TV Preview Podcast: ‘Through a Dog’s Eyes’
Each week, The Oklahoman TV Editor Penny Soldan hosts an audio podcast discussing an upcoming TV premiere.
This week’s premiere is the new PBS Special “Through a Dog’s Eyes” premiering at 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, on OETA-13 in Oklahoma City (check local listings for air time in other cities).
To hear her discussion with Melissa Hayer, assistant news research editor for The Oklahoman, click the arrow below.
Pictured above: Aiden with service dog Nala on “Through a Dog’s Eyes”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Top 55 TV Programs for April 18-24, 2010
Sunday’s
Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 18:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2010
••The 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (7 p.m. on CBS): Reba McEntire, who was raised in Chockie, will host the Academy of Country Music’s awards celebration being broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Nominated for six awards are Carrie Underwood from Checotah and Miranda Lambert, who lives in Tishomingo.
••”Beauty & the Briefcase” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In this adaptation of Daniella Brodsky’s book “Diary of a Working Girl,” Hilary Duff (“Lizzie McGuire”) stars as a New York fashion writer who sells a cover story to Cosmopolitan. Her assignment: Go undercover to find love in the business world.
••”Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): Both teams must make over the images of up-and-coming country singers Emily West and Luke Bryan in time for a People Country magazine interview, a photo shoot and live concert. Trace Adkins (“Lifted”) guest stars.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Determined to derail son Preston’s marriage to Irina, Lynette discovers the truth about her future daughter-in-law. John Barrowman (“Torchwood”) guest stars.
••”The Emeril Lagasse Show” (7 p.m. on ION, KOPX-62): This new series launches with a housewarming party-themed premiere featuring special guest Martha Stewart (“The Martha Stewart Show”). Singer Michelle Williams (formerly of Destiny’s Child) will add to the excitement by performing “Roxie” from “Chicago.” Each episode, Chef Lagasse will shaire his world, his friends and his passion for food with the studio and home audience.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Xzibit (“The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call — New Orleans”) joins the design team in Connecticut to rebuild the small, fire-damaged and deteriorating home of the musical Hill family, who give the gifts of song and inspiration to their community.
••”Life” (7 p.m. on Discovery): The new installment “Plants” includes a look at the Boston ivy and cats-claw creeper that use other plants as a ladder to get to the light. It is followed by “Primates” that spotlights the Hamadryas baboons and Japanese macaques, and “Making of Life” that showcases the efforts by the LIFE filmmaking team to bring the breathtaking images of intimate animal and plant behavior to the screen.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Adapted from Andrea Levy’s best-selling novel, the new two-part story “Small Island” chronicles the moving saga of two couples — one Jamaican (Naomie Harris, David Oyelowo), one English (Ruth Wilson, Benedict Cumberbatch) — whose lives intertwine in both friendship and tragic misunderstanding in post-World War II Britain.
••”On the Case With Paula Zahn” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): While shooting the second season, host Paula Zahn traveled the country to talk directly to people touched by fascinating cases, resulting in interviews that reveal the raw emotions these tragedies have left behind. The premiere episode focuses on the case of Brooke Wilberger, a Brigham Young University student who mysteriously vanished from a parking lot in Corvallis, Ore., in 2004.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): The Marines attempt to capture the Peleliu airfield against a fortified enemy, despite 115-degree heat and a lack of clean drinking water.
••”Riverworld” (6 p.m. on Syfy): When a suicide bomber kills a war zone reporter and his fiance, they awaken separated in mysterious world where everyone who has ever lived on Earth seems to have been “reborn” along the banks of a seemingly endless river. The reporter joins forces with a 13th century female samurai warrior American novelist Sam ‘Mark Twain’ Clemens to find his fiance and search for the source of the river.
••”South Sea Pearls” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This is an in-depth look at the industry of pearl farming in Northern Australia and the well-guarded technique of cultivating the only precious jewel made by nature.
MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2010
••”American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode “Earth Days,” filmmaker Robert Stone traces the origins of the modern environmental movement through the eyes of nine Americans who propelled it.
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in Hour 1 from Phoenix include a circa 1905 advertising display for waterproof baby pants, a 1797 Chippendale marriage chest and a collection of original Charles Schulz “Peanuts” artwork.
••“The Agronomist” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary features footage and interviews with Jean Dominique, a noted Haitian journalist who ran Haiti’s first independent radio station and spoke out against issues of corruption and negligence.
••”Baggage” (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Jerry Springer (“Jerry Springer”) hosts this new dating game show that reveals what people are willing to put up with in the name of finding love. In each episode, one dater chooses among three contestants who reveal quirky, embarrasing and shocking “baggage” that is typically kept under wraps to impress a first date.
••”Dhani Tackles the Globe” (10 p.m. on Travel Channel): NFL linebacker Dhani Jones continues his global sports odyssey to participate in beloved national pastimes of cultures around the world. In the season premiere, he trains with Olympic and professional cyclists to conquer Monte Grappe in Italy.
••”Explorer” (8 p.m. on National Geographic): Lisa Ling (“The View”) hosts this two-hour event that looks back on the quarter-century history of the “Explorer” series’ tradition of investigating unique stories around the world.
••“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dr. House and the team take on the case of Sir William, a “knight” in a closed-off community of men and women living according to the ideals of the High Renaissance. Meanwhile, Wilson starts over with an ex (Cynthia Watros, “Lost”).
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted attends his mother’s (Cristine Rose, ‘‘Heroes”) wedding, he is disturbed by her overly affectionate relationship with her fiance.
••”The McVeigh Tapes: Confessions of an American Terrorist” (8 p.m. on MSNBC): Fifteen years after the Oklahoma City bombing, Rachel Maddow (“The Rachel Maddow Show”) brings viewers the inside story on the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil prior to the events of Sept. 11. Drawing from 45 hours of never-before-released interview audiotapes recorded during McVeigh’s prison stay, viewers will hear his confession in his own words.
••”The Newlywed Game” (5 p.m. on GSN): Carnie Wilson returns as host for Season 3 of the game show, which will feature a diverse line-up of newlyweds from all backgrounds, including one same-sex couple.
••”Romantically Challenged” (8:32 p.m. on ABC): This new comedy follows four friends trying to find love and happiness while navigating their way through today’s tricky world of dating. Alyssa Milano (“Charmed”) plays Rebecca, who is recently divorced after 15 years of marriage. Rounding out the group are Rebecca’s sister, Lisa (Kelly Stables, “W.I.T.C.H.”) Rebecca’s best friend Perry (Kyle Bornheimer, “Worst Week”) and Perry’s roommate Shawn (Josh Lawson, “Chandon Pictures”).
TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2010
••”30 for 30″ (7 p.m. on ESPN): The new documentary “Silly Little Game” examines the history of fantasy sports from their little-known origins to a $4 billion industry with more than 30 million participants.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Contestants learn that the kitchen will be closed for a day and they’ll have to eat their meals from a buffet table offering both high and low calorie choices. Whoever eats the most calories will win a coveted prize — the only vote at elimination. Then it’s off to a circuit beach workout with pro volleyball player Gabrielle Reece.
••”Burma VJ: Reporting From a Closed Country” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): This documentary takes a rare inside look at Burma’s 2007 uprising through the cameras of underground Burmese video journalists. They recorded historic events on handycams at great risk to themselves and smuggled the footage out of the country for broadcast worldwide via satellite.
••”Carbon Hunters” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special takes viewers inside the controversial market-driven solution to pollution to meet a new breed of entrepreneurs cashing in on the “green rush.” From the Chicago Climate Exchange to Hollywood to “Garbage Mountain” in the Philippines, carbon trading is attracting investors and critics.
••“Cities on Speed” (7:30 p.m. on Sundance): This four-part documentary series journeys inside four cities — Cairo, Mumbai, Shanghai and and Bogota —to discover how these mega-cities are dealing with the challenges of modernity.
••”Deadliest Warrior” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): This non-scripted series that pits history’s greatest warriors against one another to determine who reigns supreme returns for a second season. The premiere episode pits SWAT vs. GSG-9. Upcoming showdowns include Attila the Hun vs. Alexander the Great, Jesse James Gang vs. Al Capone Gang and Comanche vs. Mongol.
••“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Mr. Schuester is concerned that the girls in the glee club are being disrespected and bullied by the guys. Looking to Madonna and her musical message of equality as inspiration, he challenges the entire team to choose Madonna songs as their next assignment. Idina Menzel (“Wicked”) and Jonathan Groff (“One Life to Live”) guest star.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Tensions are high as Peter’s appeal trial begins and Alicia defends a wealthy client in civil court whose innocence she doubts, even after he’s found not guilty in criminal court of murdering his wife. Mamie Gummer (“John Adams”) guest stars as bumbling prosecutor Nancy Crozier.
••”Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Jamie Lee Curtis (“You Again”) narrates “DIRT! The Movie” that delves into the history of the lowly substance and shows how its mistreatment can result in natural disasters.
••”The Lazy Environmentalist” (7 p.m. on Sundance): In Season 2, eco-entrepreneur Josh Dorfman attempts to bring individuals from all walks of life — from fashion designers to exterminators to surfers and day care center operators — guidance towards a green lifestyle. Dorfman works to prove that eco-friendly living can be achieved with little sacrifice, and even make their professional and private lives easier.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the enlisted son of retired Colonel-turned-preacher is found dead, the team believes he may be the victim of a hate crime. Meanwhile, Gibbs’ father comes for a holiday visit. Joe Regalbuto (“Murphy Brown”) and Ralph Waite (“The Waltons”) guest star.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): The Braverman family is on high alert when Amber’s ex-boyfriend Damien (Eddy Rioseco, “Related”) arrives from Fresno. Meanwhile, Zeek takes Adam on a road trip for investment advice and some father-son bonding.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2010
••”Accidentally on Purpose” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): After faking labor pains to get Zack out of a speeding ticket, Billie goes into labor — for real. Unfortunately, things take a turn when Zack gets busted by the officer they had initially lied to and is hauled off to the police station in the Season 1 finale.
••”American Idol: Idol Gives Back” (7 p.m. on Fox): Carrie Underwood, Checotah native and Season 4 winner, is scheduled to take part in this year’s event. So is David Cook, Tulsa resident and “American Idol” Season 7 winner. The event helps raises money for charities such as the Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America and Malaria No More. The prevois two specials raised more than $140 million.
••“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): Guest judge Whitney Port (“The City”) drops by the loft to surprise the girls before they put their personalities to the test during a runway challenge.
••”Cougar Town” (9 p.m. on ABC): Laurie needs a co-signer to buy her first condo and finds her less than stellar, absentee mother (Beverly D’Angelo, “Entourage”) no help at all. Meanwhile, Bobby is mugged by a woman and Travis comes to Barb’s aid after her latest cosmetic surgery procedure.
••”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): In a rebroadcast of the show’s 100th episode, the Behavioral Analysis Unit races to help Hotch find the Reaper (C. Thomas Howell, “Southland”) and save his family. D.B. Sweeney also guest stars.
••“Fly Girls” (8 p.m. on CW): Tasha, Louise and Nikole spend an evening at a club dancing to a performance by Snoop Dogg. Tasha has a disagreement with a passenger onboard a flight and accuses Farrah of reporting her to management.
••”In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Mary and Marshall try to help FBI agent Mike Faber convince his informant to enter Witsec. Despite their best efforts, the informant refuses their protection and gets himself into a heap of trouble. Steven Weber (“Happy Town”) guest stars.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): After Eva Banks (Rosie Perez, “Lipstick Jungle”) makes a shocking discovery about her son’s behavior at school, she takes him to the doctor, only to find out that he has been the victim of sexual abuse.
••”The Locator” (9 p.m. on WEtv): Season 4 concludes with another compelling story, as professional people finder Troy Dunn continues his 20-year personal mission to help reunite and reconnect loved ones. Dunn grew up in Enid.
••”Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Following the donut shop shooting, Veronica experiences a panic attack and continues to address her PTSD in therapy sessions with Dr. Cabe (Mary Stuart Masterson, “Kate Brasher”).
••”The Middle” (7 p.m. on ABC): Frankie and Mike are excited to discover that Axl has found the perfect girlfriend, Morgan (Alexa Vega, “Ruby & the Rockits”), and that he’s in love. But just as they start to get used to his new, sunny outlook on life, Morgan does the unthinkable and breaks up with him, leaving Axl completely heartbroken.
••”Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Claire feels slightly inadequate when her old friend, Valerie (Minnie Driver, “The Riches”), visits and is nothing like Claire remembered. Meanwhile Jay has an unsettling locker room moment when he and Cameron go play racquetball.
••”P.O.V.” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmmaker Robert Kenner’s Oscar-nominated ‘‘Food, Inc.” documentary reveals how sick animals, environmental degradation, tainted and unhealthy food, obesity and other health issues are just the more obvious problems with a mechanized and centralized system of food production.
••”Through a Dog’s Eyes” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary chronicles the work of Canine Assistants, a family-run nonprofit organization devoted to training assistance dogs for people with disabilities. It follows the life-changing journey of recipients as they go through the heartwarming and sometimes difficult process of receiving and being matched with a service dog.
THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2010
••”30 Rock” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Liz Lemon starts making an effort to date by attending singles events with Jenna Maroney, and Jack Donaghy feels forced to choose between childhood love, Nancy Donovan (Julianne Moore, “Eagle Eye”), and news anchor Avery Jessup (Elizabeth Banks, “Scrubs”).
••”Amazing Plants” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): See how predatory plants use rapdors and enticing beautiful flowers to trap prey, while others shrivel up or emit odors to dend off enemies. Experts investigate these traits and detail how human intervention affects these living organisms.
••”Beyond the Barrel: The Race to Fuel the Future” (7 p.m. on CNBC): This special will introduce viewers to more than a dozen potential game changing innovations to power our planet and showcase the bottled promises ready to be unleashed from the Middle East, South America, Asia and here at home. It will also take a critical look at why we are still years away from putting these ideas into practice.
••“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): When human remains are discovered in the belly of a shark, Brennan and Booth are brought in to identify the missing person. Rena Sofer (“Coupling”) and Diedrich Bader (“The Drew Carey Show”) guest star.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a student is discovered murdered at Lindsey’s school, the investigation takes a sharp turn when the CSIs uncover an unlikely connection between the boy’s death and atrocities of the pas. Michael Kenneth Williams (“The Wire”) guest stars as the school janitor.
••”Future Earth: Addicted to Power” (10 p.m. on MSNBC): Sam Waterston (“Law & Order”) hosts this special that examines the troubling issues that will confront us as we continue the struggle to power our world. It focuses on the most common fuel sources: oil, natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric, and the electrical grid, drawing upon the expertise of several prominent energy professionals, including U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, winner of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Adam Carolla (“The Man Show”), Gloria Estefan (“Music From the Heart”) and Doland Trump (“Celebrity Apprentice”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): When Patrick Jane’s sneaky conduct causes the case of a confessed hitman to be tossed out of court, his annoyed CBI team must start the investigation over from scratch. Aunjanue Ellis (“True Blood”) returns as the CBI’s new boss, Special Agent Madeleine Hightower.
••”SpongeBob SquarePants” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the environmentally conscius episode “SpongeBob’s Last Stand,” SpongeBob and Patrick learn the “Shelly Super Highway” is coming to Bikini Bottom – right through Jellyfish Fields. Devastated by the news, they launch a campaign to stop the construction.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this installment, journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones talks with several people about the Menendez brothers, who murdered their wealthy parents. Authorities say it was for money. The brothers say it was out of fear, and some believe that the brothers say may be true.
••“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): At the Founder’s Day Gala, Elena (Nina Dobrev) and Caroline (Candice Accola) compete for the title of “Miss Mystic Falls” against other girls from town, including Amber Bradley (Spencer Locke, “Resident Evil”).
FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010
••”Garage Mahal” (8:30 p.m. on DIY Network): Host Bill Goldberg and the DIY experts team up with Wired Magazine to create an eco-friendly garage at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. A workbench tricked out with energy efficient tools, a recycling center views can build at home and a system t o convert cooking oil into fuel are just a few of the projects going into the space.
••”Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Melinda lends a hand to Eli’s patient who thinks he’s being watched by his sister’s ghost. Meanwhile, Melinda and Jim are concerned when Aiden talks about his shiny friends that aren’t ghosts but something else. Chad Lowe (“Life Goes On”) and Danny Weaver (“Greek”) guest star.
••”Gravity” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): This new series follows the sometimes comic, sometimes tragic exploits of a group from an eccentric out-patient program of suicide survivors. Krysten Ritter (“Breaking Bad”) plays a young woman who cannot connect to anyone until she dies, and Ivan Sergei plays a widower who becomes an Internet celebrity when his suicide attempt goes comically awry.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are The Enemy, Antony and the Johnsons and Paloma Faith.
••”Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): The police hunt a serial killer targeting innocent women, but when the prime suspect dies, his ghost contacts Allison to clear his name, contact his girlfriend and maybe help the investigation. Pablo Schreiber (“The Wire”) guest stars.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): As the team works to save the lives of a couple injured in a balcony collapse, they are shocked when the wife refuses treatment. Louise Lombard (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) guest stars as Karen, a trauma patient.
••”Party Down” (9 p.m. on Starz): The show about catering team stuck serving others while still determined to make it to the top returns for Season 2. Megan Mullally (‘‘Will & Grace”) joins the cast as Lydia Dunfree, a middle-aged refugee from a lousy marriage who moves to Hollywood in hopes that her 13 year-old daughter will make it big.
••“Say Yes to the Dress” (8 p.m. on TLC): Season 5 opens with Kristi, a pageant queen who’s determined that on her wedding day all eyes will be on her, and bride Stacey, a self-proclaimed “Goth girl” who returns to the salon.
••“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): Lois and Clark each attempt to thwart the delivery of the photo and run into Maxwell Lord (Gil Bellows, “Ally McBeal”), a wealthy tycoon and Checkmate operative, who is trying to learn The Blur’s identity to eliminate him.
••”Smoke Jumpers” (9 p.m. on CMT): This special offers an inside look at the dangerous profession of smokejumpers. With hand tools, explosives and the ability to think fast on their feet, they work to contain the fire they are set to extinguish. But first, they must get there by parachuting into often unchartered territory and treacherous forests and mountains.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Susan Sarandon (“You Don’t Know Jack”) traces her Grandmother Anita’s roots to Italy where she tracks down the actual village in Tuscany that was home to Anita’s father.
SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2010
••The 24th Genesis Awards (11 a.m. on Animal Planet): This event, which took place March 20 in Beverly Hills, honors the news and entertainment media for their coverage of animal protection issues. Melanie Griffith made a heartfelt presentation of The Genesis Lifetime Achievement Award to her mother, Tippi Hedren, for her tireless advocacy on behalf of captive big cats.
••”Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): A beloved former major league baseball player is found dead after a goodwill trip to Cuba. The investigation, which includes running into Joe Torre (guest starring as himself), leads the detectives into New York’s Cuban community to solve the murder.
••“Cops” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): Officers from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office stop two men for a routine traffic violation. But when they bust them for possession, the suspects start running.
••”Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installments of the locally-produced series spotlights Tulsa’s Garden Deva and Jump School in Frederick
••”Mothman” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Jewel Staite (“Firefly”) stars in this new original movie about a legendary West Virginia monster that returns to exact revenge on five childhood friends who covered up an accidental killing.
••”Spice & Easy” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): In this new cooking series, Denver-based spice shop owner Janet Johnston takes classic recipes and demonstrates how to reinvent them with a creative use of spices.
••“The Wanda Sykes Show” (10 p.m. on Fox): Wanda Sykes’ personal take on everything from news, politics, sports and pop culture will be examined on the Season 1 finale. Guests include Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) and Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe).
••”The Wild Girl” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Movie Channel): In the Depression-era Sierra Madre Badlands, an unlikely team, including a struggling photographer (Brian Austin Green), a socialite (Matthew Edison) and an anthropology student (Kathleen Munroe), embarks on a rescue mission but are quickly put in harm’s way when they stumble upon an Apache girl abandoned in the wilderness. It is based on the 2005 novel “The Wild Girl: The Notebooks of Ned Giles, 1932″ written by Jim Fergus.
••”You Don’t Know Jack” (8 p.m. on HBO): Oscar and Emmy winner Al Pacino (‘‘Scent of a Woman,” ‘‘Angels in America”) stars as Jack Kevorkian, aka “Dr. Death,” who built his infamous “Mercy Machine” and started a media frenzy with his epic legal battles defending a patient’s right to die.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for April 11-17, 2010
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 11:
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2010
••”Army Wives” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Season 4 returns to follow the struggles, dreams and friendships of a diverse group of women – and one man – living with their spouses and families on an active army post. The season opens with Denise and Frank coming to terms with the decisions that their son, Jeremy, made in last season’s finale.
••”Basketball Wives” (9 p.m. on VH1): In this new reality series, seven closely knit women who are either the wives, ex-wives or girlfriends of superstar players of the National Basketball Association lean on one another for support as they try to juggle their responsibilities as mothers and businesswomen.
••”Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business” (8 p.m. on VH1): This new reality series follows musical siblings Brandy and Ray J Norwood as they try to take over the reins of the family business (Rn’B Productions) from their mom Sonja as she steps down.
••”Brothers & Sisters” (8 p.m. on ABC): In an effort to get to the root of the secret that William’s nemesis, Dennis York, holds over their heads, the Walkers recall their memories, both good and horrifying, of their family’s days at Ojai Foods in 1986. Then, as they continue to flashback to their younger days, they finally recall the shocking secret and the shameful cover-up that led to York’s power play, and are forced to deal with the remorse of a tragic event. Guest starring as the young Walkers are Colin Egglesfield (“Melrose Place”), Kay Panabaker (“Summerland”), Anna Wood (“Nice Guy Johnny”), Cody Longo (“Make It or Break It”), Kasey Campbell (“Weeds”) and Dylan Larsen.
••”Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): Both teams are tasked with creating a commercial for Right Guard while dealing with various setbacks. NBA standouts Clyde Drexler and Scottie Pippen guest star.
••”Cowboys in Tall Grass” (6:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Prior to Euro-American settlement in the 1820s, one of the major landscape features of North America was 240 million acres of tallgrass prairie. But between 1830 and 1900, the tallgrass prairie was transformed to farmland. This program highlights prairie preservation efforts and explores how the tallgrass prairie ecosystem may serve as a model for a sustainable agriculture of the future.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Jeff Gordon (race car driver) travels with Ty Pennington and his team to South Carolina to assist Amanda and Derrick Suggs, who had just started their own family when they took in Amanda’s younger siblings to keep them from being separated in foster care. WWE Divas The Bella Twins and WWE superstars Big Show and R-Truth also appear.
••”Life” (7 p.m. on Discovery): The new installment “Hunters and Hunted” includes a mother orca that steals elephant seal pups from a nursery pool to teach her calf a brand new form of predation. It is followed by the new installment “Insects,” which includes Japanese red bug juveniles eating a rare fruit, which their mother collects from the forest floor.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Airing on Holocaust Remembrance Day, this new adaptation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” aims to be the most faithful rendering of Anne’s (Ellie Kendrick, “An Education”) account of her family’s two-year ordeal of hiding from the Nazis.
••”Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Moment of Impact: Jungle” looks at the bio-engineering of jungle residents, both on the ground and in the forest canopy.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): Basilone’s celebrity grows as he travels across the country on the war bonds tour. On Pavuvu, Sledge, assigned to the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, is briefly reunited with Phillips.
••”Panda Breeding Diary” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This special tells the story of the gentle giants of China’s Wolong Panda Research and Conservation Center and the dedicated researchers who’ve cracked the code to keep this species alive.
••“Til Death” (6 p.m. on Fox): With Eddie’s brother, Charlie, and his new boyfriend, Terence, coming to visit, Eddie isn’t exactly looking forward to a weekend of wine-tasting and antiquing. Much to Eddie’s surprise, though, he hits it off with Terence as they both opt to watch football over participating in the planned weekend activities. When Charlie breaks up with Terence, Joy sides with Charlie and ends up questioning her relationship with Eddie. Richard Kind (“Mad About You”) and Bill Fagerbakke (“SpongeBob SquarePants”) guest star.
••”Treme” (9 p.m. on HBO): This new series is set in New Orleans three months after Hurricane Katrina, as residents try to rebuild their lives in the wake of the storm. The cast includes Steve Zahn, Melissa Leo, Khandi Alexander, Kim Dickens, Clarke Peters, Wendell Pierce and John Goodman.
••”The Tudors” (8 p.m. on Showtime): In the fourth and final season, King Henry VIII is 30 years into his reign. He takes a fifth wife, teen queen Katherine Howard (Tamzin Merchant, “Princess Kaiulani”), in the season premiere. Katherine, 17, is different from earlier wives in more ways than age. Far from being nobility, she was discovered by some of the King’s friends in a boarding house for wayward young ladies.
••”What Chilli Wants” (9:30 p.m. on VH1): Music star Chilli turns to relationship expert Tionna Smalls in her quest to find a man who measures up to Chilli’s demands, which include good looks, fondness for kids, a sense of humor and abstinence from smoking, drinking and eating pork.
MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2010
••”Among the Righteous: Lost Stories from the Holocaust in Arab Lands” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Narrated by Robert MacNeil (“The Robert MacNeil Report”), this new documentary follows the eight-year journey of Robert Satloff, head of a respected Washington, DC policy center. He traveled four continents to find an Arab, who in the face of the German and Fascist occupation of North Africa, took action to save his Jewish neighbors during the Holocaust.
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in Hour 3 from Denver include two circa 1958 prototype chairs, a salesman’s sample canoe and a 1941 Martin guitar.
••”The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): A fight between Leonard and Penny threatens their relationship, while Sheldon battles his nemesis Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) in a bowling alley.
••”Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): When Castle appears on a late-night talk show to promote his book, Heat Wave, host Bobby Mann (Tom Bergeron, ••”Dancing With the Stars”) leans in during a commercial break and whispers, “They want me dead.” When Mann dies later that night, seemingly of natural causes, Castle has to convince Beckett that there was foul play. Also guest starring are Bill Bellamy (“Fastlane”), Kelly Carlson (“Nip/Tuck”), Dan Cortese (“Surviving Suburbia”), French Stewart (“Misconceptions”) and Fred Willard (“Back to You”).
••”Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck must go on his first solo mission to Paris, but he’ll be lucky to survive the flight. Stone Cold Steve Austin (“WWE Smackdown!”) and Kristin Kreuk (“Smallville”) guest star.
••”CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Spring Break raises the body count in Miami when the CSI team splits up to solve three different murders. Chelsea Hobbs (“Make It or Break It”) guest stars.
••”Extreme Forensics” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): Season 2 returns with more cases involving suspects that try to outsmart authorities, only to be captured due to the use of forensice science.
••“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): When a newborn disappears from the nursery, Princeton Plainsboro goes on lockdown, preventing anyone from entering, leaving or moving within the hospital. While House and his team members are trapped in various parts of the building, new insights about the team’s personal histories, relationships and regrets surface. David Strathairn (“Temple Grandin”) guest stars in the episode directed by series star Hugh Laurie (Dr. House).
••”The Last Supper” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows a former prison inmate chef who creates final meals for convicts on death row. The film also looks at the discrepancy between historical meaning and contemporary use of the “last supper” tradition that has lost its connection with the past.
••“Life Unexpected” (7 p.m. on CW): With her wedding fast approaching, Cate must confront her true feelings for the two men in her life, Baze and Ryan. To complicate Cate’s already conflicted feelings, on the day of the wedding, Lux reveals something that threatens to change all of their lives forever.
••”The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Today’s episode features a wedding shower for engaged couples. Model Rachel Reynolds and new husband, baseball player David Dellucci, sport the wedding attire to be bid on by contestants. Special prizes offered to competing engaged couples include honeymoon trips, a heart-shaped tub, registry gifts, his and her items — and one couple will win $10,000 in cash.
••”Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Grace reunites with a childhood friend who is in jail for killing her husband, but things aren’t what they seem. The squad investigates the disappearance of a young woman, and Grace begins to wonder if Earl has been watching over her since she was a girl.
••”Trauma” (8 p.m. on NBC): Nancy and her father clash over his new role as the head of the Trauma center. Elsewhere, Ira (Richard Kind, “Mad About You”), known for his tendency to call in repeatedly for medical assistance, resurfaces.
••”Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Jake’s new friend, Eldridge, is a bad influence but Alan really likes his hot mom. Courtney Thorne-Smith (“According to Jim”) guest stars as Eldridge’s mom.
••”VH1 Tough Love Couples” (8 p.m. on VH1): Back for a second season, matchmaking mother and son team Steve and JoAnn Ward welcome six couples who are all on the brink of deciding whether to get engaged or break up. Over the course of eight weeks, Steve and JoAnn will put these couples to the test to see if they are truly a perfect match.
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2010
••”9 by Design” (10 p.m. on Bravo): This new reality series follows Bob and Cortney Novogratz, who run a Manhattan renovation and design firm. They are also are busy raising six children and have a seventh on the way.
••”30 For 30″ (7 p.m. on ESPN): In the new installment “No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson,” filmmaker Steve James returns to his hometown of Hampton, Va., to take a personal look at a bowling alley brawl in 1993 and examine its impact of future Allen Iverson, a high school standout at the time who went to jail because of the incident.
••“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Liam receives a surprise visit from his father, Finn (Scott Patterson, “Gilmore Girls”), just released from prison.
••”The Big Gay Sketch Show” (9 p.m. on Logo): Season 3 is back with laugh-out-loud antics, sassy celebrity impersonations and twisted sketches that will appeal to anyone who’s a little askew.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): This week’s pop challenge finds the contestants piling quarters, each worth $10, on to platters and then trying to balance the platters as long as they can to win the money they’re holding. Afterwards, financial expert Suze Orman talks with the contestants about their financial health, along with Season 8 winner Danny Cahill, who she predicted would win.
••”Construction Intervention” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In this new series, 20-year construction veteran Charlie “The Bulldog” Frattini and his crew use their engineering expertise – and passion for the business – to transform botched construction jobs and rebuild dreams.
••”Deadliest Catch” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Season 6 takes viewers through some of the roughest situations the captains and crews have ever had to face on the high seas. From treacherous weather conditions to crew conflict to the death of beloved Captain Phil Harris, each of this season’s 16 episodes bring viewers into the intimate world of these crab fisherman.
••”Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment goes behind closed doors at the White House, in Congress and the boardrooms of the giant healthcare lobby to examine the political battles and costly compromises that defined the Obama administration’s efforts toward healthcare reform.
••”Glee” (8:28 p.m. on Fox): The spring premiere picks up as New Directions is fresh off their win at Sectionals and feeling on top of the world. With an extra spring in their step, they get to work on new numbers for Regionals, incuding a rendition of The Beatles’ “Hello, Goodbye.” Idina Menzel (“Wicked”) and Jonathan Groff (“One Life to Live”) guest star.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): After a popular high school quarterback dies of an overdose of painkillers, Alicia represents the physician (Russell Hornsby, “Lincoln Heights”) who prescribed the medication.
••”Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Joan Allen (“Face/Off”) narrates the documentary “Blessed Is the Match” about Hannah Senesh, the World War II-era poet and diarist who became a paratrooper and resistance fighter and was captured, tortured and ultimately executed by the Nazis.
••“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): In the Season 1 finale, Amanda fires Ella from WPK. However, not one to go out without a fight, Ella searches for anything to blackmail Amanda. Unfortunately for one of the ladies, the end result is worse than she could have ever imagined.
••”The Millionaire Matchmaker” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 3 finale, Patti Stanger is not too happy to hear that the millionaire she will be helping is returning client Zagros Bigvand, who last season broke her rules and created quite a scandal that he was booted from the club.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A dead Marine’s day job at a government think tank leads Gibbs and the team into the life of a 12-year-old prodigy who may be the killer’s next target. Lisa Sheridan (“Invasion”) guest stars as Facilities Coordinator Krista Dalton. Francis Capra (“Veronica Mars”) guests as Gang Member Eddie Castillo.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): Adam juggles his family’s schedules while Sarah’s relationship goes to the next level. Minka Kelly (“Friday Night Lights”) and Jason Ritter (“W”) guest star.
••”Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This episode investigates the universe’s distant past and the dark matter and dark energy that constitute the vast majority of the stuff in the unierse.
••”Tiny & Toya” (9 p.m. on BET): Season 2 of this reality series delves deeper into the lives of Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, former member of Xscape and girlfriend of rapper T.I., and best friend Antonia “Toya” Carter, ex-wife of Lil’ Wayne, as they continue to balance motherhood, family, fame and creating businesses of their own.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Jules is thrilled for the chance to take care of Travis after his first big break-up. But when Jules discovers the truth about the break-up, she comes to an unwelcome realization about herself. Sheryl Crow (Grammy winner) guest stars.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A death row inmate’s (Harold Perrineau, “Lost”) final request brings Dr. Hawkes to a Pennsylvania prison and face-to-face with a tragic incident that he has kept secret for many years, just as a prison riot erupts and traps Hawkes inside. Ozzy Osbourne’s new song “Let Me Hear You Scream” will have its world premiere during the episode.
••“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): When Chance’s former boss makes a move to bring him back into the fold, flashbacks reveal the events that lead to Chance, Winston and Guerrero’s unlikely partnership in the Season 1 finale. Armand Assante (“Breaking Point”), Lee Majors (“The Fall Guy”) and Amy Acker (“Happy Town”) guest star.
••”In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Agent Wade Guthrie is shot during an undercover weapons deal. When he wakes up, he learns he has been protected by Witsec’s Mary Shannon during nhis three-year coma. Rita Moreno (“Cane”), Allison Janney (“The West Wing”) and Tess Harper (“Crash”) guest star.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Officer Nate Kendall (Wentworth Miller, “Prison Break”) is called in to help detectives Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler solve a series of rape cases along with executive assistant district attorney Sonya Paxton (“Christine Lahti, “Chicago Hope”).
••”Making The Crooked Straight” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This documentary tells the story of an American doctor who serves the sick and poor of Ethiopia. In addition to offering hospital care, Dr. Rick Hodes shares his home with more than 20 children, providing them with a loving environment, an education and medical treatment.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): After reconnecting on Facebook, Phil invites his old high school girlfriend (Judy Greer, “27 Dresses”) to drop by the house. But this friendly visit quickly turns into trouble. Meanwhile Jay accidentally kills Manny’s beloved pet turtle, then goes to extremes to cover his tracks.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Old Christine takes a cranky, very pregnant New Christine to a fancy salon to prepare her for the impromptu wedding that Richard is secretly planning. Scott Bakula returns as Old Christine’s ex-boyfriend and New Christine’s father, Papa Jeff.
••”Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): In the series’ finale, which features appearances by familiar faces from the past, Betty finds it hard to tell Daniel important news about her future. When she does, his reaction surprises her, but not Claire.
••”When Families Grieve” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Katie Couric (“CBS Evening News”) and the “Sesame Street” muppets are featured in this special that presents families’ personal stories about coping with the death of a parent, as well as strategies that have helped these families move forward.
THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2010
••“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): The team’s latest case takes Brennan back to her alma mater, Burtonsville High School, where she and Booth investigate the discovery of an unidentified skull and upper torso. Robert Englund (“A Nightmare on Elm Street”) guest stars.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Hodges and Wendy take a group of high school CSI Explorer Scouts on a field trip, they embellish their role in solving cases and take their assignment a little bit too far. Lucas Grabeel (“High School Musical”) guest stars in the episode written by series stars Liz Vassey (Wendy Simms) and Wallace Langham (Hodges).
••“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): When passengers aboard a commuter train appear to have died a still death, it seems that a switch was flipped because all cell phones, mp3 players, laptops, batteries and bodies have been drained of power. When the investigation leads them to Alistair Peck (Peter Weller, “RoboCop”), a very powerful man who has tremendous energy with severe consequences, an ironic set of circumstances surface.
••”Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): After learning of Richard’s drinking problem, Derek confronts him for the sake of his friend and the hospital, Izzie returns, hoping to reconcile with Alex, and tensions run high between Teddy, Cristina and Owen in the aftermath of Cristina’s startling confession. Kim Raver (“24″) guest stars.
••”Models of the Runway” (10 p.m. on Lifetime): In Part 1 of the second-season finale, the three finalist models prepare for the walk in Bryant Park.
••”Saturday Night Live in the 2000s: Time and Again” (8 p.m. on NBC): This behind-the-scenes documentary chronicles the highs and lows of the comedy show. Among those interviewed are creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels and many of the stars of the show, including Jimmy Fallon, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Bill Hader, Chris Kattan, Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler. Also offering insight are some of the show’s most memorable hosts, including Alec Baldwin, Christopher Walken and Justin Timberlake.
••“Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): In the show’s 100th episode, Dean begins to think the only way to stop Lucifer is to say yes to Michael, but the angels decide they don’t need him anymore.
••“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): While Stefan struggles to control his new situation, Elena and Jeremy are surprised by a visit from their uncle, John Gilbert (David Anders, “24”).
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2010
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Gossip, The Mars Volta and Friendly Fires.
••”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 in the episode directed by David Arquette (“In Case of Emergency”).
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): The Alpha team finds surprising connections between themselves and the victims of a tent collapse they are treating. Meanwhile, Dr. Deleo and Dr. Zambrano’s playful flirtation begins to draw attention from the hospital staff. Sarah Drew (“Everwood”) guest stars as Emily, the bride. Valente Rodriguez (“George Lopez”) guest stars as Fortunato, a patient who bonds with Dr. Proctor.
••”Secrets of the Mountain” (7 p.m. on NBC): Family business leads to an adventure of a lifetime for single mom Dana James (Paige Turco, “The Agency”) and her three kids when the family faces a series of mysteries and a dark secret that drives them deep into danger. Barry Bostwick (“Spin City”) and Shawn Christian (“Days of our Lives”) in the two-hour backdoor pilot.
••“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): An explosion rocks the lab, and Lois is rescued by John Corben (Brian Austin Green, (“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) who was a subject of multiple experiments.
••”Spartacus: Blood and Sand” (9 p.m. on Starz): In order to get his revenge, Spartacus enlists the help of an accomplice in the Season 1 finale.
••”What Not to Wear Awards Show” (8 p.m. on TLC): Hosts Stacy and Clinton hosts this special that looks back at the most shocking transformations, biggest breakdowns and most moving stories from the show. They fondly and fearfully reminisce over the fashion fiascos and the dazzling transformations of hundreds of contributors.
••”Wizards of Waverly Place” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): Alex, Justin and Max are shocked to discover that their Uncle Kelbo (Jeff Garlin, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) has transformed into international music sensation Shakira (Grammy winner guest starring as herself) after he failed to follow the Main Eleven Wizards Rules.
SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2010
••”Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installments of the locally-produced series spotlights Norman’s Birdie’s Nest and the Tallgrass near Pawhuska.
••”Doctor Who” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 5 premiere, the Doctor has regenerated into a brand-new man (Matt Smith, “Secret Diary of a Call Girl”). But danger strikes before he can even recover – his time machine, the Tardis, is wrecked, and he has just 20 minutes to save the world.
••”Patricia Cornwell’s The Front” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): In this second adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s Win Garano novels, Massachusetts D.A. Monique Lamont (Andie MacDowell) gets state police investigator Garano (Daniel Sunjata) to help her tie a 40-year-old Watertown murder case to the Boston Strangler.
••”Strikeforce Saturday Night Fights” (8 p.m. on CBS): Mixed martial arts (MMA) returns to primetime with three title fights featuring five of the top MMA fighters in the world from their respective weight classes. The event will air live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn.
••”The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Suze Orman returns from her visit to “The Biggest Loser” ranch with financial concerns for the contestants. Season 8 winner Danny Cahill from Broken Arrow talks about his past hevay debt and its connection to his weight.
–Penny TV
OETA remembers Wilma Mankiller with special encore presentation
Network News Release …
OETA, The Oklahoma Network, remembers and celebrates the life and legacy of Oklahoma icon and former Cherokee Chief Wilma Mankiller with a special encore presentation of “A Conversation With … Wilma Mankiller” at 9 p.m. Friday (April 9).
Mankiller died of pancreatic cancer Tuesday (April 6) at age 64.
Hosted by Dick Pryor, “A Conversation With …” features an up-close and personal discussion with Mankiller, who rose from dirt poor beginnings in rural Adair County to become one of the most respected leaders in the United States as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
During the program, which originally aired in November 2008, she discussed her struggles and triumphs in a remarkable personal journey that led her to worldwide recognition and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Mother, author, leader, activist and role model - Wilma Mankiller¹s incredible story of perseverance, courage and commitment is deeply personal and inspiring. Her words soar, and her unrelenting spirit is a tribute to her Nation and its people.
“A Conversation With … Wilma Mankiller” can also be viewed anytime online at www.oeta.tv/acw.
Oklahoma Alert: In-depth interview with opera star Leona Mitchell on ‘OKC Metro’ Saturday (April 3)
Opera star Leona Mitchell, an Enid native, will give an in-depth interview on “OKC Metro” airing at 5:30 p.m. Saturday on OETA-13.
In 1973, Mitchell debuted as Micaela in San Franciso Opera Company’s production of “Carmen.” She became a star at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and has performed in major opera houses worldwide.
Mitchell was inducted in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame.
“OKC Metro” is hosted by Gerry Bonds. The weekly half-hour public affairs interview program has received two Emmy nominations from the Heartland Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In 2007, the show won an Emmy for set design.
–Penny TV
Pictures at right: Opera diva Leona Mitchell entertains at an Awesome Friends luncheon at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. BY DAVID FAYTINGER, FOR THE OKLAHOMAN
TV Premieres and Finales airing April 4-10, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of April 4.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••”Two Wheel Oklahoma,” 8:30 a.m. Sunday on OETA-13 (series premiere).
••”Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Animal Planet (eighth-season premiere).
••”Sunday Best,” 7 p.m. Sunday on BET (third-season premiere).
••”Good Luck Charlie,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Disney (series premiere).
••”Adventure Time With Finn & Jake,” 7 p.m. Monday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••”Little People, Big World,” 7 p.m. Monday on TLC (fifth season resumes).
••”Runaway Squad,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (series premiere).
••“Paris Hilton’s British Best Friend,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TV Guide Network.
••”Top Chef Masters,” 10 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (second-season premiere).
••”LisaRaye: The Real McCoy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on TV One (series premiere).
••”Gator 911,” 8 p.m. Friday on CMT (series premiere).
••”Garage Mahal,” 8 p.m. Friday on DIY Network (second-season premiere).
••”Danger Coast,” 8:30 p.m. Friday on CMT (series premiere).
••”Private Chefs of Beverly Hills,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“Renovation Realities,” 8 p.m. Saturday on DIY (fourth-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••”How to Make It in America,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HBO (first-season finale).
••”Southland,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT (spring finale).
••”Being Erica,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (second-season finale).
••”Shear Genius,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (third-season finale).
Pictured above: GOOD LUCK CHARLIE – Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie” stars Eric Allan Kramer as Bob, Bradley Steven Perry as Gabe, Bridgit Mendler as Teddy, Jason Dolley as PJ, Leigh-Allyn Baker as Amy and Mia Telerico as Charlie. (DISNEY CHANNEL/CRAIG SJODIN)
Top 55 TV Programs for April 4-10, 2010
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 4:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, APRIL 4
••The 18th Annual Trumpet Awards (8 p.m. on TV One): Nicole Ari Parker (“The Deep End”) and Malcolm Jamal Warner (“Sherri”) co-host the event honoring African-American achievements in diverse fields such as law, religion, politics, public service, sports and entertainment. During the telecast, comedian, actor and radio personality Steve Harvey will be presented with the Pinnacle Award.
••”Antonio Treatment” (9 p.m. on HGTV): Built in the 1950s, the Highland Gardens Hotel (formerly the Landmark Hotel) has been the scene for some legendary Hollywood history — most notably as the place where rocker Janis Joplin died from an overdose back in 1970. But it hasn’t been updated much in the past few decades, and the owners assign Antonio Ballatore to give their rock ’n’ roll landmark a new party room.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): After determining the serial killer’s identity – and some of his likely future targets – the team and the FBI work together to apprehend him while trying to locate and protect the people he’s preparing to kill. Susanna Thompson (“Once and Again”) returns as FBI agent Diane Yates.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Jessica Alba (“The Killer Inside Me”) joins the team in Kemah, Texas, to surprise a big-hearted family of 15, all living together in a small trailer.
••”Good Luck Charlie” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): This new comedy focuses on what happens when a new baby joins the Duncan household and roles shift for everyone in the family, including teen siblings PJ and Teddy and tween brother Gabe, who must adjust to the many changes baby Charlie brings.
••”How to Make It in America” (9 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 1 finale, Cam suspects Rene of having something to do with the theft of the Rasta Monsta truck filled with his and Ben’s Crisp tees.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Sharpe’s Peril,” the new adventures of Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean) continue as he and Harper (Daragh O’Malley) lead a ragtag party of civilians and soldiers on a march across India.
••”Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom” (6 p.m. on Animal Planet): Season 8 kicks off with “Bearwalker of the Northwoods.” Dr. Lynn Rogers illustrates that many of the perceptions people have of black bears are wrong as he gets incredibly close to them — from taking naps with them in the woods to being able to put radio collars on them without sedating them.
••”Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Moment of Impact: Hunters & Herds” focuses on savannahs and grassland, where the planet’s largest concentrations of herd animals come up against some of nature’s most successful hunters.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): Finally enlisted as a Marine, Sledge trains for combat at Camp Elliott. The 1st Marine Division lands at Cape Gloucester on the Japanese-held island of New Britain.
••”Storm Riders” (8 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Get a sneak peek at the new series featuring scientists Juston Drake and Simon Brewer on a storm hunt. With no high-tech equipment, gadgets or antennas, these chasers are armed with a meteorology degree, map and cell phone as they rely on their education and gut instincts to get them to the center of the storm. The series is scheduled to premiere in fall.
••”Sunday Best” (7 p.m. on BET): Season 3 features gospel recording artists Pastor Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams as new judges. In addition to the U.S. talent pool of competitors, the series hosted by Kirk Franklin goes to Lagos, Nigeria, for the first-ever international auditions to see who will become the next great gospel star.
••”Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): When Ally and Doug announce that they’re going to be parents, Joy has a meltdown about becoming a grandmother, forcing Eddie to call in his mother-in-law for help. Lainie Kazan (“My Big Fat Greek Life”) and Martin Mull (“Mrs. Doubtfire”) guest star.
••”Treasures of the Gilcrease: Charles Russell, Western Story Teller” (6:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Charles Russell remains one of the most significant American artists of the early 20th century. His depictions of cowboys, American Indians, historical figures and Western fauna are among the most well-known portrayals of the late 19th and early 20th century Western experience.
••”Two Wheel Oklahoma” (8:30 a.m. on OETA-13): This locally-produced travel show hosted by Tulsa motorcycle enthusiasts Brad Mathison and Rex Brown features scenic highways, unique destinations and interesting people they meet as they travel in and around Oklahoma.
••”Weatherproof” (9 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Meteorologist Stephanie Abrams and special effects technician Newton Wimer reveal how your home or car stacks up against deadly twisters as they create scenarios that could help make all the difference.
••”Undercover Boss” (8 p.m. on CBS): President and COO of Roto-Rooter Rick L. Arquilla goes undercover in his own company and finds himself overwhelmed with emotion while working alongside several employees who force him to reflect on his past as well as his future legacy as the boss of their company.
••”Unfaithful: Stories of Betrayal” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special takes a look at why spouses have cheated and the reckless actions that lead to devastating consequences. It also provides insight and analysis from doctors.
MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2010
••”Adventure Time With Finn & Jake” (7 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new animated series introduces viewers to unlikely heroes Finn and Jake, buddies who traverse the mystical Land of Ooo and encounter its colorful inhabitants. Finn, a silly kid with an awesome hat, and Jake, a brassy dog with a big, kind heart, depend on each other through thick and thin.
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in Hour 2 from Denver include a Dodger’s game-used jersey worn by Don Drysdale and an heirloom 1817 needlework family portrait.
••”Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode “When Carl Met George,” George is excited about spending time with his new friend, Carl, who loves to draw trains and knows all kinds of facts about them. George discovers that Carl has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, and that Carl sees the world a bit differently than George and many kids. The story is followed by a live-action segment featuring kids with Asperger’s and autism.
••”The Big Bang Theory” (7 p.m. on CBS): After he’s humiliated on National Public Radio, Sheldon vows to destroy Kripke, while Wolowitz tries not to destroy his new relationship with Bernadette. “Battlestar Galactica” star Katee Sackhoff appears as herself, offering Wolowitz some relationship advice.
••”Christian Siriano: Having a Moment” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Get a glimpse into the life of the ‘‘Project Runway” Season 4 winner-turned-minimogul in this new special as he prepares for his third runway show. He oversees every aspect of his line from start-to-finish, model fittings, Emmy-dress appointments and balancing work and life with family, friends and work associates.
••”Empress Hotel” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film follows the stories and lives of 10 individuals living in San Francisco’s Empress Hotel and their battles against addiction and mental illness.
••”Life Unexpected” (7 p.m. on CW): With her wedding on the horizon, Cate decides to take a road trip with Lux to find her father, Gordon (Peter Horton, “thirtysomething”), who abandoned her when she was a little girl.
••”Little People, Big World” (7 p.m. on TLC): Season 5 continues with twins Zach and Jeremy, recently graduated from high school, taking off on their own for a European backpacking adventure. Soon, the rest of the Roloffs join for a full family vacation that includes visits to Italy and France.
••”Runaway Squad” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new real-life series follows former NYPD detective Joe Mazzilli and his team of private investigators, who track, rescue and reunite runaways with their families.
••”Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): As Grace deals with the aftermath of her dramatic fall from a building with Neely, she also struggles with the impending death of her grandfather, GeePaw. Meanwhile the squad investigates a double homicide involving a water dispute between two ranchers, and Rhetta discovers a secret about her daughter.
••”Storm Stories” (7:30 p.m. on The Weather Channel): This installment titled “Midwest Outbreak” spotlights a tornado sighted May 10, 2008, near Chetopa, Kansas. Before it is over, this mile-wide twister will destroy the town of Picher and claim more than 20 lives – including that of a 21-year-old firefighter from Missouri.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy travels to Belfast to conduct an extremely thorough gtest of the Renaultsport Twingo 133. British film director Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes”) is featured in the star in a reasonably price car segment.
TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2010
••”Dad’s in Heaven With Nixon” (7:30 p.m. on Showtime): This documentary by writer, director, producer Tom Murray traces his fractured childhood in 1960s Southampton, New York. He recounts his grandfather and father’s battles with bipolar disorder and, conversely, his brother’s prosperity through autism and how their afflictions affected their large, affluent Irish-American family.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia and Will defend a college student accused of killing her sorority sister while under the influence of a sleep aid. Gary Cole (“Entourage”) returns as ballistics expert Kurt McVeigh. David Paymer (“Line of Fire”) returns as Judge Richard Cuesta.
••”Inside the Perfect Predator” (9 p.m. Animal Planet): This special looks at four predators — the cheetah, great white shark, crocodile and falcon — in an attempt to understand how they accomplish their extraordinary killing feats.
••“Paris Hilton’s British Best Friend” (9 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Paris Hilton puts 12 hopeful Brits through the test of true friendship. In the end, one lucky contestant will get to walk the red carpet with Paris on their arm.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The death of a Navy officer leads Gibbs and the team into the world of high-priced call girls, relying on D.C. Madam Holly Snow (Dina Meyer, “Burn Notice”) to help them catch a killer. Adam Kaufman (“Without A Trace”) reprises his role as Homicide Detective Philip McCadden.
••”NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): When an undercover operation has the NCIS team investigating a MMA gym and its fighters, Sam Hanna is tasked with donning gloves and entering the cage for a one-on-one fight. Making special giest appearances are MMA fighters Dan Henderson, Frank Shamrock, Gilbert Melendez, Josh Thomson, KJ Noons and Cung Le.
••”NOVA” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): ‘‘Hunting the Edge of Space” looks at how the telescope has evolved from the simple spyglass used by Galileo into sometimes enormous pieces of equipment perched on mountains, orbiting the Earth and even circling other planets.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): Kristina’s worrying affects her six life, while Crosby tries to tell his parents he has a son. Minka Kelly (“Friday Night Lights”) and Jason Ritter (“Joan of Arcadia”) guest star.
••”Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 finale, John gets an unexpected request from his ex-wife just as he, Ben and Chickie are sent out as part of a maximum deployment to capture the “Canyon Rapist,” a perp who has been impersonating a cop.
••”Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): After a quiet start to the 2009 tornado season, an EF-2 touches down in rural Nebraska June 17. As it moves toward the city of Aurora, meteorologists track the storm and warn residents to take shelter. But for some residents, it takes seeing storm chasers parked outside their home to begin a frantic run for cover.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2010
••”Accidentally on Purpose” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Zack is upset when Billie hires a baby nurse without consulting him. Meanwhile, Davis and Ryan are faced with a difficult choice when they learn surprising news about the nurse. Olivia Munn (“Iron Man 2″) guest stars as Nicole, Billie and Zack’s sexy nurse.
••”America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): The girls pose with comedian Ross Mathews (“The Tonight Show”) before heading to New York City’s garment district to be completely transformed in faux fashion wardrobe.
••”Being Erica” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): In the Season 2 finale, Erica’s perfect life is turned upside down when she finally makes some big decisions. Dr. Tom adds a major twist to her therapy that opens up a world of possibilities.
••”The Buddha” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Richard Gere (“Amelia”) narrates this documentary about the life of the Buddha, an Indian sage who gained enlightenment as he sat under a fig tree. The Buddha never claimed to be God or his emissary on Earth. He said only that he was a human who had found a kind of serenity that others could find, too.
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Bobby and Jules are at an impasse over letting Travis go to a party where he’ll undoubtedly be drinking, Ellie is determined to triumph as alpha dog over Grayson, and Laurie meets Smith’s dad (Barry Bostwick, “Spin City”).
••”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit travels to San Francisco to investigate the murders of several homeless men and teams up with a separate group of BAU operatives who are working another case they think is connected. Forest Whitaker (“Last King of Scotland”) guest stars as Special Agent Sam Cooper, and Mary Steenburgen (“Joan of Arcadia”) guest stars as Director Beth Griffith.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a woman linked to an unsolved murder case is found dead, the evidence and autopsy both suggest a suicide. But Stella is unconvinced and risks her life to pursue the case. Madchen Amick (“My Own Worst Enemy”) guest stars.
••”In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): The new episode ‘‘When Mary Met Marshall” flashes back to the day Mary joined WitSec. Prompting those memories is a present-day break-in that threatens the security of the first witnesses Mary and Marshall handled together. Allison Janney (“The West Wing”), Tess Harper (“Crash”) and Josh Cooke (“Big Day”) guest star.
••”Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Phil and Claire break from their traditional Valentine’s Day dinner date and plan a little “role play” excursion. Meanwhile, Jay and Gloria’s ideas of romance clash when he takes her to a comedy show. David Brenner (“The Hollywood Squares”) guest stars as himself.
••”The Oprah Winfrey Show” (4 p.m. on KOCO-5): The cast of “Glee” visits Oprah for an hour of behind-the-scenes secrets, revealing interviews, unseen backstage moments and a show-stopping performance.
••”Shear Genius” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 3 comes to a close when the final three stylists team up with fashion designer Henry Duarte for their biggest challenge yet.They’ll each style six models for a fashion show where the designer will debut Duarte’s new line of edgy rock-and-roll inspired clothing.
••”Top Chef Masters” (10 p.m. on Bravo): World-renowned chefs revert to basics and compete against one another until one claims the title of Top Chef Master and a prize for the charity of his or her choice. Food journalist Kelly Choi returns as host for Season 2, and back on the Critics’ Table are restaurant critics Gael Greene and Jay Rayner and culinary expert James Oseland.
••”Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. om ABC): As Hilda’s wedding day approaches, Betty asks Daniel to be her plus-one, Ignacio invites Elena, and Amanda is set on fixing up Marc with her new client, soap opera star Spencer Cannon (Bryan Batt, “Mad Men”).
THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010
••”Big Money in the Middle East” (7 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Erin Burnett gathers an exclusive panel of billionaires betting big on the region to talk opportunity and, for the first time, the big risks of putting money in the Middle East. Joining Burnett is the richest man in Egypt and all of Africa. The other? A self-made American billionaire.
••”Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Star David Boreanaz (Seeley Booth) directs the series’ 100th episode, which recounts the first time Booth and Brennan worked together on a case. This look back at their beginnings has a profound effect on them and may change their feelings for each other forever. The episode also provides a glimpse at the other Jeffersonian team members to see how their relationships began and the influence they have had on each other’s lives.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston’s investigation into the murder of a family brings him one step closer to catching the Dr. Jekyll serial killer as the CSI team traces the perp to the house next door to the murder site.
••”Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Mark flies Addison to Seattle to help with a difficult procedure on his pregnant daughter, Sloan, Owen questions Teddy’s motives when she assigns Cristina the lead on a complicated surgery, and Derek’s suspicions are raised when the Chief recruits Meredith to assist with a high profile operation. Kate Walsh (“Private Practice”) and Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest star.
••”LisaRaye: The Real McCoy” (8 p.m. on TV One): This new reality series follows LisaRaye (“All of Us” and former First Lady of the Turks and Caicos) as she works to fully re-establish her critically acclaimed acting career, while balancing a far-flung and complex personal life.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”), Kathy Griffin (“My Life on the D-List”) and Nathan Lane (“The Producers”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a “Jane Doe” with amnesia and covered in blood steps in front of Cho and Van Pelt’s car, Patrick Jane must use all of his skills to discover who she is, her last location and why she lost her memory. Aunjanue Ellis (“True Blood”) returns as the CBI’s new boss, Special Agent Madeleine Hightower.
••”Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Leslie plays host to the Parks and Recreation department from Pawnee’s sister city, Boraqua, Venezuela, and is shocked at the cultural differences. Fred Armisen (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
••”Private Chefs of Beverly Hills” (9 p.m. on Food Network): This new series follows six gifted cooks from Big City Chefs, Beverly Hills’ premiere private chef placement agency. On-call 24/7, the chefs must cater to the whims of their over-the-top and eccentric clientele in Los Angeles’ most posh neighborhood.
••”Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of OETA’s award-winning documentary series takes a look back at prohibition. Oklahoma had been officially dry since statehood in 1907. But that hadn’t kept anyone from having a cocktail. Liquor was available by free delivery 24 hours a day from bootleggers. And cocktails and wine were served at banquets and in clubs, restaurants and hotels.
••”Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): Sam and Dean are outnumbered by demons, but are saved at the last minute by Rob (Michael Shanks, “Smallville”) and his townspeople, who are aware of the Apocalypse, and have been training to fight and kill demons.
FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2010
••”The Awkward Comedy Show” (11 p.m. on Comedy Central): This stand-up special features five quirky and eclectic comedians — Hannibal Buress, Eric Andre, Baron Vaughn, Marina Franklin and Victor Varnado — who uncover humor in a world full of stereotypes.
••”Danger Coast” (8:30 p.m. on CMT): This new series follows the dramatic exploits of Miami-Dade County’s elite waterborne Marine Operations Bureau as they engage in unexpected, life-saving activities that no training or experience could prepare them for. These heroes fight against overwhelming odds to selflessly protect the public at large, while risking their own lives.
••”Garage Mahal” (8 p.m. on DIY Network): In the Season 2 premiere, host Bill Goldberg (“The Longest Yard”) and the DIY team transform the the messy garage of late-night talk show host Jay Leno. In six days, they turn Leno’s unruly six-car, three room space into a showcase, complete with technology out of a James Bond film.
••”Gator 911″ (8 p.m. on CMT): Conservationist Gary Saurage, the owner of Texas adventure park Gator Country, goes on the hunt for his park’s namesake reptiles. Rescuing gators from unusual and precarious places, he collects them and brings them to a new and safe home.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Lyle Lovett, Doves and Noisettes.
••”The Message” (9 p.m. on TLC): In this special. private investigator Christopher Bauer gives three families the chance to send heartfelt messages to some they are desperate to find.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): One member of the team learns a secret about Dr. Proctor’s past while treating the victims of a hotel shooting. Meanwhile, Dr. Deleo is offered a prestigious career move. Paul McCrane (“ER”) directed this episode. Michael O’Neill (“The West Wing,” “The Unit”) guest stars as orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bruce Kaye.
••”Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): Tess creates an elaborate hoax in order to kidnap Green Arrow, and she delivers him to Amanda Waller (Pam Grier, “The L Word”), who tells him that that the government is recruiting him to serve his country.
SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010
••”24/7 Mayweather/Mosley” (9 p.m. on HBO): This four-episode, all-access series follows two of boxing’s top performers – Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley – as they prepare for their May 1 welterweight pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas. This is Mayweather’s fourth time on “24/7,” which previously chronicled his relationship with father Floyd Sr. and uncle and trainer Roger.
••”Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installments of the locally-produced series spotlights the world’s largtest cattle auction that is held in Oklahoma City, a Duncan meat market and Perryman Ranch in Jenks.
••”Mega Piranha” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Barry Williams (“The Brady Bunch”), Tiffany (1980s singing sensation) and Paul Logan (“Megafault”) star in this new movie about a group who form an alliance to stop a mutant strain of giant ferocious piranhas that have escaped from the Amazon and are eating their way to Florida.
••”Patricia Cornwell’s At Risk” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): In this TV adaptation of crime writer Patricia Cornwell’s book, Daniel Sunjata (“Rescue Me”) and Andie MacDowell star as Massachusetts state investigator Win Garano and Boston district attorney Monique Lamont. The latter plans to launch a bold new anti-crime initiative by introducing new DNA evidence into a cold-case murder, putting herself and Garano in danger.
••“Renovation Realities” (8 p.m. on DIY): When Josh Hissong, an accomplished kitchen designer living in Spokane, Wash., bought his dream fixer-upper home, he decided to start his renovations in the kitchen. Setbacks ranging from broken windows to using the only kitchen floor-plan to start a fire when the power goes out plague this project from the very beginning.
••”Shots That Made History at the Masters” (1:30 p.m. on CBS): Hosted by CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz, this special looks back at the strokes of genius by some of the game’s greatest players that have thrilled golf fans for the last 75 years. Highlights include Gene Sarazen’s double eagle in 1935, Jack Nicklaus’s birdie on hole No. 16 in 1975 and Tiger Woods’ chip-in on hole No. 16 in 2005.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for March 28-April 3, 2010
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 28:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010
••“Amish Grace” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Kimberly Williams-Paisley (“According to Jim”) stars in this movie based on a true story about the aftermath that followed the 2006 schoolhouse shooting in the Amish community of Nickel Mines, Penn. The film examines a mother’s personal journey as she copes with the loss of her daughter and struggles with her community’s belief of the transcending power of forgiveness.
••”Bubba’s World” (9 p.m. on Fuel TV): This new docu-series provides exclusive access into the daily life of motocross racer James “Bubba” Stewart, who completed a perfect outdoor national motocross season in 2008 and won the Supercross Championship in 2009. The premiere will be simulcast on Fox Sports Net, Speed Channel and Fox Reality Channel.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): When ballistics tie a recent murder case of Rush’s to a serial killer who was seemingly inactive for 27 years, a tough FBI agent with ties to Stillman shows up to enlist the team’s aid in finding the killer who has eluded her for 30 years. Susanna Thompson (“Once and Again”) guest stars.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Clint Black (country singer) joins the design team in Daviess County, KY, to tell Steve and Melissa Mattingly that their single-wide trailer will be replaced by a newly constructed home built in just seven days.
••”How to Make It in America” (9:05 p.m. on HBO): While Ben is getting tight with Julie, Rachel is put off by Darren’s sudden offer to let her and Edie (Martha Plimpton, “Parenthood”) design a hotel. To pay off an overdue debt to Rene, Cam and Ben agree to hand out Rasta Monsta samples at Union Square, but cut the job short to retrieve their tees from the silk screener.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Sharpe’s Challenge,” British soldier-heo Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean, “The Lord of the Rings”) comes out of retirement to quash a rebellion in British India and rescue his old friend. Padma Lakshmi (“Top Chef”) guest stars as Madhuvanthi, a schemer who is out to seduce Sharpe.
••”Merlin” (9 a.m. on Syfy): This series, which aired last summer on NBC, is set in the mythical city of Camelot where magic has been banned by the ruthless tyrant Uther Pendragon. All 13 episodes from Season 1 will air back-to-back in this 13-hours marathon, and Season 2 will premiere at 9 p.m. Friday on Syfy.
••”New Pollution” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): Professional surfer Matt Beacham returns for a fourth season of introducing viewers to the next generation of action sports athletes no older than 16 who are proving their skills in the hills, waves, water and streets across the world.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): After their four-month ordean on Guadalcanal, Leckie and Basilone and thousands of their comrades land in Melbourne, where they are greeted by adoring crowds and hailed as the saviors of Australia.
••“Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): When Duffy dumps Whitey (Martin Mull, “Roseanne”), he moves in with Eddie and Joy as a way of coping, but he quickly overstays his welcome and Joy wants him out.
MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2010
••”10 Things I Hate About You” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In the mid-season premiere episode, Kat and Patrick are caught skipping school and both get suspended. Meanwhile, Bianca has her own problems after a secret make-out session with Joey is caught on video.
••”Castle” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In “Boom,” the second part of the story begun in “Tick, Tick, Tick …,” the serial killer remains at large and is taunting Castle, Beckett and Jordan Shaw (Dana Delany, “Desperate Housewives”) to catch him.
••“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Chuck finds himself once again at odds with his uncle, Jack Bass (Desmond Harrington, “Dexter”). Rufus attempts to get Jenny (Taylor Momsen) back on track by volunteering to have her help with Eleanor’s fashion show, but the opportunity takes a big turn for the worse when Jenny learns that Agnes (Willa Holland, “The O.C.”) will be one of the models.
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): In the Season 3 finale, the students of Cyprus-Rhodes University are on Spring Break in Myrtle Beach, which means the year is winding down and the seniors have big decisions looming over their heads. Martha MacIsaac (“Superbad”) guest stars.
••“Iraq In Fragments” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This 2007 Academy Award nominee for best documentary feature chronicles the challenging journeys of individuals living within the war-torn country of Iraq.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): To make Audrey happy, Jeff begrudgingly agrees to see a couple’s therapist (Alan Ruck, “Spin City”). Meanwhile, Russell develops a crush on Timmy’s fiance.
••”Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Season 4 opens in the immediate aftermath of Grace and Neely’s survived fall from the top of a building. Grace, now known as “Angel Cop” by Oklahoma City residents, decides to have it out with God once and for all. But a mysterious stranger (Gordon MacDonald, “”Law & Order”) might have something to say about that. Series creator Nancy Miller, an Oklahoma City native, says the final nine episodes of the show will be “a wild and exciting ride. I want (viewers) to come away thinking this was a series that constantly surprised them and gave them Holly Hunter in a character that broke new ground for women on television.”
••”Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (noon on KOCB-34): “Dancing With the Stars” host Tom Bergeron suts in as the featured expert this week, in which contestants will face questions about the “Dancing With the Stars” series in addition to general trivia. Assisting host Meredith Vieira in delivering questions will be “Dancing with the Stars” professional dancers Cheryl Burke, Mark Ballas, Lacey Schwimmer, Chelsie Hightower, Derek Hough and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, as well as judges Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2010
••“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Liam catches his stepfather (John Schneider, “Smallville”) with another woman and confronts him with his fist. Debbie and her instructor, Kai (Greg Vaughan, “General Hospital”) share tea and conversation after yoga, but Kai oversteps his boundaries.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The final nine contestants are delighted to learn from host Alison Sweeney that the game is now going to singles and they’ll all compete as individuals for the rest of the competition.
••”Future Food” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows chefs Homaro Cantu and Ben Roche as they try to change the world one concoction at a time. In the premiere episode, they make creative seafood dishes using everything but fish.
••”Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): On Jan. 12, Haiti was leveled by one of the most devastating earthquakes in recorded history. Correspondent Martin Smith and his team arrived in Port-au-Prince within days, and this report bears witness to the disaster and the ill-coordinated relief efforts in the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Drawing on interviews with key officials and humanitarian experts from Port-au-Prince to New York, “The Quake” asks, can the world do better? And how?
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia learns more information about her husband’s fall from grace when she represents the wife of State Attorney Glenn Childs in their divorce. Titus Welliver (“Deadwood”) and Craig Bierko (“Boston Legal”) guest star.
••”Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Whatever It Takes” documents the struggles and triumphs of the first year of an innovative public high school in New York City’s South Bronx.
••”Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Season 9 introduces Saffron Burrows (“Boston Legal”) as Detective Serena Stevens, a highly educated, worldly single parent with a broad range of life experiences to draw upon in solving even the toughest of cases. Teamed with Detective Zach Nichols (Jeff Goldblum), they create a partnership of challenging intellect and street-smart savvy. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio steps into the role of Captain Zoe Callas after an action-packed two-part series premiere.
••”Little Chocolatiers” (9p.m. on TLC): This new series explores the professional and personal lives Steve and Katie Hatch, a little people who are married and run a busy chocolate shop in Salt Lake City. In the first two episodes airing back-to-back, the Hatches are challenged to build a life-sized chocolate desk and a giant chocolate boom box.
••“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): Ella discovers someone is embezzling from WPK and framing her for it. Reuniting on this episode are original cast members Heather Locklear, Thomas Calabro, Josie Bissett and Daphne Zuniga.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): With the team’s help, Vance faces his demons while uncovering a complex relationship with a killer that puts his whole family in danger. Penny Johnson Jerald (“24″) guest stars as State Department Official Joanne Torrence.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Max re-joins the baseball team, Drew helps Adam connect with his son. Meanwhile, Sarah strikes up a friendship with Amber’s English teacher, Mr. Cyr (Jason Ritter, “Joan of Arcadia”).
••”The Real Face of Jesus?” (7 p.m. on History Channel): In this two-hour special, a team of graphic experts seeks to to create a living, moving 3D image of the man many believe to be Jesus Christ. The starting point of this journey is an ancient 14-foot linen cloth known as the Shroud of Turin, believed by millions to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ. Imprinted on the fabric is a faint, ghostly image of a crucified man.
••”V” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In the mid-season premiere episode, Erica finds her life in danger when she’s attacked at home. Also, a dangerous new member is recruited for the Resistance, as the Visitors shore up their defenses.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Grayson introduces girlfriend Sara (Grammy winner Sheryl Crow) to Jules and company. Jules and Sara hit it off, but when Grayson is overly attentive to his new girl, Jules warns him to back off before Sara pulls away.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the culmination of a multi-episode mystery, Mac and his team uncover the dark lair of a murderous madman, the Compass Killer (Skeet Ulrich, “Jericho”). But as they race to save his fourth victim, the sunrise presents one final surprise that no one ever expected.
••“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chance travels to a remote Alaskan island to find a missing doctor and expose an industrial giant’s involvement in the death of a mining foreman. Moon Bloodgood (“Terminator Salvation”) guest stars.
••”In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): In the Season 3 premiere, U.S. Marshals Mary and Marshall, who work in the secretive branch of the witness protection program, search for the person who nearly killed Mary in the Season 2 cliffhanger.
••”It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): Charlie, Sally, Lucy and Marcie get ready for the big day by making several unsuccessful attempts to prepare eggs for coloring — by frying, waffle-ironing, toasting, roasting and finally making soup out of them — while Linus insists no preparation is necessary. Luckily, the Easter Beagle steps in to take care of everything.
••”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Officer Nate Kendall (Wentworth Miller, “Prison Break”) aids a woman in trouble and becomes roped into solving a rape case. While Detectives Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson believe that Kendall is not right for the case due to his unstable personality, Executive Assistant District Attorney Sonya Paxton (Christine Lahti, “Jack & Bobby”) brings evidence of a common thread among three other rape cases.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine begins seeing a therapist who shares office space with Matthew, although it’s unclear to both whether to pursue therapy or romance. Eric McCormack (“Will & Grace”) guest stars as Dr. Max Kershaw, the therapist/love interest.
••”Prison Wives” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This installment follows Juli Cummings, a glass artist from Seattle who is engaged to Richard Sipe, a man serving 71 years at Davis Correctional Center in Holdenville for manufacturing methamphetamine and other violations. Juli is fighting to get him out of prison and prepares to fly to Oklahoma to visit him.
••“The Street Stops Here” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary offers a portrait of high school basketball coach Bob Hurley Sr. and his lifelong commitment to improve the lives of students at an inner city Catholic school in Jersey City, NJ.
••”Tavis Smiley Reports” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special report delves into Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” that he delivered April 4, 1967, at Riverside Church in New York City. He made the speech exactly one year before the date of his assassination.
••”Wa$ted!” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): Host Annabelle Gurwitch is back for a third season of helping homeowners audit waste, energy, water and transportation cunsumption. Her tips help with the eco haven and save participants cash in the process.
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
••”Adam’s Rib” (7 p.m. on TCM): This 1949 film stars Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy as lawyers working on opposite sides of an attempted-murder case. Guest programmer Raquel Welch (“Thye Three Musketeers”) discusses the film with TCM host Robert Osborne during breaks. She also shares her thoughts on 1939′s “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (9 p.m.), 1961′s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (11:15 p.m.) and 1944′s “To Have and Have Not” (1:15 a.m.).
••”Beasts of the Bible” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This documentary delves into the origins of mysterious Biblical animals and examines the scientific facts behind their existence. The experts debunk myths and uncover Biblical beasts, showing what they might have looked like and who their modern day descendents may be.
••”Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the spring premiere, a subway train is thrown off the track by 60,000 gallons of flood water and a partially skeletonized body emerges out of the overflow. Clea Duvall (“Carnivale”) and Carla Gallo (“Men of a Certain Age”) guest star.
••”Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This documentary tells the inside story of one of history’s greatest business scandals, in which top executives of America’s seventh largest company walked away with over $1 billion while investors and employees lost everything.
••“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): In the spring premiere, Walter flashes back to 1985 while explaining Peter’s otherworldly origins to Olivia.
••”Fugitive Chronicles” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new docu-drama series brings to life compelling fugitive captures through archival footage, fugitive narrative recreated from real testimony and taped interviews with law enforcement officials. The premiere episode spotlights prison escapee Ralph “Bucky” Philips, a career criminal who spent most of his life in and out of prison.
••”Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of the locally-produced series spotlights The Culinary Institute at Platt College, where chefs who’ve worked all over the world are teaching the next generation what it takes to be the best in their field. The students are prepping for a regional competition that will put them head to head against other culinary schools from 15 states. Last year, they took bronze.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Patrick Jane, Lisbon and the CBI team brace themselves to finally meet their new boss, Special Agent Madeleine Hightower (Aunjanue Ellis, “True Blood.”
••”The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Pam’s contractions begin but she and Jim are determined to wait it out as long as possible so they can have more time at the hospital. Linda Purl (“Bones”) guest stars.
••”The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Host Drew Carey celebrates April Fools’ Day with special guest Kathy Kinney (“The Drew Carey Show”) As her character, Mimi, she will take over the show as executive producer and makes some unexpected changes, including adding four unusual looking male models and replacing announcer Rich Fields with a man in a monkey suit.
••”Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): When famed neurosurgeon Dr. Ginsberg and her team pay a visit to St. Ambrose to save the life of Kayla, Addison is shocked to see Amelia Shepherd – Derek’s younger sister on the team. Caterina Scorsone (“1-800-Missing”) guest stars.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this installment, journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones uncovers new information about the fall of music industry legend Phil Spector, who worked with some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. Actress Lana Clarkson turned up dead at his home, and the music producer was charged with murder.
FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010
••”Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): When comic book artist Damon Weaver begins drawing his own run-ins with ghosts before they happen, it is up to Melinda and Avery (Margaret Cho, “Drop Dead Diva”) to discover the secrets behind his art.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Yusuf, The Fray and White Lies.
••”Merlin” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In the Season 2 premiere, new servant Cedric (Mackenzie Crook, “The Office”) threatens Merlin’s position as Arthur’s right-hand-man, turning the Prince against his loyal friend.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): This new hospital drama follows a team of surgeons who thrive on the adrenaline rush of working at one of the premiere trauma facilities in the country while drawing upon their wit and irreverence to survive on the edge. As part of the Alpha Team, these professionals exclusively treat patients with life-threatening injuries.
••”A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism” (5 p.m. on HBO): Kate Winslet (“The Reader”) narrates this documentary debuting on International Autism Awareness Day. It charts the journey of a mother searching to unlock her autistic son’s mind. Traveling from Iceland to the United States and Europe, she learns how the brains of autistic children differ from “normal” children and discovers new techniques that could offer a promising future for children with autism, including her son.
••”The Pyramid Code” (7:30 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This 5-part series seeks to unlock the mysteries behind the ancient Egyptians, their technology and sacred cosmology by exploring the Egyptian pyramid fields and ancient temples.
••”Stargate Universe” (8 p.m. on Syfy): In the mid-season premiere episode, The Destiny crew discovers a piece of Ancient technology that transports Colonel Everett Young to an unknown alien vessel.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Brooke Shields (“Lipstick Jungle”) traves her father’s family history to one of European aristicracy and royal connections. She also uncovers a tragic secret on her mother’s side of the family that changes the way she feels about her grandmother.
••”Wife Swap” (7 p.m. on ABC): Season 6 opens with a strict family in Alabama swapping moms with a New Jersey family that pampers their children and a collection of 14 plastic dolls they call reborn babies.
SATURDAY APRIL 3, 2010
••”30 for 30″ (3 p.m. on ABC): This installment of the ESPN film series is “Guru of Go” and coincides with the start of the NCAA Men’s Final Four. It documents the non-stop run-and-gun offensive system of Loyola Marymount’s men’s basketball team and the tragic death of star Hank Gathers.
••”Doodlebops Rockin’ Road Show” (9 a.m. on CBS): This new animated and music-filled comedy follows Deedee, Rooney and Moe Doodle on zany adventures through the Doodlenet as they help their young fans solve pre-school-relatable problems. Each episode features two original songs and encourages an understanding and appreciation of music, physical activity and health and promotes open-mindedness.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for March 21-27, 2010
Sunday’s
Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 21:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2010
••”BBC Earth” (2 p.m. on BBC America): Sir David Attenborough (“The Blue Planet”) narrates five back-to-back documentaries from “The Life of Mammals” series that introduce viewers to the most diverse group of animals on Earth and tells their epic tale of survival.
••”Breaking Bad” (9 p.m. on AMC): Series star Bryan Cranston (Walt White) directs the Season 3 premiere episode titled “No Mas.” This season will explore the heightened battle and repercussions of Walt’s ruthless swirl of drugs, murder, mayhem and family.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Vera goes missing, and his team members hope that a new twist to a 2006 arson case, which Vera was secretly obsessing about, might supply some quick leads to his whereabouts. Glenn Morshower (“24″) plays a fire marshal who partnered with Vera on the arson/homicide case in 2006, and Patrick Gallagher (“Glee”) portrays a bartender at a bar where Vera’s recently become a regular. Several songs by rock group Pink Floyd will be featured throughout the episode.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Angie’s ex-boyfriend, Patrick (John Barrowman, “Torchwood”), emerges after her trip to New York. Meanwhile it’s game on between Gaby and Susan, as they go to shameless lengths to top each other’s kids. Julie Benz (“Dexter”) also guest stars.
••”Dora the Explorer” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the 10th anniversary special “”Swiper the Explorer,” Swiper attempts to swipe Dora and Boots’ ball and ends up helping them with a lost baby fox. The adventure is a big success and Swiper learns to say “thank you.”
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Christian Slater (“The Forgotten”) joins the “Extreme” team in Hattiesburg, Miss., to help build a new home for an Army National Guard hero and his family. Celine Dion and the Jonas Brothers also make special guest appearances.
••”Gene Simmons Family Jewels” (8 p.m. on A&E): Season 5 begins with a terrifying moment for rock star Gene Simmons and his non-traditional family. Shannon has a health scare that makes the family rally and Gene is caught between two worlds – being there for the mother of his two children and being on tour with KISS.
••”Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Get a sneak peak at this new series in which chef Jamie Oliver starts a new cooking initiate that he hopes will change the way Americans eat. The series moves into its regular time period at 8 p.m. Friday, March 26.
••”Kirstie Alley’s Big Life” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new reality series chronicles the life of Golden Globe and two-time Emmy winner Kirstie Alley from her journey with her weight loss program to her life as a single mother trying to raise two normal teenagers in the Hollywood spotlight.
••”Life” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Oprah Winfrey narrates this 11-part wildlife series. The first episode titled “Challenges of Life” spotlights the ways in which animals have adapted to secure the food they need to survive.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): Part 2 in this 10-part series finds Basilone (Jon Seda) and the 7th Marines arriving on Guadalcanal to reinforce Leckie (James Badge Dale) and the rest of the 1st Marine Division as they continue to defend the crucial airstrip.
••”Thin Ice” (6 p.m. on ABC): This competition for the world’s top professional figure skaters concludes. Hosts Elisabeth Hasselbeck (“The View”) and Kurt Browning (Canadian skating champion) announce the winners of the event decided by viewer votes (50 percent) and a panel of judges.
••“Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): When Joy’s mother (Lainie Kazan, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) pays her daughter a visit, she drives Joy up the wall with her constant criticism, and Eddie makes a valiant attempt to ease the tension.
MONDAY MARCH 22, 2010
••”Be Good Johnny Weir” (9:30 p.m. on Sundance Channel): The final installment of this eight-part documentary series culminates with the U.S. Men’s National Figure Skating Championships in January, as Johnny Weir attempts to secure what may be his last chance at a place on the Olympic team.
••”The Big Sleep” (7 p.m. on TCM): This 1946 film stars Humphrey Bogart as Raymond Chandler’s classic detective Philip Marlowe, who becomes involved with a socialite, played by Lauren Bacall. Former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar discusses the film with TCM host Robert Osborne during breaks. He also shares his thoughts on 1941′s “The Maltese Falcon” (9 p.m.), 1976′s “The Shootist” (11 p.m.) and 1939′s “Stagecoach” (1 a.m.).
••”Castle” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): In this two-part episode that concludes March 29, Dana Delany (“Desperate Housewives”) guest stars as Federal Agent Jordan Shaw, an insightful and accomplished Federal Investigator who teams with Richard Castle and Detective Beckett to hunt down an elusive serial killer.
••”Dancing With the Stars” (7 p.m. on ABC): A new cast of celebrities and their professional dance partners hit the floor for with two hours of dancing. Season 10 contenders are Buzz Aldrin, Pamela Anderson, Erin Andrews, Shannen Doherty, Kate Gosselin, Evan Lysacek, Niecy Nash, Chad Ochocinco, Jake Pavelka, Nicole Scherzinger and Aiden Turner.
••”CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio’s son, Kyle, returns from combat and promptly turns to his father for help in solving a murder.
••”Hardwood” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows the journey of Hubert Davis, the son of former Harlem Globetrotter Mel Davis, as he sets out to answer questions about his life. He uses personal interviews, archival footage and home movies to delve into his father’s past in the hope of finding a new direction for his own.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted ruins Lily’s birthday dinner celebration by bringing a date, Lily goes to great lengths to keep her out of the traditional photo she takes every year of the gang. Laura Prepon (“That ’70s Show”) returns as Karen, Ted’s ex-girlfriend and Anne Dudek (“Big Love”) guest stars as Natalie, one of Ted’s dates.
••”Let’s Make a Deal” (2 p.m. on CBS): Monty Hall makes television history with a sixth decade of appearances on the game show. He will appear with host Wayne Brady every day this week and play one game on his own with audience members of his choosing. Hall originally teamed with writer-producer Stefan Hatos in 1963 to create “Let’s Make a Deal,” which ran until August 1986. In 1990, he returned to do the game show for another cycle.
••”Nurse Jackie” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Edie Falco returns for a second season as a New York nurse who struggles to balance her demanding job with a family and long-hidden secrets that could cost her both.
••”Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Jeff and Audrey get into an argument when she discovers he does not believe her claim that she saw her grandmother’s ghost.
••”Three Sheets” (9 p.m. on FLN): Host Zane Lamprey travels around the world in search of the world’s best drinks and bar scenes, and then he tests out the local hangover cures the next morning. Wacky hangover remedies featured in this week-long marathon include sucker-fish boiled in wine (today), acupressure foot massage (Tuesday), “Star Trek” wedding vow renewal (Wednesday), 300-foot canyon swing (Thursday) and deep-fried pizza (Friday).
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy, Richard and James attempt to save the planet by building their own electric car out ogf TVR chassis and milk float batteries. Michael Sheen (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”) is featured in the star in a reasonably price car segment.
••”Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie has a return engagement with Chelsea’s best friend, while Alan has an unexpected effect on a new female patient. Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”) returns as Chelsea’s best friend and Francis Fisher (“Titanic”) guest stars as Alan’s chiropractic patient.
••”United States of Tara” (9:30 p.m. on Showtime): Toni Collette returns for a second season as a suburban wife and mother who struggles to handle the pressures of everyday suburban life while dealing with multiple personalities.
••”Unsung” (8 p.m. on TV One): Back with four new episosodes is this biographical series that celebrates the lives and careers of artists who, despite great talent, have been under-appreciated. Today’s installment focuses on Rose Royce, one of the top-selling groups of the 1970s. Upcoming episodes feature Sylvester (March 29), Stacy Lattisaw (April 12) and the Bar-Kays (April 19).
TUESDAY MARCH 23, 2010
••“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): Debbie confides in Kai (Greg Vaughan, “General Hospital”), her yoga instructor, about the arrival of Dixon’s birthmother. Meanwhile, Gia (Rumer Willis, “Sorority Row”) encourages Adrianna to audition for a new band.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The contestants return to their hometowns to visit family and friends. But with those happy reunions come the challenge of continuing to eat right and exercise despite all the distractions and temptations away from the ranch.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a judge overturns a straightforward plea deal arranged by Alicia, she and Kalinda delve into the jurist’s record in an effort to understand his motivation.
••”How Much is Your Dead Body Worth?” (9 p.m. on CNBC): The medical industry’s demand for human tissue has created a lucrative black market, and some people will do anything to get their hands on your dead body. This special looks at the value of each part and uncovers the story of Michael Mastromarino, a dentist turned body snatcher, who makes millions from stolen corpses, including the body of a legendary broadcaster.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A murder investigation prompts Gibbs and the team to play family counselor to his former mentor, Mike Franks, in the hopes of preventing a bloody international conflict. Robert Patrick (“The Unit”) guest stars.
••”NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): Forensic scientist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette, “NCIS”) joins the Los Angeles NCIS team when a murder case resembles the pattern for a serial killer she has been tracking.
••”V: The Arrival” (9:06 p.m. on ABC): Catch up on the visitors and their plan for the himan race in this special clip show from the first four episodes. The series returns March 30.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 24, 2010
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Sheryl Crow guest stars as Sara, a confident wine representative who sets her sights on Grayson. Meanwhile, when Ellie tells Jules she can’t change past a certain age, Jules is determined to prove her wrong by giving up wine for a month.
••”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit follows a trail of murders that seems to align with the tour schedule of a rock star. Gavin Rossdale (“Little Black Book”) plays a Goth performer who has become lost in the frightening alter-ego that he portrays on stage — an alter-ego the BAU team suspects may be a brutal serial killer.
••”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 the “Compass Killer.” Nelly (“The Longest Yard”) returns as an informant who helps Detective Flack.
••”Fly Girls” (8 p.m. on CW): This new series follows five Virgin America flight attendants as they jet from one glamorous location to the next, including Las Vegas, South Beach and New York City, while pursuing good times, great parties, adventure and love.
••”Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The “Dance in America” production titled “NY Export: Opus Jazz” is a new adaptation of Jerome Robbins’ 1958 ballet in sneakers that was filmed on location all over the five boroughs of New York. The 16 characters are updated for modern times, but the story still embodies the same theme of being young in the Big Apple.
••“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Chance is knocked out when he meets the beautiful daughter of a former heavyweight champ in Vienna and must jump in the ring to protect a prize fighter on the run from a ruthless businessman. Grace Park (“Battlestar Galactica”) guest stars.
••”Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Veronia begins the difficult process of confronting her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with her therapist (Mary Stuart Masterson, “Kate Brasher”). But she finds herself at odds with Dr. Sands over a patient’s treatment.
••”The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie fears her job at the car dealership may be on the line when hardcore motivational consultant Abby (Amy Sedaris, “Strangers with Candy”) is hired to whip the sales staff into shape. Meanwhile, with Frankie putting in extra hours at work, Mike has to deal with issues at home.
••”Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies (Chazz Palminteri, “The Usual Suspects”)might be secretly gay.
••”Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Betty is thrilled to get her braces off, courtesy of her chatty new orthodontist, Dr. Frankel (Kathy Najimy, “Sister Act”). But before this can happen, she gets knocked unconscious at a photo shoot of the “Million Dollar Bra” at the Guggenheim, spinning her into a dream sequence. Donna Murphy (“Trust Me”) also guest stars.
THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010
••“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Hodgins, Sweets and Jeffersonian intern Colin Fischer (Joel David Moore, “Avatar”) take turns camping out for tickets to a movie premiere in “The Gamer in the Grease.”
••”FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Aaron delves deeper into why the black-ops Jericho unit is after his daughter and Mark continues to question Lloyd about a phone conversation that took place during their flashforwards. Tim “Timbaland Mosley (“Boogie”) guest stars.
••”The Real Housewives of New York City” (9 p.m. on Bravo): At a show during New York Fashion Week, LuAnn makes a snide remark to Bethenny, who launches into a verbal attack. Later, Bethenny hosts an event for a designer, and both Alex and Kelly show up to support her.
••”The Tiger Next Door” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special spotlights a man in Indiana who has been keeping, breeding and selling Bengal tigetrs from his backyard for more than 15 years. He claims to know exactly what they are thinking by the look in their eyes.
••“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): Matt and Caroline are surprised by the sudden reappearance of Matt’s mother Kelly (Melinda Clarke, “The O.C.”).
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2010
••”Chandon Pictures” (8 p.m. on Sundance Channel): This Australian comedy series follows a deluded documentary filmmaker, whose portfolio doesnt extend much beyond weddings and children’s birthday parties. But with the help of his loyal cameraman and producer, he manages to twist each client’s brief to match his creative dreams of making “films that matter.”
••”Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars” (7 p.m. on Disney): Based on the popular books by Louise Fitzhugh, this movie is a contemporary twist on the iconic character as Harriet “The Spy” Welsch (Jennifer Stone, “Wizards of Waverly Place”) vies to become the official blogger of her high school class.
••”Imagination Movers” (8:30 a.m. on Disney): The Movers help famed blues musician T-Bone Crosby when, after years of writing songs, he seems to be out of ideas. Grammy Award-winning blues artist and actor Chris Thomas King (“Ray”) guest stars.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Counting Crows, Melody GArdot and Hockey.
••”Top Yam: The Louisiana Yambilee Queen Pageant” (9 p.m.on TLC): Take a behind-the-scenes look at this five-day festival in Opelousas, La. Every year, the town gathers to celebrate their main crop, the yam, by holding yam cook-offs, a Yam-i-mal contest, a carnival and the pageant featuring girls competing for $500 and the opportunity to be the community’s spokesperson.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Matthew Broderick (“The Producers”) discovers that his grandmother, Mary Martindale, was a descendant from a Civil War hero, Robert Martindale, who fought at Gettysburg and joined the historic march through Georgia.
SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2010
••”Believe in Oklahoma: Gone Country” (6:30 p.m. on KOCO-5): This special features music and interviews with several of the state’s top country music stars, including Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Black Shelton, Shauna Russell and Miranda Lambert.
••”Nickelodeon’s 23rd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Kevin James (“The King of Queens”) hosts the event live from UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion. The slime will flow for the no-holds-barred kudo/mess-fest on the night kids rule and get to honor their favorites from the worlds of film, music, sports and television. First time Kids’ Choice nominees President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will compete in the new cutest couple category.
••”Paranormal Court” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special follows Robert Hansen, a renowned psychic medium who steps in to help families get the answers they need because the death of a loved one has left them with questions and a lack of closure. It Hansen’s psychic abilities in solving disputes when two parties come together and agree to be bound by the ruling enlisted from the other side.
••“Victorious” (8:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new comedy series follows Tori Vega (Victoria Justice, “Spectacular!”) as she unexpectedly finds herself navigating life at an elite performing arts high school. It features an ensemble cast of teens who act, sing, dance and perform to original music. The series will move into its regular 7 p.m. Sunday timeslot on April 11.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for March 14-20, 2010
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 14:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2010
••”30 for 30″ (8 p.m. on ESPN): The new documentary ‘‘Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks” explores how Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers became the most despised opponent of the New YorkKnicks.
••”America’s Worst Driver” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): In this new series, bad drivers in eight cities compete in various driving challenges to identify the worst local driver. The participant earning the distinction of the worst from each city will watch as their car is destroyed before moving on to the finale.
••”Antonio Treatment” (9 p.m. on HGTV): ‘‘HGTV Design Star” Sesaon 4 winner Antonio Ballatore helps transform lackluster homes, offices, restaurants, stores, recording studios and more into radically original-yet functional-custom creations. In the second hour of the series premiere, he helps Mario Lopez (“Nip/Tuck”) upgrade his home and office gyms from makeshift spaces into a boxer’s paradise. He also receives a visit from boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard.
••”The Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the two-hour Season 3 premiere, Donald Trump divides 14 celebrities into men versus women and instructs them to choose a team name. Their first task is running a New York City diner. The celebrities are Darryl Strawberry, Cyndi Lauper, Bret Michaels, Sharon Osbourne, Michael Johnson, Holly Robinson Peete, Bill Goldberg, Carol Leifer, Sinbad, Summer Sanders, Rod Blagojevich, Maria Kanellis, Curtis Stone and Selita Ebanks.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team reopens the case of a dock worker who was moonlighting as an indy-circuit wrestler until he was shot dead in 1986, and Valens secretly looks into a lead on the man who mugged and raped his mother. Roddy Piper (“The Portal”) and Jay Thomas (“Murphy Brown”) guest star.
••”The Cutting Edge: Fire & Ice” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Figure skater Alexandra ‘‘Alex” Delgado (Francia Raisa), who gave up competing in favor of teaching after her partner became injured, agrees to team up with banned speed skater James McKinsey (Brendan Fehr, ‘‘Roswell”). But their relationship on and off the ice heats up as they get closer to competition.
••”Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Gaby and Angie head to New York in search of Danny and Ana. While in the Big Apple, a chance encounter with supermodels Heidi Klum and Paulina Porizkova leads Gaby to an unexpected revelation about herself. Julie Benz (“Dexter”) also guest stars.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team stops in Slaughterville, Okla., to help build a home for Brian and Audra Skaggs. Their son, Jhett, 3, survived a heart transplant at eight months of age, but the family’s moldy, rotting, termite-ridden home poses serious risks to his weakened immune system. Helping with the build are celebrity guest designer Jillian Harris (“The Bachelorette”), Xzibit (“Hoodwinked!”), Ideal Homes of Norman and almost 2,000 volunteers.
••”Fatal Attractions” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This three-part miniseries gets inside the minds of people who own venomous reptiles, deadly big cats and chimpanzees to see what drives their obsessions. While their love, admiration and intrigue is genuine, these exotic pet owners often ignore the fact that their choice of a pet could cost them, innocent bystanders or their beloved pets their lives. It kicks off with the reptile episode, followed by big cats (March 21) and chimpanzees (March 28).
••”Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): In the third-season finale, Miley Stewart faces the biggest decision of her life – whether to say goodbye to her life in Malibu or to listen to her heart and return to her Crowley Corners ranch and beloved horse Blue Jeans in Tennessee. Meanwhile, Jackson moves into his own apartment, Lilly is contemplating what to do after her mom accepts a job in Atlanta and Oliver must decide whether to stay with his two best friends or go on the road to pursue his fledgling music career.
••”Killer Aliens” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): Florida is being overrun by lethal Burmese pythons, feral hogs, Nile monitor lizards and Gambian rats the size of cats. With no natural predators, their populations are spreading disease, destroying vegetation and crops, preying on native species and harming humans.
••”Minute to Win It” (6 p.m. on NBC): Guy Fieri hosts this new game show that leads competitors through a series of challenges using everyday household items. Each game has a 60-second time limit, and 10 have to be completed to win $1 million.
••“National Geographic Magazine’s Top Photos of the Year” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special counts down the Top 10 photos from the magazine and reveals the stories behind the photographs.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): Based on the true stories of three World War II Marines, this 10-part miniseries follows them from their first battle with the Japanese on Guadalcanal to their return home. In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. Sgt. John Basilone (Jon Seda) departs for the Pacific, Robert Leckie (James Badge Dale) joins the Marines, and Eugene Sledge (Joe Mazzello) cannot enlist because of a heart murmur.
••”Sonny With a Chance” (7 p.m. on Disney): Season 2 follows Sonny as she lives out her dream of starring on her favorite sketch comedy show for tweens, “So Random!” in Hollywood. She tries to balance her friendships with the everyday problems that pop up at school and on set.
••”Sons of Tucson” (8:30 p.m. on Fox): This new family comedy follows three young brothers (Benjamin Stockham, Frank Dolce, Matthew Levy) who hire a charming slacker (Tyler Labine, ‘‘Reaper”) to pose as their dad when their real father is sent to prison.
••”Summit on the Summit: Kilimanjaro” (8 p.m. on MTV): This 90-minute documentary features a group of artists and activists as they attempt to reach the top of Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise awareness of the global clean water crisis. Grammy-nominated musician Kenna is the mastermind behind the expedition, and he will be joined by Jessica Biel, Emile Hirsch, Lupe Fiasco, Santigold, Isabel Lucas, Elizabeth Gore, Alexandra Cousteau, Kick Kennedy and more.
••”Til Death” (6 p.m. on Fox): When Joy and Eddie meet their rather unconventional new neighbors, Eddie can’t seem to get the idea of being with a younger woman out of his head. Gilbert Gottfried (“Greg the Bunny”) guest stars.
••“Ultimate Power Builders” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In downtown Guangzhou, China, one of the greenest structures is being built. The 71-storey building known as Pearl River Tower will rely on just wind and sunlight for its power supply.
••”Ultimate Recipe Showdown” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Guy Fieri returns for the third season of this culinary competition. Each episode pits four great home cooks against one another for a $25,000 prize. In this first of six episodes, the contestants have just 30 minutes to dish up the ultimate comfort food recipe.
••”Weather Proof” (8 p.m. on The Weather Channel): In the episode “Tornadoes: The Twisted Truth,” host Newton Wimer creates a special test to reveal just how safe a safe room really is in tornado-like conditions.
MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2010
••”Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): When Castle and Beckett are called to a wedding to investigate the death of a bridesmaid, Castle is stunned to discover that the soon-to-be bride is his old flame, Kyra (Alyssa Milano, “Charmed”).
••“Celtic Thunder — It’s Entertainment” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmed in front of a live studio audience in Toronto, this show is musical review spans six decades and reflects the romance and nostalgia of times gone by.
••”CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): After the lab is attacked, Horatio must give in to a gunman’s bizarre request to save five hostages, including the newest CSI team member, Jesse Cardoza. Sharif Atkins (“ER”) and Robert Gant (“Queer as Folk”) guest star.
••”Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Casey carries out a side mission for his old commanding officer (Robert Patrick, “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”) that leads to him committing treason.
••“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): In this episode directed by Andrew McCarthy (“Pretty in Pink”) Rufus and Lily grow suspect of Jenny’s relationship with Damien.
••”Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family”): Casey and Cappie get a surprise visit from Cappie’s parents, April (Lea Thompson, “Back to the Future”) and Tobias (Jim Abele, “24″), who proceed to invite the couple to join them on a camping trip. While at first reluctant, Casey decides to go, in hopes that they may be able to encourage Cappie to choose a major and graduate with her.
••”HGTV Dream Home Giveaway” (7 p.m. on HGTV): A new, contemporary Pueblo-style home near Santa Fe, N.M., awaits the winner of the 14th annual giveaway. Host Jamie Durie (“The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie”) will be on location, using stealth maneuvers to surprise the winner at home.
••”Home Rules” (8 p.m. on HGTV): In this new series, life coach and former WNBA player Fran Harris will explore why a frazzled family is struggling to find harmony at home. After assessing the issue, Fran will help the family establish rules to help ease the pandemonium, and a designer will help create a well-designed space that enhances the family’s life.
••”How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barney and Robin hit a rough patch in their relationship, Lily devises the perfect plan to break them up, calling in help from Robin’s famous friend, Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”).
••”Jessica Simpson’s The Price of Beauty” (9 p.m. on VH1): In this new reality series, Jessica Simpson and her closest friends embark on a worldwide tour to examine what constitutes beauty in different cultures and what measures women will take in order to achieve it.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Season 14 features a new search for the greatest driving road in the world, a novel approach to caravanning and the invention of a new motor sport…well sort of. The premiere episode also features Eric Bana (“Hulk”), who does a lap in the reasonably priced car segment.
••”Transform Me” (9:30 p.m. on VH1): Each episode of this new series follows the makeover of one woman badly in need of a transformation — on the outside and inside. They’ll be transformed by three transgender women, including Laverne Cox (“I Want to Work for Diddy”).
••”Zeke and Luther” (6:30 p.m. on Disney XD): Season 2 of the skateboarding comedy series kicks off with an episode that pays homage to a seminal sitcom moment, as Zeke attempts to jump a shark.
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010
••”90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): Ryan meets free-spirited Laurel (Kelly Lynch, “The L Word”) at a bar, but soon they move to her car so they can get to know each other even better.
••“Andrew Rieu Live from Dresden” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Recorded at the Semper Opera House in 2008, this is not only a concert, but also a readl wedding party. The bride and groom are part of the famous “Vienna Debutantes.”
••”Bad Girls Club Reunion Special” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): Perez Hilton (celebrity blogger) hosts this two-part reunion special that concludes March 23. The “Bad Girls” come together for the first time since living together, and mayhem ensues as Hilton instigates rivalries and plans surprise guest visits.
••”The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chef Curtis Stone (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) stops by to help host Alison Sweeney judge a food cook-off challenge. Each team has 30 minutes to make an appetiser, entree and dessert using only 12 ingredients.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): In an emergency courtroom set up in a hospital, Alicia and Will battle Patti Nyholm (Martha Plimpton, “Parenthood”) and an insurance company that refuses to pay for life-saving in-utero surgery. Alan Cumming (“The L Word”) also guest stars.
••”Justified” (9 p.m. on FX): From the pages of crime novelist Elmore Leonard comes this series about Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant), a no-nonsense deputy U.S. marshal who returns to his native Kentucky to fight crime. In the premiere episode, Givens goes up against a buddy from his youth, Boyd Crowder, who has resurfaced as a violent white-power leader.
••“Love Games: Bad Girls Need Love Too” (10 p.m. on Oxygen): This new dating competition series features three former “Bad Girls Club” members — Amber (Season 3), Kendra (Season 4) and Sarah (Season 3) vying for the man of their dreams from a pool of 13 eligible bachelors. After a series of challenges and intimate group dates each week, in the end, only one Bad Girl and her beau will be left standing.
••”Marriage Under Construction” (10 p.m. on HGTV): This new weekly series follows newlyweds Natalie and Rodney as they purchase, renovate and decorate their new home. An expert foreman and an aspiring designer will help the couple transform their new house into a home as they adjust to married life and managing a household budget.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The team discovers striking similarities between themselves and their Coast Guard Investigative Services counterparts when a Navy diver seeking sunken treasure is found dead. Diane Neal (“Law & Order”) and Shanna Moakler (“Law & Order”) guest star.
••”NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): The investigation of a drive-by shooting has the NCIS team searching Los Angeles for the dead marine’s younger brother who may be the next target and the one with the answers. Sticky Fingaz Jones (“Platinum”) guest stars.
••”Samurai” (7 p.m. on History Channel): Actor/martial arts champ Mark Dacascos (“The Crow”) takes a personal journey in search of the life and legacy of Japan’s most celebrated and enigmatic warrior.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
••”Addicted” (9 p.m. on TLC): This new docu-series will demonstrate the debilitating disease of addiction and how it not only affects the addict but the family as well. Interventionist Kristina Wandzilak will pull from her own experiences to help bring a level of understanding and compassion to the healing process.
••“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When two bodies are discovered at the north and south ends of the city, Mac and the team deftly begin to navigate the trail of evidence left behind by the killer. Skeet Ulrich (“Jericho”) and Sarah Carter (“Shark”) guest star.
••”Destination Truth” (9 p.m. on Syfy): The crew heads to Ireland in search of the legendary leprechaun. Allison Scagliotti (“Warehouse 13″) and Kris Williams (“Ghost Hunters”) are guest investigators.
••”Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary finds out that he and Allison’s divorce papers were never filed, he uses the information to manipulate her into giving him his stuff back. Rachael Harris (“The Hangover”) and Lara Spencer (“Entertainment Tonight”) guest star.
••“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Claire feels slightly inadequate when her old friend, Valerie (Minnie Driver, “The Riches”), visits and is nothing like Claire remembered. Meanwhile Jay has an unsettling locker room moment when he and Cameron go play racquetball.
••”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barb has her lawyer send over divorce papers, Christine hires an aggressive divorce attorney (Corbin Bernsen, “Psych”), who convinces her that Barb owes her alimony.
••”The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): The longest-running game show celebrates St. Patrick’s Day by giving away prizes such as a greem Mini Cooper convertible adna trip to Ireland. With most of the audience in a sea of green, the luck of the Irish seems to work for several contestants who come away as big winners.
••“Priests in Concert at Liverpool” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Internationally acclaimed artists The Priests perfom inspirational classic at the historic Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool, England.
••“Scrubs” (7 p.m. on ABC): On the Season 9 finale, the med students of Winston University finally find something to be thankful for when Cole identifies his true calling in surgery, Drew finds the love of his life and Lucy finds the inspiration to become a doctor.
••“South Park” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): The foul-mouthed fourth-graders return for more shenanigans Season 14.
••”Ugly Americans” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new animated horror-comedy series follows Mark Lilly, a social worker at the “Department of Integration,” as he helps new citizens, both human and “other,” adapt to hectic life in New York City. There are easier tasks than weaning vampires off blood, socializing land-whales and housebreaking werewolves, but Mark is up to the challenge.
••“Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Justin loves his acting class, helmed by the eccentric Lena Korvinka (Carol Kane, “American Dreamer”), and finds himself in an unexpected triangle with his new pals, Austin and Lily. When Betty drops by class, she’s smitten with a cool young playwright whom she will profile for Mode.
THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2010
••“Afghan Star” (8 p.m. on HBO): Since 2005, millions in Afghanistan have been tuning in to Tolo TV’s “American Idol”-style series. This documentary chronicles contestants on the show and the country’s ongoing struggle for modernity.
••“Archer” (9 p.m. on FX): In the Season 1 finale, questions about the identity of Archer’s real father lead him into a trap and a confrontation with Malory.
••“Benise: The Spanish Guitar” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Flamenco guitarist Benise’s special will transport viewers to exotic place with video, new songs and an ever-changing set.
••”Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Booth’s grandfather Hank (Ralph Waite, “The Waltons”) comes to live with him and tags along as Brennan and Booth investigate ashes and charred remains found by a real estate agent while showing a property to prospective buyers.
••“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mark is suspended from duty at the FBI and must meet with a Bureau-appointed therapist in order to regain his badge. But he resumes his own investigation into his disappearance of Lloyd. The series is scheduled to air without repeats through the end of the season.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”), Martha Stewart (“Martha”) and Cedric the Entertainer (“The Steve Harvey Show”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••“My First Sale” (7:30 p.m. on HGTV): Each episode of this new series follows a different first-time home-seller as he or she face the frustrations of a challenging real estate market. Viewers will get valuable takeaway information and expert advice to help demystify the home sales process.
••”Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): After Jerry gets mugged by a bunch of kids, Leslie meets with the head park ranger (Andy Samberg, “Saturday Night Live”) in hopes of improving park safety.
••“Selling New York” (8 p.m. on HGTV): This new series follows a colorful group of assertive, razor-sharp brokers from two upscale boutique real estate firms, The Core Group and the Kleier family of Gumley Haft Kleier. These realtors will do whatever it takes to sell a property, from scheduling photo shoots and last-minute open houses to pampering a potential buyer with an excursion to New York Fashion Week.
••“Tough as Nails” (8:30 p.m. on HGTV): This new docu-drama follows successful Boston developer Cindy Stumpo as she juggles the demands of running her booming construction business and living her family life.
••”True Crime With Aphrodite Jones” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this installment, journalist and bestselling author Aphrodite Jones uncovers new information about the fall of former football player O.J. Simpson.
FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2010
••“CMT Crossroads” (9 p.m. on CMT): Taped before an invitation only audience, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band bring their tropical tastes and rousing performances to each other’s hit songs such as Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” and “Son of a Sailor” and Zac Brown Band’s “Chicken Fried” and “Toes.”
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Green Day, Bat for Lashes and Starsailor.
••“Thin Ice” (7 p.m. on ABC): Elisabeth Hasselbeck (“The View”) and Kurt Browning (Canadian figure skating champion) co-host this event, in which pro figure skaters compete in pairs for a panel of judges led by Kristi Yamaguchi and Dick Button. The winners are decided by a combination of the judges’ scores and viewer votes and will be revealed March 21. Competitors include Jamie Sale, Patrice Lauzon, Shizuka Arakawa, Shae-Lynn Bourne, David Pelletier, John Zimmerman and Michael Weiss.
••”Who Do You Think You Are?” (7 p.m. on NBC): Lisa Kudrow (“Friends”) travels from Los Angeles to Belarus and uncovers the answer to her father’s life-long unasnwered question.
SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2010
••“Freakiest Foods” (9 p.m. on FLN): Host Adam Gertler takes a peek as some of the most unique and unusual foods around the country, including pork brain sandwiches, Rocky Mountain oysters and tempura battered tarantula.
••“Handy Manny Big Race” (6 p.m. on Disney): In this primetime special for preschoolers and parents, Manny and the tools hit the motor speedway as a pit crew for the highly anticipated Wood Valley 500. NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. guest stars.
••“Healing Hands” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): A near-death experience leaves Buddy (Eddie Cibrian), a humble janitor, with the ability to heal others through a simple touch, and he feels newly empowered when strangers start coming to him for help. But as his gift begins to jeopardize his own health, as well as his plans with the woman he loves (Lisa Sheridan), he must decide what is more important: others’ futures or his own.
••”Kick Buttowski — Suburban Daredevil” (7:30 a.m. on Disney XD): Kick causes the school bus to get trapped during a blizzard. Without the support of class president Kendall (Emily Osment, “Hannah Montana”), Kick and Gunther take it upon themselves to rescue their classmates by creating a snowmobile.
••“Moveable Feast” (10:30 a.m. on OETA-13): This special brings together six American chefs, including Oklahoma native Rick Bayless (“Mexico One Plate at a Time”), to represent the diversity of food and culture in the United States.
–Penny TV
