Program Planner: Jan. 4-10
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. 4:
SUNDAY, JAN. 4
◊“Golden Globe Awards Preview With Joey Fatone” (7 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Arrive fashionably early to the most glamorous award shows in 2009 with Joey Fatone (“Dancing With the Stars”). He will be joined by Lisa Rinna (“Days of Our Lives”) for upcomning coverage, including “Countdown to the Golden Globe Awards” (3 p.m. Jan. 11), ◊“Live at the Golden Globe Awards” (5 p.m. Jan. 11) and “Golden Globe Awards Fashion Wrap With Lisa Rinna” (7 p.m. Jan. 12).
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Gemma Arterton (“Quantum of Solace”) stars in the new adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” about a woman violated by one mand and forsaken by another. Hosting the new season of “Masterpiece Classic” is Emmy winner Laura Linney (“John Adams”).
◊“Running the Sahara” (8 p.m. on Showtime): Matt Damon (“The Bourne Ultimatum”) narrates and executive produces this documentary that chronicles three men’s historial quest across the Saraha Desert. It took them 111 days to trek 4,300 miles through six countries.
◊“Superstars of Dance” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael Flatley (“Lord of the Dance”) and Susie Castillo (“House of Payne”) co-host this new competitive reality series that pits teams of dancers from eight countries — India, Argentina, Australia, Russia, Ireland, China, South Africa and the U.S. — against one another in a variety of dance styles. Each country’s team is made up of two solo dancers, a duo and a larger group.
◊“Ultimate Recipe Showdown” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Guy Fieri (“The Next Food Network Star”) is back for Season 2 of the series in which a new batch of home cooks put their prized personal recipes to the test. Each week’s winner will receive $25,000 and the chance to have his or her recipe featured nationwide at TGI Friday’s restaurants.
MONDAY, JAN. 5
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Season 13 opens with one of the most valuable object ever appraised on the show. It is a 1937 oil painting by noted abstract expressionist Clyfford Still worth $500,000. It was received as a housewarming gift.
◊“The Bachelor” (7 p.m. on ABC): Jason Mesnick, the first single dad in “Bachelor” history, gets a second chance at love when the 13th edition of the romance reality series begins. In last season’s finale of “The Bachelorette,” DeAnna Pappas rejected his proposal.
◊“Daddy’s Girls: From Run’s House to Our House” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): Over the course of five seasons, viewers have watched Vanessa and Angela Simmons grow up on “Run’s House.” This new series focuses on the Simmons Sisters as they take a major step toward independence by moving to Los Angeles and working on their already successful apparel line, Pastry.
◊“Diet Tribe” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): This new five-episode series follows five best friends who have made a commitment to lose weight together. Fitness trainer Jessie Pavelka and psycholotherapist Stacy Kaiser lend their expertise.
◊“Masters of Illusion” (8 p.m. on My Network TV): This new series will feature non-stop magic from the world’s greatest illusionists. All acts were filmed in front of an audience without camera or computer tricks.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): The show’s second season opens with the wedding of Amy and Ben,
while Anne tells George she wants a divorce.
◊“The Story of India” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In this new miniseries, historian Michael Wood introduces viewers to India’s sights, sounds, people, places and history.
◊“True Beauty” (9 p.m. on ABC): This new competitive reality series features six women and four men competing for the title of most beautiful. What they don’t know is that they’re being judged on their inner beauty as much as their looks. Vanessa Minnillo (The Bold and the Beaituful”) is host and serves on the judges panel with Cheryl Tiegs (“Just Shoot Me!”) and Nole Marin (“America’s Next Top Model”).
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Maryland Eastern Shore in men’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on FSOK
TUESDAY, JAN. 6
◊“10 Items or Less” (10 p.m. on TBS): Shot on location in a real, working grocery store in Reseda, Calif., this series combines improvisation with a loose script as it delves into the offbeat lives of Greens & Grains employees. The third-season premiere episode will air commercial free.
◊“The Biggest Loser: Couples” (7 p.m. on NBC): It’s the biggest season ever, as 11 couples begin the seventh edition with a combined weight of more than 3.5 tons. Teams of two – including mother/daughter, father/son, sisters, best friends, grandparents, cousins, an engaged couple and former models – come together hoping to transform their bodies, their health and their lives.
◊“Dirty Jobs” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Host Mike Rowe, who travels the country to showcase jobs that most people would go out of their way to avoid, opens Season 5 with a visit to a bologna factory.
◊“Homeland Security USA” (7 p.m. on ABC): This new series gives viewers an unprecedented look at the agencies and people who protect our country. Each episode covers eight or more locations on the “front lines” where the officers and agents work each day.
◊“Lost Tapes” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series brings the experience of first-person encounters with bizarre animals to viewers. The premiere episodes feature “Swamp Creature” and “Monster of Monterey.”
◊“Nip/Tuck” (9 p.m. on FX): Earlier this season, plastic surgeons Dr. Sean McNamara and Dr. Christian Troy departed Miami for Los Angeles seeking a fresh start. As Season 5 continues, McNamara/Troy faces an unexpected medical crisis.
◊“Primetime” What Would You Do?” (9 p.m. on ABC): From light-hearted situations like missing out on a supermarket prize to potentially life-threatening scenarios where people are faced with how to handle a baby left alone in a hot car, this new series will look at what people actually do in the face of everyday dilemmas.
◊“Scrubs” (8 p.m. on ABC): The medical comedy moves from NBC to ABC for its eighth season, which opens with bac-to-back episodes. In the premiere, Dr. Kelso’s beautiful but unethical replacement, Dr. Maddox (Courteney Cox, “Friends”), shakes things up at Sacred Heart.
◊“Vice Squad” (8 p.m. on My Network TV): This new series features exclusive ride-along access with local police agencies across the country as they take down real-life criminals involved in the world of narcotics, prostitution and gambling. Viewer are let in on everything from the plan, to the tactic and ultimately, the arrest of hardened criminals.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): Cast member Marianne Jan-Baptiste (Vivian Johnson) directs this episode in which the team investigates a kidnapping after a teen, last seen with her mother, vanishes.
◊Mustang takes on Edmond Santa Fe in high school basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. (girls) and 8 p.m. (boys) on Cox-3.
◊“Wreckreation Nation” (9 p.m. on Discovery): Host Dave Mordal (“Last Comic Standing” finalist) travels the country to compete in events like fruitcake chucking, lawnmower racing and catfish wrangling.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7
◊The 35th Annual People’s Choice Awards (8 p.m. on CBS): Queen Latifah (“Chicago”) hosts the event, but fan votes determine the winners of the awards that cover movies, music and television. Carrie Underwood from Checotah is up for three awards and the musical group Rascal Flatts, featuring guitarist Joe Don Rooney from Picher, has two nominations.
◊“13 — Fear is Real” (7 p.m. on CW): This new horror reality series chronicles 13 people as they compete to “stay alive” while facing their deepest fears.
◊“Barbara Walters Special” (9 p.m. on ABC): Patrick Swayze gives his first interview since his pancreatic cancer diagnosis became public. The 56-year-old actor and his wife, Lisa Niemi, chat with Barbara Walters from their California ranch.
◊“Damages” (9 p.m. on FX): Oscar winners William Hurt (“Kiss of the Spider Woman”) and Marcia Gay Harden (“Pollock”) join the cast of the show for its second season. The series, which also stars Emmy winners Glenn Close and Zeljko Ivanek, follows the lives of high-stales litigator Patty Hewes and her protoge Ellen Parsons.
◊“Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This production of “Cyrano de Bergerac” had a limited run on Broadway about a year ago. It stars Oscar winner Kevin Kline (“A Fish Called Wanda”) as the warrior with the big nose who uses words to woo Roxane (Jennifer Garner, “Alias”).
◊“Meet the Browns” (9 p.m. on TBS): This spin-off is based on characters from Tyler Perry’s popular movie and play. David Mann (“Madea’s Family Reunion”) stars as the fun-loving but sometimes crass “Downtown” Leroy Brown trying to fulfill his father’s last request by opening a retirement home.
◊“The Real World: Brooklyn” (9 p.m. on MTV): Season 21 sets up residence in Brooklyn with eight new roommates. Cameras will track their every move as they descover who they really are and how false first impressions may be.
THURSDAY, JAN. 8
◊The 14th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards (8 p.m. on VH1): The Broadcast Film Critics Association honors the year’s finest achievements in cinema. The films “Milk” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” both received eight nominations. The rock band Rooney will serve as this year’s house band for the event.
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Jack makes a connection with his mother’s nurse, Elisa (Salma Hayek, “Frida”) and helps Tracy and wife Angie (Sherri Shepherd, “The View”) arrange a “post-nup.”
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Elvis Presley was born on this day in 1935, and TCM celebrates by airing six of his films, including 1958′s “King Creole” (6:30 a.m.) and 1961′s Blue Hawaii” (10:15 a.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Betty struggles to impress her idol, Jodie Papadakis (Bernadette Peters, “Living Proof”), the editor running YETI. But things go from bad to worse when she encounters Teri (Nikki Blonsky, “Hairspray”), an assistant an ELLE magazine.
FRIDAY, JAN. 9
◊“Flashpoint” (8 p.m. on CBS):Returning for Season 2 is this drama inspired by the Toronto police’s Emergency Task Force. It centers on a superelite team of police officers who handle the most delicate cases.
◊“Howie Do It” (7 p.m. on NBC): Howie Mandel (“Deal or No Deal”) hosts this new hidden camera series in which he plays hoaxes on unsuspecting citizens.
◊“Lipstick Jungle” (8 p.m. on NBC): Nico asks Dahlia (Rosie Perez, “Pineapple Express”) to help boost her proffesional status and lands her a guest appearance on the “Today” show with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.
◊“Miss America: Countdown to the Crown” (9 p.m. on TLC): All 52 of the Miss America contestants move into the Queen Mary ocean-liner and compete in a series of team and individual challenges. In the final challenge, viewers will vote four girls into the pageant’s Top 15.
◊“Stargate Atlantis” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): In the final episode of this spinoff from ‘‘Stargate: SG-1,” the Atlantis team races the clock to destroy an advanced wraith hive ship that’s threatening Earth.
SATURDAY, JAN. 10
◊“Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup” (2 p.m. on Lifetime): This all-star event features a three-round show jumping competition designed for television. Competing will be a limited invitational all-star field of international competitors and horses.
◊“Expecting a Miracle” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Jason Priestley (“Love Monkey”) and Teri Polo (“Meet the Parents”) star as a couple who take an unexpected detour to a small town in Mexico that discover it is exactly where they need to be.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Kansas State in men’s college basketball action airing live at 12:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Iowa State in women’s college basketball action airing live at 3 p.m. on FSOK.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Nebraska in women’s college basketball action airing live at 7 p.m. on KAUT-43.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Texas A&M in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPNU.
– Penny TV
TV fan gift guide
Looking for the perfect gift for your the “Top Chef” fan in your life? Want to give your favorite “Battlestar Galactica” fan something spectacular?
Here are a few suggestions that any true TV fan would treasure.
♦♦“Battlestar Galactica” Cylon Toaster (www.scifichannelstore.com): Let a Cylon join you for breakfast with this toaster that imprints the shape of a Cylon onto the toast.
♦♦“Boston Legal” Denny Crane Bobblehead (www.abc.go.com): This talking Denny Crane bobblehead is 7 inches tall and says “Denny Crane!” It was seen on the “Boston Legal” episode that aired May 15, 2007.
♦♦“CSI” highlighter pen set (www.cbs.com): Stress your most important clues and details on your documents with these mock syringe design highlighters. The 3-pen set features the “CSI” show logo screen printed on the syringe and the clear tube package.
♦♦“Meerkat Manor” slippers (www.discovery.com): Burrow your toes into these cute and cuddly plush slippers. The Meerkat design features whiskers, arms and beaded eyes.
♦♦“Mr. Monk is Miserable” book (www.usanetworkstore.com): In the newest installment of the popular “Mr. Monk” book series from Penguin and based on the hit USA Network series, Monk and his assistant Natalie take a trip through the underground of Paris after Monk decides he must see the famous sewers that keep the city running clean.
♦♦“The Office” DVD Board Game (www.nbcstore.com): This game from Pressman Toy lets players go head-to-head answering trivia questions based on video clips, images and facts from the show.
♦♦“Top Chef” PC game (www.bravotv.com): Enjoy the action of Bravo’s “Top Chef” with this game from Brighter Minds. Players take on the role of a contestant and test their flair in a variety of challenges – shopping for ingredients and choosing a recipe wisely. Dishes are then judged by hosts Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio.
♦♦“24” Playing Cards (www.foxshop.seenon.com): This deck of playing cards features images from “24” on every card.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Curtis Armstrong
Nov. 27, 2008 — Curtis Armstrong, who played Pig Boy on “The Chronicle” (2001-02 on SCI FI Channel), turns 55 today.
He plays The Professor in the upcoming movie “The Gold Retrievers: Legend of the Lost Treasure” (now filming).
His first acting role was as Miles in the 1983 film “Risky Business.” He was 30.
Best wishes to Curtis and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Curtis Armstrong at the Totally Awesome After-Party Event held at The Day After, Hollywood, CA, on Oct. 24, 2006.
Program Planner: Nov. 16-22
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 16:
SUNDAY, NOV. 16
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Justin cooks up a plan to set Saul up with an unlikely candidate for a date (Dave Foley, “NewsRadio”).
◊“The Chef Jeff Project” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Chef Jeff Henderson, a former prison inmate turned successful executive chef, takes six struggling young adults to The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Los Angeles where they create resumes, cook for some of the top chefs in Los Angeles and interview for admission.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): Lilly and the team reopen the 1989 murder case of a Russian opera prodigy who defected with her family before the Berlin Wall came down.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Everyone gathers at a club to see the guys play in the annual “Battle of the Bands” when a fire erupts, threatening the lives of those in attendance.
◊“Half Ton Dad” (8 p.m. on TLC): Kenneth Brumley weighs 1,022 pounds and is the biggest patient Renaissance Hospital in Houston has ever seen. He undergoes a series of major surgeries to save his life.
◊“Half Ton Mom” (7 p.m. on TLC): Renee Williams, 29, is a mother of two and weighs nearly 900 pounds. She undergoes life-threatening surgery in a bid to save her life.
◊“Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): The comedian and his puppet pals take the stage for a holiday-themed ventriloquist comedy.
◊“JFK: Inside the Target Car” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Marking the 45th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy, this new special examines that fateful day in Dallas. A team of expert use forensics and Zapruder film archives to prove that the only bullets fired were from the Texas School Book Depository.
◊“Masterpiece Contemporary” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This new docudrama titled “Filth” ” stars Julie Walters (“Harry Potter” movies) as British schoolteacher Mary Whitehouse, who spent three decades crusading against sex and violence on television.
◊“Total Request Live” (7 p.m. on MTV): Carson Daly and Damien Fahey co-host the show’s finale that will feature performances by Beyonce, 50 Cent, Backstreet Boys and Fall Out Boy, as well as a look back at the show’s best moments.
MONDAY, NOV. 17
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck and Jill (Jordana Brewster, “As the World Turns”) are enjoying the honeymoon stage of their rekindled relationship. Meanwhile, corporate efficiency expert Emmett (Tony Hale, “Arrested Development”) is out to get Chuck.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the show’s 150th episode, Horatio and the team must find an innocent baby who was kidnapped by a murderer.
◊“Einstein” (8 p.m. on History): This new two-hour special tells the story of Einstein’s 15-year struggle to prove his concept known as the theory of general relativity.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW)(Pictured above is The CW Photo featuring Hilarie Burton and Chad Michael Murray): Series star Chad Michael Murray (Lucas) wrote this new episode that has a 1940s ‘‘Casablanca” theme, with Karen’s Cafe done up like a nightclub.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Rock Hudson was born on this day in 1925, and TCM celebrates by airing four of his films, including 1970′s “Darling Lili” (10:15 a.m.) and 1948′s “Fighter Squadron” (3:15 p.m.).
◊“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (7 p.m. on Fox): Sarah’s nightmares creep into her real life. Richard Schiff (“The West Wing”) guest stars.
◊“Thanksgiving Turkey” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Host Alton Brown answers every question imaginable about the star of the Thangsgiving meal — the turkey.
◊“Trivial Pursuit” (11 a.m. today-Friday on KOCB-34): It’s “Judges Week” on the game show, and each day will feature a different TV judge as captain for “America’s Team.” Taking part are Judge Joe Brown, Judge Alex Ferrer, Judge Cristina Perez and Judge Lynn Toler.
◊“Worst Week” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): Sam and Mel are on pins and needles when Sam’s politically incorrect father (Fred Willard, “Everybody Loves Raymond”) and his extroverted mother meet the Claytons for the first time the day before the wedding.
TUESDAY, NOV. 18
◊“Brothers to Brutha” (9:30 p.m. on BET): This new docu-drama follows the Harrell brothers from the R&B group Brutha.
◊“The IFC Media Project” (7 p.m. on IFC): Peabody and Emmy Award winning news correspondent Gideon Yago hosts this new documentary series that examines the current state of investigative journalism and how it affects out preceptions of the world around us.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new episode ‘‘The Bible’s Buried Secrets” reveals information about the early Israelites and the evolution of their belief in one God.
◊“Shipwreck! Captain Kidd” (8 p.m. on National Geographic): This new special tells the real-life story of Capt. William Kidd, who captured the Quedagh Merchant ship but abandoned it to face criminal charges in New York.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 19
◊“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): In the show’s 100th episode, two victims named Mac Taylor turn up dead and 15 others with the same name, including Det. Mac Taylor, must determine the killer’s motive before they strike again.
◊“Law & Order” (9 p.m. on NBC): Detectives Cyprus Lupo and Kevin Bernard investigate the murder of an environmentalist’s wife. Ned Beatty (“Superman”) and Sherry Springfield (“ER”) guest star.
◊“The Real George Washington” (8 p.m. on National Geographic): This new special is packed with surprising facts about the first president, including his career as a spy.
◊“Shaken No Stirred” (8 p.m. on My Network TV): Pamela Anderson (“Stacked”) is the guest of honor in the second installment of this Vegas-style roast. Toasting her will be commedians Anthony Anderson, DL Hughley and Paul Rodriguez.
◊“UFO Hunters” (9 p.m. on History): This new episode revisits one of the oldest reported UFO cases. It is from 1897 when people in Aurora, Texas, reportedly saw a strange craft crash into a windmill, found and buried an alien body, and dumped the crash debris down a well.
THURSDAY, NOV. 20
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): When Jack and Liz are invited to a dinner party, the eccentric host (Steve Martin, “The Jerk”) becomes enamored with Liz.
◊“Iconoclasts” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This installment of the series that pairs two leading innovators from different fields to discuss thetr passions features Cameron Diaz (“Charlie’s Angels”) and architect Cameron Sinclair.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment ‘‘Gil Shaham and Orpheus in the Penthouse” brings together violinist Shaham and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra to perform the music of another violin virtuoso, 19th-century Spanish musician and composer Pablo de Sarasate.
◊“Thanksgiving Leftovers” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network stars Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri show viewers what to do with leftovers from the Thanksgiving table.
◊“Unexplained With George Noory” (10 p.m. on SCI FI): The popular radio personality returns with five new episodes exploring the unkown. Each half-hour episode will feature in-depth interviews with experts on subjects such as reincarnation, witchcraft and alien abduction.
FRIDAY, NOV. 21
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on Fox): Jennie Garth (“Beverly Hills, 90210″) heads back to the classroom to test her grade-school skills for the American Heart Association.
◊“Larry the Cable Guy’s Star Studded Christmas Extravaganza” (8 p.m. on CMT): The comedian’s 90-minute special is deisgned to be a throwback to the old school holiday variety show. Guest stars include Oklahoma country music artists Toby Keith and Blake Shelton, former NFL standout Terry Bradshaw and fellow comics Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Lewis Black.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Eleanor Powell was born on this day in 1912, and TCM celebrates by airing three of her films, including 1937′s “Rosalie” (5 a.m.) and 1941′s “Lady Be Good” (9:15 a.m.).
SATURDAY, NOV. 22
◊“CNN Presents: One Crime at a Time” (7 p.m. on CNN): CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien shadows New Orlean’s new inspector general and police officers to get a first-hand look at the factors that plague the Big East and endanger its future.
◊“Lost City Raiders” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): James Brolin (“”Pensacola: Wings of Gold”), Ian Somerhalder (“Lost”) and Jamie Thomas King (“The Tudors”) play a family that sets out to salvage the past and ends up fighting to save the future.
◊“The Naked Brothers Band: Operation Mojo” (8 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this new one-hour movie based on the TV show, Nat sees a tabloid photo of Rosalina smooching with a young Frenchman during her round-the-world cruise and becomes convinced that he’s losing her.
◊“An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Jacqueline Bisset stars in this new original movie based on the 1881 short story “An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving” by Louisa May Alcott. It tells the story of a young woman searching for her true path amidst a holiday season of decisions and discoveries.
–Penny TV
“Ghost Hunters” to field questions from fans
Fans of “Ghost Hunters” can ask their favorite TAPS members for tips by joining the hunt at www.scifi.com/.
“Ghost Hunters: Join the Hunt” offers members more than that, though. SCIFI.com’s new social network will feature weekly tutorials that teach ghost hunters how to use tracking gear, photos of alleged haunted places and ghost stories submitted by other members.
But being able to get advice from one the “Ghost Hunters” is reason enough to join the hunt (which is free of charge) today.
–Penny TV
Program Planner: Nov. 9-15
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 9:
SUNDAY, NOV. 9
◊“America’s Veterans: A Musical Tribute” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): Clint Black, Patti LaBelle and the United States Air Force Band are among the performers in this concert honoring veterans in all five branches of the U.S. military.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): Lilly and the team reopen the 1969 case of a murdered 12-year-old boy after a toy rocket bearing his name is given to the retired cop who worked on the case. Greg Evigan (“My Two Dads”) guest stars.
◊“Entourage” (9 p.m. on HBO): Eric’s new client (Bow Wow) gets his pilot script picked up, but the studio wants to cast Eric’s arch-nemeses, Seth Green, in the lead role.
◊“Masterpiece Contemporary” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “God on Trial” tells the story of a group of concentration camp inmates who, while facing extermination in Auschwitz, charged the Lord with abandoning His chosen people.
◊“Summer Heights High” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Series creator and writer Chris Lilley stars in this unconventional new comedy series from Australia that looks at high school life through the lens of fictional documentary filmmakers. Real high school students and faculty interact with the show’s three characters, all played by Lilley.
◊“Witness to Jonestown” (8 p.m. on MSNBC): This new special that coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Jonestown massacre in Guyana features rarely-seen footage that was shot inside the Peoples Temple in the eve and day of the disaster.
◊“Orangutan Island: Cheating Extinction” (6 p.m. on Animal Planet): Virginia Madsen (“Sideways”) narrates this special that focuses on Lone Droscher-Nielsen, a former flight attendant who has dedicated her life to saving orangutans. She is the pioneer and founder of the largest primate rescue project in the world, the Nyaru Menteng Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
MONDAY, NOV. 10
◊“Boston Legal” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Jerry Espenson insists on defending himself in court when he’s accused of aggravated assault after a run-in with a bully. Roma Maffia (“Nip/Tuck”) guest stars.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck runs into his ex-girlfriend (Jordana Brewster, “As the World Turns”) while on a Nerd Herd call. In an attempt to save face, he tells her that he is more successful than he really is.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): A man is found handcuffed and stabbed in his hotel room, while a prank at the lab causes a rift in the CSI team and threatens their investigation. Lucy Lawless (“Xena Warrior Princess”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Lily enlists Ted and Robin to help her make a life-changing decision to have a baby. Dan Lauria (“The Wonder Years”) guest stars.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio” (7 p.m. on Bravo): In this 200th episode hosted by comedian Dave Chapelle, regular host James Lipton is the one being interviewed.
◊“Journey to Palomar” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special tells the story of American astronomer George Ellery Hale’s public and private struggle to build the four largest telescopes in the world, which set the stage for space exploration throughout the 20th century.
◊“Samantha Who?” (8:32 p.m. on ABC): While completing community service, Sam meets a troubled young woman (Mary-Kate Olsen, “So Little Time”) and and feels it’s her duty to help turn her life around.
TUESDAY, NOV. 11
◊“Blush: The Search for the Next Great Make-Up Artist” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Vanessa Marcil (“Las Vegas”) hosts this new reality competition series in which contestants compete for a contract as a professional artist with Max Factor, a cash prize of $100,000 and the opportunity to be the make-up artist for an upcoming In Style photo shoot.
◊“Body of War” (6 p.m. on Sundance): Written, produced and directed by talk show host Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro, this award-winning documentary explores the experience of Iraq War veteran Tomas Young, whose spine was severed by a sniper’s bullet within a week of arriving in Iraq, leaving him paralyzed for life at age 25.
◊“Cha$e” (9 p.m. on SCI FI): Trey Farley (“Bend It Like Beckham”) hosts this new reality competition series that features a group of contestants trying to stay “alive” while being pursued by “hunters” through a variety of Los Angeles locations. The longer they stay in the game, the more difficult it gets, but the money piles up for every second they remain standing.
◊“Extreme Trains” (9 p.m. on History): Train conductor Matt Bown hosts this new series that reveals the inner workings and past lives of locomotives that haul huge loads across the nation and deliver passengers to their destinations.
◊“Heroes at Home” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): Howie Long (“Fox NFL Sunday”) hosts this Veteran’s Day special in which six military heroes share their experiences of service in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
◊“REHAB: Party at the Hard Rock Hotel” (9 p.m. on truTV): This new series gives viewers exclusive access to the world-famous pool party Rehab in Las Vegas. It follows the fun and action poolside, as seen from the perspectives of a no-nonsense staff.
◊“Transcending Bonds: The 75th Infantry NETA Division” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): In May 2004, 10 members of the 75th Infantry Division returned to Belgium to see where the unit fought in the Battle of the Bulge. This new film documents the enduring bond of friendship between the American veterans and Belgian citizens.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12
◊The 42nd Annual CMA Awards (7 p.m. on ABC): Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, the reigning CMA male and female Vocalists of the year, will co-host this year’s event live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn. Kenny Chesney received the most nominations with seven, followed by Jennifer Nettles with six and George Strait and Sugarland with five each.
◊“Estate of Panic” (9 p.m. on SCI FI): Steve Valentine (“Crossing Jordan”) hosts this new reality competition series in which large quantities of cash are hidden in a massive estate and seven strangers are invited to find the money. The contestants will be challenged throughout the mansion to overcome the terrors that await them.
◊“Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new six-part miniseries goes behind the scenes with the royal family and its staff for an unprecedented look at life in the palace and beyond. The first two installments follow the preparations as four localities get ready for a visit from the queen.
◊“Top Chef: New York” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 5 features 17 new chef’testants who will be skewered down week by week as they compete to out-cook each other to claim $100,000 in seed money to help open a restaurant. Host Padma Lakshmi returns along with head judge Tom Colicchio (chef/owner of Craft Restaurants).
THURSDAY, NOV. 13
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): Liz and Jenna’s friend Claire (Jennifer Aniston, “Friends”) visits New York and falls hard for Jack.
◊“Dirty Driving: Thundercars of Indiana” (9 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary visits Anderson, Ind., the town that lost 33,000 jobs when General Motors closed its plant there. Many people have left, but for those who stayed, the Friday night races at Anderson Speedway are a welcome distraction.
◊“ER” (9 p.m. on NBC): Anthony Edwards, whose character Dr. Mark Greene succumbed to a brain tumor in 2002, returns as a guest star. He appears in flashbacks revealing that the hospital’s new chief of staff, Cate Banfield (Angela Bassett), had a past with him.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): One of Meredith’s oldest friends (Melissa George, “Alias”) becomes an intern at Seattle Grace, causing turmoil at the hospital and in Meredith’s personal life.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Sam Tyler finds it difficult to separate a life-and-death hostage situation taking place at County Hospital from his own strange circumstances. Bill Irwin (“Sesame Street”) guest stars.
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Earl’s more successful and handsome cousin (Jason Priestly, “Tru Calling”) shows up on his wedding anniversary, Earl feels like a less-than-adequate husband.
◊“This Old House Hour” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In an effort to help homeowners dealing with high heating and cooling bills, the show’s experts will devote an entire episode to making homes energy efficient.
FRIDAY, NOV. 14
◊“A/K/A Tommy Chong” (6:30 p.m. on Showtime): This 2005 documentary revisits the arrest of Tommy Chong — best known as half of the stoner comedy duo Cheech & Chong — for dealing in drug paraphernalia.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the death of a former pro surfer-turned- park ranger, the team uncovers a shocking connection to another crime. Pro Surfer Brad Gerlach guest stars in the episode directed by Emilio Estevez (“The Breakfast Club”).
◊“Super-Manny” (8 p.m. on ABC): This new spin-off of the hit reality series ‘‘Supernanny” features Mike Ruggles, a developmental therapist who stresses the importance of calm and consistent discipline in taming unruly children. If enough viewers watch this special, ABC may turn it into a series.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): While coping with changes in her personal life, Melinda struggles to help a teenage ghost. Joanna Cassidy (“Six Feet Under”) guest stars.
SATURDAY, NOV. 15
◊“Accidental Friendship” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Chandra Wilson (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and Kathleen Munroe (“Beautiful People”) star in this true story about a homeless woman and the Los Angeles police officer who tethers her to a lifeline.
◊“The Bill Engvall Show” (7:30 p.m. on TBS): Bill is excited about Christmas and tries to spread the holiday spirit to his children. Just when it seems as though Bill will never get his perfect Christmas, miserly neighbor Mr. Faulkner (Brian Doyle-Murray, “Yes, Dear”) shows up with some unexpected surprises.
◊“Ricky Gervais: Out of England — The Stand-Up Special” (8 p.m. on HBO): British comic Ricky Gervais, star of ‘‘Extras” and creator and star of the British version of ‘‘The Office,” offers his unique take on such issues as fund-raising, fame, nursery rhymes and obesity. The special was taped last summer before a live audience at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
◊“The Two Mr. Kissels” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): This new docudrama is based on the true story of millionaire brothers Andrew and Robert Kissel (John Stamos, Anson Mount). Within three years of each other, both men were murdered.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Robert Picardo
Oct. 27, 2008 — Robert Picardo, who played The Doctor on “Star Trek: Voyager” (1995-2001 on UPN), turns 55 today.
His most recent TV role is as Richard Woosley on “Stargate: Atlantis” (8 p.m. Fridays on SCI FI Channel).
His first acting role was in the 1975 Oscar-nominated short film “Doubletalk.” He was 22.
Best wishes to Robert and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
(SCI FI Channel Photo at right features Robert Picardoas Richard Woosley on “Stargate Atlantis”)
TV Talk: Oct. 26-Nov. 1
The Oklahoman’s TV Talk personalities Penny Soldan and Heather Warlick tape a weekly video for Newsok.tv that highlights upcoming TV programs worth watching.
They’re not fast talkers, but just in case you didn’t catch all the information for a show of interest, here is their script for the week of Oct. 26:
P: Hi, I’m Penny Soldan, this is Heather Warlick and this is TV Talk, The Oklahoman’s weekly countdown of the Top 10 programs worth watching — or at least setting the DVR or VCR for.
H: There are more than 100 reasons to watch No. 10. And Bravo will countdown those reasons from 3 to 10 p.m. Friday when it airs “100 Scariest Moments” and “Even Scarier Movie Moments.”
P: Our No. 9 pick will feature some real scary moments, as in real, not scripted. “Ghost Hunters Live” will air live from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday on SCI FI, and the TAPS team led by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson will be investigating paranormal events at Fort Delaware.
H: After a night of scary moments, relax with two new movies premiering Saturday and tying for No. 8 on our list. There’s “Center Stage: Turn It Up” at 7 p.m. on Oxygen, which is a sequel to the 2000 theatrical release. And “Archangel” at 7 p.m. on ION is a three-hour mystery movie starring the new James Bond, Daniel Craig.
P: Coming in an No. 7 are two new reality programs. “Coolio’s Rules” at 9 p.m. Tuesday on Oxygen follows the hip-hop star as he returns from life on the road and tries to get his family life in order. And “Shaken Not Stirred” at 8 p.m. Wednesday on My Network TV is the first in a series of specials that combine the old-school roast with edgy nighttime talk.
H: No. 6 is the British version of a popular American reality competition series. It is “Gladiators” and begins at 3 p.m. Saturday on BBC America. It features 12 new Gladiators who rule the arena and control the fate of the contenders.
P: No. 5 are five guest stars making appearances on five primetime shows. See Jamie-Lynn Sigler at 9 p.m. Sunday on HBO’s “Entourage,” Tony Hale at 7 p.m. Monday on NBC’s “Chuck,” Betty White at 9:02 p.m. Monday on ABC’s “Boston Legal,” Lauren Conrad at 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC Family’s “Greek” and Ralph Macchio at 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC’s “Ugly Betty.”
H: “Lisa Williams: Voices From the Other Side” is No. 4. The English clairvoyant returns with a new five-episode special programming event airing at 10 a.m. Monday through Friday on Lifetime. In each episode, Williams will do one-on-one readings in a studio and impromptu meetings with people on the street.
P: No. 3 is “Legend of the Seeker,” a new syndicated fantasy series. It kicks off with a 2-hour premiere at 5 p.m. Saturday on KOKH-25 and follows the extraordinary travels of a woodsman who must stop a ruthless tyrant from unleashing an ancient evil.
H: No. 2 is the second-season finale of “Mad Men” at 9 p.m. Sunday on AMC. The series that is set at New York City’s Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency in the 1960s, won the Emmy for best drama series for its first season.
P: And No. 1, if you don’t count the Saturday’s college football games pitting the OU Sooners against Nebraska at 7 p.m. on either ABC or ESPN and the OSU Cowboys against Iowa State at 2:30 p.m. on ABC, is “30 Rock.”
H: “30 Rock” won the Emmy for best comedy series for its first and second seasons, and the show’s third season opens at 8:31 p.m. Thursday on NBC. Casady High School graduate Megan Mullally, a two-time Emmy winner herself for “Will & Grace,” will guest star in the season premiere.
P: That’s a wrap for this week. For even more TV choices, consult TV Week in Sunday’s Oklahoman or go online to newsok.com/TV. For TV Talk, I’m Penny, this is Heather, thanks for your time.
