TV Preview Podcast: ‘Warehouse 13’
"Warehouse 13" cast (SyFy Photo)
Each week, The Oklahoman TV Editor Penny Soldan hosts an audio podcast discussing an upcoming TV premiere.
This week’s premiere is the new SyFy series “Warehouse 13” premiering at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 7.
To hear her discussion with Melissa Hayer, assistant news research editor for The Oklahoman, click here
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing June 28-July 4, 2009
"Hung" (HBO Photo)
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of June 28.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“Built to Shred,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (second-season premiere).
••“HGTV Showdown,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HGTV (third-season premiere).
••“Hung,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HBO (series premiere).
••“Dance Your … Off,” 9 p.m. Monday on Oxygen (series premiere).
••“Stager Invasion,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on TLC (series premiere).
••“18 Kids and Counting,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on TLC (third-season premiere).
••“NOVA scienceNOW,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on OETA-13 (fourth-season premiere).
••“Monsters Inside Me,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Moments of Impact,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Bathtastic,” 8 p.m. Friday on DIY (second-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Clean House: Search for the Messiest Home in the Country,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Style Network (first-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“Burn Notice,” 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday on USA.
••“Twilight Zone,” 7 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. July 5 on SCI FI.
••“Mantracker,” 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday on Science Channel.
••“Martin,” 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday on TV One.
••“Deadliest Catch,” 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Saturday and July 5 on Discovery.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for June 28-July 4, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which
includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of June 28:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
◊The BET Awards ’09 (7 p.m. on BET): Jamie Foxx (“Ray”) will host the ninth annual event that celebrates the achievements in music, sports and entertainment. The O’Jays will be honored with a lifetime achievement award.
◊“Built to Shred” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): In Season 2 of this build-and-ride sports show featuring top skateboarders, BMXers and surfers, host Jeff King works with pros to design, build and try out a new obstacle.
◊“Celebrity Rides: Hollywood Speeding Bullitt” (6 p.m. on DIY): Chad McQueen, son of actor Steve McQueen, helps build a 1968 GT Fastvack Mustang made famous by the movie “Bullitt.”
◊“Comedy You Can Believe In With David Alan Grier” (9 p.m. on TBS): David Alan Grier (“Chocolate News”) will perform his own stand-up and introduce comedians Bruce Bruce, Jo Koy, Mark Curry, Aries Spears and Marina Franklin.
◊“Gene Simmons Family Jewels” (8:30 p.m. on A&E): While Gene Simmons rings the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and spreads the word about investing in America, Shannon does some spending of her own when she gets addicted to late-night infomercials.
◊“HGTV Showdown” (9 p.m. on HGTV): A new line-up of challengers and celebrity guests take the design stage for Season 3 of the show. Host Jamie Durie will guide viewers through the action as two teams of expert designers and builders compete to design and execute a winning room makeover for one lucky homeowner. The homeowner also will win a professional design plan and $10,000 toward the redesign of a room in their home.
◊“Hung” (9 p.m. Sunday on HBO): In this new and very adult comedy, Thomas Jane stars as Ray Drucker, a high school basketball coach and divorced dad who sets out to change his fortune.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Mrs. McGinty’s Dead,” crime novelist Ariadne Oliver (Zoe Wanamaker, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”) joins Poirot (David Suchet, “Henry VIII”) to save a man who has been sentenced to hang for the murder of his landlady.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): The witch Nimueh casts a spell with a monster that poisons Camelot’s drinking water, spreading a sickness throughout the city. When Gwen’s father falls ill, Merlin disobeys Gaius’ orders and tries to help.
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Bobby Flay tests the remaining seven finalists by having them out their culinary point of view on a classic American dish — the burger. Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) surprises the finalists and challenges them to create a dish using a basket of international ingredients for a group of returning American soldiers.
◊“Prehistoric New York” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Travel back in time through the lost worlds of New York City’s past, when mammoths once trampled down Fifth Avenue and some of the world’s first dinosaurs roamed where the New York Giants now play.
◊“Waging War on Cancer With Paula Zahn: The Future” (1:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This program seeks to demystify cancer by explaining where it comes from. In many cases, it has to do with chronic injury to tissue.
MONDAY, JUNE 29
◊“Blood, Sweat + Gears: Racing Clean to the Tour de France” (9:30 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary follows the journey of an American cycling team seeking to compete in its first Tour de France, the French bicycle race that covers over 3,500 kilometers in 22 grueling days. The 2009 Tour de France runs from July 4-July 26.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Brenda and her squad are temporarily deputized into the FBI when a missing person case turns into a full-blown murder investigation involving drug trafficking at gay dance parties. The case gives Brenda and Fritz the chance to work together again, but her investigative tactics don’t exactly fit FBI protocol.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a murderer kidnaps an innocent baby, Horatio and the team must find him before the child becomes his next victim. Teri Polo (”Meet the Parents”) guest stars in this of the show’s 150th episode.
◊“Dance Your … Off” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): Marissa Jaret Winokur (“Hairspray”) hosts this new dance/weight-loss competition series featuring full-figured contestants who struggle with their weight and dance to unleash their inner thin.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment focuses on an invention that may have been used in the atomic bomb, a 23-pound block of beeswax with strange markings and a French manuscript kept by an American family for 160 years.
◊“JoMoPro 2009″ (7 p.m. on Fuel TV, 265 on Cox Digital Cable, 536 on U-verse, 618 on DirecTV): This BMX event in Joplin, Mo., offers a $20,000 prize purse and features a best-trick contest that awards the winning rider a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
◊“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Kathy seeks out Paris Hilton. The new BFFs spend the day buying trendy clothes on Robertson Blvd., pose for hundreds of photographers trailing their every move and make a call to Snoop Dog.
◊“NewsHour With Jim Lehrer” (5 p.m. on OETA-13): The segment “A Future That is Bright and Green” features Nathan Wright and Casey Wenzel, who are among the first students at Oklahoma State University to participate in a new degree program in wind turbine technology. They are hopeful about finding jobs that are not only close to home, but that are safer, cleaner and more stable than those in the oil and gas industry.
◊“Operation Emeril” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In this special, chef Emeril Lagasse visits the Army Center of Excellence Subsistence (ACES) at Fort Lee in Richmond, VA, and meets service men and women training to become military cooks. He shows the soldiers how to mix new combinations of food while in the kitchen and prepare healthy and delicious meals for the masses.
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): When an innocent picture of a little boy in a bathtub winds up on a child pornographer’s Web site, Jerry has his hands full defending the father against Balco’s aggressive prosecution.
◊“Shouting Fire: Stories From the Edge of Free Speech” (8 p.m. on HBO): In collaboration with her father, First Amendment attorney Martin Garbus, Oscar nominated filmmaker Liz Garbus explores the social and political trends that have shaped America’s attitudes about free speech and how they can threaten the very tenets upon which the country was built.
◊“Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This film looks at the life and music of Arthur Russell, a little-known composer, producer, cellist, singer and songwriter who died of AIDS in 1992.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30
◊“18 Kids and Counting” (8 p.m. on TLC): Josh and Anna Duggar don’t know if their first child will be a boy or girl — but the “Today” show does. Watch as the Duggars are kept in the dark until it’s revealed live on national television via a special cake from the “Cake Boss.”
◊“The Best Thing I Ever Ate” (8:30 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network stars Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”), Duff Goldman (“Ace of Cakes”) and Aida Mollenkamp (“Ask Aida”) talk about their favorite foods made with bacon.
◊“HawthoRNe” (8 p.m. on TNT): Christina scrambles to create a makeshift ICU bed for a woman whose son isn’t ready to let her go. And Camille spends the day sneaking around the hospital when she’s supposed to be working on an English essay.
◊“NOVA” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Musical Minds” investigates the impact music can have on the human brain through case studies from neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks’ book “Musicophilia.”
◊“NOVA scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Neil deGrasse Tyson returns for Season 4, which is packed with provocative new stories from the frontlines of science, technology, and medicine. In the premiere episode, a blindfolded Tyson is led to a top-secret “diamond farm” to investigate breakthroughs in the engineering of artificial diamonds. Indistinguishable from the real thing, these glittering creations may one day replace silicon transistors in everything from super computers to high-speed electric trains.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The family of a French gay man who was brutally murdered by three neo-Nazi skinheads undergoes an astonishing personal journey as its members struggle to seek justice while coming to terms with their unthinkable loss in ‘‘Beyond Hatred.”
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Matthew (F. Murray Abraham, “Amadeus”), one of Earl’s fellow angels, hits a rough patch when it comes to winning souls, and he starts honing in on Earl’s territory.
◊“Stager Invasion” (7 p.m. on TLC): In this new series, professional stager Lisa Lynch visits houses that are on the market by homeowners but aren’t getting much interest. Lynch and a staging team help transform the homes – using mostly items already part of the decor – while battling 8-hour timelines to get everything ready for showings.
◊“Wake Steady” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV, 265 on Cox Digital Cable, 536 on U-verse, 618 on DirecTV): Catch wakeboarding and wakeskating champions attacking still waters worldwide.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
◊“10 Grand in Your Hand” (8:30 p.m. on DIY, 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on Direct TV, 454 on U-verse): This series shows homeowners how to cut up to $10,000 from their renovation and remodeling projects. It offers advice on new materials and technologies, as well as how-to info on doing some of the basic work themselves.
◊“American Masters” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new 90-minute episode goes behind the scenes of the radio show ‘‘A Prairie Home Companion,” created by humorist and commentator Garrison Keillor. It follows Keillor and his crew of actors and misicians as they travel across the country broadcasting and recording shows.
◊“Clean House: Search for the Messiest Home in the Country” (8 p.m. on Style Network): In the first-season finale host Niecy Nash (”Reno 911!”) unveils 2009’s messiest home in the country and documents its full makeover. The home belongs to a detective, and it is crammed with suff in every room.
◊“Monsters Inside Me” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series explores the shocking, gruesome and sometimes deadly details of a parasitic infection. Every episode is a constant battle for life as doctors and scientists attempt to unravel each case.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine and Barb are informed by the parent company of their gym franchise that they’ve broken a contractual clause and may lose the gym. Megan Mullally (”Will & Grace”) guest stars as the corporate representative from the gym’s parent company.
THURSDAY, JULY 2
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (7 p.m. on CBS): When a series of victims are found deceased seemingly in the middle of everyday activities, the CSIs must determine what is causing them to remain upright after death. Alex Kingston (”ER”), Jeffrey Tambor (”Arrested Development”) and Will McCormack (”Dirt”) guest star.
◊“The Listener” (9 p.m. on NBC): After witnessing a fatal shooting in Chinatown, Toby uses his telepathic gift to help a blind woman solve the murder of her brother. He discovers a cover-up involving a Chinese crime boss who has a lot to hide from the police.
◊“Moments of Impact” (8 p.m. on Discovery): From terrifyingly close calls on the jet way to a sudden avalanche to unexpected animal attacks, this new series provides a spectacular tour de force of real life spills and chills.
◊“Science of the Movies” (9 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): This installment goes behind the scenes of Sony Pictures Animation’s 3D feature “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.”
◊“Soundstage” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Sugarland presents a versatile set that includes pop songs, country sounds and soulful ballads.
◊“Twilight Zone” marathon: (7 a.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. July 5 on SCI FI): The network’s annual event, running Thursday through Saturday, features episodes from the 1980s version of the series, as well as the classic 1960s show.
◊“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic” (6 p.m. on TCM): This special was made in 1989, as it has actually been 70 years since ‘‘Oz” came out. Like the movie, though, it’s still enjoyable and will enhance your appreciation of the film, as actress Angela Lansbury (”Murder, She Wrote”) takes a look back at the production of the 1939 classic.
FRIDAY, JULY 3
◊“According to Jim” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Jim convinces Andy to play snow football even though Andy’s girlfriend, Mandy, warns him against it. Now injured, Andy has to hide his injury from Mandy, so Jim stages a freak accident for Andy in his home. Garry Marshall (“Race to Witch Mountain”) guest stars.
◊“Alex Haley’s Queen” (9 a.m. on TV One, 157 on U-verse, 167 on Cox Digital Cable, 328 on DirecTV): Halle Berry stars in the six-hour miniseries that chronicles the tale of Alex Haley’s paternal grandmother, Queen, who was the daughter of a black slave and a white plantation owner.
◊“Bathtastic” (8 p.m. on DIY, 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on Direct TV, 454 on U-verse): Host Matt Muenster shares design tips, information on cutting-edge materials and know-how that will revitalize any bathroom, great or small.
◊“Good Evening Ev’rybody: In Celebration of Louis Armstrong” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This is a presentation of a never-before-released concert performance of Louis Armstrong and other musical greats at the 1970 Newport Jazz Festival in celebration of Armstrong’s 70th birthday. Armstrong performs several of his greatest hits throughout the concert and rehearsals, including ‘Pennies From Heaven” and “Wonderful World.”
◊“Invitation Only” (10 p.m. on CMT): In this installment of the concert series, Darius Rucker performs before a small studio audience in Nashville, takes questions from fans and delivers revealing and candid answers.
◊“Margaret Cho: Beautiful” (10 p.m. on Showtime): Returning to her stand-up roots, Margaret Cho examines the nature of beauty and the importance society has placed on appearance.
◊“The Ultimate Power Lunch: 50 Years of The Four Seasons” (11 a.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Bill Griffeth will speak one-on-one with the most powerful people in finance, media and fashion, asking them about the economy, the markets and their power lunches at the restaurant over the years.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
◊“Apollo 13″ (6:30 p.m. on Cinemax): Ron Howard, who was born in Duncan, directed this 1995 movie about the near-disastrous 1970 Apollo 13 mission. Headed for the moon, Cmdr. Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) and his crew, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert (Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon), experience an on-board explosion.
◊“Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular” (9 p.m. on CBS): Talk show host Craig Ferguson (”The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”) returns for his third year as host of the special broadcast live from the Charles River Esplanade in Boston. Grammy winner Neil Diamond will perform some of his classic hits with The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra under the direction of conductor Keith Lockhart. The final 21 minutes of the broadcast, featuring the spectacular fireworks display, will be presented commercial free.
◊“Burn After Reading” (7 p.m. on HBO): Brad Pitt, who was born in Shawnee, stars as a gym worker in this movie directed by Oscar-winners Joel and Ethan Coen (”No Country for Old Men”). John Malkovich plays a newly resigned CIA agent whose secrets are swiped by his divorce-seeking wife (Tilda Swinton) and ultimately land in the hands of gym workers.
◊“A Capitol Fourth” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits returns to host this spe3cial live from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol. Barry Manilow will open and close the broadcast with a medley of hits and patriotic classics along with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Choral Arts Society of Washington. Others scheduled to appear are Aretha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, Michael Feinstein, Andrew von Oeyen, the Tony Award-winning cast of “Jersey Boys” and the “Sesame Street” gang.
◊“Choking Man” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This film explores the immigrant experience, as it follows a near-mute dishwasher from Ecuador who is quietly nursing a crush on a radiant fellow immigrant in Queens.
◊“Detonators” (7 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): This series focuses on a specialized team that demolishes skyscrapers, blows up helicopters on movie sets and detonates 50-gallon drums of explosives to quell deadly oil well fires.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): King Silas sends David on a quest to recover a national treasure, the Charter of Gilboa. While on the mission, David discovers shocking information about his father’s death. Leslie Bibb (Confessions of a Shopaholic”) guest stars as Katrina, who is engaged to Jack.
◊“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” (8 p.m. on NBC): “Today” correspondents Natalie Morales and Tiki Barber co-host the special live from New York City. The nation’s 233rd birthday extravaganza will include performances by rock singer Rob Thomas country singer Jewel and the cast from the 2009 revival of “West Side Story.” The fireworks display featuring more than 40,000 shells will be set of from six barges positioned between 24th and 50th Streets on the Hudson River.
◊“Mantracker” marathon (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): Terry Grant is an expert outdoorsman trained to track and retrieve missing persons in the deep wilderness. His mission in each episode is to track two contestants through rough country and capture them before they can reach the finish line.
◊“Sweet Land of Liberty” (5 p.m. on OETA-13): Music selections include “America the Beautiful,” “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “God Bless America.”
◊“Tribute to Liberty” (5:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Music selections include “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “This Is My Country.”
–Penny TV
Bid on “Battlestar Galactica” memorabilia
“Battlestar Galactica” has ended. Let the bidding begin (again).
NBC Universal held a “Battlestar Galactica” auction in January. But lots of props and set pieces from the show still remain and are up for auction May 8, 9 and 10. And this will be the final chance fans and collectors will have to own a piece of the show, which completed its four season run March 20 on the SCI FI Channel.
A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit United Way, and you don’t have to be in California to bid on the 900 or so one-of-a-kind items. Auction Network (www.auctionnetwork.com) will broadcast the three-day event live in high definition with real-time bidding online.
Among the items up for bid:
••“Lee Adama’s” (Jamie Bamber) bomber jacket, which was worn in the “Daybreak” flashback scene
••The painting that Kara “Starbuck” Thrace (Katee Sackhoff) paints in her apartment on Caprica before the Cylon attacks
••The Galactica Podium
••Admiral Adama’s (Edward James Olmos) desk chair
••A full size Viper Mark II ship
••A full size Blackbird Stealth ship
••Red dress worn by “Number Six” (Tricia Helfer)
••“Starbuck” flight suit
The auction begins at 8 a.m. (Oklahoma time) each day. For more information and to view the auction catalog, visit www.battlestarprops.com.
–Penny TV
Oklahoman in contention for ‘WCG Ultimate Gamer’ title
Mark "Ice Ice Gamer" Smith (SCI FI Photo)
Mark “Ice Ice Gamer” Smith is among the final three gamers competing on the SCI FI Channel series “WCG Ultimate Gamer.”
Tune in Tuesday (April 28) to see if Smith wins the “Ultimate Gamer” title, which comes with $100,000 cash, a Samsung electronics package and a gig as VIP representative for World Cyber Games. SCI FI will air the first-season finale at 9 p.m.
Smith, who is described in a SCI FI press release as “the small-town sensation from Tahlequah,” was born in Oklahoma City, grew up in Altus and currently lives in Tahlequah. He makes custom jewelry and also enjoys hunting and fishing. But his passion is gaming.
The other two gamers who successfully navigated both real world and virtual world challenges to reach the finale, are Robert “The Dominator”Paz (”the gaming prodigy from Bronx, New York”) and Jamal “Sonic Boom” Nickens (”the trash-talking wonder from Twinsburg, Ohio”).
Their final challenge will involve three different games in three different genres: Shaun White Snowboarding, Soul Caliber IV and Gears of War 2.
–Penny TV
12 TV Premieres and Finales
airing April 26-May 2
Kevin, Nick and Joe Jonas: "Jonas" (Disney Channel Photo)
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of April 26.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“Guy’s Big Bite,” 10 a.m. Sunday on Food Network (sixth-season premiere).
••“Leader of the Pack,” 7 p.m. Sunday on HGTV (series premiere).
••“Daisy of Love,” 8 p.m. Sunday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“Pros vs. Joes: All Stars,” 10 p.m. Monday on SPIKE (fourth-season premiere).
••“Dallas DNA,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Ladette to Lady,” 7 p.m. Friday on Sundance (third-season premiere).
••“Jonas,” 7 p.m. Saturday on Disney (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Last Cake Standing,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (final challenge).
••“Chuck,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC (second-season finale).
••“Ghost Hunters,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on SCI FI (mid-season finale).
••“Better Off Ted,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“The Exterminators,” 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on A&E (first-season finale).
••“The Millionaire Matchmaker,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (second-season finale).
••“Private Practice,” 9:02 p.m. Thursday on ABC (second-season finale).
••“Wife Swap,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC (fifth-season finale).
••“Supernanny,” 8 p.m. Friday on ABC (fourth-season finale).
Top 55 TV Programs for April 26-May 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 April 26:
SUNDAY, APRIL 26
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team reopens a 1963 murder case of a nomadic pool hustler when the long-hidden murder weapon is found during the renovation of a pool hall where the victim played days before his death. Eion Bailey (“Band of Brothers”) guest stars.
◊“Daisy of Love” (8 p.m. on VH1): In this new series, Daisy De a Hoya, runner-up on “Rock of Love 2,” kicks off a quest for true love, She will have 20 men vying for her love and competing to win her heart.
◊“Guy’s Big Bite” (10 a.m. on Food Network): In the Season 6 premiere, Guy Fieri fires up the oven for a special pizza night at home. He whips up a refreshing salad and shares recipes for two flavor-packed pizza pies.
◊“Journey to the End of the World” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): Lester Holt (“Weekend Today”) narrates this special that documents the 2006 TARA Expedition that took a small band of scientists to the North Pole in dead of winter. Includes are CGI sequences depicting the world at the height of the last ice age 20,000 years ago when one-third of the planet was an ice ball.
◊“Last Cake Standing” (7 p.m. on Food Network): The final three competitors endure a 24-hour cake-making marathon.
Strategy, endurance and skills are tested and one talented cake artist is crowned the winner and gets $50,000.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Jeff Golblum joins the cast as Det. Zack Nichols. In his first case, he teams up with Det. Megan Wheeler (Julianne Nicholson) to investigate the stabbing of an artist in a neighborhood rife with ethnic tensions.
◊“Leader of the Pack” (7 p.m. on HGTV): This new series will follow the trials and tribulations of a family in search for the perfect pet. Eight canines are in the running, and through a series of challenges, the family must decide whether a dog stays or moves on to another loving home.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A back country ski trip at Mount Nemesis turns to tragedy when two skiers get caught in an avalanche in 2004. A rescue is performed by a helicopter crew flying in heavy snowfall and landing under circumstances so dangerous that it was uncertain if the helicopter could even lift off again.
◊“Tuba U: Basso Profundo” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This special follows an unusual 22-piece musical ensemble into the recording studio, across the U.S. and onto the stage of Carnegie Hall.
◊“TV Land Awards ’09” (7 p.m. on TV Land): Neil Patrick Harris hosts the seventh annual event that celebrates the best and the brightest from television history. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”) will receive the Legacy of Laughter Award, while “Magnum P.I.” gets the Hero Award.
MONDAY, APRIL 27
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment titled ‘‘Trail of Tears” chronicles the 1838 forced march of thousands of Cherokee from their homes in the southeastern United States to eastern Oklahoma. More than 4,000 Indians died of disease and starvation along the way. Oklahoma born actor Wes Studi, a Cherokee, portrays Major Ridge.
◊“Animal Cops: Philadelphia” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special episode revisits a puppy mill that was raided in summer 2008. It follows the fate of the kennel owner and the dogs that were rescued.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (7 p.m. on CBS): Leonard and Koothrappali take a heartbroken Wolowitz to Las Vegas, leaving Sheldon locked out of his apartment and forced to bunk with Penny. Jodi Lyn O’Keefe (“Prison Break”) guest stars.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): In the Season 2 finale, Chuck must save his sister’s wdding and her life. Morgan Fairchild (”Falcon’s Crest”) and Bruce Boxleitner (”Babylon 5″) guest star.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a reality star is murdered, the CSIs delve into the scandalous, sexy world of a TV dating show. Diedrich Bader (“The Drew Carey Show”) and Kelly Overton (“The Ring Two”) guest star.
◊“For the Love of Ray J Reunion Show” (9 p.m. on VH1): Tune in to see the eliminated women give Ray J (and each other) a piece of their mind.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): Georgina (Michelle Trachtenberg, “17 Again”) returns to the Upper East Side after undergoing a major transformation. Chuck and Nate find themselves at a major crossroads in their relationship as it pertains to their mutual interest in Blair.
◊“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): When Frannie challenges the sisterhood of ZBZ girls, Casey retaliates by challenging the IKI’s to a game of dodgeball. Andrew J. West (“Rockville, CA”) guest stars.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): As Volume 4: Fugitives comes to a close, the fight to stop Sylar has consequences that will change everything. Michael Dorn (”Star Trek: The Next Generation”) guest stars.
◊“Nightly Business Report” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): The news program concludes its three-part series titled “Native American Entrepreneurs” with a profile of the Oklahoma City-based Bank2, which is owned by the Chickasaw Tribe. Bank2 is focusing on the lending needs of the nation’s American Indian population, as well as the housing shortage that exists on many reservations.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Nathan questions his dreams of playing in the NBA while Haley receives an unexpected offer from Nick Lachey (”Charmed”).
◊“Pros vs. Joes: All Stars” (10 p.m. on SPIKE): The roster of pros for Season 4 includes gridiron greats Tim Brown, Simeon Rice, Priest Holmes, Adam Jones, Steve McNair and Rich Gannon and hardwood heroes Alonzo Mourning, Robert Horry, Antoine Walker, Shawn Kemp, Eddie Jones and Ron Harper.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Chelsea sets Alan up on a blind date with her new friend, who happens to be former Charlie-stalking neighbor Rose (Melanie Lynskey, reprising her former role).
◊“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy” (9 a.m. on Nickelodeon): Beyonce Knowles (“Obsessed”) guest stars as the voice of Shine, the lead singer of the Wubb Girlz. The four music-filled “Wubb Girlz” episodes, airing today through Thursday, will feature a new original song composed and performed by Knowles titled “Sing a Song.”
TUESDAY, APRIL 28
◊“According to Jim” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Jim convinces Andy to play snow football even though Andy’s girlfriend, Mandy, warns him against it. Now injured, Andy has to hide his injury from Mandy, so Jim stages a freak accident for Andy in his home. Garry Marshall (“Race to Witch Mountain”) guest stars as the doctor.
◊“Dallas DNA” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This new series chronicles a pioneering unit within the Dallas County District Attorney’s office where post-conviction DNA testing is being used to clear the innocent and confirm the guilty.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This year, hundreds of thousands of prisoners with serious mental illnesses will be released into communities across America. This new report tited “The Released” looks at what happens when to the mentally ill when they leave prison and why they return at such alarming rates.
◊“Homestretch: Racehorse Rescue” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This new special documents the fates of losing race horses and the lifesaving rehabilitation they can share with prisoners on their way back to society.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): A young child goes missing and her young mother is the prime suspect. Hilary Duff (”A Cinderella Story”) and Gail O’Grady (”Living Out Loud”) guest star.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The body of a Marine leads Gibbs and McGee to the NCIS division in Los Angeles, where a murder investigation quickly climbs to a matter of national security in which the two offices must work together to resolve. Peter Cambor (”Notes From The Underbelly”), LL Cool J (Grammy winner) and Chris O’Donnell (”Grey’s Anatomy”) guest star.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a missing journalist who recently graduated from reporting celebrity gossip to writing hard-hitting exposés for an on-line magazine and question whether the subject of one of her stories is to blame for her disappearance. Nicholle Tom (”The Nanny”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Lionel Barrymore was born on this day in 1878, and TCM celebrates by airing nine of his films, including 1933’s “One Man’s Journey” (6:30 a.m.) and 1944’s “Between Two Women” (4 p.m.).
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
◊“Better Off Ted” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): In the season finale, Veronica comes up with some novel ways for Veridian to boost employee morale when a survey reveals they’re miserable. But since the survey also showed that she’s too intimidating, she’s got to work on being more likable.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): When the team is sent a videotape from a serial killer detailing one of his crimes, they discover a hidden message asking them to help him stop his murderous ways. Alex O’Laughlin (”Moonlight”) guest stars.
◊“Cry For Help” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special features first-person stories from adolescents who are confronting depression, anxiety and mental illness. It also explores treatments, mental health testing and community healing programs to give parents and educators a basis for recognizing the warning signs of teens in trouble.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): The most exclusive jewelry auction of the year ends abruptly when an appraiser is killed during the event. The investigation takes an emotional turn when the CSIs must confront one of the greatest tragedies in human history — the Holocaust. Edward Asner (”Mary Tyler Moore”) guest stars.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): Join the TAPS team as they travel to they travel to Newark, NJ, to investigate the Essex County Sanitorium and Hospital. After a century of use, the facility was abandoned in the 1990’s, and many wonder if the spirits of forgotten patients still roam the labyrinth of underground tunnels connecting the buildings.
◊“Lost” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the show’s 100th episode, the time of reckoning has begun when Daniel Faraday comes clean regarding what he knows about the island.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (7 p.m. on CBS): After learning that his marriage is in trouble, Audrey agrees to allow their friend Steve stay with her and Jeff. However, she soon regrets her decision after discovering Steve enjoys giving “inappropriate” hugs. Tony Hale (”Arrested Development”) guest stars as Steve, Audrey and Jeff’s friend who is going through a difficult divorce.
◊“Scrubs” (7 p.m. on ABC): Series star Zach Braff (Dr. J.D. Dorian) directed this episode, in which J.D. considers taking a new job so he can live closer to his son and Kim (Elizabeth Banks, “W.”), Turk begins his new role as chief of surgery, and Ted and Gooch take their relationship to the next level.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State in college softball action airing live at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.
THURSDAY, APRIL 30
◊“Ask a Lawyer” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In conjunction with the national celebration of Law Day, Oklahoma lawyers will take calls from viewers and offer free legal advice. The number to call during the show is 1-800-456-8525.
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Tracy and Liz stop receiving preferential treatment and experience the reality of what it means to be each other’s equal. Elaine Stritch (”One Life to Live”) and Steve Buscemi (”Fargo”) guest star.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): When a human body is found inside the strung up Otter mascot uniform of a rival school, Brennan and Booth investigate whether the body inside the costume was dead beforehand, or killed during a Middlesex University bonfire event. Meanwhile, Booth offers to help his brother Jared (Brendan Fehr, “Roswell”) find a new job after being dishonorably discharged from the Navy.
◊“Forbes 15 Hot Hollywood Moms” (9 p.m. on E!): From Oscar-winners to television tycoons to music moguls and models, these successful women are anything but matronly. With commentary from the folks at Forbes, plus interviews with the professionals who are hired by the stars, the special explores how much these moms are making, how they made it big and how they are spending those hard-earned dollars.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As preparations continue for Meredith and Derek’s wedding, Izzie receives a surprise hospital visit from her handful-of-a-mother, Robbie (Sharon Lawrence, “NYPD Blue”).
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): A news show, “Inside Probe,” comes to Camden to investigate a missing person’s case in which Earl and Randy are the prime suspects. Geraldo Rivera (”Geraldo at Large”) and Michael Waltrip (NASCAR driver) guest star.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): As Violet chooses between Pete and Sheldon, a grief-stricken patient poses a danger to her in the Season 2 finale. Josh Hopkins (“Swingtown”) and Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) guest star.
◊“Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby and the Business of Horse Racing” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This new special examines the history, the champion horses, the owners, trainers and jockeys who have been a part of and turned Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby into American Icons.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Eve Arden was born on this day in 1908, and TCM celebrates by airing eight of her films, including 1941’s “Whistling in the Dark” (8:15 a.m.) and 1946’s “My Reputation” (3 p.m.).
FRIDAY, MAY 1
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Ballard’s investigation leads him to the agoraphobic designer of the Dollhouse (Alan Tudyk, “Firefly”), and the story of “Sleeping Beauty” foreshadows Echo’s future, while allowing her to help a young girl deal with her traumatic past.
◊“The Fairly OddParents: Wishology” (7 p.m. on Nickelodon): This new three-part movie, airing over the next three Fridays, pays homage to blockbuster Hollywood films by parodying classic such as “The Matrix,” “Lord of the Rings” and “Star Wars.” Brendan Fraser (”The Mummy”) provides the voice of Turbo Thunder, a trained warrior.
◊“Ladette to Lady” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Season 3 welcomes eight new ladettes — hard-partying, hedonistic and often ill-behaved young women to Eggleston Hall, a former 1950’s finishing school. After five intensive weeks of gourmet cooking, grooming, elocution, flower arranging and side-saddle horse riding, one ladette will be deemed as “lady” in a graduation ceremony with some of Britain’s aristocrats present.
◊“Ladies First: Bravo at the Kentucky Derby” (4 p.m. on Bravo): This special will feature the food, fashion and celebrity experience associated with Kentucky Oaks 135, as well as live coverage of the Derby’s sister race, the Kentucky Oaks.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Still feeling responsible for Don’s near-fatal stabbing, Charlie puts his focus into tracking down an unnoticed serial killer in the show’s 100th episode. John Rubinstein (”Desperate Housewives”) guest stars as Gene Evans, an amateur sleuth who helps Charlie’s investigation.
◊“Paul Rodriguez & Friends: Comedy Rehab” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Join Latino comedian Paul Rodriguez and his comedy cronies Shayla Rivera, Gene Pompa and Manny Maldonado for a night of muy caliente stand-up.
◊“Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Decoded” (8 p.m. on Cartoon Network): All 22 episodes from Season 1 of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” have been enhanced with text boxes and other content from Lucasfilm Animation for a second run of the series. It will occupy this time period until Season 2 of the show begins in fall.
◊“Supernanny” (8 p.m. on ABC): The Season 4 finale features the Krolikowski family. Shannon and John both have high profile jobs at a large church, but their home is a far cry from a peaceful sanctuary with all four of their children fighting with each other frequently.
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): The show kicks off its 2009 Toyota Concert Series with a comeback performance by No Doubt. It will be the Grammy Award-winning rock band’s first concert together in five years.
◊“Wife Swap” (7 p.m. on ABC): On the Season 5 finale, young parents who celebrate Halloween year-round swap lives with older parents who believe in strict, traditional values.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
◊“Jonas” (7 p.m. on Disney): This new series starring brothers Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas (“Camp Rock”) follows the fictional Lucas Brothers through unexpected and unpredictable situations that confront these superstars as they try to live ordinary lives. The series features original Jonas Brothers songs created especially for the show.
◊“Living Out Loud” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Gail O’Grady (“American Dreams”) stars as a high school chorus teacher who is all about helping others achieve their goals. But a visit to the doctor throws her for a loop when she is diagnosed with breast cancer.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, James McAvoy
April 21, 2009 — James Andrew McAvoy, who played Steve McBride on “Shameless” (2004-05), turns 30 today.
He played Leto Aterides II in the TV miniseries “Children of Dune” (2003 on SCI FI Channel).
His first acting role was as Kevin in the 1995 movie “The Near Room.” He was 16.
Best wishes to James and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: James McAvoy attends the 28th Annual London Film Critics’ Awards in London Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. The Critics’ Film Awards are awarded by the film section of The Critics Circle, started in 1913 as an association for working British critics. (AP Photo/Nathan Strange).
Top 55 TV Programs
for April 19-25, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which
includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of April 19:
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
◊“Cake Boss” (9 p.m. on TLC): After beginning a week completely jam-packed with cake orders, Buddy gets a call from a customer he cannot possibly turn down – a photo spread in Brides Magazine. But last minute changes mean Buddy has to crack the whip to make the deadline.
◊“The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler” (8 p.m. on CBS): Academy Award winner Anna Paquin (”The Piano”) stars in this fact-based drama as 2007 Nobel Peace Prize nominee Irena Sendler, who is credited with saving the lives of 2,500 Jewish children while she was working as a Polish Catholic social worker during World War II.
◊“Death of the Old West” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Just before sunrise on April 19, 1909, a mob of men — many believed to be community leaders in Ada — avenged the murder of a local rancher by lynching the four suspects in a livery stable behind the city jail. To mark the 100th anniversary of the event, this documentary examines the chain of events that preceded the hanging and the fallout that continues to stir emotions to this day.
◊“HGTV Green Home 2009″ (7 p.m. on HGTV): Craftsman Carter Oosterhouse (”Carter Can”) hosts this on-air tour of the eco-friendly home in Florida that is part of the second annual HGTV Green Home Giveaway grand prize package. In addition to the 2,430-square foot contemporary Spanish-style cottage, the winner will recive a new GMC Sierra Hybrid car.
◊“In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Mary McCormack returns for Season 2 as Mary Shannon, a U.S. Marshal working in the highly specialized branch of the witness protection program (WITSEC), who relocates Federal Witnesses – many of them career criminals and many others, just the innocents who have had the misfortune of witnessing a crime.
◊“Knights of Bloodsteel” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): David James Elliott (”JAG”), Natassia Malthe (”Elektra”) and Christopher Lloyd (”Taxi”) star in this four-hour, two-night movie event set against the backdrop of knights, sorcerers and dragons where heroes battle the forces of darkness. It concludes at 8 p.m. Monday.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on USA Network): The stepdaughter of a powerful city councilman narrowly escapes death when her boyfriend is killed in what appears to be a drug-related shooting, but Detectives Goren and Eames soon discover the victim had been planning to blackmail the politician. Kathy Baker “Boston Public”) guest stars.
◊“Miss USA 2009″ (6 p.m. on NBC): Billy Bush (”Access Hollywood”) and Nadine Velazquez (”My Name Is Earl”) co-host the event live from Las Vegas. Contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Representing Oklahoma is Lauren Lundy.
◊“My Fake Fiance” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Melissa Joan Hart (”Sabrina the Teenage Witch”) and Joey Lawrence (”Dancing With the Stars”) star in this new romantic comedy about two people who can’t stand each but decide to get married for the money and gifts. Just as true love never runs smoothly, neither does true distain and despite their mutual commitment to fraud, these two unlikely partners begin to soften towards each other.
◊“Natalee Holloway” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Teenager Natalee Holloway vanished in 2005 while visting Aruba on a senior class trip. This new movie focuses on Natalee’s mom, Beth Twitty, and her work to solve the mystery that shattered her family’s life. It is based on Twitty’s book “Loving Natalee: A Mother’s Testament of Hope and Faith.”
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA): In the new installment titled “The Loneliest Animals,” scientists attempt to breed new generations of nearly extinct species, such as Yangtze turtles and Spix macaws.
◊“Robert Blecker Wants Me Dead” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): Cameras follow law professor Robert Blecker, one of America’s most impassioned crusaders for capital punishment, to Riverbend Maximum Security Institution outside of Nashville. There he meets Daryl Holton, who, in 1997, methodically lined up his four children in an auto shop and shot them to death. Sentenced to death, Holton has declined to file any of his permitted appeals as he prepares to die.
◊“Rock of Love Bus With Bret Michaels Reunion Special” (8 p.m. on VH1): Find out what’s happening in the lives of the women since their wild ride on the show. Will old feuds resurface? Has Bret’s search for love finally ended? Tune in to find out.
◊“Running in Heels” (7 p.m. on Style Network): As winter hits its peak, Joanna announces that they will be doing a Mexico shoot. But who among the staff at Marie Claire magazine will be chosen to go?
◊“Sit Down, Shut Up” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): The new animated comedy focuses on the dysfunctional faculty and staff at a high school in a small Florida fishing town as they strive to do anything but teach. The voice talent for the series includes Will Arnett (“Arrested Development”), Jason Bateman (”Arrested Development”), Kristin Chenoweth (”Pushing Daisies”), Will Forte (“Saturday Night Live”), Tom Kenny (“SpongeBob SquarePants”), Nick Kroll (“Caveman”), Cheri Oteri (”Saturday Night Live”) and Henry Winkler (”Happy Days”).
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A combination of weather events in the Canadian Rocky Mountains created a weak snow base that lead to a number of fatal avalanches, the 2nd deadliest in Canadian history, on December 28, 2008. Sixteen men in total were killed, including one of the four mean on the rescue team. In an unbelievable story of survival, the three survivors make a heart wrenching decision to leave their buried friends until the danger of further avalanches is passed.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas A&M in college softball action airing live at noon on ESPN.
MONDAY, APRIL 20
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Part two of “We Shall Remain” focuses on Shawnee warrior Tecumseh and his brother, the prophet Tenskwatawa, who organized an ambitious pan-Indian resistance movement.
◊“Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed” (8 p.m. on My Network TV): The Masked Magician reveals the secrets behind how to make a playing card pass through a glass windor and how to survive underwater while holding your breath for 18 minutes.
◊“Cash Cab” (5:30 p.m. on Discovery): Host Ben Bailey is is back for a fourth season of picking up unsuspecting contestants on the streets of New York City and giving them a chance to win big money on the way to their destination. New this season, random contestants are given the opportunity to double their winnings in the “double ride” portion of the show.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Chuck and Sarah go AWOL to rescue Chuck’s father, they discover that spending time together without any surveillance allows for unchartered chemistry. Tony Hale (”Arrested Development”) and Chevy Chase (”Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
◊“For the Love of Ray J” (9 p.m. on VH1): Fourteen women started out vying for the heart of singer Ray J. But after many romantic dates and intense challenges, Ray must now decide if he is ready to settle down with one of the remaining three.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Sylar continues his unusual partnership and begins to have an unexpected identity crisis. Clint Howard (“Frost/Nixon”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): After Stella and Ted make the spontaneous decision to get married in three days, the presence of their exes destroys what was to be the “happiest day of their lives.” Sarah Chalke (”Scrubs”) guest stars.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Victoria (Daphne Zuniga, “Beautiful People”) returns to lure Brooke back to Clothes Over Bro’s.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:31 p.m. on CBS): Jeff invites Audrey to watch him play softball, hoping to show her that he’s not an old fogy after he falls asleep while watching a movie. Orlando Jones (”MADtv”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Harold Lloyd was born on this day in 1893, and TCM celebrates by airing eight of his films, including 1920’s “High and Dizzy (5 a.m.) and 1932’s “Movie Crazy” (10:30 a.m.).
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
◊“The 12th annual Interactive Achievement Awards” (7 p.m. on IFC): Jay Mohr (”Gary Unmarried”) hosts the event that was taped Feb. 19 and recognizes the year’s best games, computer games, online entertainment, outstanding individuals and groundbreaking development teams. The big winner was LittleBigPlanet (Sony Computer Entertainment America) which won eight awards.
◊“90210” (8 p.m. on CW): Series star Rob Estes (Harry Wilson) directed this episode in which Donna (Tori Spelling, “Beverly Hills, 90210”) reveals details of her separation to Kelly (Jennie Garth, “Beverly Hills, 90210”), and the two search for locations so Donna can open a clothing store in Beverly Hills.
◊“Build It Bigger” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Costing more than $1.1 billion, the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium will be the largest sports complex ever constructed in the United States. It covers 73 acres and features 80,000 seats, the largest operable glass door in the world and two 180 foot long HD video screens.
◊“Carbon Cops” (8:30 p.m. on Sundance): The reality-style show follows six families as they are led through a fascinating step-by-step process of auditing their current use of energy in order to lessen their carbon footprint and the effects of global warming on the planet.
◊“Eco-Trip: The Real Cost of Living” (8 p.m. on Sundance): Eco-adventurer David de Rothschild hosts this series that traces the eco-life of an everyday item (chocolate, light bulb, cell phone, etc.) from production to disposal, revealing the environmental, social and health effects along the way. Each episode leads to a world of greener alternatives presented by de Rothschild.
◊“Fringe” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): As a suicide incident occurs at New York’s Grand Central station, Agent Dunham simultaneously witnesses the event while asleep and dreaming in Boston. The episode was written and directed by Oscar winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman (“A Beautiful Mind”).
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment titled “Poisoned Waters,” correspondent Hedrick Smith examines the rising hazards to human health and the ecosystem, and why it is so hard to keep our waters clean.
◊“Life After People: The Series” (9 p.m. on History): This series picks up where the network’s January 2008 special left off. It will reveal the fate of the complex structures we’ve built, the creatures that take our place and the history we leave behind.
◊“The Phone” (9 p.m. on MTV): Justin Timberlake is an executive producer for this new competitive reality series in which players receive a phone call invitation to participate in a movie-like drama. If they accept, they become part of one of two teams confronted by a series of mental and physical challenges for a chance to win up to $50,000.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Anthony Quinn was born on this day in 1915, and TCM celebrates by airing six of his films, including 1955’s “The Naked Street” (8 a.m.) and 1962’s “Requiem for a Heavyweight” (5 p.m.).
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
◊“As Seen on TV” (8 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Darren Rovell takes a look at the world of infomercials. He speaks to the pitch people and the inventors and executives who produced the greatest products. He also shows viewers how the infomercial world works and explores various products and their claims.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A man falls 52 stories to his death, and his body goes missing after it hits the ground. With no body to process, the CSIs must treat this strange development as a missing persons case. Craig T. Nelson (‘‘Coach”) and Thad Luckinbill (‘‘The Young and the Restless”) guest star.
◊“Dress My Nest” (10 p.m. on Style Network): Interior design guru Thom Filicia rescues desperate homeowners from their drab, unstylish and out-of-touch décor in Season 4. No project is too big, as Thom rolls up his sleeves to help roommates, single mothers, couples and even Audrina Patridge (”The Hills”) overcome daunting design challenges.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): Jason and Grant have enlisted the crew from “Ghost Hunters International” to investigate unexplained activity on their newly purchased property in Whitefield, N.H.
◊“Jean Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Chris Noth (”Sex and the City”) narrates this new two-hour installment titled “Call of the Killer Whale.” Jean-Michel Cousteau and his team examine the social connections between humans and Killer Whales. Included is footage from the two-and-a-half year ordeal Cousteau oversaw to rehabilitate and release the “Free Willy” whale into the wild.
◊“Law & Order” (7 p.m. on NBC): The murder of a plaintiff in a high profile lawsuit with a major airline leads detectives to a lawyer who will do anything to protect his big payday. Mercedes Ruehl (“Loving Leah”) guest stars.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): A young girl is kidnapped and Det. Elliot Stabler must work with an ex-convict (Ron Eldard, “Blind Justice”) to get her back.
◊“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): Jennifer Beals (“The L Word”) guest stars as Asst. U.S. Attorney Zoe Landau, Lightman’s ex-wife and Emily’s mother. When she enlists Lightman to help investigate an arson case in which the only eyewitness is a 5-year-old boy, it becomes clear that she and Lightman still have feelings for each other.
◊“Lost: The Story of the Oceanic 6″ (8 p.m. on ABC): This special will explore what happened to the Oceanic 6 and the remaining island survivors during the three years after Ben moved the island.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Ex-husband Richard joins Christine on a dinner date with her new boyfriend, Patrick (Tim DeKay, ‘‘Tell Me You Love Me”).
◊“Scrubs” (7 p.m. on ABC): As J.D. plans to move closer to Sam, he reaches out to make peace with Kim (Elizabeth Banks, “W.”) and finds that she has a new boyfriend (Scott Foley, “The Unit”).
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
◊The 11th Annual Billboard Latin Music Awards (7 p.m. on Telemundo): Aylin Mujica and Alan Tacher will co-host the event live from Coral Gables, Florida. Flex is up for 13 awards, while Enrique Iglesias is a finalist in 10 categories.
◊The 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards (7 p.m. on Gospel Music Channel): Artists from every style of gospel and Christian music come together for a night of music and celebration. Nominees for artist of the year are Casting Crowns, Steve Curtis Chapman, Fireflight, Marvin Sapp, Third Day, Toby Mac and Chris Tomlin.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Catherine revisits one of the very first cases she worked as a CSI when the convicted felon in the murder (Henry Thomas, “ET”) claims the verdict was based on faulty evidence.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As she endures aggressive treatment for her cancer, Izzie throws herself into planning Derek and Meredith’s wedding. Hector Elizondo (”Pretty Woman”) and Amy Madigan (”Carnivale”) guest star.
◊“The Millionaire Matchmaker” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Patty Stanger searches for a match for Farrah, former member of Destiny’s Child, who has been hurt in previous relationships and is very guarded in her dating life.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael’s new company struggles to make early morning deliveries while the office tries to get their expense reports in on time after Angela enforces Dunder Mifflin’s policy. Idris Elba (”The Wire”) guest stars.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): When a pregnant woman starts to show signs of heart complications, Addison rushes her St. Ambrose where Noah is standing by to help. Josh Hopkins (”Swingtown”) and Idina Menzel (”Rent”) guest star.
◊“Samantha Who?” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Sam wants to give Todd a fresh start and offers to go on a “first date” with him. But Todd doesn’t trust her boss, billionaire Winston Funk (Billy Zane, “Titanic”), who continues his relentless quest to get “new” Sam to continue the affair they had before her accident.
◊“Southland” (9 p.m. on NBC): When officer Ben Sherman reveals details of his past to the department therapist and his training officer, John Cooper, the motivation behind his decision to be a cop becomes clear. C. Thomas Howell (“A Gunfighter’s Pledge”) and Tom Sizemore (“Crash”) guest star.
◊“Trouble the Water” (7:30 p.m. on HBO): Equipped with meager supplies and a camcorder, aspiring rap star Kimberly Roberts and her husband, Scott, filmed this documentary when they and their 9th Ward neighbors became trapped in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
◊“The Game” (7:30 p.m. on CW): Malik meets his half-sister (Lisa Tucker, “American Idol”) and sees an unmistakably familiar tattoo on her lower back, causing him to wonder whether they slept together before they knew they were related.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): A soap opera “remote” shoot descends on Grandview, and Melinda unearths a story as soapy as the show it’s disrupting. Thad Luckinbill (”The Young and the Restless”) and Kellie Martin (”Life Goes On”) guest star.
◊“Hatching Pete” (7 p.m. on Disney): Pete Ivey (Jason Dolley, “Cory in the House”) is a quiet 16-year-old who must stand in for his outgoing best friend Cleatus Poole (Mitchel Musso, “Hannah Montana”) when Cleatus cannot complete his duties as their high school mascot, a chicken. The chicken mascot, with Pete anonymously behind the mask, soon becomes the main attraction at school.
◊“Iron Man: Armored Adventures” (6 p.m. on Nicktoons): This new series based on Marvel’s armored Super Hero follows a teenage Tony Stark as he attempts to balance the pressures of being a teen with his responsibilities as Iron Man. The rock band Rooney performs the show’s original theme song.
◊“Mighty Jungle” (4:30 p.m. on Sprout): This new live-action puppet series follows the adventures of three jungle friends — a meerkat named Babu, a gorilla named Bruce and a rhino named Rhonda. The silly situations that the friends find themselves in, the fantastical characters that they come into contact with and the mayhem that ensues are created or inspired by real kids.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the FBI is called in to investigate a series of home invasions, the team uses Charlie and his math skills to help profile the suspects. But when his calculations go awry during a raid, Don suffers a life-threatening injury. Alan Blumenfeld (”Heroes”) and Michael Gaston (”Fringe”) guest star.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): Constance and Casey try to console the daughter of an angry Hollywood mogul (J.K. Simmons, ‘‘The Closer”) when only nerds show up for her birthday party.
◊“Return to Tarawa” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): Ed Harris (“Pollock”) narrates this special that documents World War II veteran Leon Cooper’s mission to preserve the hallowed ground at Red Beach on Tarawa Island. The battle at Tarawa was the U.S. Navy’s first major amphibious assault and more than 1,600 American servicemen died.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Shirley MacLaine was born on this day in 1934, and TCM celebrates by airing four of her films, including 1963’s “Irma La Douce” (10:30 a.m.) and 1961’s “The Children’s Hour” (5 p.m.).
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
◊2009 Nadia Comaneci International Invitational (noon on KFOR-4): Olympic champion Sandra Izbasa from Romania headlines the list of international elite gymnasts representing eighth countries and competing for team, all-around and individual honors at the event held in Oklahoma City. Calling the action are Bart Conner (1984 Olympic gold medalist) and Nastia Liukin (2008 Olympic gold medalist). The hourlong highlight show also includes a profile of Nadia Comaneci (1976 and 1980 Olympic gold medalist).
◊“Ashes to Ashes” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 1 finale, Alex reaches the day her parents were killed and believes that if she can prevent that fatal car bombing, she can escape her exile into 1981 and return to her daughter in 2008.
◊“Chasing a Dream” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a high school athlete’s dream is cut short, his best friend (Andrew Lawrence, “Oliver Beene”) throws himself into training for the race of his life. Treat Williams (”Everwood”) and Joanna Going (”Close to Home”) also star.
◊“I Want to Save Your Life” (9 p.m. on WEtv): In this new intervention series, nutrition and public health advocate Charles Stuart Platkin follows unsuspecting subjects on their daily routines to identify their negative patterns.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Lucy Lawless
March 29, 2009 — Lucille Francis Ryan,
who played Xena on “Xena: Warrior Princess” (1995-2001), turns 41 today.
She played D’Anna Biers on “Battlestar Galactica” (16 episodes in 2005-09).
Her first acting role was as Verity in the 1990 movie “Within the Law.” She was 22.
Best wishes to Lucy and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Lucy Lawless poses as she arrives at the Griffith Observatory re-opening gala, Sunday night, Oct. 29, 2006, in Los Angeles. The observatory, which was built in 1935 is re-opening after four years of renovation. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill).
