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Top 55 TV Programs for March 29-April 2, 2009

   Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 29:

SUNDAY, MARCH 29
◊“Any Dream Will Do” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Graham Norton (“The Graham Norton Show”) hosts this new series in which judges and British viewers search for someone with star quality to take on the lead role in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Tony Award-winning composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is the head judge.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team reopoens the 1958 murder case of a successful newlywed real estate developer when new evidence indicates he may not have been killed were his body was found. Ken Howard (“The White Shadow”) and Johnathon Schaech (“That Thing You Do!”) guest star.
◊“A Conversation With … Lee Allan Smith” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): OETA broadcast journalist Dick Pryor talks to Lee Allan Smith about his life and some of the events he helped promote, including the 1989 U.S. Olympic Festival and the Centennial Parade and Spectacular in 2007.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The team helps a family dedicated to protecting the wildlife community build a stronger and safer home, as well as an improved sanctuary for the dozens of animals they rescue. Justin Chambers (“Grey’s Anatomy”) helps welcome the family back on reveal day.
◊“G4 Underground” (8 p.m. on G4, channel 191 on Dish Network, 258 on Cox Digital Cable, 310 on DirecTV): Morgan Webb (“X-Play”) hosts this new documentary series examines controversial issues, tech phenomena and unique personalities that have impacted today’s pop culture.
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): Vicki Lawrence (“The Carol Burnett Show”) guest stars as Miley and Jackson’s Mamaw, who returns to keep an eye out when Robby heads off to his high school reunion.
◊“Jim Gaffigan: King Baby” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new stand-up comedy special taped at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, proves that no other comedian working today can romanticize laziness and over-indulgence like Jim Gaffigan (“My Boys”).
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): “Little Dorrit,” one of Charles Dickens’ lesser-known novels, becomes a five-part miniseries set in a world of chronic debt and financial collapse. Matthew Macfadyen (“Pride and Prejudice”) plays hero Arthur Clennam, newcomer Claire Foy is Amy “Little” Dorrit and Tom Courtenay (“The Golden Compass”) is her father, who has been incarcerated for 25 years for insolvency.
◊“The Mighty Boosh” (midnight on Comedy Central): This new British comedy follows wannabe glam rocker Vince Noir and jazz aficionado Howard Moon, who are in a band and living alongside a freelance shaman and talking gorilla.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Kilauea: Mountain of Fire,” filmmaker Paul Atkins witnesses the cataclysmic meeting of 2000 degree lava and 75 degree ocean water in Hawaii. The latest eruption of Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, began in 1983, and it hasn’t stopped since, creating 544 acres of new land and cosuming 200 homes.
◊“The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” (7 p.m. on HBO): Grammy winner Jill Scott stars as
Precious Ramotswe, the sensible and wise proprietor of the only female-owned detective agency in Botswana. The new series is based on Alexander McCall Smith’s mystery novels and was filmed in Botswana.
◊“Predator X” (7 p.m. on History): This new special unveils the discovery of one of the largest ocean predatorsd ever found. Just 800 miles from the North Pole, a team of paleontologists unearthed the fossilized remains of a Jurassic-Age Pliosaur estimated at 50 feet long, 45 tons and 150 million years old.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel, 66 on Cox Cable, 214 on Dish Network, 362 on DirecTV): Storm reporter Lanny Dean and police officer Tim Buckman find themselves on the open road during the Greensburg tornado on May 4, 2007.  For both men, spotting severe weather is part of the job, but the job that day involved dodging an EF-5 tornado packing 200-mile-an-hour winds.
◊“Thrillbillies” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV, 265 on Cox Digital Cable, 618 on DirecTV): This new action comedy series follows a group of redneck friends who are on a journey for the ultimate thrill.

MONDAY, MARCH 30
◊“Atom TV” (1:30 a.m. on Comedy Central): Returning for a second season is this comedy show featuring a selection of random and hilarious web videos, each one of them developed or handpicked by the network.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Chuck expresses his feelings about his complicated relationship with Sarah, a heartless female agent (Tricia Helfer, “Battlestar Galactica”) is sent to evaluate Sarah’s performance as Chuck’s handler.
◊“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): A secret sorority spy and a new freshman (Jesse McCartney, “Summerland”) stir up some trouble as classes resume at Cyprus-Rhodes University.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Now that Nathan’s ability has been revealed and he has lost control of his operation, he and Claire go into hiding in Mexico. With Emile Danko (Zeljko Ivanek, “Damages”) now in control of the government operation, his plan to destroy everyone with abilities is set into motion.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Mos Def (“Be Kind Rewind”) guest stars as a man injured in a bicicyle accident who is unable to move or communicate verbally. The episode was shot predominantly from the patient’s perspective.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Allison dreams about a game show that detects whether or not you’re telling the truth, and when she awakes a game show buzzer goes off in her head whenever someone lies to her. Her newly acquired talent becomes very useful during the murder investigation of a young couple. Mark Steines (“Entertainment Tonight”) guest stars.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:31 p.m. on CBS): After getting invited to a much cooler party, Jeff and Audrey lie to Jennifer and Adam to get out of a dinner they are hosting. At the party, Russell hits on the girlfriend of Jerry Rice (former NFL wide receiver).
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): While investigating the murder of a jogger, Grace worries for her nephew when his father starts dating again. Emmy winner Kathy Baker (“Picket Fences”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Warren Beatty was born on this day in 1937, and TCM will celebrate by airing five of his films, including 1978’s “Heaven Can Wait” (7 p.m.) and 1974’s “Parallax” (11 p.m.).
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie joins Alan, Herb and his next door neighbor (Michael Clarke Duncan, “The Green Mile”) in a night of alcohol-fueled reminiscences after Chelsea finds nude pictures of another woman on Charlie’s phone.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31
◊“100 Greatest One Hit Wonders Of The ‘80’s” (9 p.m. today through Friday on VH1): Judah Freidlander (“30 Rock”) hosts this five-part special that revisits the era that brought songs that we can’t get out of our head. The special features new interviews with some of the 1980’s top one-hit wonders, including Stacey Q, Animotion, Musical Youth, Frank Stallone, The Mary Jane Girls, Nu Shooz, Thomas Dolby, Kajagoogoo, Bow Wow Wow, Toni Basil and A Flock of Seagulls.
◊“According to Jim” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): When Jim realizes that Cheryl has taken a strong interest in yoga with a male instructor she raves about, he joins her class to find out what the hype is all about. Penny Marshall (“Laverne & Shirley”) directed the episode.
◊“Bad Girls Club Reunion” (8 p.m. on Oxygen): All eight bad girls reunite for one final fling in this special hosted by gossip blogger Perez Hilton (www.perezhilton.com). Hilton does his best to referee as tempers flare and gummy bears fly when the girls rehash all their disagreements.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The contestants get a blast from the past this week with visits by Season 5 winner Ali Vincent and Season 6 winner Michelle Aguilar, both filling in as host while Alison Sweeney is on maternity leave. The contestants are also surprised by the arrival of some old friends, whose return promises to shake up the competition.
◊“Cupid” (9 p.m. on ABC): This new romantic dramedy stars Bobby Cannavale (”Will & Grace”) as Trevor Pierce, a larger than life character who may or may not be the Roman god of love, Cupid, sent to earth to bring 100 couples together before he is allowed to return to Mt. Olympus.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): As the economy continues to spiral and a new administration promises to deliver comprehensive health care reform, “Frontline” correspondent T.R. Reid investigates the failures and future of the private insurance industry.
◊“My Boys” (9:30 p.m. on TBS): Get ready for a third round of good friends and good times. When the new season opens, P.J. will land her own newspaper column while also starting a new relationship that could finally prove to be “the one.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): Gibbs and the team must work with the shady CIA agent Trent Kort to put away one of NCIS’s most wanted. Christian Clemenson (”Boston Legal”) guest stars.
◊“Osbournes: Reloaded” (8:20 p.m. on Fox): This new series starring Ozzy, Sharon, Jack and Kelly Osbourne will feature audience interaction, rowdy comedy and hilarious stunts that will shock and amuse. The show will also venture off-stage with recurring segments including “Osbourne in the USA,” where members of the family go to work in places such as a fast-food drive-thru; and “Osbournes Meet the Osbournes,” where the family goes cross-country and lives with other Osbourne families.
◊“Pretty Wicked” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): DariDee English (“America’s Next Top Model” Season 7 winner) hosts this new series in which 10 divas put their looks aside and compete to see who is the most beautiful on the inside for a grand prize of $50,000.
◊“Trust Me” (8 p.m. on TNT): When Cochrane’s group is allowed to join in the pitch for a beer account that Sarah brought into the advertising agency, Tony’s temper sends him into an uncontrollable spin. Donna Murphy (“Hack”) guest stars.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
◊“Babar” (2:30 p.m. on ION): The animated series starring the internationally renowned elephant king returns to television, premiering first on ION and then airing Saturday morning on NBC. In this new episode, Alexander learns a hard lesson about responsibility when he lets his rowing team down.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team must profile a self-confessed serial killer who turns himself in but sends them on a massive manhunt to find his latest victims before it is too late. Jason Alexander (”Seinfeld”), Ali Landry (”Eve”) and Nicholas Brendon (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): The murder of a corporate “fixer” takes the CSIs into the disparate worlds of political corruption, personal betrayal and silicone dolls. Mykelti Williamson (”Forrest Gump”) guest stars as Chief of Detectives Brigham Sinclair.
◊“Ethanol Maze” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This special tracks a corn growing season with a Nebraska farmer who hopes the push toward more biofuel production will boost corn prices. It also takes a look at alternative fuels research at the Argonne National Laboratory outside Chicago.
◊“The Final Inch” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This Oscar-nominated documentary chronicles the work, spirit and resilience of the millions of frontline workers in the Indian polio eradication program. More than 465,000 health workers go door-to-door every six to eight weeks, vaccinating more than 58 million children under age five, overcoming physical, logistical and sometimes cultural barriers to ensure every child takes the oral polio vaccine.
◊“I Get That a Lot” (7 p.m. on CBS): Celebrate April Fool’s Day with this new special featuring celebrities working ordinary jobs and confusing customers. Celebrity participants include Jessica Simpson (“The Dukes of Hazzard”) working at a computer repair store; Heidi Klum (”Project Runway”) working the counter at a pizza place; Jeff Probst (”Survivor”) running a cashier at a grocery store; Ice-T (”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”) posing as an athletic shoe salesman; LeAnn Rimes (“Northern Lights”) taking food orders at a Nashville diner; and Mario Lopez (”Extra”) selling hot dogs in New York’s Central Park.
◊“Jerusalem: Center of the World” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This new documentary delved into the historical facts and religious beliefs that have led so many thousands to live and die for this city.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In the series finale, Sam Tyler’s past, present and future all confront him when he receives a phone call with instructions on how he can return to 2008. All he needs to do is complete three tasks, but a dizzying set of circumstances inside and out of the 1-2-5 makes him think twice.
◊“Rate My Space With Angelo Surmelis” (7:30 p.m. on HGTV): Host Angelo Surmelis returns with a third season of his big-budget makeover series. The premiere episode features an updated craftsman family room.
◊“Reno 911!” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Two new cops join the squad for Season 6. Sergeant Jack Delan (Ian Roberts) is a macho, by-the-book cop while Deputy Franky Rizzo (Jo Lo Truglio) is a big city cop who doesn’t play by the rules.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Lon Chaney was born on this day in 1883, and TCM will celebrate by airing three of his films: 1923’s “Hunchback of Notre Dame” (5 a.m.), 1925’s “The Phantom of the Opera” (7 a.m.) and 1926’s “Tell It to the Marines” (8:45 a.m.).
◊“Washington Journal” (5:50 a.m. on C-SPAN): Starting today, the top 27 videos in the 2009 StudentCam competition will air  — one each day — followed by an interview with the winning students. Three of the winners are Jenks High School juniors. Sheema Golbaba took second place for her video “The U.S. and Iran: Force or Diplomacy?”, while Kenzie Clark and Alexia Dickey placed third with their documentary “Crossing New Borders.”
 
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): The half-eaten body of Cam’s former fiancee is found in the tiger cage at the zoo, and Booth and Brennan determine the death was no accident. Chad Lowe (“24”) guest stars.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): In the show’s 200th episode directed by William Friedkin (“The Exorcist”), Langston is shocked when his former student is found murdered and becomes the focus of a CSI investigation into the world of Mexican wrestling.
◊“Eleventh Hour” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): When a psychotic woman accuses the Deputy Director of the FBI of stealing her baby and keeping her forcibly medicated as part of a cover up, Dr. Hood is the only one who believes she may be telling the truth. Helen Slater (”Supergirl”) and Melissa Sagemiller (”Sleeper Cell”) guest star.
◊“The Entrepreneurs” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Anchored by CNBC’s Donny Deutsch, this installment features celebrity chef Rick Bayless from Oklahoma City and his business partner Manuel Valdez, who turned a love of Mexican food into the multi-million dollar Frontera Foods empire with a highly popular line of authentic Mexican food products, a hit TV show on PBS, and a series of best selling cookbooks.
◊“ER” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the two-hour series finale, Gates works on a teenager with serious alcohol problems following a dangerous drinking game with friends. Old friends from County General show up to lend their support as Dr. Carter (former cast member Noah Wyle) opens a medical facility for the underprivileged in Chicago. Alexis Bledel (“Gilmore Girls”) and Ernest Borgnine (“From Here to Eternity”) guest star.
◊“ER Retrospective” (7 p.m. on NBC): As television’s most Emmy-nominated series comes to a close, this hourlong retrospective takes a look back at the past 15 seasons at County General’s ER. Clips from some of the most memorable episodes will be featured along with interviews with many of the past and present stars of “ER.”
◊“Free Radio” (10 p.m. on VH1): This series, back for a second season, chronicles the story of Lance, a  fictitious radio show intern (Lance Krall, “The Joe Schmo Show”) who fills in as host of the popular L.A. morning show, “Moron in the Morning,” after the original host defects to satellite radio.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Meredith, Cristina and Bailey come to Lexie and Sadie’s rescue when a routine surgery goes horribly wrong. Melissa George (“In Treatment”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Alec Guinness was born on this day in 1914, and TCM will celebrate by airing six of his films, including 1969’s “Our Man in Havana” (10:15 a.m.) and 1970’s “Cromwell” (4:15 pm.).

FRIDAY, APRIL 3
◊“Bang for Your Buck” (8:30 p.m. on HGTV): This new series will help homeowners find concrete answers to ensure a return on their remodeling investments. Each week, viewers will see how three different homeowners – all living in the same city – renovated the same room of their house for the same amount of money. Designers Monica Pedersen, Sabrina Soto, Lisa LaPorta and Lytel Young will help determine which homeowner has earned the most “bang for their buck.”
◊“Escape to Chimp Eden” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): South African chimpanzee rescuer Eugene Cussons returns for a second season, and cameras follow him to Angola and Sudan to liberate chimps locked within crates, tethered by a chain and inappropriately raised as human children.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Melinda reconnects with some high school classmates after one of them dies mysteriously.
Rachael Leigh Cook (”She’s All That”) as one of Melinda’s former high school friends.
◊“Mistresses” (8 p.m. on BBC America): As the series begins Season 2, twelve months have elapsed and fans find the friends in various states of joy and pain. Struggling to learn from their past mistakes, Katie, Trudi, Siobhan and Jessica face new dilemmas, though the root of their problems remains the same – men and sex.
◊“NUMB3RS” (8 p.m. on CBS): When eight people, including two police officers, are executed in a coffee shop, a Los Angeles police detective gets the team on the case, and they uncover a trail of blackmail, romance and corruption. Jonathan Silverman (”The Single Guy”) guest stars.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): At a romance seminar for seniors led by Pepper McMasters (Marilu Henner, “The Celebrity Apprentice”), Constance is confronted by a lothario (Ed Begley Jr., “Gary Unmarried”) from her past.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Marlon Brando was born on this day in 1924, and TCM will celebrate by airing three of his films: 1960’s “The Fugitive Kind” (5 a.m.), 1954’s “On the Waterfront” (10:30 a.m.) and 1957’s “Sayonara” (12:30 p.m.).
◊“Yo Gabba Gabba!” (12:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Guest star Jack Black (“Tropic Thunder”) rides into Gabbaland on his mini-bike and runs out of gas.  Lost and scared, Black meets each of the Gabba characters who become his friends and refuel the mini-bike so he can head home.  Along the way he sings, dons DJ Lance’s orange jumpsuit and teaches the characters and the viewers at home a new Dancey Dance called the “Disco Roll.”

SATURDAY, APRIL 4
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Host Claire Robinson proves delicious dishes only need five ingredients or less, which makes cooking easier, faster and irresistible.
◊“Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change” (6:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Queen Latifah (“Chicago”), John Mayer (Grammy winning musicain) and Elmo (“Sesame Street”) are featured in this new special that salutes the extraordinary courage and strength of military families and offers the general public a glimpse into what they often must endure.
◊“Cooking For Real” (11 a.m. on Food Network): This new series hosted by Sunny Anderson elevates the everyday meal by taking affordable, easy-to-find, easy-to-use ingredients and infusing them with diverse influences and rich flavor.
◊“Giada At Home” (noon on Food Network): In the Season 2 premiere, Giada De Laurentiis celebrates the arrival of spring with an Easter egg hunt and a meal that includes a crispy rack of lamb and lemon thyme bars.
◊“Love Takes Wing” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a fatal illness breaks out in a small mid-Western town, everyone must put aside their prejudices and trust in the skills of the town’s new doctor. Lou Diamond Phillips (“Wolf Lake”) directed and co-stars in the movie, which also features Cloris Leachman (“Malcolm in the Middle”), Sarah Jones (“Big Love”) and Haylie Duff (“Backwoods”).
◊“Nora Roberts’ High Noon” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Emilie de Ravin (“Lost”) plays a hostage negotiator who gets a nice break from her demanding job and her duties as a single mom when a handsome bar owner (Ivan Sergei, “Crossing Jordan”) begins to court her. But her life takes a turn for the worst when she is attacked by an unknown assailant and begins to receive a series of threatening messages.
◊“Special Agent Oso” (7 a.m. on Disney): Sean Astin (“Rudy”) provides the voice of Oso, a fuzzy, lovable, bumbling stuffed panda bear who is a special agent-in-training. This new animated series for preschoolers emphasizes discovery, humor and organizational skills.

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Top 55 TV Programs for March 15-21, 2009

  Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 15:

SUNDAY, MARCH 15
◊“Au Pair 3: Adventure in Paradise” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): The Caldwell family returns in the third installment of the movie franchise, as the family hits the tropical beaches. Gregory Harrison (“Trapper John, M.D.”) stars.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team members try to curtail their emotions as they search for the person who shot both Jeffries and the elderly long-time owner of the corner convenience store Jeffries had entered on his way home from work.
◊“Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Country music star Toby Keith from Moore will be among the roasters making this event unfor-git-able for Larry the Cable Guy. Other roasters include Drew Carey, Nick DiPaolo, Jeff Foxworthy, Greg Giraldo, Lisa Lampanelli, Dan Marino and Jeffrey Ross.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Susan tries to impress Jessie (Swoosie Kurtz, “Pushing Daisies”), a teacher at work, Jessie comes away with the wrong impression.
◊“Eastbound & Down” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Convinced he’s lost his stuff, Kenny ecides to give up his comeback dreams and move on as a working stiff. But his resolve is tested by arrogant car dealer Ashley Schaeffer (“Will Ferrell, “Semi-Pro”).
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): As a publicity stunt, Hannah pretends to be the girlfriend of fellow celebrity Austin Rain when, in reality, they can’t stand each other. Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”) guest stars.
◊“HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Tune in to find out who wins the Victorian-style home in Sonoma, Ca. It is part of the $2 million grand-prize package that also includes a 2009 GMC Acadia.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): This contemporary retelling of the biblical David and Goliath story follows the adventures of David Shepherd (Chris Egan, “Eragon”), a young soldier who crosses enemy lines to save the life of another soldier who turns out to be the son of King Silas Benjamin (Ian McShane, “Deadwood”).
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A winter storm in northern California caused a private plane with three people on board to crash in Yosemite Park.  This episode captures the amazing rescue in blizzard conditions.
◊“Tough Love” (9 p.m. on VH1): In this new series, matchmaker Steven Ward will examine the bad habits of eight women and retrain them on the basics of dating and maintaining a relationship.

MONDAY, MARCH 16
◊“Betty Ford: The Real Deal” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Jane Alexander (“Tell Me You Love Me”) narrates this new documentary profiling the life of an outspoken former First Lady who became a pioneer in substance abuse treatment. It features never-before-seen photos and film footage, plus interviews with Mrs. Ford, her four children and close friends.
◊“Built From Disaster” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Engineers and designers learn hard lessons from tragic disasters at stadium, skyscrapers, bridges and ships. This series investigates the lessons learned since catastrophes such as the Hillsborough stadium disaster, the Minneapolis bridge collapse and the skinging og the Estonia in the Baltic Sea.
◊“Death on a Factory Farm” (9 p.m. on HBO): This documentary chronicles an investigation into alleged abuses that took place at a hog farm in Creston, Ohio.
◊“Dhani Tackles the Globe” (8 p.m. on Travel Channel): Dhani Jones, a linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals, embarks on a global sports odyssey as host of this new series.  In each episode, he tries his hand at a new sport, including rugby in England, muay thai in Thailand, hurling in Ireland and dragon boat racing in Singapore.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): The Constance Billard and St. Jude seniors put on a production of “The Age of Innocence” and find their personal lives mirroring conflicts in the play. Sebastian Stan (“Kings”) guest stars.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dr. House and the team take on the case of Morgan (Judy Greer, “27 Dresses”) who works in a nursing home with a pet cat who only sleeps next to people if they are about to die – and does so with alarmingly accuracy.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Ted is shocked to learn that Lily is not only responsible for his breakup with Karen (Laura Prepon, “That ’70s Show”), but many of his former girlfriends, as well.
◊“Kyle XY” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): In the series finale, Kyle learns what Cassidy and Latnok’s true plans are for Adam’s experiment and must stop them at all costs.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Allison’s old car sputters and dies, Joe surprises her with an immaculate used car after being tipped off to a great deal. Unfortunately, the Dubois’ discover that the car is at the center of a horrific, unsolved crime. Kelly Preston (“The Tenth Circle”) guest stars.
◊“The Navigator” (7 p.m. on TCM): Director John Landis (“An American Werewold in London”) is today’s guest programmer on TCM, and this 1924 Buster Keaton comedy is one of the seven films he picked for broadcast. Among his other selections are three shorts featuring Roscoe “Fatty Arbuckle, a classic musical, a cult horror film and a masterful thriller from Alfred Hitchcock.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): Jeff is surprised to learn that his new friend he made at the gym is gay. Orlando Jones (“Men in Trees”) guest stars.
◊“Runnin’ Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers” (6:45 a.m. on Sundance): Peter Bogdanovich directed this film, which recently won the Grammy Award for best long form music video. It focuses on 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and tells a story three decades in the making of a band and its front man.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): While the squad investigates the death of a drug dealer at an apartment complex, Ham and Butch run into Bobby, who is still undercover.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Series guest star John Schneider (“Smallville”) directed this episode in which Amy is in the hospital and slides in and out of sleep as she waits to get her epidural during labor.
◊“Speed Dreams” (9 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton of McLaren Automotive, Porsche factory GT driver Wolf Henzler and drag racing specialist Jason Whitfield of Whitfield Racing discuss personal experiences on and off the track that have propelled him to auto racing success.
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): Meredith Vieira and Al Roker will don Irish green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Emerald Isle.  Today, they will broadcast live from Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow, a sprawling country estate known as one of Ireland’s most famous house and gardens.  On Tuesday, they will broadcast live from The Dublin Castle in Dublin City Centre and from along the route of the famed St. Patrick’s Festival Parade.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Six-time Emmy winner Carol Burnett (“The Carol Burnett Show”) guest stars as a former dancer caught up in the murder of a young couple.
◊“The Mentalist” (8 p.m. on CBS): After Patrick loses his sight in an explosion, he is forced to rely on his other senses to help him solve the murder of a financial adviser. Gregory Itzin (‘‘24”) guest stars.
◊“Modern Toss” (10 p.m. on IFC): This new series is a partially-animated, distinctly adult British comedy complete with gross-out moments, profanity and inappropriate cartoon characters. It was created by former journalists Mick Bunnage and Jon Link is based on their comic and website also dubbed “Modern Toss.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A boxer’s death leads Vance to start up his own investigation, causing  a sparring match with Gibbs, on NCIS, Tuesday, March 17 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Paula Newsome (“Women’s Murder Club”) guest stars.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): March means nonstop basketball action, and this installment serves up three compelling basketball stories, plus a profile of unorthodox skier Bode Miller.
◊“Reaper” (7 p.m. on CW): Ben would like to introduce Nina to Sam and Sock, but he’s concerned they won’t accept her because she’s a demon.
◊“State of Creativity” (9 p.m. on OETA-13):  This new installment of OETA’s documentary series titled “Pizza boxes and 3-D animation” looks at two ideas that are playing important roles in educating Oklahoma’s workforce.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a missing trial consultant and tries to narrow down the list of suspects involved with his disappearance. Vanessa Marcil (”Las Vegas”) guest stars as a juror on a murder trial on which the victim had recently consulted.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
◊“Better Off Ted” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This new office comedy follows a successful good guy Ted (Jay Harrington) who runs research and development at the morally questionable Veridian Dynamics. No achievement is too far-fetched and no invention too unorthodox for Veridian.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): Agent Hotchner revisits the first case he worked at the Behavioral Analisus Unit when details come forth that one of the deadliest serial killers in New England’s history has struck again after a 10-year hiatus. C. Thomas Howell (‘‘The Outsiders”) guest stars.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a former medical examiner is found murdered, a white powder found at the scene provides the CSIs with a major lead in tracking the killer when it is discovered that the powder is heroin made from human bodies. Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (“7th Heaven”) and Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy bassist) guest star as Bonnie and Clyde wannabes.
◊“General Hospital” (2 p.m. on ABC): NASCAR driver Jeff Burton pays a visit to Port Charles and has a comedic run-in with race-car enthusiast and top neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson), who does not recognize the 21-time winner on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition.
◊“Global Warming: The New Challenge With Tom Brokaw” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In this follow-up piece to his Emmy winning 2006 special, journalist Tom Brokaw interviews some of the world’s leading experts about what Americans should be prepared for in the coming years. The special also takes a close look at the most promising scientific, technological, and economic solutions our nation can offer in the fight against global warming.
◊“Inside the FBI” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Discovery Channel was granted unprecedented access to the inner workings of the San Diego field office.  For the first time, viewers will follow along with the agents as they build a case against one of the largest and deadliest gangs in southern California – the Mexican Mafia.
◊“Journey to Planet Earth: The State of the Planet’s Oceans” (10:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Matt Damon (“The Bourne Ultimatum”) hosts this new installment of the award-winning environmental series. It investigates the health and sustainability of the world’s oceans, with a special emphasis on issues affecting marine preserves, fisheries, and coastal ecosystems in the United States and worldwide.
◊“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): When Lightman is hired to find a corporate spy at a pharmaceutical company, he discovers a high-level conspiracy surrounding a new drug that could put thousands of lives at risk. D.W. Moffett (“Friday Night Lights”) guest stars.
◊“Life” (8 p.m. on NBC): With Reese still on loan to the FBI, Crews is assigned a new partner, Detective Jane Seever (new cast member Gabrielle Union, “Night Stalker”).
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): When Detective Sam Tyler poses as a streetwise tough to infiltrate a vicious New York City gang suspected of truck hijackings, he’s pushed to the limit not to blow his cover, and he reveals a much darker side. Paige Turco (“The Agency”) guest stars.
◊“The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Making an appearance during a special Dodger-themed showcase are Los Angeles Dodgers players James Loney, Russell Martin, Delwyn Young, James McDonald, and Mark Loretta, as well as former Dodgers Bobby Castillo, Kenny Landreaux and “Sweet” Lou Johnson.
◊“Toughest Cowboy” (10 p.m. on SPIKE): This reality series tested 12 cowboys in three major disciplines — bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. The winner will receive a ranch in Wyoming.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): As Liz spends more time with her boyfriend Drew, she finds that his handsomeness has allowed him to bypass many of the usual frustrations of daily life. Meredith Vieira (“Today”) guest stars.
◊“Hometown Baghdad” (10:30 p.m. on Sundance): Beginning its account in spring 2006, this documentary knits together the daily experiences and testimonies of three Baghdad university students. It is one of three programs airing on the network today to mark the sixth anniversary of the start of the war with Iraq. The other two are “Heavy Metal in Baghdad” (9 p.m.) and “No End in Sight” (12:15 a.m.).
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): After he apologizes to a crazy witch lady (Betty White, “The Golden Girls”) for all the trouble he caused her as a kid, Earl faces his fears and tries to make it up to her. But when she turns out to be crazier than Earl thought, he and Randy wind up in a life-or-death situation along with a bunch of their friends.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael has big plans for his 15th anniversary party at Dunder Mifflin, but is in for a shock when the new, no-nonsense Vice President (Idris Elba, “The Wire”) has some ideas of his own.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): After Addison discovers that a mentally unbalanced pregnant patient has lost her baby, Violet must convince her that the baby has died and that surgery is necessary. Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) guest stars.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Echo becomes the perfect wife for a lonely internet mogul (Patton Oswalt, “The King of Queens”).
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode titled “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s Just Frozen,” Keith gets frozen like a statue when he’s zapped by one of Manny’s gadgets. Making guest appearances are rocker Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy bassist) and Tony Award winning composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda.
◊“Head Case” (9 p.m. on Starz): Dr. Elizabeth Goode (Alexandra Wentworth, “In Living Color”) is back in session for Season 2 of this comedy. She plays the judgmental and unconventional “it therapist” to Hollywood’s celebrity elite. Macy Gray (“Lackawanna Blues”) pays a visit in the season premiere.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): Ken Marino (“Veronica Mars”) and Jane Lynch (“Role Models”) star in this new comedy series that follows a Los Angeles catering team – a sextet of Hollywood wannabes stuck working for tips while hoping for their “big break.”
◊“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (8 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In the first-season finale, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s squad of troopers have a new mission – rescuing the small Jedi team from General Grievous on Hypori.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21
◊“Cops” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the show’s 750th episode, an officer on the graveyard shift in Sacramento, CA, is called to investigate a traffic stop where the driver has passed off illegal substances to the passenger.
◊“The Locator” (8 p.m. Saturday on Wetv): Troy Dunn, an Enid High School graduate who helps reunite loved ones, returns for Season 2 of his feel-good show. He has been reconnecting people for 20 years, however, and has located more than 40,000 men, women and children.
◊“MADtv” (10 p.m. on Fox): Kathy Griffin (“My Life on the D-List”) hosts a special episode honoring MADtv alum Michael McDonald and his fan-favorite characters, including “Stuart Larkin,” “Mofaz,” “Dr. Phil,” “Hugh Laurie” and “Maury Povich.”
◊“Nora Roberts’ Northern Lights” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): In an attempt to start a new life after the death of his work partner, a former Baltimore policeman (Eddie Cibrian, “Third Watch”) accepts a job as chief of police in a small Alaskan town. But the moment he meets a feisty bush pilot (LeAnn Rimes, “Holiday in Your Heart”), he finds himself falling in love.
–Penny TV

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Top 55 TV Programs for March 8-14, 2009

   Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 8:

SUNDAY, MARCH 8
◊“Breaking Bad” (9 p.m. on AMC): Series star Bryan Cranston (Walter White) directed the Season 2 premiere, in which Walt continues to straddle conflicting worlds  — a ruthless swirl of drugs, murder and mayhem and a complex, emotionally fraught domestic life.
◊“Candy Girls” (9:30 p.m. on E!): This new series tracks the efforts of talent agent Danielle to manage some of the most sought-after women in the music video industry.
◊“The Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): Each team must create and costume a comic book character, and present it to the Zappos.com executive. From the beginning, the project manager for the men is caught in a battle of wills with one of his teammates. On the women’s side, one celebrity is uncomfortable in her role as the costume model, while another member of the team falls ill.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team reopens the 1976 case of a murdered 17-year-old after a newfound photo of her on the back of a motorcycle exposes her connection to a notoriously vicious gang. Jeff Fahey (“Lost”) guest stars.
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): Hannah and her dancers are desperate to find a replacement for their usual choreographer, Tina (Carrie Ann Inaba, “Dancing With the Stars”) after she injures herself.
◊“Keeping Up With the Kardashians” (9 p.m. on E!): Life for the Kardashians in Season 3 is filled with ups and downs as each member struggles to find their place in the chaotic household.
◊“The L Word” (8 p.m. on Showtime): In the final episode of the series, what starts out as a celebration of friendship quickly ends in a web of betrayal and deceit. The girls find themselves in the slammer with Sergeant Duffy (Lucy Lawless, “”Battlestar Galactica”), and the investigation into Jenny’s death begins.
◊“A Night With Dwayne Johnson” (6 p.m. on Starz): This programming block features three of The Rock’s films — “National Treasure Book of Secrets” (6 p.m.), “The Game Plan” (8:10 p.m.) and “College Road Trip” (10:05 p.m.). Throughout the evening, an exclusive sneak peek at his newest movie, “Disney’s Race to Witch Mountain,” will air.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Hurricane Ike, which hit Texas Sept. 13, 2008, and ranks as the third most-costly U.S. hurricane ever, drew national attention for the calamity it caused, especially in Galveston where many people had to face its wrath.  First-hand experiences are told by a couple who barely survived before being air lifted to safety and a Coast Guard vet who was forced to swim for hours through debris-laden waters before being rescued by a National Guard helicopter.
◊“Tool Academy” (9 p.m. on VH1): The final two contestants face off for one last challenbge before taking final exams with resident relationship counselor Trina Dolenz.
◊“The Unit” (9 p.m. on CBS): While the Unit initiates a new team member, Jonas must coach his daughter before her military-ordered media tour. Julie Chen (“The Early Show”) guest stars as herself.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas in women’s college basketball action airing live at 2:30 p.m. on FSOK.

MONDAY, MARCH 9
◊“American Stamps” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This new documentary focuses on the designers and artists who create postage stamps. It also includes the history of stamps in America, the criteria for selecting stamp subjects and how stamp artwork gets checked for authenticity.
◊“Battles BC” (8 p.m. on History): This new series uses cutting-edge animation techniques and the expertiese of military historians to show leaders from the ancient world in some of the greatest conflicts in history. The premiere episode is “Hannibal: The Annihilator.”
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (7 p.m. on CBS): A train trip to San Francisco takes a major detour when Leonard, Sheldon, Wolowitz and Raj discover that  actress Summer Glau (”Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) is onboard. The episode also features a cameo by Nobel Laureate Dr. George Smoot, the father of the Big Bang Theory of Creation.
◊“Castle” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): This new series stars Nathan Fillion (“Firefly”) as Richard Castle, a successful mystery novelist with a mischievous streak. In the premiere episode, Rick is called upon to help Kate Beckett (Stana Katic), a New York police detective, on a case in which a serial killer is staging murder scenes as depicted in Rick’s novels.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs make a shocking discovery about their murder victim, while Horatio tries to save his son from Julia’s erratic behavior. Elizabeth Berkley (“The L Word”) guest stars.
◊“Dancing With the Stars” (7 p.m. on ABC): Season 8 of the ballroom dancing series returns with 13 new competitors. They include Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, (the youngest competitor ever), singers Belinda Carlisle, Jewel and Lil Kim, actors David Alan Grier and Gilles Marini, rodeo star Ty Murray and and Hall of Fame football player Lawrence Taylor.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): When Sylar comes face-to-face with his long lost father (John Glover, “Smallville”), the reunion proves to be what he least expected.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): House and the team take on the case of Nick (Jay Karnes, “The Shield”), a book editor who loses his inhibition and starts insulting coworkers at a dinner party one night before falling ill.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Lily and Marshall are less than thrilled when Ted reunites with his ex-girlfriend (Laura Prepon, “That 70s Show”) from college.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Series star Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley James Scott) directed this episode in which Lucas wrestles with casting for his movie while Peyton tries to prepare for their wedding.
◊“Masters of Illusion” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): Featured are the magic illusions of Joe Monty (”Drill Through Head” illusion), Rick Thomas (”Levitation”), Arthur (”Hour Glass”), Nathan Gibson (Street Magic”), Dale Salwak (”Cabaret”), Taylor Hughes (”Into Box”) and Mac King (”Invisibility”).
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): After a long line of female assistants, Russell learns that a having a male assistant (Adhir Kalayan, “Aliens in America”) can be very advantageous.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Grace’s niece, Sayre, is arrested after attending a Scavenger Party where teens share drugs they raided from their parents’ medicine cabinets. Whne the squad tries to figure out what combination of drugs landed Sayre’s best friend in a coma, they realize some of the drugs were laced with something potentially deadly.
◊“The Wonder Pets! Join the Circus!” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon):  It’s summer vacation and the Wonder Pets rescue a young circus lion named Cubby from falling off a circus train.  The Penguin Ringmaster is so impressed with the Wonder Pets that he offers them jobs at the circus.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The winning team of the 24-hour fitness relay race gets 24 hours of luxury, but some contestants have trouble resisting temptation during the getaway. Oklahoma City musician K.C. Clifford will be featured in a one-minute segment.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Former cast member Stephanie March reprises her role as Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot, who returns to the SVU team when a pediatrician found guilty of molesting patients is killed. She shows up at the crime scene after three years in the witness protection program.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): After two Marines are ambushed, the NCIS team finds the investigation leads back to Gibbs’ hometown, where secrets about his past are revealed. Ralph Waite (“The Waltons”) guest stars as Gibbs’ father.
◊“WCG Ultimate Gamer” (9 p.m. on SCI FI): This new series showcases 12 contestants competing in challenges that include traditional video game play as well as real-life video game simulations. The winner will get $100,000 cash and the ultimate Samsung electronics package, as well as become a VIP representative of the WCG (World Cyber Games).
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates when the teenage son of a Secret Service agent disappears and discovers a long festering secret that set in motion a deadly chain of events. Steven Weber (”Brothers & Sisters”) returns as Clark Medina, the New Head of the Missing Persons Squad.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
◊“The Chopping Block” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this new cooking competition series starring chef Marco Pierre White, eight couples compete to open a restaurant in New York City. The series will expose the unseen pitfalls and behind-the-scenes madness that goes into opening a restaurant in the most competitive city in the world.
◊“Clean House Comes Clean” (10 p.m. on Style Network): Through bloopers, never-before-seen footage and commentary from the cast and show participants, viewers get a chance to witness favorite moments from an new perspective in the show’s fourth season.
◊”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): Agent Prentiss has a personal connection to one of the victims in a series of deaths with religious overtones. Walton Goggins (“The Shield”) guest stars.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): Season 5 kicks off with a trip to Philadelphia to investigate the historic – and allegedly haunted – building that was once the home of famous seamstress Betsy Ross.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): When two air hostesses end up dead, Sam and Annie go undercover. Gina Gershon (“Snoops”) and Mark Linn-Baker (“Perfect Strangers”) guest star.
◊”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine is initially flattered when another scatterbrained mother at Ritchie’s school considers her a “rock,” but quickly tires of the responsibility of being responsible. Kristen Johnston (”3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest stars as Christine’s new friend.
◊“Scrubs” (7 p.m. on ABC): Dr. Kelso’s beautiful but unethical replacement, Dr. Maddox (Courteney Cox, “Friends”), shakes things up at Sacred Heart, while J.D. struggles to manage a new crop of incompetent interns and Carla helps Elliott put her ego in check.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): When Liz can’t scheme her way out of jury duty, the “”TGS” cast and crew are left unmanaged.  Chris Parnell (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Series star David Boreanaz (Seeley Booth) directed this episode in which a bungee-jumping couple plunges off a bridge on their wedding day only to come face-to-face with a corpse lying at the bottom of a gorge.
◊“Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): In this new series, Bridget Marquardt (“The Girls Next Door”) sets out to immerse herself in the local cultures at some of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world.
◊“Celebrity Rehab Presents Sober House” (9 p.m. on VH1): After 30 days of therapy and sober living, it is time for the cast members to leave. Watch as Rodney King, Seth Binzer, Amber Smith, Andy Dick, Steven Adler, Nikki McKibbin and Mary Carey make their final steps toward recovery with the help of Dr. Drew.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston and Riley are taken hostage during the aftermath of a shootout in a normally quiet Las Vegas neighborhood. Denzel Whitaker (”The Great Debaters”) guest stars.
◊“ER” (9 p.m. on NBC): Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle, “The Librarian”) gets a surprise visit from an old friend while waiting for his kidney transplant.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): After learning at a deposition that more of his patients have died than survived, Derek decides to quit, even as Meredith refuses to give up on him. Loretta Devine (“Boston Public”) guest stars.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Addison is attracted to a colleague at St. Ambrose Hospital who turns out to be more than she bargained for. Josh Hopkins (“Swingtown”) guest stars.
◊“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): Linda Lake (Tori Spelling, “Beverly Hills, 90210”) returns to Metropolis and threatens to expose Clark’s secret unless he promises to give her exclusive information on the red-blue blur so she can become a star reporter again.
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Betty meets Matt’s mother (Christine Baranski, “Happy Family”), but things don’t go as she expects. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina gets creative to solve a cash flow problem.
◊“Warriors With Terry Schappert” (9 p.m. on History): This new series travels the globe with Green Beret Terry Schappert as he experiences the training, rituals and weapons of history’s most iconic warrior cultures.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Imprinted as a visually impaired woman, Echo must infiltrate a heavily guarded cult in order to rescue a woman held against her will.
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode titled “Dirty Laundy,” Manny steals a Skeleckian meteorite in order to power his letter-stealing gizmo.  Making guest appearances are designer Marc Ecko, R&B star Mario and Tony Award winning composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda.
◊“Everybody Hates Chris” (7 p.m. on CW): Chris reluctantly agrees to hold onto a stash of marijuana for a criminal on the run, but he finds it difficult to find an appropriate hiding place that won’t get him in trouble. Tisha Campbell-Martin (“Rita Rocks”) guest stars in the episode directed by Debbie Allen (“Fame”).
◊“The Game” (7:30 p.m. on CW): With encouragement from Melanie and Kelly, Tasha realizes she’s finally ready to introduce Malik to his father, Chauncey (Michael Boatman, “Spin City”).
◊“Most Haunted” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): The investigative team visits England’s Jedburgh Castle, which has a history of strange sightings, odd happenings and sounds of phantom pipe music.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team has only hours to investigate a last-minute tip that could exonerate a dangerous mob boss on the eve of his execution. Gina Gershon (”Snoops”) guest stars as Los Angeles police detective Danielle Hill.
◊“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (7 p.m. on Fox): Jesse flashes back to a life-altering mission aboard her submarine, the Jimmy Carter. Sarah and John decide they can’t continue living in their house and make plans to leave.
◊“Wife Swap” (7 p.m. on ABC): After five years and 198 families, the series celebrates its 100th episode by swapping two fan favorites from past episodes. The families selected for the special swap are the storm-chasing, science-obsessed Heene family from Colorado and the psychic, performing arts-loving Silvers from Florida.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14
◊“The Graham Norton Show” (9 p.m. on BBC America): British talk show host Graham Norton brings together the best of trends, current stories and celebrity culture for a fifth season of his multi-award winning show.
◊“Relative Stranger” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Following the death of his father, a former football star (Eriq LaSalle, “ER”) is forced to return home to the family he left six years earlier.  But his return opens old wounds that must be addressed in order for the family to heal.
◊“Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush” (8 p.m. on HBO): This special taped during the show’s run at Broadway’s Cort Theatre finds the comedian inhabiting President George W. Bush, one of his favorite characters from “Saturday Night Live.” He provides insights into Bush’s Texas-Connecticut childhood, his academic and social career at Yale, his stint as a major league baseball co-owner, his emergence as a political figure and governor, and his tenure as president.

–Penny TV

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Top 55 TV Programs for March 1-7, 2009

   Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 1:

SUNDAY, MARCH 1
◊“The Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): The lineup for the second celebrity edition of Donald Trump’s competitive reality series includes comedian Andrew Dice Clay, singers Brian McKnight and Clint Black, actress-model Claudia Jordan, red-carpet denizens Joan and Melissa Rivers, socialite Khloe Kardashian and former pro sports stars Herschel Walker and Dennis Rodman (he attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant).
◊“The Golden Girls” (7:30 a.m. on Hallmark Channel): The Emmy-winning series starring Bea Arthur, Betty White, Estelle Getty and Rue McClanahan (she was born in Healdton) joins the network’s lineup. And it kicks off with this 18-hour marathon. Beginning Monday, the show will air weekdays at 8 a.m., 3 p.m. and 11 p.m., Saturdays at 5 a.m. and Sundays at 7:30 a.m.
◊“High Stakes Poker” (8 p.m. on GSN): Season 5 of television’s richest cash game show in history will feature a minimum cash buy-in of $200,000. AJ Benza (”E! Mysteries & Scandals”) and Gabe Kaplan (“Welcome Back Kotter”) return as host and analyst, respectively. Among the world’s top professional, online and recreational players competing are Doyle Brunson, Phil Laak and Tom Dwan and Sam Simon.
◊“Jesse Stone: Thin Ice” (8 p.m. on CBS): Tom Selleck (“Magnum, P.I.”) reprises his role as Jesse Stone in the fifth installment of the mystery movie franchise based on the best-selling series of books by Robert B. Parker. In this new mystery, Paradise, Mass. Police chief Jesse Stone finds himself in trouble with the Town Council when he inadvertently becomes involved in a shoot-out on a Boston street.
◊“Running in Heels” (7 p.m. on Style Network): This new docu-series reveals what life is really like at the top and the bottom of a major fashion magazine.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Psychology Department and include 1952’s “Limelight” (6 a.m.), 1958’s “Vertigo” (2:15 p.m.) and 1957’s “The Three Faces of Eve” (7 p.m.).

MONDAY, MARCH 2
◊“The Ax Men” (9 p.m. on History): The first-ever non-fiction series about the treacherous life of Pacific Northwest timber cutters is back for a second season. Going deeper into the forest, high into the sky and even down into the sea, the new season follows two leading teams from last season along with three new companies, all racing to fall the most timber during logging’s most dangerous season.
◊“The Bachelor” (7 p.m. on ABC): Jason Mesnick, the first single dad in “Bachelor” history, will offer his last rose to one of the final two women he selected. The season finale will be followed by the hourlong special “The Bachelor: After the Finale Rose, Part 2” that includes updates on the couple and the woman Jason didn’t choose.
◊“BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup” (6:30 p.m. on HBO): Tennis broadcasters Mary Carillo, Billie Jean King and John McEnroe will team up for live coverage of the inaugural event that pits four of the world’s top female tennis players – 2009 Australian Open Champion Serena Williams, 2008 Grand Slam champions Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic, and 2008 year-end World No. 1 Jelena Jankovic – against each other in a one-night-only single elimination competition. The prize pool is $1.2 million.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When pirates take over a luxury yacht, Delko’s future as a CSI is threatened just as his relationship with Calleigh moves to the next level. Sean Combs (”A Raisin In the Sun”) guest stars as Defense Attorney Derek Powell.
◊“Forgotten Ellis Island” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This is the first film produced about the abandoned immigarnt hospital on Ellis Island, the largest port of entry in the United States. In an era before antiboitics, tens of thousands of immigrant patients were separated from family, detained in the hospital and healed from illness before becoming citizens.
◊“The Haney Project” (8 p.m. on Golf Channel): In the first installment of this new real-life series, golf instructor Hank Haney will attempt to fix the swing of NBA Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley. The series will also visit some of the best golf courses around the country and feature golf tips for people who play the game.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When the gang suspects that Barney has a girlfriend after he mysteriously leaves MacLaren’s, they decide to follow him. Frances Conroy (“Six Feet Under”) guest stars as Barney’s mother.
◊“Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” (11:37 p.m. on NBC): “Saturday Night Live” alum Jimmy Fallon takes over the reins as “Late Night” host. He is the third host of “Late Night” since its inception in 1982 with then-host David Letterman.  Fallon’s “Late Night” will depart from Letterman and O’Brien’s Studio 6A and cross the hall to Studio 6B in NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza headquarters in New York.
◊“Late Show With David Letterman” (10:35 p.m. on CBS): U2, the Grammy-winning rock band from Ireland, will perform an unprecedented five nights in a row on the show. On Tuesday’ the band will release its 12th album, “No Line on the Horizon.”
◊“Masters of Illusion” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This new episode features the magic illusions of Tony Clark (“Bottle Thru Man” illision), David Williamson (“Needles”), Jeff McBride (“Rain Catching Bowls”), Nathan Burton (“Microwave of Death”) and Mark Cannon (“Handcuff Spikes Escape”).
“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Devalos asks Allison to help his friends find their daughter, who seems to have left town with no explanation. Blythe Danner (“Huff”) guest stars.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): In the Season 3 premiere, Audrey discovers that Russell is a closeted fan of Broadway musicals, a fact she promises to keep secret in exchange for free theater tickets. Meanwhile, Adam and Jennifer take dancing lessons in preparation for their wedding. Bob Odenkirk (”The Larry Sanders Show”) guest stars.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Season 2 resumes with new episodes starring Holly Hunter as Oklahoma City police detective Grace Hanadarko. Guest star Christina Ricci (“Monster”) begins a three-episode arc as Abby Charles, a uniform cop and single mother making a rotation through the squad.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Journalism Department and include 1940’s “Foreign Correspondent” (7:15 a.m.), 1931’s “The Front Page” (1 p.m.) and 1940’s “The Philadelphia Story” (8:30 p.m.).

TUESDAY, MARCH 3
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito returns to take the contestants to a restaurant, where he teaches them how to make healthier choices when eating out.
◊“First Lady of Jamaica” (9 p.m. on WEtv, 128 on Dish Network, 260 on DirecTV): Journalist Daborah Roberts gets a VIP tour of the Caribbean island from Lorna Golding, the Jamaican Prime Minister’s wife.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Mia Lorimer (Clea Duvall, “Carnivale”) claims to have been raped in an attempt to hide neing abused by her husband. Their tennants are aware of the abuse, but in fear of being evicted, do not report it.
◊“Reaper” (7 p.m. on CW): Season two finds Sam wrestling with the recent discovery that he may be the son of the Devil.  But Sam quickly learns that getting groomed to take over the “family business” comes with a whole new litany of headaches.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Geography Department and include 1962’s “Mutiny on the Bounty” (9 a.m.), 1949’s “Tulsa” (3 p.m.), 1955’s “Oklahoma!” (4:30 p.m.) and 1937’s “The Hurricane” (9:15 p.m.).
◊“Unconquered: Allan Houser and the Legacy of One Apache Family” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Released in 1913 as prisoners of war, Sam and Blossom Haozous passed down oral traditions of the Apache people to their son, Allan Houser. These shared memories molded his artwork and helped him become one of the 20th century’s most important artists. Houser passed thee same experienced down to his sons who are fulfilling their destinies as the next generation of American Indian artists.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates when the teenage son of a Secret Service agent disappears and discovers a long festering secret that set in motion a deadly chain of events. Guest star Steven Weber (”Brothers & Sisters”) returns as Clark Medina, the new head of the Missing Persons Squad.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Kansas State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW, 10 p.m. on KOCB-34): Thirty-four finalists travel to Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas where they take part in the first photo shoot for Season 12.  Host Tyra Banks picks the final 13 contestants who will move to a New York City loft and compete for title of “America’s Next Top Model.”
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): A serial killer who disguises his victims’ demise by creating car accidents to mask their earlier deaths is the subject of a Behavioral Analysis Unit manhunt. William Mapother (”Lost”) and Wil Wheaton (”Numb3rs”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): On Mac’s flight to D.C., an air marshal is found murdered shortly after take off. Mac is certain the killer is on board and searches for the murder weapon. Recording artist Nelly (“The Longest Yard”) guest stars.
◊“Kitchen Impossible” (8 p.m. on DIY, channel 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on DirecTV): Dated kitchens are transformed into modern spaces in this new series hosted by Marc Bartolomeo, a carpenter and electrician. He helps homeowners get the job done right while demonstrating to viewers all the tips and tools needed for building the kitchen of their dreams.
◊“Life” (8 p.m. on NBC): A woman is found in a pool of blood sitting at a rable with a romantic dinner set for two. The investigation leads Crews and Reese to a support group for lottery winners full of eccentric characters. Erik Estrada (“CHiPs”) guest stars.
◊“Make Me a Supermodel” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Supermodel Tyson Beckford returns as host for Season 2 of the series that follows 16 models as they compete for a contract with New York Model Management, a fashion pictorial in Cosmopolitan magazine and a $100,000 cash prize. Australian supermodel Nicole Trunfio joins the show as mentor to the female models.
◊“Mantracker” (9 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 284 on DirecTV): This new series will introduce viewers to two weekend warriors each week. The challengers have 36 hours to reach a destination more than 22 miles away. Not only do they have to contend with the rugged terrain, but they must also outwit the “Mantracker,” who is using a horse to capture them before they reach the finish line.
◊“Tulsa Deco” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Film historian Jack Frank takes a tour of Tulsa’s art deco buildings that root in the 1920s oil boom as the city’s way of showing off its wealth. The special includes visits to Christ the King church, Will Rogers High School, the Fairgrounds Pavilion and J. Paul Getty’s “bunker” house near Sheridan and Virgin streets.
◊“Wonderland” (9 p.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): In the short-lived ABC show’s never-before-seen series finale, appropriately  titled “Hello Goodbye,” Banger and Neil use truth serum on a murderer who wants to be deemed unfit to stand trial.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Missouri in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on KOCB-34.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Liz befriends a pregnant teenaged donut shop employee in an attempt to adopt her baby. John Lithgow (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest stars.
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): This special “Wild Card” episode features the judges’ favorite remaining contestants. Each will perform, and then the judges will select the final three contestants who will round out the Top 12.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Nick pieces together three separate cases that occurred at the same motel during the course of one year. Musical recording artist Taylor Swift (“Hannah Montana: The Movie”) guest stars as Haley Jones, a teenaged girl whose family runs the seedy Vegas motel.
◊“Eleventh Hour” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Hood must root iut the source of a poison cluster that claims victims all over Philadelphia. Mariel Hemingway (“Manhattan”) guest stars as a mither exposed to the toxins.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Addison (guest star Kate Walsh, “Private Practice”) returns to Seattle Grace to perform groundbreaking surgery. She is taken aback by all of the changes in her old co-workers’ lives.
◊“Kath & Kim” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Kath and Phil get ready for their bachelor and bachelorette parties. Before going out on the town, Athena (Maya Rudolph, “Saturday Night Live”) gives Kath, Kim and Tina some of her special tea which leads to an interesting night.
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): Earl reminisces about the fun he and Randy had when they got to go to Chaz Dalton’s Space Academy as children. But when Earl decides to visit Chaz (Curtis Armstrong, “Van Wilder”), he soon realizes that his childhood hero is not what he remembers.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Addison and Charlotte work together to save the lives of a pregnant woman in a coma and her unborn child.
◊“Stateline: Television Pioneers, Part 2” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of OETA’s award-winning documentaru series takes viewers back to a time before cable, when color television was a luxury and only a lucky few owned a remote. Stations in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Ada and Lawton filled the broadcast day with programs like “The Bud Wilkinson Show,” “Wallace Wildlife,” and “Lewis Meyer’s Bookshelf.” Teens tuned in to “Dance Party and “The Scene,” while late night viewers looking for a thrill stayed up for “Shock Theater” and “Mazeppa Pompazoidi’s Uncanny Film Festival and Camp Meeting.”  
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas A&M in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on Fox Sports Oklahoma (FSOK).

FRIDAY, MARCH 6
◊“20/20: Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Returns” (8 p.m. on ABC): Elizabeth Vargas anchors this special edition that will feature exclusive interviews with Siegfried & Roy at their home in Las Vegas, highlights from the duo’s career and reports on Roy Horn’s recovery from the tiger attack in 2003. It also includes clips from the entertainers’ farewell performance on Feb. 28 at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. 
◊“Bret Michaels: The True Hollywood Story” (8 p.m. on E!): This all-access pass to the Poison frontman’s life story reveals his rise from rat-infested Hollywood apartments to stadiums packed with screaming fans. It includes  rare performance video of Poison’s earliest incarnation called “Paris,” and never-before-seen photos and home video from Michaels’ childhood.
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): Grammy-winning musician Wyclef Jean guest stars in the new episode titled “Curricular Goals,” in which Jessica is set to face Danny in a chess tournament.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7
◊“Ashes to Ashes” (8 p.m. on BBC America): This sequel to the hit British series “Life on Mars’ focuses on Detective Inspector Alex Drake, who is shot and lands in 1981. She comes face-to-face with Detective Chied Inspector Gene Hunt, the relic of old-fashioned policing she read about in Sam Tyler’s reports.  Alex thinks she is in a coma and needs Hunt’s help to go after Layton, the man who shot her in 2008.
◊“Bound by a Secret” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Meredith Baxter (“Family Ties”) and Lesley Ann Warren (“In Plain Sight”) star as two old friends who share a life-long secret are forced to face the truth – and its consequences – when one is diagnosed with a terminal illness and wants to put all her affairs in order.
◊“The Essentials” (7 p.m. on TCM): Emmy winner Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock”) joins TCM host Robert Osborne for a new season of this weekly movie showcase. They will introduce “essential” classic films that everyone should see, beginning with 1935’s “A Night at the Opera.”
◊“Last Chance” (10 p.m. on weTV, channel 128 on Dish Network, 260 on DirecTV): Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) is writer, director and star of this film about a woman in a small town who’s been stripped of all aspirations. Cranston wrote the movie as a Valentine for his wife, Robin Dearden, who stars as the lead character.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.

–Penny TV

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Top 60 TV Programs for Feb. 15-21

     

   Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 15:

SUNDAY, FEB. 15
◊The 51st annual Daytona 500 (1 p.m. on Fox): NASCAR opens the 2009 season with the top-rated event in American motorsports. Country music artist Keith Urban will headline the 2009 Daytona prerace show live at noon, performing three of his No. 1 songs prior to the drop of the green flag.
◊“The Amazing Race 14” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christie Volkmer from Choctaw is Oklahoma’s first contender for the six-time Emmy Award-winning reality-competition program that hits the road for Season 14. She and teammate Jodi Wincheski from Houston make up one of 11 teams that will travel one of the most grueling courses ever assembled on the race – spanning 40,000 miles and nine countries in just 22 days.
◊“Eastbound & Down” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Danny McBride (“Pineapple Express”) stars in this new six-part comedy series. He plays Kenny Powers, a former pro baseball pitcher whose self-destructive behavior ruined his career. Now he’s back in his North Carolina hometown teaching physical education at his old middle school.
◊“Food Nework Challenge” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Four pastry chefs design a cake for Miley Cyrus’ Sweet 16 birthday. Miley’s grandmother is among the panel of judges who will decide with chef wins $10,000 and the chance to serve their cake to the teen star.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Timothy Spall (“Harry Potter” movies) stars as Fagin, leader of a gang of boy thieves, in this new two-part adaptation of the Dickens classic “Oliver Twist.” Newcomer William Miller stars as Oliver.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Art Dept. and include 1958’s ”The Horse’s Mouth” (10 a.m.), 1956’s “Lust for Life” (2:15 p.m.) and 1943’s “No Time for Love” (7 p.m.).
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): Harper is helping Mr. Frenchy, a famous fashion designer, during Fashion Week, and enlists Alex’s help to care for a one-of-a-kind dress. When Alex ruins it, she decides to host the designer’s show at the Waverly Sub Station in an attempt to fix things. Cindy Crawford (”Fashion Flashback”) and Willie Garson (“Sex and the City”) guest star.
◊“World’s Heavist Man Gets Married!” (7 p.m. on TLC): This special profiles the wedding of Manuel Uribe to his longtime girlfriend, Claudia Solis.  In 2006, Uribe tipped the scales at 1,232 lbs., but now he is 400 lbs. lighter and seizing his second chance at life and love.

MONDAY, FEB. 16
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The first hour from Wichita, Kan., features a 1949 payroll check made out to professional baseball rookie Mickey Mantle. It is valued between $30,000 and $50,000.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck and Sarah’s latest assignment forces them to pose as a happily married couple living in the suburbs. They meet some interesting characters including Brad (Andy Richter, “Andy Barker, P.I.”), a cheerful next-door neighbor in the stationary business, and Sylvia (Jenny McCarthy, “John Tucker Must Die”), a seductive and attractive woman who lives across the street and has her eye on Chuck.
◊“Dadnapped” (7 p.m. on Disney): Emily Osment (“Hannah Montana”) and George Newborn (“Father of the Bride”) star in this new daughter-father action comedy set in and around the fictional Western town of Mercury. Melissa and her father, Neil, the author of a popular action hero book series, attend a conference and become part of a prank dad-napping.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Sylar and Luke embark on a road trip to find Sylar’s father, but are secretly being hunted by Nathan’s agents. Moira Kelly (“The West Wing” ) guest stars.
◊“ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): U.S. skaters Johnny Wier and Evan Lysacek were among the competitors at this competition held Dec. 10-14 in South Korea.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Series star Patricia Arquette (Allison) makes her directorial debut in this episode, in which Allison’s strange behavior leads to an explosive discovery that may change the future of Joe’s business.
◊“Right America: Feeling Wronged” (7 p.m. on HBO): In this new documentary, filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi (daughter of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives). hits the road to ask conservative Americans to share their thoughts on the way the country is changing.
◊“Sex … With Mom and Dad” (3 p.m. on MTV): Dr. Drew Pinsky returns for Season 2, which will incorporate vintage sex education footage into the show that features therapy sessions and homework assignments for famlies in crisis.
◊“Simon Schama’s Rough Crossings” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Writer-narrator Simon Schama reconstructs the journey of black slaves who were offered their freedom if they fought for Britain during the American Revolution. They were resettled in Nova Scotia, which proved a poor fit for those from the Deep South. So arrangements were made to transport them to Sierra Leone, where worse conditions awaited.
◊“Spectacular!” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon)(Nickelodeon Photo of “Spectacular!” cast above): Taking center stage in this new TV movie for tweens is a talented teen rebel (Nolan Gerard Funk, “Smallville”) who is on an unpredictable road to rock stardom. Tammin Sursok (“The Young and the Restless”) also stars in the film, which features 10 original songs.
◊“Stealing Lincoln’s Body” (8 p.m. on History): This new special explores the final chapter of the 16th president, who was assassinated in 1865 but did not come to reat in his hometown of Springfield, Ill., until 1901. For the first time, Lincoln walks and moves according to the historical record, thanks to new digital visualizations.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Criminology Dept. and include 1938’s ”Boys’ Town” (7 a.m.), 1944’s “Double Indemnity” (2:30 p.m.) and 1991’s “Bugsy” (11:15 p.m.).
◊“True Beauty” (9 p.m. on ABC): In week seven, contestants attend a red carpet party where they will be the guests of honor and be judged on their poise and presentation as they walk the red carpet and work the crowd. But there’s a twist: The contestants will each have a date, and their dates are their parents.
◊“The Young and the Restless” (11 a.m. on CBS): Marcia Wallace (“The Bob Newhart Show”) guest stars as Ammie Wilkes, a woman who poses possible danger to Katherine Chancellor (Jeanne Cooper).

TUESDAY, FEB. 17
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): For the next three Tuesdays, 12 different semifinalists will perform. During Wedneday’s live results shows, the three contestants with the highest number of votes — one male, one female and the next top vote-getter, will secure spots in the Top 12.
◊“Dogg After Dark” (8 p.m. on MTV): Rapper, record producer, entrepreneur and actor Snoop Dogg will host this new weekly variety talk show from Los Angeles hotspot Kress on Hollywood Boulevard. The show will feature interviews with A-list celebrities and musicians, sketch-comedy segments and musical performances.
◊“Independent Lens” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): “Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life” revisits the life of composer and pianist, who was Duke Ellington’s right-hand man and wrote some if his best-known songs. Dule Hill (“Psych”) plays Strayhorn in re-enactments.
◊“Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Dr, Melinda Warner’s expertiese comes into play when a homeopathic doctor (Martin Mull, “The Ellen Show”) goes on trial for the death of a girl with AIDS.
◊“The Real Housewives Of New York City” (10 p.m. on Bravo): The series franchise returns to the New York social scene for a second season. Alex, Bethenny, Jill, Luann and Ramona, along with new cast member Kelly Killoren Bensimon, continue to juggle their careers and home lives with busy calendars.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Dance Dept. and include 1937’s ”Shall We Dance” (9:30 a.m.), 1951’s “Royal Wedding” (2:30 p.m.) and 1952’s “Million Dollar Mermaid” (7 p.m.).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on Cox.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
◊“Against the Elements” (9 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 284 on DirecTV): This new series explores the science behind the most heart-stopping natural disasters ever captured on camera. Forensic investigations reveal what caused these catastophes and shows what scientists have learned from the past that will protect us in the future.
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Jerome Robbins: Something to Dance About” profiles one of Broadway’s best directors and choreographers. It includes never-before-scene rehearsal footage and interviews with many of his colleagues, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Chita Rivera and Stephen Sondheim.
◊“High School Reunion” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Nineteen classmates from the 1988 graduating class of Arizona’s Chandler High School come together for a special reunion in Hawaii. Chad Ramirez, head rodeo coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, is among them.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): After New York City Councilman Bobby Prince is caught with a hooker during a police raid on a motel, he shares a secret with Det. Sam Tyler.
◊“Lost” (8 p.m. on ABC): The way back to the island is revealed to members of the Oceanic 6, but there’s trouble ahead when not all of them wish to return.
◊“Rick Steves’ Iran” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): World traveler Rick Steves journeys to Iran in hopes of getting to know this ancient country and to better understand the 70 million people living there.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello welcomes his wife, jazz artist Diana Krall. She is interviewed by the program’s executive producer, Elton John.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Law Dept. and include 1942’s ”The Talk of the Town” (8:15 a.m.), 1929’s “Madame X” (noon) and 1954’s “The Caine Mutiny” (9 p.m.).
◊“Top Chef” (9 p.m. on Bravo):  The final chef’testants will need to “kick it up a notch” to impress guest judge and famed chef Emeril Lagasse. This supersized episode also features a twist that changes the face of game as the field is narrowed from four to three.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas Tech in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

THURSDAY, FEB. 19
◊“Being Erica” (9 p.m. on SoapNet, channel 170 on Cox Digital Cable, 188 on Dish Network, 262 on DirecTV): This new series follows the life of Erica Strange, 32, who is given chances to revisit various events from her past that caused regret and attempts to fix them. Newcomer Erin Karpluk plays Erica.
◊“Biography: Mötley Crüe” (9 p.m. on BIO, channel 119 on Dish Network, 164 on Cox Digital Cable, 266 on DirecTV): This new installment takes viewers through the nearly 30 years career span of one of the most infamous rock bands that sold more than 45 million records worldwide. The LA quartet – made up of lead singer Vince Neil, drummer Tommy Lee, bass player Nikki Sixx and guitarist Mick Mars – parlayed whiplash hard-rock songs, melodic power ballads and a hedonistic image into superstardom and lived the rock & roll lifestyle to its fullest.
◊“ER” (9 p.m. on NBC): It’s Valentine’s Day in the ER and Neela seems to be under the spell of Dr. Brenner. Meanwhile, Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) makes a surprise return to the ER.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): One segment in this locally-produced show focuses on Oklahoma State University-Okmulgee, the only university in the country that offers courses in boot and saddle making.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Cristina calls the abilities of a renown surgeon into question after she botches a standard procedure. Faye Dunaway (“Network”) guest stars as Dr. Campbell.
◊“Kath & Kim” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Kath discovers that she is still married to her ex Rusty (guest star Ron White) and must find him in order to finalize their divorce. Busy Philipps (“Dawson’s Creek”) guest stars.
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): Darnell’s absentee father (Danny Glover, “Lethal Weapon”) arrives in Camden claiming he needs to make amends with his son. Earl and Randy smell trouble and go to warn Joy and Darnell.
◊“Sin City Law” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This new two-part documentary, which concludes Feb. 26, chronicles Las Vegas criminal cases.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Dept. of Education and include 1955’s ”Blackboard Jungle” (7 a.m.), 1939’s “Goodbye Mr. Chips” (5 p.m.) and 1938’s “Pygmalion” (7 p.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Wilhelmina fears she’s lost her edge in the fashion world because she’s been spending too much time with Conner. Bernadette Peters (“Living Proof”) guest stars.

FRIDAY, FEB. 20
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): New quarterback J.D. McCoy (Jeremy Sumpter, “Clubhouse”) becomes a victim of freshman hazing but begins to win the respect of the town and his team after he wins his first game.
◊“Late Night With Conan O’Brien” (11:37 p.m. on NBC): Talk show host Conan O’Brien signs off as host of “Late Night.” He will take over “The Tonight Show” hosting duties on June 1. Jimmy Fallon will take over the reins as “Late Night” host on March 2.
◊“Mistresses” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This new series chronicles the adventures of four 30-something friends with one thing in common — infidelity. Starring are four of Britain’s leading actresses, Sarah Parish (“Viva Blackpool”), Sharon Small (“About a Boy”), Orla Brady (“Shark”) and Shelley Conn (“Innocence”).
◊“Real Time With Bill Maher” (9 p.m. on HBO): The comedian and commentator returns for a seventh season of
roundtable discussions with panelists  and interviews with in-studio and satellite guests.
◊“Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special examines the turmoil that surrounded the 1960s variety show “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” including the events that led to its cancellation.
◊“The Soup Awards” (9:30 p.m. on E!): Host Joel McHale presents spray-painted-gold soup cans to celebrities and reality TV gluttons who make for such great “Soup” all year long.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Philosophy Dept. and include 1952’s ”Pat and Mike” (7:45 a.m.), 1941’s “Sergeant York” (4:30 p.m.) and 1967’s “The Graduate” (11 p.m.).

SATURDAY, FEB. 21
◊The 2009 Film Independent’s Spirit Awards (4 p.m. on IFC): Steve Coogan (“Tropic Thunder”) hosts the this year’s ceremony that will air uncut, uncensored and commercial free (an edited rebroadcast of the event will air at 9 p.m. on AMC). Nominees for best feature are “Ballast,” “Frozen River,” “Rachel Getting Married,” “Wendy and Lucy” and “The Wrestler.”
◊“Aisha Tyler is Lit: Live from the Fillmore” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central):   Recorded in her hometown of San Francisco at the historic Fillmore rock venue, comedienne Aisha Tyler tackles such important topics as staying in shape, married life, honesty and her drinking habits.
◊“Extreme Cuisine with Jeff Corwin” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Renowned for his expertise in wildlife and conservation, Jeff Corwin sets his sights on exploring human culture through regional cuisine in this primetime special. He enjoys countless surprises and unforgettable flavors as he interacts with natives and showcases how exotic foods and customs uniquely shape each community.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (7 p.m. on NBC): When celebrity illusionist Miles Stone disappears from his own stunt, Goren and Eames must explore the exclusive and very secretive world of magic and magicians in order to unravel the mystery. Paul Shaffer (“Late Show With David Letterman”) guest stars.
◊“Taking Chance” (7 p.m. on HBO): This fact-based drama stars Kevin Bacon as Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, the volunteer military escort who accompanied the body of Chance Phelps, a 19-year-old lance corporal killed in Iraq, home to Wyoming.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the American History Dept. and include 1944’s ”Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” (7 a.m.), 1989’s “Glory” (4:30 p.m.) and 1953’s “From Here to Eternity” (7 p.m.).
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Baylor in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

–Penny TV

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Top 80 TV Programs for Feb. 8-14

    

   Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 8:

SUNDAY, FEB. 8
◊The 51st Annual Grammy Awards (7 p.m. on CBS): Rapper Lil Wayne is up for eight trophies at this year’s edition of the music industry’s top awards. Nominees with Oklahoma ties include Trisha Yearwood, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Kings of Leon, MercyMe, Elvin Bishop and Tom Paxton.
◊“1000 Ways to Die” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): This news series showcases true stories about those who succumbed to the grim reaper in the most unorthodox styles.
◊The British Academy Film Awards (7 p.m. on BBC America): Shawnee-born actor Brad Pitt is up for awards in two categories — leading actor for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and supporting actor for “Burn After Reading.”  Duncan-born director Ron Howard received a nominations for his film “Frost/Nixon.”  The ceremony takes place at the Royal Opera House in London.
◊“The CollegeHumor Show” (8:30 p.m. on MTV): Created by two high school friends to share their crazy photos and stories while in college, CollegeHumor.com has grown into a pop culture phenomenon with six million loyal monthly readers. This new series provides an offbeat look into the company that creates some of today’s most popular Internet comedy.
◊“A Father’s Promise” (7 p.m. on MSNBC): Al Roker (“Today”) hosts this documentary that examines why so many fathers fall out of their children’s lives, particularly in the inner city. It includes a round-table discussion with Tiki Barber (“Today”), Newark, N.J., mayor Cory Booker and Rev. Eugene Rivers, a Boston pastor.
◊“Great Performances” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment “Hit Man: David Foster and Friends” features the songwriter, producer and maestro to the stars on stage in Las Vegas with Blake Shelton, Josh Groban, Celine Dion and others.
◊“HGTV Showdown” (8 p.m. on HGTV): To kickoff the show’s second season, interior designer Genevieve Gorder (“Dear Genevieve”) and carpenter Carter Oosterhouse (“Carter Can”) will take on challengers Monica Pedersen (“Designed to Sell”) and Eric Stromer (“Over Your Head”) in a family room design battle.
◊“How’s Your News” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): This new series focuses on a team of reporters with disabilities who drive across America in a customized tour bus documenting their experiences and laughs along the way.
◊NFL Pro Bowl (3:30 p.m. on NBC): The NFL season comes to an end with the Pro Bowl, being held for the 30th consecutive year in Honolulu. Next year’s game moves to Miami, the host city for Super Bowl XLIV, and will be played the weekend before the NFL championship.
◊“Nick News With Linda Ellerbee” (8 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this installment titled “We Shall Not Be Moved,” youngsters of all races unite to make changes in their neighborhoods, schools and in themselves through political action, poetry and art.
◊“Nitro Circus” (9 p.m. on MTV): Travis Pastrana, a nine-time X Games gold medalist, has built an empire doing things previously thought impossible and always unadvisable. In this new series, he qill play an irrational game of one-upsmanship with his equally insane and entertaining buddies, including professional mountain biker Jim DeChamp and professional female motocross racer Jolene Van Vugt.
◊“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” (8 p.m. on MTV): Skateboarder Rob Dyrdek (“Rob & Big”) continues to try new things in this new reality series. His new place of operation is a 25,000 square foot industrial complex he turnd into the world’s first indoor concrete skate plaza, complete with zip-lines and foam pits.
◊“The Science of Sex Appeal” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This new special looks at every detail of human sex appeal and explores it in terms of its evolution and function.
◊“Sonny With a Chance” (7 p.m. on Disney)(Disney Channel Photo above): Demi Lovato (“Camp Rock”) stars in this new comedy series as Sonny Munroe, a talented girl from the Midwest who relocates to Los Angeles to join the cast of a popular sketch comedy show for teens and tweens.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Anthropology Dept. and include 1982’s ”Poltergeist” (8:15 a.m.), 1953’s “Roman Holiday” (4:45 p.m.) and 1945’s “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (7 p.m.).
◊“XIII” (8 p.m. on NBC): The first femal president of the United States is assassinated during a speech, and the only suspect is a man found wounded in the woods three months later. He has amnesia, and the only clue to his identity is the Roman numeral XIII tattooed on his chest.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State University in women’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on FSOK.

MONDAY, FEB. 9
◊The Second Annual BET Honors” (8 p.m. on BET): Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”) hosts the second annual event that recognizes African-American achievers who have made great strides in their careers while giving back to the community. This year’s honorees include songstress Mary J. Blige, filmmaker Tyler Perry, choreographer Judith Jamison, basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Congressman James E. Clyburn and television host B. Smith.
◊“American Experience” (12:29 a.m. on OETA-13): The new episode “The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln” remembers the 16th president of the United States — born 200 years ago this week — by focusing on the two months following his assassination. Actor Will Patton (“A Mighty Heart”) reads the words of assassin John Wilkes Booth.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio and the team go head-to-head with a defense attorney (Sean Combs, “A Raisin In the Sun”) who may be involved in a murder cover-up.
◊“The Girls of Hedsor Hall” (8 p.m. on MTV): In this new series, 12 of America’s rowdiest girls will be sent to prim-and-proper England for a complete transformation. Former Miss USA Tara Conner serves as the school’s visiting instructor.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): With Chuck missing since his father’s funeral, Uncle Jack (Desmong Harrington, “Dexter”) arrives on the Upper East Side to help Chuck pick up the messy pieces. But first he has to find him.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Following a chain of unexpected events, the Heroes are on the run from, their latest adversary and one of their own, Nathan Petrelli. Dan Byrd (“Aliens in America”) and Zeljko Ivanek (“Damages”) guest star.
◊“Lagerfeld Confidential” (6 p.m. on Sundance): Shot over the course of three years, this new documentary offers an entertaining visit with German-born fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. He is shown photographing Nicole Kidman for an ad campaign, en roite to a lunch with Princess Caroline and in his Paris study sketching dresses for his new collection.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Business Dept. and include 1960’s ”The Apartment” (8:15 a.m.), 1945’s “Mildred Pierce” (2:45 p.m.) and 1951’s “The Man in the White Suit” (9 p.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May return to the U.S., taking three new generation muscle cars on an trip from San Francisco to the heart of Utah.
◊“Trust Me” (9 p.m. on TNT): Mason promises Denise Raynor (Donna Murphy, “Passion”), CEO of Rothman Greene & Mohr, that his group is pinning its awards hopes on their new writer, Sarah.  But Sarah is becoming unhappy in her new job and is being wooed by the Mink Group’s nemesis.
◊“Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show” (live from 7-8 p.m. on USA and 8-10 p.m. on CNBC): Twenty-five hundred dogs are entered in the 133rd annual event, but only one will claim the best in show title. Today’s coverage includes the hound, terrier, non-sporting and herding group competition. On Tuesday, the sporting, working, toy and best In show competition will air live from 7-10 p.m. on USA.

TUESDAY, FEB. 10
◊“10 Items or Less” (10 p.m. on TBS): Leslie makes a huge financial error when trying to hold a special sale to celebrate the store’s 150th anniversary.
◊“Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): This 1975 special was taken directly from the late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz’s famed comic strip. It will be followed by the 2002 special “A Charlie Brown Valentine.”
◊“The Biggest Loser 7” (7 p.m. on NBC): On the show’s 100th episode, a balancing competition will bring the winner a coveted prize — a 24-hour visit from a loved one back home.
◊“DEA” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): For Season 2, the network was given exclusive access to follow a group of special agents and task force officers in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s northern New Jersey headquarters. They risk their lives daily in the ongoing battle against illegal drugs.
◊“From G’s to Gents” (9 p.m. on MTV): Fonzworth Bentley returns to take a new group of rowdy bad boys and help them clean up their act. At the end of Season 2, the winner will walk away with $100,000.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): Jonathan Frakes (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) directs this episode in which the team uncovers an attempt to rig a court trial for which Parker happens be serving as a juror. Brent Spiner (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Armin Shimerman (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”) and Lauren Holly (“NCIS”) guest star.
◊“T.I.’s Road to Redemption: 45 Days to Go” (8 p.m. on MTV): This new series chronicles the Grammy winning rapper’s year on probation before serving jail time for an arrest stemming from his earlier life. He completed 1,000 hours of community service to reduce his sentence.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the English Dept. and include 1970’s ”Scrooge” (9:30 a.m.), 1955’s “Richard III” (4:30 p.m.) and 1991’s “Enchanted April” (9 p.m.).
◊“Wingman” (8 p.m. on FLN, channel 113 on Dish Network, 172 on Cox, 232 on DirecTV): Thew new dating reality series follows date-challenged men and women in their search for soul mates. Guiding them alioing their path to success is stand-up comedian and relationship columnist Michael Somerville.
◊Tulsa Washington takes on Tulsa Edison in high school basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on Cox.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KOCB-34.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): The judges decide which hopefuls make the final cit and earn coveted spots in the Top 36.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A Russian tourist is found stabbed to death and the CSIs come face to face with the frightening realities of human trafficking. Julia Ormond (”The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) guest stars as Deputy Inspector Gillian Whitford.
◊“House of Payne” (9:30 p.m. on TBS): Ella has been exercising and dieting with no results and decides to step up her weight-loss plan by going to a health and wellness ranch.
◊“Important Things With Demetri Martin” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Stand-up comedian Demetri Martin is the creator, executive producer and star of this new sketch comedy series. He mixes stand-up comedy, sketches, animation, studio bits and music to explore one “important thing” per episode. The subject of the first episode is “timing.”
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Death threats targeting rock star Sebastian Grace expose Sam and Chris to the anything-goes rock and roll lifestyle, including Grace’s groupie, “Rocket Girl,” and an FBI agent known as “The Sorcerer” (Wallace Shawn, “The L Word”).
◊“Looking for Lincoln” (12:58 a.m. on OETA-13): Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. (“Oprah’s Roots”) explores the roots of President Lincoln and addresses many of the controversies surrounding the 16th president by interpreting evidence from those who knew him and those who study him today. 
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with …” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello welcomes indie duo She & Him (comprised of actress Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward) and singer-songwriters Jakob Dyland and Jenny Lewis.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Zoology Dept. and include 1954’s ”20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” (8:30 a.m.), 1963’s “The Birds” (2:30 p.m.) and 1943’s “Lassie Come Home” (9 p.m.).
◊“Uneven Fairways” (8 p.m. on Golf Channel): Samuel L. Jackson (“Lakeview Terrace” hosts this new special that chronicles an era when honor and fair play took a backseat to segregation. It reveals the story of the little-known, but rich history of the African-Americans who had the courage to stand up for their rights and pave the way for future stars of golf. 
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Iowa State in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KWTV-9.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Baylor in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.

THURSDAY, FEB. 12
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Jack prepares for an unconventional Valentine’s Day spent at church with girlfriend Elisa (Salma Hayek, “Frida).
◊The 40th NAACP Image Awards (7 p.m. on Fox): Oscar winner Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball”) and actor-screenwriter Tyler Perry co-host the event that celebrates diversity in the arts. Two Nobel Peace Prize winners, former Vice President Al Gore and Kenyan activist Wangari Muta Maathai, are this year’s recipients of the Chairman’s Award.
◊“Animal Armageddon” (8 p.m on Aninal Planet): This new series sheds light on the evolution of Earth’s creatures and reveals the fragile and perilous nature of our planet.
◊“Cosby” marathon (7 p.m. to 1 a.m. today through Sunday on TV Land): Walk down memory lane as Denise, Theo, Vanessa and Rudy experience the growing pains of approaching adulthood and give Cliff and Clair more than one reason to look forward to an empty nest.
◊“Delocated” (9:30 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In this new live-action series, “Jon” testifies against the Russian Mafia and is placed undercover with his family in a New York City loft. But rather than live quietly through a witness protection program, “Jon” convinces his family to become ski-masked reality stars and have their adventures chronicled for television audiences. 

◊“ER” (9:01 p.m. on NBC): Former cast member Eriq La Salle (Dr. Peter Benton) directs this episode in which a car accident in the ambulance bay leaves a mother severely injured and in need of hip surgery.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Addison (Kate Walsh), Naomi (Audra McDonald) and Sam (Taye Diggs) rush the ailing Archer (Grant Show) to Seattle Grace and reunite with old friends Derek and Mark to help save his life.
◊“Making the Band 4” (8 p.m. on MTV): The new season picks up where it ended, with Danity Kane shattered and Day 26 determined not to suffer the same fate.
◊“The Millionaire Matchmaker” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Patti Stanger is at the top of her game as owner of a Los Angeles-based elite matchmaking service in which she helps wealthy men find the women of their dreams. But there’s a twist for Season 2, as Patti adds female millionairesses and gay millionaire clients to the mix.  
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): Adjusting to her new wealthy lifestyle proves difficult when Joy struggles to fit in with her trophy-wife neighbors. Morgan Fairchild (“Falcon Crest”) and Joan Van Ark (“Knots Landing”) guest star.
◊“Survivor: Tocantins” (7 p.m. on CBS): Left stranded in the wilds of Brazil for 39 days, the Season 18 castaways will battle scorching temperatures, torrential downpours, and dangerous wildlife all in an effort to outwit, outplay, and outlast one another in order to win $1 million.   
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Chemistry Dept. and include 1943’s ”Madame Curie” (9:30 a.m.), 1954’s “The Dam Busters” (2 p.m.) and 1959’s “Bell, Book and Candle” (9 p.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Betty tapes a video tribute for Claire Meade’s 60th birthday that’s very revealing, just not in the way she planned. But the real shocker comes when Betty accidentally leaves the camera on at home and discovers some revealing footage about Ignacio.
◊“Victor Borge: 100 Years of Music & Laughter” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Comedienne Rita Ruder narrates this special that features the Danish-born entertainer’s funniest and most memorable skits.

FRIDAY, FEB. 13
◊“Aaron Stone” (6 p.m. on Disney XD, channel 151 on Cox Digital Cable, 174 on Dish Network, 292 on DirecTV): This new series on Disney XD, which launched today in place of Toon Disney, focuses on Charlie Landers, the reigning world champion in the popular online game “Hero Rising.” When a billionaire recluse tells Charlie that “Hero Rising” is actually a test game for real secret agents, Charlie is recruited to be the real-life crime fighter Aaron Stone.
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Eliza Dushku (“Tru Calling”) stars in this new series about a group of secret operatives called ‘‘Actives” whose personalities are wiped clean after each mission. Then they get a new set for the next job. Also starring are Tahmoh Penikett (‘‘Battlestar Galactica”) and Olivia Williams (‘‘Miss Austen Regrets”).
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA): Series star James Roday (Shawn Spencer) co-wrote and directed this episode, in which Shawn and Gus are hired by a childhood friend to find a missing camp counselor. The counselor disappeared near their old sleep away campgrounds. Justin Bateman (“Family Tues”) guest stars.
◊“Reading Rainbow” (noon on OETA-13): Host Levar Burton (“Roots”) tells a series of stories, asking if they are fact or fiction. A small panel of children offer their opinions on the stories.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Religion Dept. and include 1960’s ”Elmer Gantry” (9 a.m.), 1943’s “A Guy Named Joe” (4:45 p.m.) and 1982’s “Sophie’s Choice” (10:15 p.m.).
◊Norman North takes on Westmoore in high school basketball action airing live at 6:15 p.m. on Cox.
◊“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (7 p.m. on Fox): An injured Sarah is guided by the image of John’s father, Kyle Reese, while Weaver’s move to protect John Henry results in deadly consequences.

SATURDAY, FEB. 14
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): Naomi, comfortable with her new living situation, is meddediately taken by Liam (Matt Lanter, “Heroes”), a hot bartender at her hotel.

◊“Before You Say I Do” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When the love of his life is too afraid to commit to marriage, a desperate man’s wish will send him back 10 years to rework history in order to ensure his future with the woman he wants to marry. David Sutcliffe (“Gilmore Girls”) and Jennifer Westfeldt (“Notes from the Underbelly”) star.
◊“Christopher Titus: Love is Evol” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Christopher Titus (“Titus”) takes the stage and riffs his way to Loverville as he tackles relationships, divorce and the root of all “evol” in this new comedy special.
◊“My Music: Love Songs of the 50s and 60s” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This cross-over pop and R&B special includes never-before-seen performances with archival favorites from the pre-Beatles era. Among the artists featured are Doris Day, Johnny Ray and Perry Como.
◊“Privileged” (8 p.m. on CW): Megan is thrilled when Will tells her that his father is starting a new magazine based on their idea.

◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Sociology Dept. and include 1951’s ”A Place in the Sun” (9:30 a.m.), 1937’s “The Awful Truth” (3:15 p.m.) and 1955’s “Love is a Many Slendored Thing” (7 p.m.).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Iowa State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 3 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Kansas in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KWTV-9.

–Penny TV

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Top 60 TV Programs for Feb. 1-7

    Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 1:

SUNDAY, FEB. 1
◊“Bathtastic!” (7 p.m. on DIY, channel 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on DirecTV): DIY expert Matt Muenster hosts this new series that shows viewers ways they can revitalize their bathrooms with just a few days and a little elbow grease. It premieres with five back-to-back episodes.
◊“Cold Case” (7 p.m. on CBS): After a substantial splatter of the blood of a popular deaf teen who went missing in 2006 is discovered in a storage room at the high school for the deaf he attended, the team attempts to find the boy’s body and killer. Shoshannah Stern (”Jericho”) guest stars as an obsessed ex-girlfriend of the victim.
◊“The Office” (9:30 p.m. on NBC): In this special post Super Bowl episode, some of the office workers try to secretly watch a bootlegged Hollywood movie during the workday.  Guest stars Jessica Alba (“Fantastic Four”) and Jack Black (“Be Kind, Rewind”) will play characters in the bootleg movie.
◊“Oklahoma Passage” (1 p.m. on OETA-13): This five-hour dramatic film that originally aired on OETA in April 1989 dramatizes 150 years of Oklahoma history. The encore presentation has been digitally remastered.
◊“Puppy Bowl V” (2 p.m. on Animal Planet): This alternative to the Super Bowl features a bunch of pups frolicking in a stadium-shaped pen, with a halftime show featuring by kittens. Performing the National Anthem will be Pepper the Parrot.
◊“Shameless” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This British comedy-drama, beginning Season 4, follows the lives of the Gallagher clan and their extended network of lovers, friends and foes at Chatsworth Estate, a public housing project in Manchester, England.
◊Super Bowl XLIII (5:30 p.m. on NBC): This is NBC’s first NFL title game telecast in 11 years. Al Michaels and John Madden will call the action live from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform at halftime.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Communications Dept. and include 1963’s ”Bye Bye Birdie” (9 a.m.), 1937’s “Artists & Models” (1 p.m.) and 1951’s “Ace in the Hole” (7 p.m.).
◊“Wipeout Superball Sunday” (during halftime of Super Bowl):  Hosted by John Anderson (ESPN’s “SportsCenter”), John Henson (“Talk Soup”) and Michael Irvin (former Dallas Cowboy), this event features 13 cheerleaders trying to blitz 13 couch potato guys in a special football-inspired edition of the hit summer series. More hilarious antics will air immediately following the game.

MONDAY, FEB. 2
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this 3-D episode, Chuck foils a plan to kill international rock star Tyler Martin (Dominic Monaghan, “Lost”). Later, Tyler convinces Chuck to go out on the town, which only leads to a night of trouble.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): An extremely overweight body turns up in the trunk of a car, a body that happens to be that of a man who stole $3 million in diamonds from his own jewelry store.  But the body is in such bad shape, it’s impossible to determine the cause of death. When the team finally tracks down a possible witness, they get quite a shock.
◊“For the Love of Ray J” (9:30 p.m. on VH1): In this new reality series featuring Ray J (“One on One”), 14 women move into his bachelor mansion and compete to win his heart through a series of challenges, dates and eliminations.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Months after explosions brought down Pinehurst and Primatech, the heroes try to put the past behind them and begin new lives. Emmy winner Zeljko Ivanek (“Damages”) guest stars as “The Hunter” as the third season continues with “Volume 4: Fugitives.”
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the show’s 100th episode, House and the team take on the case of a woman who collapsed in the middle of a cooking class. When they learn that the patient gave up her career as a highly renowned cancer researcher in order to pursue her own personal happiness, the members of the team question their own happiness.
◊“I Love Money 2” (8 p.m. on VH1): Hosted by Craig J. Jackson, the new season will pit 19 fan favorite contestants from “Rock of Love,” “I Love New York,” “Flavor of Love” and “Real Chance of Love” against each other for a chance to win $250,000.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Patricia Arquette returns for a fifth season as Allison Dubois, the wife and mother who uses her psychic power to help the police solve murders.
◊“Ni Hao, Kai-lan” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Today is the eighth day of the Chinese New Year, and this animated series that teaches Mandarin to tots debuts the new primetime special. It follows Kai-lan and her friends as they hike to the ladybug festival and learn the importance of listening to friends.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Series star Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley) directs this episode, in which Lucas wrestles with casting for his movie while Peyton tries to prepare for their wedding.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Economics Dept. and include 1940’s ”Comrade X” (7:15 a.m.), 1954’s “Sabrina” (5 p.m.) and 1945’s “Brewster’s Millions” (7 p.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): In this Winter Olympics special, the team travels to Norway where they attempt Olympics events in cars. A rocket-powered mini is fired off a ski jump, they tackle to biathlon with 4×4s and the Jaguar XK races a speed skater.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Convinced that Alan’s family doesn’t fully appreciate him, Melissa invites him to live with her and her mom. Carol Kane (“Taxi”) guest stars as Alan’s mother.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Tennessee in women’s college basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

TUESDAY, FEB. 3
◊“10 Items or Less” (10 p.m. on TBS): After being humiliated by SuperValueMart in competing car washes for charity, Leslie decides to put his whistling talent to good use. He manages to surprise everyone by getting airplay for his tunes and a distribution offer from SuperValueMart. Kim Coles (“Living Single”) guest stars.
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Contestants vie for a semifinalist position during the grueling next phase of the auditions. The “Hollywood Round” episodes will air today, Wednesday and Feb. 10.
◊“Celtic Woman: The Greatest Journey” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This collection of the musical group’s most memorable songs will give new fans an opportunity to catch up on their success and old fans a chance to reminisce.
◊“The IT Crowd” (10 p.m. on IFC): The United Kingdom’s offbeat sitcom returns for a third season. It follows the adventures of Roy, Moss and Jen, who continue against the odds to be employed by Reynholm Industries as IT consultants.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): To discover where an investment broker hid money he swindled from a charity, the team tricks the financier into entering a rehab facility to deal with his addictions to nicotine patches, porn, gambling, lying and eating.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Architecture Dept. and include 1932’s ”Grand Hotel” (9 a.m.), 1953’s “Julius Caesar” (11 a.m.) and 1942’s “My Sister Eileen” (9 p.m.).
◊Westmoore takes on Southmoore in high school basketball action airing live at 6:15 p.m. on Cox.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4
◊“The Exterminators” (9:30 p.m. on A&E): This new series follows Billy Bretherton and his family who run Vexcon, one of Louisiana’s busiest pest removal companies, as they balance family life with the drama of running a successful business.
◊“George Carlin: The Mark Twain Prize” (12:29 a.m. on OETA-13): For the first time in its 11-year history, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is being presented posthumously. The announcement that Carlin was this year’s recipient came about a week before he died.
◊“Katie Couric’s All Access Grammy Special” (8 p.m. on CBS): CBS News anchor Katie Couric will interview past and present Grammy nominees, including Justin Timberlake, Lil’ Wayne, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. Grammy nominees Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Jonas Brothers, Metallica, Kid Rock and others will also make appearances.
◊“Knight Rider” (7 p.m. on NBC): Mike’s old Army friend recruits his help to investigate the suspicious death of a tough-as-nails drill sergeant named Jack Burber (Tiki Barber, “Today”).
◊“Law & Order” (9 p.m. on NBC): An NYPD officer troubled over mounting financial difficulties is killed by fellow police officers after taking hostages at gunpoint. As detectives Lupo and Bernard look into the incident, they discover valuable stolen documents hidden in the officer’s apartment, along with a dead body.
◊“Life” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a retired NASA pilot is shot to death mid-flight, Charlie Crews and Dani Reese work to narrow down the list of suspects who include the dead pilots son and his current business partner.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Sam Tyler receives a mysterious phone call that leads to a headless body. Simultaneously Lt. Hunt finds a severed head delivered in a gift box to the precinct, which sets off the discovery of a chain of bizarre decapitations.
◊“The Priests in Concert at Armagh” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The Priests’ three Roman Catholic clergymen from Northern Ireland are trained vocalists brought together ny their faith and passion for music. This performance took place at Armagh, one of Ireland’s most prestigious cathedrals.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with …” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello welcomes jazz musician Herbie Hancock, winner of last year’s Grammy Award for album of the year.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Music Dept. and include 1938’s ”The Great Waltz” (7 a.m.), 1951’s “Tales of Hoffman” (4:30 p.m.) and 1946’s “Night and Day” (7 p.m.).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas A&M in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on KOCB-34.
Okahoma State University takes on Texas Tech in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPNU.

THURSDAY, FEB. 5
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Liz discovers she has a handsome and newly single neighbor, Dr. Drew Baird (Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”), she;d like to meet after receiving his mail by mistake. However, in true Liz fashion, their chance at getting to know one another doesn’t begin so well.
◊“American Originals: Westminster Dog Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This special reports on the big business of this prestigious dog show. The program also traces Westminster’s history from it roots in the bar of New York’s Hotel Westminster in 1876 to today’s event.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): During the course of an investigation, the CSIs discover that their victim, a young woman who was murdered and found with several different blood types in her system, is the daughter of a wanted criminal. Jason Lewis (“Sex and the City”) and Nicholas Turturro (“NYPD Blue”) guest star.
◊“Eleventh Hour” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): When one of the government’s experiments to enhance the abilities of its soldiers goes lethally off track,  Dr. Jacob Hood is called upon to investigate what went wrong. Judd Nelson (“Suddenly Susan”) guest stars.
◊“ER” (9:01 p.m. on NBC): Dr. Morgenstern (William H. Macy, “Wild Hogs”) decides to visit County General when he finds out an old mentor is gravely ill.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Bailey, who is encouraged by her work on recent cases and by Dr. Dixon (Mary McDonnell, “Battlestar Galactica”), considers a new direction for her medical career.
◊“Kath & Kim” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Kath and Kim are in the running to host a dinner for country music star Wynonna Judd (guest starring as herself), but they must first be interviewed by Wynonna’s people.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Biology Dept. and include 1960’s “The Time Machine” (6 a.m.), 1961’s “The Parent Trap” (12:30 p.m.) and 1966’s “Georgie Girl” (9 p.m.).
◊Tulsa Union takes on Broken Arrow in high school wrestling action airing live at 6:15 p.m. on Cox.

FRIDAY, FEB. 6
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): Tyra gets wooed by Cash, the new bad boy rodeo star in town, and says goodbye to her relationship with Landry.
◊“Jockeys” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series chronicles the lives of seven 112-pound jockeys and their 1,200-pound horses during the course of a 30-day racing season.
◊“Red Green Story: We’re All in This Together” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This new special is a retrospective and behind-the-scenes celebration of the long-running public television comedy hit from Canada.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Physics Dept. and include 1984’s ”2010” (9 a.m.), 1939’s “Only Angels Have Wings” (1 p.m.) and 1950’s “Seven Days to Noon” (7 p.m.).

SATURDAY, FEB. 7
◊“Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story” (7 p.m. on TNT): Cuba Gooding Jr. has the title role in this new film based on the true story of Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, whose lifelong journey led him to become director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.
◊“The Good Witch’s Garden” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): In this sequel to 2008’s “The Good Witch,” Cassie Nightingale (Catherine Bell, “Army Wives”) finds herself at a crossroads when a stranger shows up claiming ownership of her family home, Grey House.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the World History Dept. and include 1963’s ”Cleopatra” (6:45 a.m.), 1962’s “Lawrence of Arabia” (3 p.m.) and 1943’s “Sahara” (8:45 p.m.).
◊“Welk Stars: Through the Years” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Mary Lou Metzger hosts this 2-hour special that salutes members of  Lawrence Welk’s musical family and showcases musical productions from past shows.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Colorado in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊Okahoma State University takes on Kansas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.

–Penny TV

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Top 44 TV Programs for Jan. 25-31

   Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 25:

SUNDAY, JAN. 25
◊The 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (7 p.m. on TNT and TBS): The winners in five film and eight primetime television categories will be decided by the entire active membership of the Guild. James Earl Jones is this year’s Life Achievement Award honoree.
◊“Celebration of Gospel” (7 p.m. on BET): Steve Harvey (”The Steve Harvey Show”) returns to host the ninth annual event that featuring performances and spoken-word segments to “raise the praise.” Taking the stage this year will be Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., Grammy-winning hip hop star LL Cool J. and gospel singers Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Vickie Winans and Heather Headley.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The crew helps an injured Iraqi war veteran and his family from Kansas rebuild their lives. The Tutwilers have been living on a military base ever since their house in Chapman, Kan., was devastated by an F4 tornado. Rock singer Gavin Rossdale performs his hit single “Love Remains” for the family at the reveal.
◊“The Last Templar” (8 p.m. today and Monday on NBC): This new miniseries is based on Raymond Khoury’s novel about an ancient mystery with a Vatican connection. It stars Mira Sorvino as an archaeologist who teams up with an FBI agent (Scott Foley) to investigate when four masked horsemen crash a museum exhibit of Vatican treasures.
◊“Loving Leah” (8 p.m. on CBS): In this new Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, a young Hasidic rabbi dies, and his nondevout brother (Adam Kaufman) is asked to honor an ancient custom and marry his widow, Leah (Lauren Ambrose).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas in women’s college basketball action airing live at noon on FSOK.
 
MONDAY, JAN. 26
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment titled “The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer” offers a revealing portrait of the American scientist who led the development of the atomic bomb. The dramatic recreations feature David Strathairn (”Good Night, and Good Luck”).
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The show rides into Dallas where everything is larger than life, including a few examples from a collection of more than 600 antique American flags.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Brenda’s squad reopens a case that could leave another division with a black eye. Barry Corbin (”No Country for Old Men”) and Frances Sternhagen (”Misery”) guest star as Brenda’s parents.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio” (7 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton chats with Conan O’Brien about everything from O’Brien’s childhood to his pre-”Late Night” career as a writer for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons.”
◊“Olivia” (10:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon)(Nickelodeon Photo pictured above): This new animated series invites children into the life—both real and fantasy—of an adventurous, can-do 6¾-year-old girl named Olivia who believes she can do anything and sees every day as an opportunity to try new things. The series is based on author/illustrator Ian Falconer’s best-selling books.
◊“One Way Out” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Escape artist Jonathan Goodwin attempts extreme excapes created by mechanical engineer Terry Stroud in this new series.
◊“Private Screenings: Ernest Borgnine” (7 p.m. on TCM): Ernest Borgnine, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of the titular shy butcher in 1955’s “Marty,” talks about his life and career. He is still working at age 92, with several movies due out this year.
◊“Trust Me” (9 p.m. on TNT): This new series stars Eric McCormack (”Will & Grace”) and Tom Cavanagh (”Ed”) as best friends who work together in the cutthroat world of advertising.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State University in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

TUESDAY, JAN. 27
◊“Frontline/World” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the season premiere titled “Getting Out of Gitmo,” correspondent Alexandra Poolos reports on several dozen men from rural China who spent years at the infamous detention facility.
◊“Last Restaurant Standing” (7 p.m. on BBC America): World-renowned chef and Michelin-starred restaurateur Raymond Blanc returns for Season 2 of the series. Nine couples will battle it out for a once in an opportunity to open a new restaurant with him.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): a famous astronaut is found dead and Det. Stabler’s ikd mentor, Dick Finley (James Brolin, “The Reagans”) helps investigate the case.
◊“Scrubs” (8 p.m. on ABC): J.D. learns the hard way that not even Elmo can teach the gift of compassion to those who don’t care to learn. Guest starring from Sesame Workshop’s “Muppets” are Kevin Clash as Elmo, Eric Jacobson as Grover and Carroll Spinney as Oscar the Grouch.
◊“The Whitest Kids U’ Know” (9 p.m. on IFC): Season 2 of the sketch comedy show continues to showcase the raucous and peculiar talents of Trevor, Zach, Sam, Darren and Timmy as they take on our culture’s obsessive fascination with celebrities, infomercials and office culture.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for Elena’s former partner who disappears after an undercover sting operation. The idea for the episode came from series star Roselyn Sanchez (Elena).
◊Tulsa Memorial takes on Tulsa Washington in high school basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on Cox.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28
◊“The Detonators” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This new series follows explosives experts Dr. Braden Lusk and Dr. Paul Worsey as they get backstage passes to the world’s biggest and toughest demolition blasts.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Lieutenant Hunt faces off with his arch rival from another precinct while investigating a bank robbery with international connections.
◊“Lost” (7 p.m. on ABC): Hurley and Sayid are on the run from the cops after stumbling into trouble at the safehouse, the island survivors come under attack by unknown forces, and an old friend offers some shocking advice to Kate in order to ensure that “the lie” remain a secret.
◊“Make ’em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment titled “Wiseguys and Smart-Alecks: Never Give a Sucker an Even Break” is devoted to the masters and mistresses of the snappy comeback, from W.C. Fields and Jack Benny to Chris Rock and Larry David. The miniseries wraps up with an hour devoted to parody and satirical comedy.
◊“Secrets of the Summer House” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Lindsay Price (“Lipstick Jungle”) and David Haydn-Jones (“Rumours”) star in this 2008 drama about a centuries old curse that haunts a family summer house.
The University of Oklahoma takes on Baylor in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KWTV-9.

THURSDAY, JAN. 29
◊“Burn Notice” (9 p.m. on USA): Michael, Fiona and Sam pose as a gang of ruthless car thieves to stop a thug who is threatening a local high school football star. Former Dallas Cowboy football player Michael Irvin guest stars as the local football coach.
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (8 p.m. on Fox): A new batch of 16 aspiring chefs step up to the plate to face world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay as he serves up the fifth course of his fiery unscripted series. The winner will receive a head chef position at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J.
◊“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): Series star Allison Mack (Chloe Sullivan) makes her directorial debut with this episode titled “Power.” Clark finds Tess in Lana’s ransacked apartment and realizes Lana is missing.
◊“The Trials of Ted Haggard” (7 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary chronicles the sex scandal that enveloped the Rev. Ted Haggard in 2006 when a male prostitute alleged the two of them had been having sex for three years and had done meth together.
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Gio (guest star Freddy Rodriguez) returns and Betty tries to make amends, but he’s not having any of it.
◊“The VH1 Pepsi Smash Bowl Bash” (8 p.m. on VH1): Jerry O’Connell (”Sliders”) will host this concert that kicks off the celebration of the 43rd Super Bowl. Scheduled performers at the event airing live from Tampa, Fla., include Rihanna, Fall Out Boys and Lifehouse.

FRIDAY, JAN. 30
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): Matt Saracen feels the heat asw the fans lose faith in him and turn to the new quarterback, J.D. McCoy (Jeremy Sumpter, “Clubhouse”).
◊“The Game” (7:30 p.m. on CW): Malik’s invitation to appear on the children’s television show of his childhood hero, Mookie (voiced by Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash who also appears as himself in the episode), is rescinded.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA): Monk scores tickets to the biggest football game of the year, but he and Captain Stottlemeyer can’t go inside until they figure out who tried to blow up a fan in the parking lot. Sports announcer Bob Costas guest stars.
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA): Shawn and Gus are drafted in when the guys sign up for training camp after the foot of a professional football kicker is discovered. Mykelti Williamson (“Forest Gump”) guest stars.
Putnam City takes on Edmond Santa Fe in high school basketball action airing live at 6 p.m. on Cox.

SATURDAY, JAN. 31
◊“AKC/Eukanuba National Championship” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): Thousands of canines from around the country and across the globe compete, but only one will come away with “best in show” honors.
◊“Lisa Lampanelli: Long Live the Queen” (9 p.m. on HBO): Taped recently before a live audience in Santa Rosa, Cal., this special features the comedienne offering her unique take on social taboos and stereotypes that even today’s boldest comics rarely broach.
◊“The Note II: Taking a Chance on Love” (8 p.m. on Hallmark): Genie Francis (“General Hospital”) and Ted McGinley (“Hope and Faith”) reprise their roles in this sequel to the network’s highest-rated film of 2007. They return as Peyton MacGruder and King Danville, a columnist and a sports writer brought together by the power of words and the power of love.
◊“Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials” (7 p.m. on CBS): Jim Nantz (”The NFL on CBS”) and Daisy Fuentes (”Ultimate Style”) co-host this special that showcases 10 of the most famous ads introduced during past Super Bowls. The top three picks will be revealed during the show, and viewers can go to www.cbs.com/superbowl to vote for their favorite.
◊“Kevin Hart: I’m a Grown Little Man” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): The comedian, who stands 5-foot-4, takes a grown-up perspective on being a “little man.”
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Iowa State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Missouri in women’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 on KAUT-43.
Oklahoma State University takes on Texas A&M in men’s college basketball action airing live at 1 p.m. on ESPN.

–Penny TV

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Program Planner: Jan. 18-24

   Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 18:

SUNDAY, JAN. 18
◊“America’s Next Top Model Obsessed” (10 a.m. on Oxygen): In addition to airing a 12-hour marathon of the most current season, this programming block will include vignettes featuring past contestants and judges.
◊“Another Cinderella Story” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This high-energy, comedic twist on the classic fairy tale stars Selena Gomez (”Wizards of Waverly Place”) as downtrodden teen Mary Santiago, Drew Seeley (“High School Musical” concert tour) as pop idol Joey Parker and Jane Lynch (“Talladega Nights”) as Dominique, Mary’s evil legal guardian.
◊“Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): In the face of a do-it-yourself market and a crackdown on polygamists, Bill wants to protect his growing family and his chain of Home Plus superstores by diversifying his business operations and building neighborhood goodwill.  And as if his life wasn’t complicated enough already, he wants to take a fourth wife.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the show’s 100th episode, neighborhood handyman Eli Scruggs (Beau Bridges, “Stargate SG-1”) dies, and all the women reminisce about how he touched their lives — from helping Gabrielle (Eva Longoria Parker) make friends when she was new to Wisteria Lane to lending a hand to an overwhelmed Lynette (Felicity Huffman).
◊“Flight of the Conchords” (9 p.m. on HBO): In the show’s second season, transplanted New Zealanders Jemaine and Bret resort to a variety of unconventional strategies in an attempt to jump-start their lives and music careers.
◊“The L Word” (8 p.m. on Showtime): A major character is dead, and the show’s final season will be devoted to flashbacks of the events leading up to the tragedy.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This new adaptation of Emily Bronte’s novel “Wuthering Heights” stars Tom Hardy (‘‘Marie Antoinette”) as Heathcliff, the foundling who is taken in by a wealthy family and falls in love with his adoptive sister, Cathy (Charlotte Riley).
◊“Oklahoma High School Sports Express” (11 p.m. on KOKH-25): This locally-produced sports show hosted by Van Shea Iven will feature plays of the year from football and highlights from several basketball tournaments.
◊“State of Creativity” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The premiere episode of this documentary series focuses on Kyle Bratcher, 7, from Midwest City and his battle against radiation necrosis, a devastating consequence of cancer treatments performed to save his life.
◊“United States of Tara” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Tony Collette (”Little Miss Sunshine”) plays the title character, a wife and mother who has several alternate personalities, including a promiscuous teenage girl, a happy homemaker and a biker dude.
◊“We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial” (6 p.m. on HBO): Scheduled performers for the event that kicks off the inaugural opening festivities are Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas A&M in women’s basketball action airing live at 3 p.m. on FSOK.

MONDAY, JAN. 19
◊“The American Future: A History by Simon Schama” (7 p.m. today and Tuesday on BBC America): This four-part series shot against the backdrop of the U.S. presidential campaign features historian Simon Schama traveling throughout America to dig deep into the conflicts of its history to understand just what is at stake right now. Schama is a Professor of Art History and History at Columbia University.
◊“CSI: NY” marathon (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday on SPIKE): It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and SPIKE celebrates with 10 back-to-back episodes of the CBS crime drama.
◊“Look Around You” (12 a.m. on Cartoon Network): This British comedy series offers parodies of educational programs of the ‘70s and early ‘80s. Series creators Robert Popper and Peter Serafinowicz start in the show and perform the music for the series.
◊“The Powerpuff Girls Rule!!!” (7 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new half-hour animated special follows super-powered sisters Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup as they take to the skies once more for their biggest battle yet. Craig McCracken, who created the Emmy-winning series “The Powerpuff Girls,” selected his favorite episodes for a 14-hour marathon airing from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
◊“Paranormal State” (9 p.m. on A&E): Ryan Buell, the director and founder of the Paranormal Research Society (PRS), returns for a third season of this real-life series. He and his group of Penn State University students delve into other worlds to solve a variety of cases.
◊“The Story of India” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Michael Wood’s “10,000-year epic” concludes with the coming of Islam to the Indian subcontinent and the time of the British occupation of India.
◊“Will Work For Food” (7:30 p.m. on Food Network): Adam Gertner, who was a finalist on Season 4 of “The Next Food Network Star,” pairs his comedic timing with an adventurous spirit in this new series.

TUESDAY, JAN. 20
◊“10 Items of Less” (10 p.m. on TBS): Paramount rejects Leslie’s idea of holding a Star Trek convention at Greens & Grains, so he decides to hold a Star Trok convention instead. And when Jolene Blalock from “Enterprise” shows up for her celebrity appearance, an exploding refrigerator compressor traps her in the store.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): On the night of Barack Obama’s historic inauguration, the series examines the rich personal and political biography of the 44th president of the United States.
◊“The Neighborhood Inaugural Ball” (7 p.m. on ABC): This event airing live from the Washington Convention Center will include the President and First Lady’s first dance of the night and performances by various recording artists.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment titled “The Big Energy Gamble” looks at what’s being done to reduce California’s greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels. Actor and environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. and ‘‘Science Guy” Bill Nye are among the commentators.
◊Presidential Inauguration 2009 (9 a.m. on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox News, 10 a.m. on PBS): Barack Obama takes the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Patricia Neal was born on this day in 1926, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1949’s “John Loves Mary” (8:30 a.m.) and 1968’s “The Subject was Roses” (4:30 p.m.).
◊Norman takes on Westmoore in high school basketball action airing live at 6 p.m. on Cox.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit becomes involved in the case of a family working together to abduct young women. Tim Matheson (”The West Wing”) directs the episode.
◊“Lie to Me” (8:02 p.m. on Fox)(Fox Photo of cast above): This new series stars Tim Roth as superobservant Dr. Cal Lightman, who works with law enforcement. His specialty is lie detecting; he can spot a fib a mile away, and this skill is in demand from more than just the police.
◊“Lost Clip Show” (7 p.m. on ABC): This special will take an in-depth look at the mysteries of the island, its inhabitants, the Oceanic 6, outside influences such as Charles Widmore, and also delve into some of the questions that have been answered, and others that still remain a mystery. The show’s fifth season premieres at 8 p.m.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Missouri in men’s basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Nebraska in men’s basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPNU.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Colorado in women’s basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on Cox.

THURSDAY, JAN. 22
◊The 2009 Academy Awards Nominations (7:30 a.m. on ABC, NBC, CBS, E!): Nominations for the 81st annual Academy Awards will be announced. Oscars will be handed out at the awards ceremony airing live Feb. 22 on ABC.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As time runs out for Bailey’s young patient, Meredith fights to grant a death row inmate’s wish to donate his organs to the boy. Jessica Capshaw (”The Practice”) and Eric Stoltz (”Mask”) guest star.
◊“Living With rhe Tribe” (10 p.m. on Travel): In Season 3, explorers Mark Anstice and Oliver Steeds travel to the Peruvian Amazon to experience life with the remote Machigenga.
◊“The This Old House Hour” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): A Brooklyn brownstone built in 1904 is the show’s latest renovation project. The building used to be a rooming house and will be transformed into a three-family home. Designer Carole Freehauf joins the team for this project.
◊Winter X Games (8 p.m. on ESPN): Coverage of the 13th annual sporting event begins with finals in snowmobiling, SuperPipe skiing and snowboarding. ESPN and ABC will televise 15 hours of live high-definition programming through Jan. 25.

FRIDAY, JAN. 23
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): Smash struggles with his confidence on the field as Coach Taylor preps him for college tryouts.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Series star Jennifer Love Hewitt (Melinda Gordon) makes her directorial debut with this episode, in which Melinda confronts a crisis that grips the whole town — the unearthing of a grave that leads to a mass haunting.
◊“Supernanny” (8 p.m. on ABC): Jo Frost handles two sets of twins at once for the first time when she returns to the United Kingdom on a mission to save a family on the brink.
◊“Wolverine and the X-Men” (7 p.m. Friday on Nicktoons, channel 153 on Cox Digital Cable, 178 on Dish Network): This new animated series based on Marvel Comic’s popular Super Heroes follows Wolverine as he reunites the X-Men in an attempt to save the world.
◊Edmond Memorial takes on Edmond North in high school basketball action airing live at 6 p.m. on Cox.

SATURDAY, JAN. 24
◊“The Diplomat” (6 p.m. on ION): This four-hour miniseries inspired by actual events stars Dougray Scott as Ian Porter, a disillusioned British diplomat who is believed to be doing business with a Russian arms and drugs trafficker.  When he refuses to cooperate with Scotland Yard, suspicions mount and Porter must try to complete his secret mission before warring intelligence agencies and incompetent police forces cause irreparable damage to worldwide security.
◊“Gone Country” (7 p.m. on CMT): Singer John Rich (Big & Rich) returns as host of this series that brings together celebrities hoping to create a hit country music single. Contenders for Season 3 are Rock and Roll Hall of Famer George Clinton,  Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner;  actress Taylor Dayne (”Rude Awakening”), The Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz, percussionist Sheila E., actor Richard Grieco (”Booker”) and “American Idol” alum Justin Guarini.
◊“Miss America Live” (7 p.m. on TLC): Mario Lopez (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) will host the 84th annual event live from the Planet Holllywood Resort and Casino in Nevada. Representing Oklahoma will be Kelsey Cartwright of Collinsville.
◊“Prayers for Bobby” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Sigourney Weaver plays a devout mother who can’t accept her son’s homosexuality and urges him to get more involved in the church. Eventually the young man is overcome with depression and commits suicide, and his guilt-ridden mother reaches out to the gay and lesbian community and becomes a gay rights activist.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas A&M in women’s basketball action airing live at 6 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Nebraska in men’s basketball action airing live at 3 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Baylor in men’s basketball action airing live at 3 p.m. on ESPNU.
◊Games from the Jenks Basketball Tournament will air live at 7 p.m. on Cox.

–Penny TV

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Program Planner: Jan. 11-17

   Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 11:

SUNDAY, JAN. 11
◊The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards (7 p.m. on NBC): The Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s awards gala honors achievements in both television and motion pictures. Steven Spielberg is the 2009 Cecil B. DeMille Award winner and Rumer Willis (daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis) is this year’s Miss Golden Globe.
◊“24″ (7 p.m. today and Monday on Fox): The CTU is dismantled and Jack Bauer is on trial in the seventh season premiere. The series celebrates its milestone 150th episode during the fourth hour of the two-night premiere.
◊“Feeding Frenzy” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): Host Chris Douglas heads to all corners of the globe to locate and study dangerous animals and learn about their predatory ways. Three back-to-back episodes focus on crocodiles in the everglades, lions in Africa and bears in Alaska.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment titled “The Dragon Chroniles,” reptile expert Romulus Whitaker sets off to find out if dragon stories are based on real animals and if any are still to be found.
◊“Tool Academy” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new series sends nine unsuspecting bad boys to relationship boot camp, where they will be schooled in subjects like honesty, fidelity, maturity and communication.

MONDAY, JAN. 12
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): One of the items brought to the Palm Springs Convention Center for appraisal is a costume dress that was literally sewn onto Marilyn Monroe for her role in 1959’s “Some Like It Hot.” It is estimated to be worth $150,000 to $250,000.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio” (6 p.m. on Bravo): Laura Linney, who has three Emmys on her shelf and three Oscar nominations to her name, discusses her life and her work with host James Lipton.
◊“Kyle XY” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): In the show’s third season, Kyle is pushed by greater forces to rise to new levels. But to do so, he may have to sacrifice relationships with those he holds most dear.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Cast member Chad Michael Murray (Lucas) directs this episode titled “ A Hand to Take Holld of the Scene.” Mouth and Millicent struggle to remain a couple while Brooke tries to figure out Julian’s intentions.
◊“Rita Rocks” (7:30 p.m. on Lifetime): Deborah Gibson (“Celeste in the City”) guest stars as Cindy, Rita’s former Bangles-cover band mate who returns years later to apologize for leaving the band the night of their most important gig.
◊“The Secret Life of an American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Anson Williams (“Happy Days”) directs the new episode titled “Baked Nevada,” in which Amy and Ben realize that their marriage is not legal.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

TUESDAY, JAN. 13
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. today and Wednesday on Fox): Ryan Seacrest is back as host of the show, now in its eighth season. There is a new judge, as Kara DioGuardi joins Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. Other changes this season include expanding the number of semifinalists to 36 and bringing back the wild-card round.
◊“The Ascent of Money” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This new special puts the current global financial crisis in the full context of financial hyistory. Niall Ferguson, author of the book on which the program is based, speaks with leading experts, including financier George Soros and Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volker.
◊“Chopped” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Ted Allen (”Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”) hosts this new series that challenges up-and-coming chefs to turn a selection of everyday ingredients into an extraordinary three-course meal. Each week, a rotating panel of judges will decide whose dishes shine and award the winner $10,000.
◊“Lost Tapes” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Legend has it that freshwater octopus lurks in Oklahoma’s lakes and rivers. A group of high school graduates claim to have had an encounter with the creature, and their story is told in the episode titled “Oklahoma Octopus.”

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14
◊“Gordon Ramsay’s F Word” (2 p.m. on BBC America): World renowned chef Gordon Ramsay serves up a third season of his show in which he gets people eating, cooking, thinking and talking about food.
◊“Lost” (7 p.m. on ABC): The network rebroadcasts last season’s three-part finale to refresh fans’ memories in anticipation of next week’s season premiere.
◊“Make ’em Laugh: The Funny Business of America” (7 p.m. on PBS): Billy Crystal (”Soap”) hosts and Amy Sedaris (“Strangers With Candy”) narrates this new six-part miniseries that chronicles over 100 years of American comedy. Each episode focuses on a distinct genre, including slapstick, satire and fast-talking wise guys.
◊“Robert Schimmel: Life Since Then” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Comedian Robert Schimmel, who has had a heart attack and cancer, mines both of them for laughs in his typical outrageous style.
◊“Wonderland” (9 p.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): This doctor drama premiered on ABC in 2000 but was cancelled after two episodes. Those two episodes, in addition to six that never aired, will air for the next eight weeks.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Kansas State in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KAUT-43.

THURSDAY, JAN. 15
◊“The Beast” (9 p.m. on A&E)(A&E Photo above): Patrick Swayze (”Ghost”) and Travis Fimmel (”Tarzan”) star in this new drama series that centers on an FBI veteran who takes on a rookie partner to train in his hard-edged and psychologically clever style of agenting.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Brennan and Booth go undercover as a Canadian knife-throwing act to investigate the death of female conjoined twins who worked in the circus.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): After working with Dr. Raymond Langston (Laurence Fishburne) on the “Dick & JAne” murders, Grissom announced that his time as a CSI has come to an end and offers Langston a permanent position on the team.
◊“Soundstage” (10 p.m. on PBS): Tony winner Idina Menzel (”Wicked”) performs songs from her third album, “I Stand.” Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane joins her on a couple of numbers, and singer Josh Groban stops by for a duet.
◊“Treasure Quest” (9 p.m. on Discovery): Odyssey Marine Exploration (OME), the world’s only publicly-traded company dedicated to deep ocean shipwreck exploration, plunges viewers to the ocean floor as they track the unsolved mysteries of the deep sea in this new series.
◊“Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew” (9 p.m. on MTV): Mario Lopez returns as host as nine new crews perform their hottest moves for dance supremacy and a $100,000 cash prize. Each week, viewers will choose their favorite crews via text messaging, phone and online voting at www.dancecrew.mtv.com/. The two crews with the least number of votes will be up for elimination with judges JC Chasez, Lil Mama and Shane Sparks making the final call on which crew goes home.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Margaret O’Brien was born on this day in 1937, and TCM celebrates by airing four of her films, including 1954’s “Sabrina” (7:45 a.m.) and 1949’s “Little Women” (4:45 p.m.).

FRIDAY, JAN. 16
◊“Battlestar Galactica” (9 p.m. on SCI FI): Picking up from last June’s jarring cliffhanger, the Colonial fleet and their new Cylon allies led by Admiral Adama and the Galactica crew discover Earth to find it a barren nuclear wasteland. The 10-week run will culminate with the series finale on March 20.
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): Direct TV got first-run rights to Season 3 of this critically-acclaimed drama. Now everyone else can catch up with Coach Eric Taylor and the Dillon Panthers.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team has only four hours to stop a group of hijackers who take a bus full of Hollywood tourists hostage. Fisher Stevens (”Early Edition”) guest stars.
◊“Options Action” (10:30 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC’s Melissa Lee hosts this new weekly roundtable discussion featuring four prominent options traders who will demonstrate how to profit from the news of the week using options.
◊Norman takes on Midwest City in high school basketball action airing live at 6:15 p.m. (girls game) and 8 p.m. (boys game) on Cox.

SATURDAY, JAN. 17
◊“Talkshow With Spike Feresten” (10 p.m. on Fox): The late-night series expands to hour-long episodes for a limited six-week run. That means double the laughter with more original fan-favorite sketches such as “Idiot Paparazzi,” “Comedy for Stoners” and the online sensation “Lil’ O’Reilly.”
◊“Starting Out in the Evening” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Frank Langella (”Frost/Nixon”) stars as a fading literary lion who is approached by a graduate student (Lauren Ambrose, “Six Feet Under”) writing her master’s thesis about his work. Lili Taylor (”Six Feet Under”) co-stars as Langella’s daughter.
◊Seagal vs. Van Damme marathon (noon to 10 p.m. on SPIKE): This action-packed movie marathon features three Steven Seagal films (”Urban Justice” at noon, “Out for a Kill” at 4 p.m. and “Belly of the Beast” at 8 p.m.) and two starring Jean Claude Van Damme (”Wake of Death” at 2 p.m. and “In Hell” at 6 p.m.).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas A&M in men’s college basketball action airing live at 1 p.m. on ESPN.
Oklahoma State University takes on Baylor in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.

–Penny TV

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