tries matchmaking employees based on their genetic compatibility in hopes of saving on health insurance bills from imperfectly bred children. Taye Diggs (‘‘Private Practice”) guest stars.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): All of the Season 8 contestants return for the live finale and for a chance to weigh in one last time. And one of the three finalists will win $250,000 and the “Biggest Loser” title.
◊“Handy Manny” (8 a.m. on Disney): When the automatic pizza rolling machine at Paulette’s Pizza Palace breaks, Manny and the tools must repair the machine so that Paulette (voiced by Giada De Laurentiis, “Everyday Italian”) is able to fulfill all the orders for her pizza special of the day.
◊“ID Investigates: The Madoff Mystery” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new special hosted by former CBS anchor Thalia Assuras focuses on the Bernard Madoff financial scandal one year after it was first revealed. It examines more than the greed and deception of Madoff’s fraud by exploring the dire human consequences of Madoff’s crimes, beyond the financial ruin.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Between the Folds” profiles theoretical scientists and fine artists who have become modern-day paper folders, mastering the ancient art of origami and reinterpreting the world in paper as they create an offbeat combo of sensibilities toward art, creativity, science and meaning.
◊“National Christmas Tree Lighting 2009” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The 86th annual event took place Dec. 3 in Washington D.C., but this marks the first time PBS stations nationwide will broadcast the ceremony.
◊“Outer Space Astronauts” (8:30 p.m. on Syfy): This new comedy series follows eight vaguely courageous military personnel on board the O.S.S. Oklahoma who journey to the far reaches of the galaxy for knowledge and adventure. Five of the eight cast members in this series that melds live-action with 3D animation are from Oklahoma, including creator Russell Barrett (Captain Bruce Ripley).
◊“Prep & Landing” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This new holiday special reveals the never-before-told tale of a high-tech organization of elves that ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared for the yearly visit from The Big Guy, their code name for Santa Claus. The voice cast includes Dave Foley (“NewsRadio”) as Wayne, Sarah Chalke (“Scrubs”) as Magee and Derek Richardson (“Men In Trees”) as Lanny.
◊“Scare Tactics” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the fall finale, a receptionist at a doctor’s office is caught in the middle when a patient comes in demanding to be reattached to his former conjoined twin.
◊“Teen Mom” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new docu-series catches up with Maci, Amber, Catelynn and Farrah from the first season of “16 And Pregnant” to give viewers a deeper look at the lives of teenage parents.  Told by each girl first hand, the series will depict the varied challenges young mothers face — from marriage or relationships, to high school or college, to new babies or life after adoption.

WEDNESDAY. DEC. 9, 2009
◊“Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009” (9 p.m. on ABC): Host Barbara Walters interviews some of the year’s most prominent people in entertainment, sports, politics and pop culture, including Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert, Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Tyler Perry.
◊“Campus PD” (10 p.m. on G4): This new reality series heads to five college towns across the country — Tallahassee, Fla.; San Marcos, Texas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Chico, Calif.; and Greenville, NC — and goes behind the scenes with police officers to give viewers an authentic glimpse at campus life and the measures they take to keep students safe.
◊“Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): A very wealthy potential home buyer (Scott Foley, Felicity”) feigns interest in an overpriced home in order to get Jules’ attention.  Meanwhile, Ellie begrudgingly leaves the baby with Andy for a day to prove to herself that she trusts her husband.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): While Agent Hotchner takes a leave of absence from the Behavioural Analysis Unit, the team must regroup to solve a home invasion case. Rena Sofer (“24″) guest stars as home invasion victim, Erika Silverman.
◊“L.A. Holiday Celebration 2009″ (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This hourlong special presents highlights of the festive six-hour performance at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center last Christmas Eve. More than 1,000 performers participate in the free holiday-themed show, which has been sponsored annually since 1960 by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as a gift to local residents.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Veronica tries to get help for unresolved battle scars while everything else in her life falls apart. Jason Ritter (“Joan of Arcadia”) guest stars.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Christmas is in full swing at the Dunphy house until the kids get in some trouble and Phil and Claire threaten to take away Christmas until one of them fesses up. Fred Willard (“Best in Show:) guest stars as Phil’s dad.
◊“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (7 p.m. on Disney): This 1993 animated fantasy from Tim Burton (‘‘Edward Scissorhands”) takes the overlapping holiday scenario to the extreme. The Pumpkin King, ruler of Halloween Town, hatches a plan to kidnap Santa Claus and put his own ghostly spin on the yuletide season.
◊“Oklahomans” (7 p.m. on KWTV-9): University of Oklahoma football player Sam Bradford is interviewed on this locally-produced special. Host Becky Dixon also talks to Tony Award nominee Kelli O’Hara and Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson.
◊“Psychic Hollywood: The Search for Truth” (7 p.m. on E!): In this special, five celebrities with very personal issues search for help from four very different psychics. Alana Stewart turns to medium James Van Praagh to try to contact her friend, the late Farrah Fawcett; Trista and Ryan Sutter implore Derek Ogilvie to find out why their toddler is hitting and kicking Trista; Mark Curry calls on Shaman Durek to break free from an intangible force that’s holding him back; and Perla Hudson enlists psychic profiler Carla Baron to find her brother, who is missing and presumed dead.
◊“Secret Lives of Women” (10 p.m. on WEtv): The Season 1 finale takes viewers to The Moonlight Bunny Ranch, a legal brothel in Carson City, Nev., that employs women from all walks of life. From mothers to former teachers, nurses and members of the military, women work at Bunny Ranch to male a better life for themselves and their families. 
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This music and talk show lets viewers in on intimate conversation and performance with host Elsi Costello and his guests, which for Season 2 include Bono, The Edge, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, John Prine, Ron Sexsmith, Neko Case, Jesse Winchester, Ray LaMontagne, Nick Lowe, Levon Helm, Richard Thompson and Allen Toussaint. The show is taped in front of a live audience at Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater in New York City and The Masonic Temple in Toronto, Canada.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 6 finale, the remaining three contestants vie for the title as they cook the best meal they’ve ever made.

THURSDAY, DEC. 10, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): Jack’s interest in a new social networking site unexpectedly reconnects him with a high school crush (Julianne Moore, “Blindness”).
◊“The 2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): For the first time in its 80-plus year history, the Hollywood Christmas Parade will air nationally as a two-hour television primetime event. The holiday festivities will include celebrities from film, television and stage, including the 2009 Grand Marshal Susan Lucci (“All My Children”).
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Brennan makes plans to spend Christmas in El Salvador, but her father (Ryan O’Neal, “Miss Match”) convinces her to spend the holidays with him and Margaret Whitesell (Zooey Deschanel, sister of series star Emily Deschanel), a newly discovered distant relative.
◊“The Bubble Decade” (9 p.m. on CNBC): Correspondent David Faber reports on one of the most dramatic periods in the history of America’s financial markets. As the first decade of the 21st century draws to a close, Faber looks back at the tumultuous era, one marked by ambition and innovation, avarice and excess, and record highs – and lows – on Wall Street. 
◊“Community” (7 p.m. on NBC): Anthony Michael Hall (“The Breakfast Club”) haunts the halls of Greendale Community College as a campus bully who challenges Jeff to a fight.
◊“Egypt’s Animal Mummies” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): The remains of more than four million mummies have been hidden within Egypt’s tombs. They are remnants not of the ancient pharaohs, but the perfectly preserved remains of animals. Using modern science, an international team of experts discovers how and why the Ancient Egyptians preserved their animals just like their kings.
◊“Michael McDonald — This Christmas: A Soundstage Special Event” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Singer Michael McDonald celebrates the holidays with yuletide favorites and some of his signature hits, performing such songs as ‘‘White Christmas,” ‘‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and ‘‘What Christmas Means to Me.”
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Leslie designs the Pawnee Winter Wonderland Festival but has to hide from the press when a meeting with a disgraced counsilman lands her in the middle of a sex scandal. Louis C.K. (“Lucky Louis”) guest stars.
◊“Pedigree Dogs Exposed” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This documentary lifts the lid on the true extent of health and welfare problems in pedigree dogs. With international perspectives and testimony from top experts including The British Kennel Club, it unravels the historical, social and cultural reasons why purebred dogs today are in so much trouble.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): After Pete discovers Violet dying on the floor of her home, having barely survived a violent attack from her patient, Katie (Amanda Foreman, “Felicity”), he rushes her to the hospital where Addison and Naomi fight to save her life.
◊“Viva Nelson Mandela: A Hero for All Seasons” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary helps celebrate 90 years of Nelson Mandela’s life by telling his complete story. A life of struggle, humanity, destiny and greatness is recalled and celebrated by those who knew him best and who worked with him in the quest to break the chains of oppression, taking us beyond the political and into the personal. 

FRIDAY, DEC. 11, 2009
◊“Epitafios” (9 p.m. on HBO Latino): A prisoner of his past, Renzo begins hunting for the murderer alone.  Ultimately, however, everything will end as it started in the Season 2 finale.
◊“Law & Order” (7 p.m. on NBC): A campaign volunteer is murdered in the midst of an election and the detectives become trapped in a haze of danger and political scandals. Benjamin Bratt (“The Cleaner”) guest stars.
◊“Straight No Chaser — Live in New York Holiday Edition” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special featuring the men’s a cappella group includes new material, holiday favorites and the song that launched the Straight No Chaser’s success, “The 12 Days of Christmas.”
◊“TeenNick HALO Awards” (7 p.m. on TeenNick): This new concept in awards show is hosted and executive produced by Nick Cannon and features four celebrities — LeBron James, Alicia Keys, Hayden Panettiere and Justin Timberlake. They don’t receive the awards, but will they give them out to deserving teens in support of their philanthropic causes.  
◊“Yes, Virginia” (7 p.m. on CBS): This new animated Christmas special is based on the 1897 true story of Virginia O’Hanlon, an 8-year-old girl who inspired the most famous newspaper editorial of all time by asking, “Is there a Santa Claus?”  It features the voices of Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”), Jennifer Love Hewitt (“Ghost Whisperer”) and Alfred Molina (“Spider-Man 2″).

SATURDAY, DEC. 12, 2009
◊“30 for 30″ (8 p.m. on ESPN): The ESPN Film series concludes with “The U,” a two-hour documentary about the dramatic rise of the University of Miami football program in the 1980s. It looks at the program’s sudden and jolting transformation into a football powerhouse that essentially changed the rules of the game as told by the players, coaches, students and administrators who were there.
◊“Annihilation Earth” (8 p.m. on Syfy): With the world on the brink of both economic and ecological disaster, a physicist (Luke Goss, “Hellyboy II”) must discern whether the destruction of a cutting-edge super collider facility was the work of terrorists or his own miscalculation.
◊“Christmas in Canaan” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Billy Ray Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”) stars in this story based on the book by Grammy Award winner Kenny Rogers and Donald Davenport. Cyrus plays widower Daniel Burton, who is doing his best to raise his three children on a limited income. But living in Canaan, Texas, during the Civil Rights Movement, he soon faces more than just financial difficulties.
◊“The Flight Before Christmas” (8:01 p.m. on CBS): A flying squirrel shows a young reindeer, who believes his long-lost father was part of Santa’s airborne sleigh team, how to soar into the sky in this holiday special featuring the voices of Emma Roberts (‘‘Nancy Drew”) and Norm MacDonald (‘‘Saturday Night Live”).
◊“Ghost Invervention” (8 p.m. on TLC): This new docu-series chronicles a case manager and a team of women with psychic abilities as they try to help different families who are struggling with paranormal activity in their homes.
◊“It’s a Wonderful Life” (7 p.m. on NBC): This marks the 60th anniversary of Frank Capra’s holiday classic starring James Stewart as small-town guy George Bailey, who defers one big dream after another to stay home, marry a local girl and run the family business. Facing financial ruin, he’s pulled from suicidal despair by an angel who shows him what a terrible place the world would be if he’d never lived.
◊“The Polar Express” (6 p.m. on Disney): An animated movie unlike any other, director Robert Zemeckis’ interpretation of Chris Van Allsburg’s holiday story features Tom Hanks in multiple roles through a technique called ‘‘motion capture,” which creates a pseudo-real look. Hanks is most recognizable as the conductor of a train that takes a youngster on a wild ride to the North Pole.
◊“Posse: The Young Guns on PBR” (7 p.m. on CMT): This special follows eight up and coming professional bull riders on their journey across America trying to become the next PBR champion. Among the hopefuls are Ryan Dirteater, 20, from Hulbert (won the Dickies Invitational in Dallas in January 2009) and Austin Meier, 22, from Kinta (won the first ever PBR Team Shootout).
◊“Sandra Lee Celebrates: Season of Surprise” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Last year, the Morgner family’s newborn triplets were barely well enough to be brought home for the holidays. This season, as the family gets ready for the holidays with three active one-year-olds, Sandra will show them creative ways to preserve lifelong family memories, incorporate heirloom party décor and prepare unforgettable holiday recipes. HGTV Design Star finalist Dan Vickery makes a special guest appearance and uses his carpentry skills to help Sandra create unique décor items for each child.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): “Twilight” and “New Moon” star Taylor Lautner will make his hosting debut. “New Moon” made box office history with the biggest single opening day. The musical guest is Bon Jovi which will be making its fifth appearance on the show. The Grammy Award-winning band has sold more than 120 million albums and performed more than 2,600 concerts in over 50 countries.
◊“Video Game Awards 2009″ (7 p.m. on SPIKE): The live event will celebrate the year’s best video games, as well as offer a glimpse at the future of gaming in 2010 and beyond.

–Penny TV

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Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 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 Nov. 15:

(All times are CT, for ET add one hour)

SUNDAY, NOV. 15, 2009
◊“Aliens of the Amazon” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Scientists venture deep into the Amazon to discover some of the most unfamiliar and bizarre creatures in the jungle called Treehoppers. These animals speak using vibrations and ward off prey by forming alliances with other creatures.
◊“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (6 p.m. on ABC): With the first $100,000 prize of the season to be awarded, here are the videos in the running: “Hidden Honkers,” a car alarm prank; “U Don’t Know Uvulas,” a little girl with a smarty pants vocabulary; “Ballpark Promise,” a Dodger fan catching a ball; “Laser Chasers,” a Great Dane and a little boy chasing a laser pointer; “Soda Bottle Blowout,” a kid’s science experiment having explosive results; and “Boohoo in the Loo,” a little boy pitching a fit in the bathroom.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Lilly and the team investigate the 1991 murder of a 14-year-old foster child who was starting to establish herself as a talented rapper. She was killed just a few months after she and her sister were placed with new foster parents. Kadeem Hardison (“A Different World”) and Craig ‘‘muMs” Grant (“Oz”) guest star.
◊“DriveThru” (7:30 p.m. on Fuel TV): In Season 6 of this surf adventure series, Pat O’Connell (“Endless Summer II”), Benji Weatherley (former World Tour competitor) and free surfer/recording artist Donavon Frankenreiter attempt to drive through both the East and West Coasts of Australia in search of the best waves.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer David Duchovny (“Californication”) traveled with the team to Lena, IL, to tell Joey and Philip Stott that their uninhabitable house and farm will be rebuilt in seven days.
◊“Joined For Life: Abby and Brittany Turn 16″ (9 p.m. on TLC): Conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel are about to turn 16. That means they’re very busy with schoolwoork, sports, social activities and, yes, testing for their driver’s license.
◊“Masterpiece Contemporary” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Collision,” a Friday-afternoon traffic pileup on a superhighway snarls the lives of 10 strangers who add up to a confounding puzzle for Detective Inspector John Tolin (Douglas Henshall, “Primeval”). He must work with his estranged former lover, Senior Investigating Officer Ann Stallwood (Kate Ashfield), to try to get to the bottom of what happened and why.
◊“The Prisoner” (7 p.m. today through Tuesday on AMC): This reinterpretation of the 1960s British TV series will air from 7 to 9 p.m. over three consecutive nights. Jim Caviezel (“The Passion of the Christ”) stars as a man known only as Number Six, who awakens to find himself trapped in “The Village” with no memory of how he got there.
◊“Sonny With a Chance” (7 p.m. on Disney): Zora gets challenged by the studio head’s daughter, Dakota, to sell the most Blossom Scout cookies ever, and Sonny steps in to help Zora win. Madison De La Garza (“Desperate Housewives”) guest stars as young Sonny.
◊“Three Foot Giant” (9 p.m. on Biography): This special profiles 30-year-old Sean Stephenson who,  at three feet tall and permanently confined to a wheelchair, defies  the odds every day and changes people’s lives with his “anything is possible” philosophy. The special follows Stephenson as he prepares to throw out the first-pitch at a Chicago White Sox game, practices intense one-on-one therapy with a client and goes out on a first date.
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Andy treats a car crash victim dying from ALS who asks to be to taken off of life support so his organs can be used to save others. Mandy Patinkin (“Criminal Minds”), a double corneal transplant recipient, guest stars.
◊” Tough Love” (8 p.m. on VH1): Back for a second season are professional matchmakers Steve Ward and his mother JoAnn Ward, who will help a new group of unlucky-in-love women who are willing to do whatever it takes to find Mr. Right.  Along the way, Steve will share his unique male perspective in attempt to reform each of their “destructive” dating habits.
◊“WWII in HD” (8 p.m. today through Thursday on History): Gary Sinise narrates this 10-hour series that presents the story of the war as viewed through the eyes of 12 Americans — including Army captain Charles Scheffel from Enid — who fought in or contributed to the war effort. Their in-the-moment accounts are delivered with emotional impact by some of Hollywood’s top talents, and Ron Livingston (“Defying Gravity”) provides the voice of Scheffel, who also appears.

MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009
◊“10 Vampires We Love” (9:30 p.m. on E!): This special explores the vampire phenomenon and counts down toe 10 sexiest vampires of all time.
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The installment “The 1930s: Surviving the Dust Bowl” spotlights the people who refused to give up on the land and a way of life despite the desertification of the once bountiful wheat fields.
◊“The 100 Mile Challenge” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): In the “Final Stretch” episode, the families gather one last time to look back at their 100-day experiences in which they consumed only food and drink produced within a 100-mile radius of their home town of Mission, British Columbia.
◊“Chef Academy” (10 p.m. on Bravo): Meet Jean Christophe Novelli, world renowned Michelin and 5AA Rosette award-winning chef with restaurants in London, France and South Africa. This new series chronicles Novelli’s move to Los Angeles as he opens a test program for a top-notch culinary institute and trains and transforms those who aspire to cook like professionals.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the CSIs investigate who or what caused a horrific car accident, both drivers’ darkest secrets are revealed. Los Angeles Laker player Pau Gasol guest stars as a person of interest in the case.
◊“Dear Food Network: Thanksgiving Top 10” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network personalities Giada De Laurentiis, Ted Allen Tyler Florence and other share their turkey recipes, carving tips, sensational sides, delivious desserts and specialty drinks.
◊“The Doctors” (3 p.m. on KWTV-9): Barbra Streisand (“What’s Up, Doc?”) calls the show’s doctors to discuss her crusade to support heart health awareness for women, a cause which led her to create and endow the Barbra Streisand Women’s Cardio Vascular Research and Education Program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Hoping to impress the elitist theater kids at NYU, Blair sets her sights on landing a private concert with Lady Gaga (performing in this episode).
◊“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): Samuel learns just how powerful he can become and takes dangerous measures to reach his full potential. Ravi Kapoor (“Crossing Jordan”) guest stars.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): After House’s medical license is reinstated, he reclaims his role as Head of Diagnostics in time to treat Hank Hardwick (Troy Garity, “Soldier’s Girl”), an adult film star admitted to Princeton Plainsboro for pulsating eye pain.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio: Jon Bon Jovi” (7 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton interviews Jon Bon Jovi, who began playing music in clubs at age 16, has sold over 120 million albums and earned a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination.
◊“Jon and Kate Plus 8″ (8:30 p.m. on TLC): Kate Gosselin shares never-before-seen footage from Season 5, including the Kate celebrating her 10th wedding anniversary with the kids.
◊“Mystery Diagnosis” (9 p.m. on Discovery Health): Season 8 opens with segments on a newborn exhibiting strange symptoms but no visible reaction to fevers or pain and a seemingly healthy woman experiencing seizures and blackouts.
◊“Stud Finder 2009″ (9 p.m. on DIY): This special focuses on the network’s search to find the next do-it-yourself star and features the five finalists in head-to-head competition with one another. The winner gets a show on DIY.
◊“Quiero Mis Quinces” (8 p.m. on MTV Tr3s): Season 4 follows nine young Hispanic girls who set out to plan their Quinceañera, a unique celebration of their 15th birthday and official entry into womanhood.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Chelsea invites her beautiful college roommate (Tricia Helfer, “Battlestar Galactica”) to stay at the house while she gets over a bad breakup.

TUESDAY, NOV. 17, 2009
◊“Being Neil Armstrong” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Andrew Smith, aurthor of the best-selling book “Moondust,” sets out across America to find out about the real Neil Armstrong since walking on the moon. Smith meets people who knew the national hero and finds the places where Armstrong lived and woked.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Fashion guru Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”) and hair stylist Tabatha Coffey (“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover”) return for the annual make-over episode to help the remaining six contestants look fabulous before they give speeches about their weight loss journeys to motivate others at a TV Guide Magazine event.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): “A Death in Tehran” investigates the life and death of Neda Soltani, who was shot and killed on the streets of Tehran, Iran, during protests over the country’s presidential election last summer. Her death was captured on a cell-phone camera and uploaded to the Web.
◊“Good Morning America” (7 a.m. on ABC): Barbara Walters interviews former Vice Presidential candidate and Alaska Governer Sarah Palin in conjunction with the release of her memoir “Going Rogue: An American Life.” Portions of the interview will also air on “Nightline”  (10:35 p.m. today), “Good Morning America” (7 a.m. Wednesday) and “20/20″ (9 p.m. Friday).
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Alicia prepares to defend a scientist accused of arson, she is caught off guard when Peter’s attorney asks her to testify on Peter’s behalf sooner than she expected. Peter Riegert (“Damages”) guest stars as the judge in Peter’s appeal and Russ Mitchell (“The Early Show”) guest stars as himself, interviewing Peter Florrick.
◊“Independent Lens” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “No Subtitles Necessary: Lazzlo & Vilmos” provides an intimate portrait of the 50-year journey of two giants of modern cinematography — Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond — and the deep bond of brotherhood that transcended every imaginable boundary.
◊“The Little Couple” (9 p.m. on TLC): Jen and Ben head to New York to appear on “The Dr. Oz Show” to discuss skeletal dysplasia for a TV audience. But nerves begin to kick in as they get closer to showtime.
◊“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): Ella and Caleb are stunned when agency owner Amanda Woodward (Heather Locklear, original ‘Melrose Place”) walks into WPK and immediately fires half the staff, including Caleb. 
◊“Merry Madagascar” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this holiday sequel to the animated feature “Madagascar,” Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria (voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith) must deliver Santa’s presents to save Christmas when St. Nick gets amnesia following a crash landing on their island.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors” looks at how we became the creative humans of today and what really happened to the Neanderthals who faded into extinction.
◊“The Standard Snowboard Show” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): Season 6 features future stars of the sport, including Halldor Helgason and Jason Dubois.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): In the Cycle 13 finale, the final two girls must pull out all the stops to impress the judges and nail their final CoverGirl commercial in Hawaii. Eddie Murphy (“Imagine That”) attends the final runway show, and the episode is followed by a special look back at the season with never-before-seen clips.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): After a body falls from the 59th Street Bridge, the CSI team finds a compass near the body pointing east, and realizes it’s the third victim of the “Compass Killer.” Skeet Ulrich (“Jericho”) returns as Hollis Eckhart, the “Compass Killer.”  Nelly (“The Longest Yard”) returns as Terrence Davis, an informant who helps Detective Flack.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Gary turns to Allison after he makes a disastrous attempt to prepare a fancy Thanksgiving feast for Sasha, Curtis, Jack and the kids. Max Gail (“Barney Miller”) returns as Gary’s Dad, Jack.
◊“Gotta Catch Santa Claus” (6 p.m. on ABC Family): This animated musical adventure follows two youngsters as they atempt to track down Santa Claus (voiced by William Shatner, “Star Trek”) and prove he still exists.
◊“In the Spotlight With Robin Roberts” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Singer Janet Jackson will sit down with host Robin Roberts for an exclusive television interview. The private pop star, who was known to be extremely close with her brother, Michael, will allow cameras into her Malibu home for the first time.
◊“Lost Cave Temples of the Himalaya” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In a remote corner of the Himalaya, in the forbidden kingdom of Mustang, a team of climbers clambers into mysterious caes for the first time and uncovers ancient cave temples lost to the modern world.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): With a history of giving bad gifts, Claire is determined to surprise Phil with an amazing anniversary present – a private performance by one of their favorite musicians, Izzy LaFontaine (Edward Norton, “Primal Fear”). Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron call up their party-girl friend, Sal (Elizabeth Banks, “Seabiscuit”) for a long overdue night out on the town.
◊“Mustang — Journey of Transformation” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Richard Gere (“Amelia”) narrates the story of a Tibetan culture pulled back from the brink of extinction through the restoration of its most sacred sites: the 15th-century Buddhist monasteries and the art within.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine sets Richard up on a date with a gorgeous, passionate woman who works out at her gym, while Richard’s friend, Tom, continues trying to woo Christine. Jennifer Grey (“Dirty Dancing”), who is married to series star Clark Gregg (Richard), guest stars as Richard’s lusty blind date.  Dave Foley (“News Radio”) returns as Tom, Richard’s friend who has a longstanding crush on Christine.
◊“Secrets of Shangri-La” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the legendary kingdom of Mustang, a remote corner of the Himalaya previously off-limits to outsiders, a team of explorers and scientists climbs for the first time into human-carved caves thousands of years old.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on Bravo): This week’s challenge is based on the Bocuse d’Or, a prestigious cooking competition founded by noted chef Paul Bocuse, whose son, Jerome, serves as a guest judge along with American chef Thomas Keller. Chefs Daniel Boulud, Alex Stratta, Gavin Kaysen, Timothy Hollingsworth and Traci Des Jardin also appear.

THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): When Liz’s apartment building is converted to condos, she has to make a drastic change to her living arrangements. Nathan Corddry (“United States of Tara”) and Chris Parnell (“Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
◊“The 2009 World Magic Awards” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): The two-hour awards presentation brings together the world’s top illusionists, escape artists and sleight-of-hand masters and will feature 14 heart-stopping performances. Scheduled to appear are Lance Burton, Franz Harary, Ed Alonzo, Katalin, Barry & Stuart, Morgan, Greg Frewin and Tommy Wind.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Booth’s grandfather Hank (Ralph Waite, “The Waltons”) comes to live with him and tags along as Brennan and Booth investigate ashes and charred remains found by a real estate agent while showing a property to prospective buyers.
◊“Family Armor” (9 p.m. on TLC): Deep in the heart of Texas, two Mormon brothers-in-law run a cutting-edge bulletproofing business that turns everyday cars into tricked-out gadget-filled fortresses. The family devotes their time to work, kin and religion … and along the way they get to shoot guns and blow up things.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s pass, Miranda is visited by her father, William (Frankie Faison, “Silence of the Lambs”), who disapproves of her choices in life.
◊“Mortal Lessons” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary is about two women battling lung cancer on the surface, yet it is really about living life.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Addison is shaken by the unwelcome arrival of her father (Stephen Collins, “7th Heaven”) to Los Angeles, Cooper is arrested when he refuses to cooperate in a case involving a longtime patient and Pete fights to keep a terminally ill patient alive long enough for him to meet his new daughter.
◊“Project Runway” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): After the grueling weeks in the workroom and knocking off their competition, the remaining designers prove to the judges they have the skills and vision to make it in the fashion business. The finalists are given their biggest challenge yet — to create a complete collection to show during New York Fashion week.
◊“Secrets of Twilight” (9:30 p.m. on E!): Giuliana Rancic (“Giuliana & Bill”) hosts this special that is packed with interviews, backstage gossip and clips from the latest movie in the “Twilight” saga, “New Moon.”
◊“Terror in Mumbai” (7 p.m. on HBO): CNN host Fareed Zakaria, a native of Mumbai, narrates this documentary that chronicles the bloody period in 2008 when a band of 10 young Pakistani men made coordinated attacks across the city, leaving more than 170 people dead. The film includes recordings of cell-phone calls between the gunmen and those controlling them, as well as interrogation footage of the lone surviving shooter.
◊“Top 20 Celebs Gone Good” (7 p.m. on VH1): VH1 has partnered with DoSomething.org, the nation’s largest not-for-profit for young people and cause, to help separate the stars that really care from those who just like to smile for the cameras. This special will reveal the top 20 do-gooders that visitors to CelebsGoneGood.com helped choose as 2009’s Top 20 Celebs Gone Good for their charity work. Nominees include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Oprah Winfrey and Carrie Underwood.
◊“Wild Horse Redemption” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): At a prison in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, hard-core criminals are given 90 days to tame wild mustang horses. Most of the inmates who volunteer for the program have never even ridden a horse.

FRIDAY, NOV. 20, 2009
◊“Damned to Heaven” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary examines issues of polygamy, abuse and under-age marriage practiced in the Colorado City, Ariz.-based Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) cult guided by Warren Jeffs. It features interviews with former FLDS members that capture honest feelings about Jeffs and life within the community.
◊“General Hospital” (2 p.m. on ABC): Golden Globe winner James Franco (“James Dean”) joins the cast in the recurring role of Franco, a mystery person who comes to Port Charles and will be intertwined with many other residents in town.
◊“Happily Ever Faster” (9 p.m. on TLC): This new series profiles the Las Vegas wedding chapel The Chapel of the Flowers that has a complete wedding services menu and caters to upwards of 50 couples a day. In the premiere episode, chapel planner Melody attempts to enlist William Shatner (“Star Trek”) as best man for a Trekkie wedding.
◊“Jimmy Kimmel Live” (12:06 p.m. on ABC): Host Jimmy Kimmel welcomes “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner to the show to coinciding with the release of the movie in theaters on the same night. Also, rock band Death Cab for Cutie will perform music from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon’s” original motion picture soundtrack, including the single “Meet Me on the Equinox.”
◊“Larry the Cable Guy’s Hula-Palooza Christmas Luau” (8 p.m. on CMT): This 90-minute variety show will feature Larry along with friends, including Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”), Caroline Rhea (“Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”), George Lindsey (“The Andy Griffith Show”) and Angela Little MacKenzie (“Reno 911”). In addition to the holiday-themed comedy and sketches set on the fictional island of Hula-Poola, the special will include musical performances by Billy Currington and the Zac Brown Band.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Allison develops a strange sensitivity to light, the sunglasses she wears reveal mysterious numbers which could tie into people’s life expectancies. Tom Verica (“American Dreams”) and Mitch Pileggi (“The X-Files”) guest star.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk finds his return to the police force to be more challenging than he expected when he becomes involved in the case of a serial killer.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When robbers hit a diamond exchange and take hostages, Don and the team find an unlikely ally in convict John Buckley (Fisher Stevens, “Early Edition”), who may help the team’s investigation when they believe the men are copying Buckley’s criminal strategies.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): After Harper learns her family is moving away, the Russos offer to let Harper live with them. While cleaning out the basement to make room for Harper, Alex shrinks herself down to fit in her old doll house. Yara Shahidi (“Imagine That”) guest stars.

SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 2009
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): In addition to getting a sneak peek at Suze Orman’s upcoming visit to “The Biggest Loser,” she also explains why viewers shouldn’t give in to the sale signs in store windows this season.
◊“Sit Down, Shut Up” (11 p.m. on Fox): In the series finale, Sue gives Andrew an ultimatum to turn around the drama department. He writes his magnum opus, a musical starring the teachers with Miracle (voice of Oklahoma actress Kristin Chenoweth) as the female lead.
◊“True Jackson, VP” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the one-hour special episode “Flirting With Fame,” True’s crushing on a new boy at school named Justin (Tyler James Williams, “Everybody Hates Chris”). aND In an attempt to show True his romantic side, Justin enlists the help of superstar Natasha Bedingfield to perform “These Words” for the duo.
◊“Turtles Forever” (9 a.m. on CW): This special incorporates the three distinctive versions of the Turtles as they appeared in their original iterations: 1984 black and white comic book; late 1980’s/early 1990’s animated TV series; and their current animated series.

–Penny TV

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Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Nov. 8-14, 2009

  Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Nov. 8.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

GUEST STARS
••Nicole Anderson (“Jonas”) on “Imagination Movers,” 9 a.m. Saturday on Disney.
••Justin Bieber (teen pop singer) on “True Jackson VP,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday on Nickelodeon.
••Chris Bowers (“Rescue Me”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Care Bears on Fire (tween punk rock band) on “True Jackson VP,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday on Nickelodeon.
••Charisma Carpenter (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) on “Legend of the Seeker,” 4 p.m. Sunday on KOCB-34.
••Nick Chinlund (“Desperate Housewives”) on “The Mentalist,” 9 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Matt Davis (“Legally Blonde”) on “The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CW.
••Jason Dolley (“Good Luck Charlie”) on “Imagination Movers,” 9 a.m. Saturday on Disney.
••Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) on “Garage Mahal,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on DIY.
••Laurence Fishburne (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) on “CSI: Miami,” 9 p.m. Monday on CBS, and “CSI: NY,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••David Gallagher (“7th Heaven”) on “Smallville,” 7 p.m. Friday on CW.
••Joel Grey (“Cabaret”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Chuck Hittinger (“ER”) on “Jonas,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Disney.
••Kelly Hu (“Martial Law”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Penny Johnson Jerald (“24″) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Swoosie Kurtz (“Pushing Daisies”) on “Rita Rocks,” 9 p.m. Monday on Lifetime.
••Drew Lachey (“The Comebacks”) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Nick Lachey (“Charmed”) on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Padma Lakshmi (“Top Chef”) on “Watch What Happens,” 11 p.m. Thursday on Bravo.
••Virginia Madsen (“Smith”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Kathy Najimy (“Sister Act”) on “Desperate Housewives,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Paula Newsome (“Women’s Murder Club”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••First Lady Michelle Obama on “Sesame Street,” 9 a.m. Tuesday on OETA-13.
••Kelly Pickler (“American Idol”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Amy Pietz (“Caroline in the City”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Lou Diamond Phillips (“La Bamba”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Teri Polo (“I’m With Her”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Kim Raver (“24″) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Adam Rodriguez (“CSI: Miami”) on “Ugly Betty,” 8 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Gavin Rossdale (musical artist) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••“Sesame Street” characters on “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader,” 7 p.m. Monday on CMT.
••Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Jacob Vargas (“Traffic”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Nadine Valezquez (“My Name Is Earl”) on “Gary Unmarried,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.

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

Pictured above: Photo: First Lady Michelle Obama, Muppets & Cast in “MICHELLE OBAMA PALNTS A GARDEN.” PHOTO CREDIT – Richard Termine

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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 Nov. 8:

SUNDAY, NOV. 8, 2009
◊“Bored to Death” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 1 finale, George, Jonathan and Ray accept a challenge from George’s publishing rival, Richard, and agree to a tripleheader boxing match — the guys from Edition against the GQ crew.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates the murder of an accomplished 45-year-old Mexican-born jockey who “disappeared” within hours of losing a race he’d long planned as his last before retirement. The music of Santana will play exclusively throughout the episode.  Jacob Vargas (“Traffic”) guest stars as the slain jockey’s apprentice.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Susan believes Katherine may be Julie’s assailant while Angie confronts Nick about the secret he’s withholding from her. Kathy Najimy (“Sister Act”) guest stars.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Kellie Pickler travels with the team to Beavercreek, Ohio, to tell James Terpenning, a wheelchair sports champion and mentor to disabled Iraqi War veterans, that he and his family will have a newly rebuilt home in seven days.
◊“Gabriel Iglesias: I’m Not Fat … I’m Fluffy” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): This all-new stand-up special features the comedian’s perfect blend of impeccable voice skills and an uncanny knack for hilarious storytelling.  Iglesias’s high-caliber performance was filmed in front of a packed house at the historic Plaza Theatre in El Paso, Texas.
◊“Jonas” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): Joe discovers Stella is going on a date with the star jock Van Dyke Tosh (Chuck Hittinger, “ER”), so he has a date, as well.
◊“Keeping Up With the Kardashians: The Wedding” (7 p.m. on E!): After a whirlwind romance, Khloe Kardashian takes a magical journey down the aisle with Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom. Join Kim, Kourtney and the whole Kardashian clan along with Hollywood’s elite for an insider’s look at this star-studded event.
◊“Legend of the Seeker” (4 p.m. on KOCB-34): In Season 2, Richard, Kahlan and Zedd will encounter an array of new characters, both good and evil, and they will be tested in ways that they never could have imagined. The trio will discover that in defeating the bloodthirsty tyrant Darken Rahl, their victory is short-lived as they inadvertently unleashed an even greater evil on the world. Charisma Carpenter (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) guest stars as a wicked Mord’Sith named Triana.
◊“Mad Men” (9 p.m. on AMC): As Don has a meeting with Connie, Pete has a chat with his clients, and Betty receives an interesting piece of advice in the Season 3 finale.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The black mamba hasn’t been studied in the wild much, because most people who encounter this large, deadly snake kill it on sight. But in this new episode, a team of snake handlers in Swaziland braves the danger to conduct a six-week study of the deadly reptile.
◊“The Prince & Me: Holiday Honeymoon” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In this sequel to “The Prince & Me: The Royal Wedding,” newlyweds Queen Paige (Kam Heskin) and King Edvard (Chris Geere) try to escape the spotlight by honeymooning in Belavia. But instead they end up uncovering a plot against the Danish monarchy.
◊“Stacked: CMA Nominees 2009″ (9:30 a.m. on CMT): This special features the CMA Awards nominees in the video of the year category — Randy Houser’s “Boots On,” Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” Bill Currington’s “People Are Crazy,” Brad Paisley’s “Start a Band” duet with Keith Urban and Geirge Strait’s “Troubadour.” The 43rd annual CMA Awards ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC. 
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): Reed Timmer aims to step up from aggressive chaser to extreme scientist with his new military-grade radar capable of measuring wind speeds inside a twister. And he gets his vehicle inside the circulation of an EF3 for the intercept of a lifetime.
◊“Surviving 2012″ (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special explores the most plausible planetary disasters that 2012 may bring to determine whether or not the end of life on Earth really is lurking just around the corner.
◊“The Time I …” (6:55 p.m. on Disney): This new short-form series features young viewers sharing milestones in ther lives. The 1-2 minute segments include the stories “The Time I…Became a Big Sister” by 12-year-old Jasmine, “The Time I….Rode an Elephant” by 12-year-old Tiana, “The Time I….Flew By Myself” by 8-year-old Reese and “The Time I…Won a Blue Ribbon at the Country Fair” by 10-year-old cousins Hope and Logan.

MONDAY, NOV. 9, 2009
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on CMT): Host Jeff Foxworthy welcomes Bert, Grover, Prairie Dawn, Zoe and Cookie Monster for a week-long event celebrating the 40th anniversary of “Sesame Street.” A different co-host will be featured each day of the week as contestants test there knowledge of grade-school level questions on the fast-paced game show.
◊“BBC World News America” (6 p.m. on BBC America): A special edition of the show broadcasts live from Berlin on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. German-born Matt Frei, who reported from Berlin on the day the Wall fell 20 years ago, returns to his native country to anchor the program from the historic Brandenburg Gate.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio Caine calls Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) to come to Miami when a severed leg found in the Everglades is discovered to belong to a girl who went missing in Las Vegas a week earlier. 
◊“Garage Mahal” (9:30 p.m. on DIY): Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) throws down his carving knife and picks up a hammer to help the DIY Network crew and host Brian Corsetti build a vintage diner style garage, complete with rolling car and custom back bars, diamond plate wainscoting and chair rail, black and white murals and a half-ton of classic auto parts.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Not satisfied with just being Queen of Constance Billard, Jenny sets her sights on becoming Queen of all the Upper East Side. Leighton Meester;s new single “Somebody to Love” is featured, along with a guest performance from all-girl rock band Plastiscines.
◊“How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmmaker Leslie Woodhead, who first met the Beatles in 1962 when he worked on a film in the Liverpool Cavern Club, talks to Russians who grew up listening to the Beatles and found hope and inspiration in their music and their message of rebellion.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barney and Robin hit a rough patch in their relationship, Lily devises the perfect plan to break them up, calling in help from Robin’s famous friend, Alan Thicke.
◊“Lincoln Heights” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Cassie tells Charles she wants to apply to school in New York, and Lizzie gets into trouble at school.
◊“Lopez Tonight” (10 p.m. on TBS): Comedian and actor George Lopez headlines this new late-night talk show that will feature a street-party feel with pumped-up music, audience interaction and a format that is open to change each day. His prmeiere-night guests include Ellen DeGeneres (“Ellen”), Eva Longoria-Parker (“Desperate Housewives”) and Kobe Bryant (NBA player).
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): Series star Sophia Bush (Brooke) directed this episode in which devastating news threatenes to derrail Brook and Julian’s fairytale romance.
◊“Rita Rocks” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Swoosie Kurtz (“Pushing Daisies”) guest stars as Rita’s overly judgmental mother, Marilyn. Rita scrubs down the house and hides all the junk food to prepare for a visit from Marilyn, who decides to stay a couple weeks longer to spend more quality time with Rita and the family.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (noon on KOCB-34): Meredith Vieira won’t be the only person asking questions on the game show. Starting today, she will get assistance from celebrities such as Senator John McCain, Vanessa Williams (“Ugly Betty”), Jane Lynch (“Glee”), Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds”) and Robin Roberts (“Good Morning America”). Monday is also the first day of the “Million Dollar Tournament of Ten” that will feature the season’s top 10 contestants who will get a shot at a $1 million question.

TUESDAY, NOV. 10, 2009
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): Playing the game for charity are celebrities Nick Lachey (“Charmed”) and Drew Lachey (“The Comebacks”).
◊“Disaster House” (9 p.m. on DIY): Host Josh Temple and his team drop a 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis from nearly 100 feet to replicate years of damage a normal driveway can endure and what homeowners can do to repair common problems. He also uses a Pumpkin Cannon to shoot a variety of fruits at a home mailbox to show viewers how to repair theirs.
◊“Full Throttle Saloon” (9 p.m. on truTV): This new series takes viewers behind-the-scenes at The Throttle, a biker bar in Sturgis, S.D. The 30-acre indoor/outdoor bar features several large stages, a burn-out pit, a tattoo parlor, zip lines, a wrestling ring, restaurants, dozens of stores, hundreds of cabins for rent and parking for thousands of bikes. It is only open two weeks a year during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): While representing the daughter of one of the partner’s at the law firm, Alicia finds herself attracted to her co-counsel and his unorthodox approach to defending their client. Chris Bowers (“Rescue Me”) guest stars as Alicia’s co-counsel.
◊“In the Spotlight With Robin Roberts: Bright Lights. Big Stars. All Access Nashville” (9 p.m. on ABC): Take a backstage tour of the country music scene with Robin Roberts (“Good Morning America”) as she goes home with Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood and Nashville residents Tim McGraw and Martina McBride. Also on the itinerary are interviews with Vince Gill, Loretta Lynn and Rosanne Cash.
◊“Independent Lens” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): In “D Tour,” documentarian Jim Granato tells the story of Pat Spurgeon, an aspiring indie rocker whose life and career suffer a setback when one of his kidneys begins to fail. The film follows him as he searches for a donor while on tour with his band Rogue Wave.
◊“James May on the Moon” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Driven by his passion for technology, “Top Gear” presenter James May seeks out both the astronauts and the men who built the space vehicles. And through manipulation of archive footage, May buckles up with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, lands the Eahle and takes a space walk.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): With the team’s help, Vance faces his demons while uncovering a complex relationship with a killer that puts his whole family in danger. Kelly Hu (“Martial Law”), Penny Johnson Jerald (“24″) and Paula Newsome (“Women’s Murder Club”) guest star.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): The world’s largest informal children’s educator celebrates its 40th birthday today, which is the exact day the series debuted on television four decades ago. The new season will feature a new show opening, a new nature curriculum and the new First Lady Michelle Obama, who appears in the premiere epusode and teaches “the street’s” residents about the many benefits of planting a garden and healthy eating.
◊“Starz Inside: Sex and the Cinema” (9 p.m. on Starz): This special explores how sexually charged films reflect out own sexual liberation. It also looks at many films that push the boundary, from mainstream studio films to producyt that comes from the porn industry.
◊“The Will: Families Divided” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special explores the intrigue, legal wrangling and high emotions surrounding real-life stories of family inheritance — whether there is a valid will or not.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009
◊“The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” (7 p.m. on ABC): Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, the reigning CMA female and male vocalists of the year, co-host the event for the second consecutive year. Both are also nominees and are scheduled to perform, along with Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift and George Strait.
◊“Apocalypse: The Second World War” (7 p.m. on  Smithsonian Channel): Martin Sheen (“The West Wing”) narrates this six-part series featuring footage filmed by those who witnessed the war first-hand. This footage was deemed ‘unfit’ for civilians to see.  Until now. It has been restored, colorized and transferred to high definition. The series will air over six consecutive nights.
◊“Change the World: American Heroes” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Craftsman Carter Oosterhouse and designer Monica Pedersen transform homes in Philadelphia and St. Louis into comfortable and welcoming places for veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.
◊“Coca-Cola: The Real Story Behind the Real Thing” (8 p.m. on CNBC): With unprecedented access, CNBC pulls back the curtain on Coca-Cola, revealing never-before-seen labs, secret archives and high-tech product testing. Cameras follow Coke’s urgent campaign to reinvent itself after years of losing ground to arch-rival Pepsi in the race to develop new beverages.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit follows a trail of murders that seems to align with the tour schedule of a rock star. Gavin Rossdale plays a Goth performer who has become lost in the frightening alter-ego he portrays on stage — an alter-ego the BAU team suspects may be a brutal serial killer.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) rushes to New York when Det. Mac Taylor and his team identify a woman hidden in a big rig following an accident as someone he interviewed in Miami related to his missing person’s case.   Though the woman disappears after the accident, Langston and Mac discover they’re onto an interstate trucking ring that specializes in human cargo and black market organ harvesting.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Allison is jilted when her new “friend,” Sophia (Nadine Valezquez, “My Name Is Earl”), prefers Gary’s company over hers.
◊“Ghost Hunters Academy” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In this new spinoff of “Ghost Hunters,” two members of The Atlantic Paranormal Society — technical manager Steve Gonsalves and evidence analyst Dave Tango — show a group of college students how to investigate reports of paranormal activity.
◊“POV” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new documentary “The Way We Get By” tells the stories behind a group of retired and elderly citizens in Maine who have taken it upon themselves to greet every troop plane arriving or departing Bangor, which is the last and first piece of U.S. soil many soldiers see before and after their deployments.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Max (Eric McCormack, “Will & Grace”) points out to Christine that she quits anything that gets too hard, including relationships, which is one of the reasons he chose to be her therapist rather than her boyfriend.
◊“Return to Duty” (8 p.m. on MTV): Viewers of “The Real World: Brooklyn” may remember the emotional moment when cast member and Army vet Ryan Conklin was unexpectedly recalled for a second tour of duty in Iraq. In this documentary, Conklin takes viewers through the year since that day, offering a soldier’s view of America’s changing military presence in the long war in Iraq.
◊“Secrets of the Dead” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new episode “Airmen and the Headhunters” recounts the rescue of a U.S. bomber crew shot down over the jungles of Japanese-occupied Borneo during World War II. Dayak tribesmen, known for taking the heads of their enemies, fed and protected the airmen.

THURSDAY, NOV. 12, 2009
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) continues the search for the young girl taken hostage as part of the human trafficking operation. It leads him to investigate a prostitution ring in Las Vegas that may harbor the missing woman.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Owen recruits his fellow Iraqi War vet, Dr. Teddy Altman, as the new cardiothoracic surgeon, Cristina questions Teddy’s abilities in the operating room and the nature of their past relationship. Joel Grey (“Cabaret”) and Kim Raver (“24″) guest star.
◊“The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): While Jane and the team examine the crime scene where a baseball scout is found murdered, Jane is clocked in the head by a ball and flashes back to his childhood with his overbearing father (Nick Chinlund, “Desperate Housewives”).
◊“Stateline: Behind the Curtain” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of OETA’s award-winning documentary series unveils what it takes to maintain Oklahoma’s world class museums and attractions. Attractions featured include the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, home to thousands of varieties of sea life; the J.M. Davis Gun Museum in Claremore that could outfit an army; and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, which prepares for performances days in advance of the curtain.
◊“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): A mysterious new history teacher (Matt Davis, “Legally Blonde”) arrives at the high school. And when Elena, Bonnie and Caroline hold a seance, the results are stranger than any of them expected.

FRIDAY, NOV. 13, 2009
◊“Great Performances” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Motown Records, “Stevie Wonder: Live At Last” features the American musician in a concert performance at London’s O2 Arena.
◊“Invitation Only: Tim McGraw” (8 p.m. on CMT): Country music artist Tim McGraw returns to the stage to perform his biggest hits and music from his latest album “Southern Voice.” He also takes questions from fans and gives revealing and candid answers.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison fears the worst about Ariel’s new boyfriend when she suspects him of murdering a man.  Also, Bridgette posts embarrassing videos of a man on the Internet and gets into trouble. Amy Pietz (“Caroline in the City”) guest stars as the mother of Ariel’s boyfriend in this episode directed by David Arquette (“Scream”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): While tracking down a felon running a heroin ring inside a prison, Agent Ian Edgerton (Lou Diamond Phillips, “La Bamba”) becomes a murder suspect when the informant he meets with ends up dead, sending a desperate Edgerton over the edge when he takes a member of Don’s team hostage.
◊“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): DC Comics’ “The Wonder Twins” Jayna and Zan (David Gallagher, 7th Heaven) show up in Metroplolis to help The Blur fight crime. But they end of botching several rescues.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Hilda’s bad-boy high school flame and Betty’s schoolgirl crush — Bobby Talercio (Adam Rodriguez, “CSI: Miami”) — teaches at Justin’s school, causing the sisters to both doubt their feelings for “nice guys” — such as Archie (Ralph Macchio, “The Karate Kid”), in Hilda’s case.

SATURDAY, NOV. 14, 2009
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): Host Claire Robinson prepares all her Thanksgiving recipes with five or fewer ingredients. She cooks up roasted turkey breast with gravy, cornbread dressing and a ginger pumpkin tart.
◊“Ask Aida” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Create a Thanksgiving feast with host Aida Mollenkamp’s crowd-pleasing menu. She fixes an apple-sage roast turkey, whole wheat stuffing and a pecan pumpkin crunch. She also shares her simple recipe for hearty pan gravy.
◊“Cougar Town” (4 p.m. on SoapNet): This two-hour marathon includes the first three episodes (as well as the fifth episode) of the ABC series starring Courteney Cox as a recently divorced single mother exploring the truths about dating and aging. 
◊“Everything She Ever Wanted” (7 p.m on Lifetime Movie Network): This two-part miniseries, which concludes Nov. 15, stars Gina Gershon (“Bound”) as a Southern woman whose storybook wedding signals the beginning of a nightmare marriage that is ultimately upended by greed and violence. It is inspired by a true story.
◊“Flower Girl” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Marla Sokoloff (“The Practice”) stars in this new romance as Laurel, a florist who can’t seem to find the man of her dreams. But when her grandmother (Marion Ross) tries to fix Laurel up with the perfect man, before she knows it, she has not one but two potential suitors on her hands and must decide if its time to follow her heart or her head.
◊“Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): In the episode “A Fairy Tale Ending,” the Movers must convince Cinderella to go home and back to her story so she can have her fairy tale ending with Prince Charming. The episode features the debut of the new original song “When You Grow Up.” Nicole Anderson (“Jonas”) and Jason Dolley (“Good Luck Charlie”) guest star as Cinderella and Prince Charming.
◊“Oklahoma Hall of Fame” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The 2009 Oklahoma Hall of Fame class of 2009 is inducted. The seven Oklahoma honorees are: C. Kendric Fergeson, Altus; Marlin G. “Ike” Glass, Jr., Newkirk; V. Burns Hargis, Stillwater; Polly A. Nichols, Oklahoma City; Lee Roy Selmon, Eufaula; Steven W. Taylor, McAlester; and Wayman Lawrence Tisdale, Tulsa, who will be inducted posthumously.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): January Jones (“Mad Men”) makes her “SNL” debut as host. Back for their second appearance are musical guests The Black Eyed Peas, three-time Grammy Award winners.
◊“Super Dave’s Spike-Tacular” (10 p.m. on SPIKE): Emmy winner Bob Einstein returns as Super Dave Osbourne, self-described as the greatest daredevil superstar entertainer of all time, as he prepares for a weekly death-defying stunt. Stunts he will attempt in the four-part special event include trying to break the NASCAR speed record on a track loaded with explosives, breaking the speed record in the Guinness Book of World Records for a hybrid vehicle, challenging the world’s six greatest paintball players and stepping into the Octagon with former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): The five warning signs that your financial advisor doesn’t have your best interest at heart.
◊“True Jackson, VP” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the Season 2 premiere, True is determined to save her school’s design department from budget cuts and decides to hold a fundraising concert. Making special celebrity appearances are teen pop singer Justin Bieber and Brooklyn tween punk rock band Care Bears on Fire.

–Penny TV

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Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Oct. 11-17, 2009

 
   Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Oct. 11.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

GUEST STARS
••Paula Abdul (“American Idol”) on “Drop Dead Diva,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime.
••Fred Armisen (“Saturday Night Live”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Corbin Bernsen (“Psych”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Deanne Bray (“Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye”) on “Heroes,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Steve Buscemi (“Fargo”) on “30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Steven Culp (“JAG”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Ted Danson (“Damages”) on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Hector Elizondo (“Cane”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Peter Gallagher (“The O.C.”) on “Californication,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Showtime.
••Brad Garrett (“Til Death”) on ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Adam Goldberg (“Entourage”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Matt Hardy (“WWF SmackDown!”) on “Scare Tactics,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy.
••Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Capote”) on “Arthur,” 3:30 p.m. Monday on OETA-13.
••Ernie Hudson (“Oz”) on “Heroes,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Kristen Johnson (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) on “Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Ravi Kapoor (“Crossing Jordan”) on “Fringe,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox.
••Jane Leeves (“Frasier”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 7 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD.
••Shelley Long (“Cheers”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Enrique Murciano (“Without a Trace”) on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Judd Nelson (“Suddenly Susan”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 7 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD.
••Bebe Neuwirth (“Frasier”) on “Bored to Death,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Adina Porter (“True Blood” on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Parker Posey (“The Return of Jezebel James”) on “Bored to Death,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Giuliana Rancic (“Giuliana & Bill”) on ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Lynn Redgrave (“Teachers Only”) on “Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Cokie Roberts (“This Week”) on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” noon Monday on KOCB-34.
••Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”) on “Yo Gabba Gabba,” noon Tuesday on Nick Jr.
••Christian Slater (“the forgotten”) on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Lee Tergesen (“Oz”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Kathleen Turner (“Marley & Me”) on “Californication,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Showtime.
••Wade Williams (“Prison Break”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Chandra Wilson (“Grey’s Anatomy”) on “Private Practice,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Alex Wolff (“The Naked Brothers Band”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Xzibit (“Gridiron Gang”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.           

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

Pictured above: Special guest star Paula Abdul reprises her role as Judge Paula Abdul in the season finale of “Drop Dead Diva.” (Lifetime Photo)

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