Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 24-30, 2010
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 24:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JAN. 24, 2010
◊“Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): Bill, Nicki and Cara Lynn hit the road for Washington, D.C., where Bill hopes to score an endorsement. Back home, Margene’s career triumph is marred by a case of mistaken identity.
◊“Cantore Stories” (9 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Hosted by meteorologist Jim Cantore, this new series follows him as he visits some of America’s most amazing climates and meets with extraordinary people who live there. From the swampy marshes of the Louisiana Bayou to the tropical rainforests of Hawaii, each half-hour episode of Cantore Stories will give viewers a glimpse of how residents adapt to life in such environments, as well as explore how these locations impact the world we live in.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team reopens the 2004 case of a teen who was wrongly sent to a juvenile detention center where he was killed before Valens could make good on his promise to get him released. Bobby Cannavale (“Third Watch”) and Steven Culp (“JAG”) guest star.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Three volleyball players mysteriously drop dead on the court while Calleigh’s testimony against Delko threatens his future as a CSI.
Cheryl Ladd (“Charlie’s Angels”) and Tia Carrere (“Dancing With the Stars”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (7 p.m. on CBS): In a rebroadcast of the show’s 100th episode, the team tackles their most unusual case yet: two murder victims within two weeks, both named ‘Mac Taylor.’ Now, Det. Mac Taylor must determine the killer’s motive before they strike again. Chris Daughtrey (“American Idol”), Nelly (“The Longest Yard”), Julia Ormond (“The Wronged Man”) and Scott Wolf (“Everwood”) guest star.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): With music star Ashanti as the celebrity volunteer, the team travels to Buffalo, NY, to help Delores Powell, a Jamaican immigrant and community activist whose home is barely livable despite the work and repairs she has poured into it over the past five and a half years.
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Romola Garai (“Atonement”) has the title role in this new three-part adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic “Emma.” She’s a happily single young woman who thinks herself the perfect matchmaker for others. Her friend Mr. Knightley (Jonny Lee Miller, “Eli Stone”) has his doubts.
◊“Nick News: The Face of Courage” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new installment explores the world of kids who are living with cancer. They have been where no kid should have to go, and they have survived to share their stories – and their courage – with viewers. Linda Ellerbee, the show’s host, is an 18-year cancer survivor.
◊“The Purina Incredible Dog Challenge National Championships” (3 p.m. on ABC): The event features canines competing in dog diving, agility, 60-weave pole racing and freestyle flying Disc.Olympic diver Greg Louganis, who now trains dogs, competed in the agility event with his dog, Doby.
◊“The Tiniest Girl in the World” (8 p.m. on TLC): Two-year-old toddler Charlotte weighs only seven pounds. She could have a rare form of primordial dwarfism, but until her family gets an official diagnosis, her parents don’t know what treatment she needs or what her life expectancy is.
MONDAY, JAN. 25, 2010
◊“American Experience: Wyatt Earp ” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary depicts the complexities and flaws of the Western lawman whose life is a lens on politics, justice and economic opportunity on the American frontier.
◊“Animal Planet Investigates: Dog Fighting Exposed” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new documentary features unparalleled commentary and never-before-seen footage in a rare look into the secretive world of organized dog fighting. It is the first in a line of quarterly specials that will take a comprehensive, investigative look at timely issues that impact both humans and animals.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in the first hour from Atlantic City include a Walt Whitman memoir inscribed by the author, a 19th-century bronze and marble statue by French sculptor Albert Ernest Carrier Belleuse and an oil painting by Canadian artists Cornelius Krieghoff.
◊“Brian Boitano Skating Spectacular” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Olympic gold-medalist Brian Boitano teams up with Olympic figure skaters Peggy Fleming, Kimmie Meissner and Steven Cousins, who perform routines to the music of rock band Chicago.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck must go on his first solo mission to Paris, but he’ll be lucky to survive the flight. Kristin Kreuk (“Smallville”) and Stone Cold Steve Austin (“WWE Smackdown!”) guest star.
◊“Cinema Style: Designer Visions” (7 p.m. on FLN): Hosted by Lloyd Boston (“Closet Cases”), this special highlights the transformation of three New York City Soho lofts from empty places into signature spaces inspired by the Hollywood films “The Big Chill,” “Dinner at Eight” and “Girl With a Pearl Earring.” The projects are brought to life by notable interior designers Thom Filicia, Richard Mishaan and John Saladino.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When Miami’s most hated man is murdered, Horatio and his CSI team search for his killer and his hidden treasure. Andrea Parker (“The Pretender”) guest stars.
◊“Damages” (9 p.m. on FX): In Season 3, high-powered lawyer Patty Hewes is overseeing the assets of a family accused of masterminding a Bernie Madoff-esque financial scheme. New cast members Lily Tomlin (“Murphy Brown”) and Len Cariou (“Brotherhood”) portray the heads of the family, and Martin Short (“Saturday Night Live”) plays their attorney. Campbell Scott (“Six Degrees”) and Keith Carradine (“Dexter”) also join the cast.
◊“The Electric Company” (4:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This re-invented version of the series, which returns for Season 2, is designed to appeal to today’s kids with fresh animation, music videos and exciting narrative storylines. It begins with a special three-episode recurring role by kid comedian Kyle Massey (“Cory in the House”), who plays Keith’s cousin, P.J.
◊“Greek” (9 p.m. on ABC Family): In the mid-season premiere, the ZBZ ladies are on edge thinking they may have been responsible for the Gamma Psi house burning down. Casey, Ashleigh and Rebecca lead their sorority sisters in an effort to hide all evidence pointing to the fact that they snuck into the Gamma Psi house prior to the big fire.
◊“Handy Manny School For Tools” (7:25 a.m. on Disney): Inspired by the Emmy-nominated series “Handy Manny” starring Wilmer Valderrama, this three-minute short-film series will feature Manny and his trusty tools alongside a set of 11 new tools: Beamer the laser level, Zip the power socket wrench, Pinzas the needle nose pliers, Sneeze the shop vac, Tick and Totts the socket wrenches, Roland the tool chest, Spinner the power drill and a family of crescent wrenches – dad Lefty, mom Lily and son Junior. The stories are designed to provide young viewers insight into cooperation and the value of individual talent.
◊“The Inbetweeners” (8 p.m. on BBC America): This six-part British comedy series offers a painfully funny take on the squirming humiliations of teenage life. It begins with the new kid in town, Will (Simon Bird), who has unwillingly had to move and change schools. He soon meets Simon (Joe Thomas), Jay (James Buckley) and Neil (Blake Harrison), who are neither that cool nor that credible.
◊“Life UneXpected” (8 p.m. on CW): Lux is torn when her boyfriend, Bug (Rafi Gavron, “24”), and best friend, Natasha, suggest that Cate and Baze may not be in it for the long haul and that Lux should return to her old life and the people who love her most of all.
◊“Men of a Certain Age” (9 p.m. on TNT): Joe goes to see his recently retired father (Robert Loggia, “Jagged Edge”), who gives new meaning to the word grumpy. Owen’s wife and mother get upset when a commercial for the auto dealership implies that Owen’s co-worker, Marcus, is actually Owen Sr.’s son. And Terry becomes obsessed over finding out why he has been rejected for a youth mentoring program.
◊“Secret Diary of a Call Girl Special” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Captured on camera for the first time, actress Billie Piper meets the woman she portrays in the series “Secret Diary of a Call Girl.” For six years she was known only as “Belle de Jour,” publisher of an infamous sex blog and several best-selling books. Two months ago, Brooke Magnanti stepped out of the shadows to reveal herself as the real “Belle.” Now a neuroscientist, she joined Piper in a London hotel room to impart secrets of the trade, offer anecdotes about some of her most amusing encounters, reflect on her regrets and giggle as she shares what she considers her greatest assets. Season 3 of the series starts Feb. 1.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Christina Applegate (“Samantha Who?”) presents the “Word on the Street”: Booth.
◊“Sound Tracks: Music Without Borders” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Music-related stories from around the globe are told in this new newsmagazine. Alexis Bloom is in Russia to report on the popularity of “A Man Like Putin,” a song praising the prime minister for more than his policies. And Arun Rath relates how Sacha Baron Cohen’s brother, Erran, used his musical talent to make amends to the people of Kazakhstan after “Borat.”
◊“Team Umizoomi” (10:30 a.m. on Nickelodeon): This new educational preschool series combines action-adventure missions with an interactive math curriculum designed to help kids develop self-confidence in their math abilities and appreciate the many ways in which mathematics shapes their world. It features a tiny team of superheroes who use their mighty math powers to help little kids solve big problems, and it is set to a soundtrack of preschool-friendly pop songs.
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 13 premiere, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May set out to discover what “Top Gear” might have been like 60 years ago. In a race from London to Edinburgh, James drives an old Jaguar XK120 sports car, Richard rides a Vincent Black Shadow motorbike and Jeremy jumps on board the Tornado, a brand-new Peppercorn A1 Pacific Class steam locomotive built to the original blueprints used to create some of Britain’s finest locomotives back in the heyday of the railways.
◊“Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union” (9:30 p.m. on Showtime): Seven-time Emmy winner Tracey Ullman returns for a third season in her sketch comedy series that features a kaleidoscope of original characters and impersonations in a wide collection of skits that range from sardonic parody and social satire to Bollywood musicals.
TUESDAY, JAN. 26, 2010
◊“24/7 Jimmie Johnson: Race to Daytona” (9 p.m. on HBO): HBO takes its popular sports reality television formula from the boxing ring to the racetrack in this new four-part series. It follows the four-time Sprint Cup champion and his team as they prepare for the biggest NASCAR race of the year: the Daytona 500.
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Singers Avril Lavigne and Katy Perry help Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi critique the talent at the Los Angeles auditions.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): While representing the daughter of one of the partners at the law firm, Alicia finds herself attracted to her co-counsel and his unorthodox approach to defending their client, Chris Bowers (“Rescue Me”) guest stars as Alicia’s co-counsel.
◊“How to See a Black Hole” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): MIT astronomer Shep Doeleman shows viewers never before seen images of a black whole. To accomplish this, Doeleman has synchronized highly accurate atomic clocks with telescopes in Arizona, California and Hawaii. The result is essentially a telescope the size of a continent.
◊“Kitchen Nightmares” (8 p.m. on Fox): In this Americanization of a hit British series, which starts Season 2, chef Gordon Ramsay visits eateries that have fallen on hard times and shows their owners how to turn them around — whether it’s a menu makeover, new decor, a personnel shakeup or all of the above.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the government’s star witness in an embezzlement case is targeted by an assassin, it’s up to the team to help her make it home alive. Dina Meyer (“Burn Notice”) and Ryan Cutrona (“Mad Men,” “24″) guest star.
◊“Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): Ben reveals details of his past to the department therapist and to his partner, John, making the motivation behind his decision to be a cop clear. Elsewhere, Dewey (C. Thomas Howell, “Hildalgo”) causes a rift in his relationship with his partner when he becomes star struck by Timmy Davis (Tom Sizemore, “Crash”), a famous, self-obsessed actor. But when he loses track of the actor, Chickie finds herself questioning her decision to take him on as her partner.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Guest judges Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”) and Joe Jonas (“Jonas”) help Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi critique the talent at the Dallas auditions.
◊“Big Chef Takes on Little Chef” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): Six months after the critically acclaimed opening of a new Little Chef branch, Chef Heston Blumenthal is back to find out if the restaurant he transformed is keeping up with his standards.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team heads to New York’s Long Island to track a killer who mutilates his victims, each in a different way. Rossi would rather skip this one, too, as it’s his hometown, and the case turns out to have both personal and professional repercussions. Cynthia Watros (“Lost”) and D.B. Sweeney (“Jericho”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Following a spray of machine gunfire, the CSI team rises from the chaos. But when one member’s life is significantly changed, it proves to be the emotional motivation they need to piece together their lives and ultimately find the shooter on a rebroadcast of the Season 6 premiere. Sarah Carter (“Shark”) guest stars.
◊“Launch My Line” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the opener of the two-part season finale, the designers scramble to put the rest of their fashion lines together — adding three new looks to complete their 10-piece collections for the fashion show, where the winner will be crowned.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): The team is forced to work with their old enemy Sterling in order to free Nate’s ex-wife, Maggie (Kari Matchett, “Heartland”) from a Ukrainian jail and clear her name. Jeri Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager”) guest stars as a member of the team.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Hugh Jackman (“Viva Laughlin”) presents the “Word on the Street”: Concentrate.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …” (9 p.m. on Sundance): In the Season 2 finale, Elvis Costello sits down with Bruce Springsteen. With his guitar in hand, Springsteen opens up about his pre-E Street Band bands, his early and current inspirations, and the resurgence of New Jersey. E Street Band members Nils Lofgren and Roy Bittan sit in for a couple of songs.
◊“Sports Jobs With Junior Seau” (9:30 p.m. on Versus): In the Season 1 finale, former NFL All-Pro linebacker Junior Seau finds out firsy hand that keeping bull riders from getting trampled and gored is one of the most dangerous jobs in all of sports.
◊“The Tavis Smiley Report” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the first of four specials that will air throughout 2010, host Tavis Smiley goes behind the scenes with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as she completes her first year as America’s chief diplomat and looks ahead to the challenges of the next three years. Smiley has been granted exceptional access to Secretary Clinton and will accompany her on diplomatic missions abroad, to meetings on Capitol Hill and within the State Department itself to give the American public a candid and incisive view of the inner workings of U.S. diplomacy and international relations.
◊“Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Wilhemina is furious when she discovers she has a drag queen impersonator – Wilhediva Hater (played by Vanessa Williams’ brother, Chris Williams). The fur flies with unexpected results amid guest stars who include RuPaul Charles (“Drag Race”) as Rudolph, the emcee of the cabaret. Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) also guest stars.
THURSDAY, JAN. 28, 2010
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): When a human skeleton is discovered in the trenches of an old Civil War battleground, Brennan and Booth are called to the case. While Booth investigates suspects, Hodgins and lab intern Vincent Nigel-Murray (Ryan Cartwright, “Mad Men”) work to clean the bones of a stubborn clay residue. Meanwhile, Booth’s brother, Jared, (Brendan Fehr, “CSI: Miami”) returns from his travels with some suprising news.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When the CSIs are called to a murder scene at a familiar motel, Nick is thrown for a loop as he pieces together three separate murder investigations that all took place at the same establishment over the course of a year. Taylor Swift (singer) guest stars as Haley Jones, a teenaged girl whose family runs the seedy Vegas motel.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): The residents of Seattle Grace and Mercy West vie for surgeries and their careers as day one of the hospital merger begins. Meanwhile, Arizona stands by an enraged Callie when her father, Mr. Torres (Hector Elizondo, “Cane”), employs a priest to help convince her to date men, and Izzie experiences the brunt of her new surgical competition.
◊“Live for the Moment” (7 p.m. on CBS): In this new special host Jeff Probst (“Survivor”) takes Roger Childs, a family man diagnosed with ALS, on a series of adventures, creating family memories and sharing powerful life lessons. The inspirational way in which Roger lives his life just might change the way viewers live theirs.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Miranda Bailey brings a kidney transplant patient to Los Angeles, and Addison isn’t the only Oceanside Wellness doctor pleased to see her. Meanwhile the consequences of Addison’s emotional affair with Noah catch up with her, and Sheldon and Pete finally discover who the father of Violet’s baby is. Chandra Wilson (“Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars.
◊“Soundstage” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): The Denver-based band The Fray takes the stage to perform. Among their hits they will sing are “You Found Me,” “Never Say Never,” “Over My Head (Cable Car)” and “How to Save a Life,” which has been heard on ‘‘Grey’s Anatomy,” ‘‘Scrubs,” ‘‘One Tree Hill” and ‘‘Cold Case.”
◊“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): Hurting for money, takes a job at the Mystic Grill, where former high school football star Ben (Sean Faris, “Never Back Down”) works as a bartender.
FRIDAY, JAN. 29, 2010
◊“Dollhouse” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the series finale, which is set in the year 2020, Echo and her surviving Dollhouse crew attempt to restore order to a devastating future world before mankind is eliminated.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): In a rebroadcast of the Season 5 premiere directed by series star Jennifer Love Hewitt, Melinda gives birth to a baby boy who also has the gift of seeing spirits.
◊“Law & Order” (7 p.m. on NBC): A teenage boy is brutally murdered in a partking lot and the investigation draws attention to a vicious high school rivalry. Debra Winger (“Dawn Anna”) guest stars.
◊“Miss America Preview” (9 p.m. on TLC): Clinton Kelly (“What Not to Wear”) hosts this special that captures the excitement of all 53 Miss America contestants as they prepare for the 2010 Miss America Pageant.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team must protect high-profile activist Benjamin Polk at a political rally, but it soon becomes a manhunt when they search for a sniper trying to kill Polk. Also, Charlie awaits an answer from Amita about his marriage proposal on a rebroadcast of the Season 6 premiere. Gary Cole (“Entourage”) guest stars.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): A self-proclaimed “Shoe-Professah” from Chicago presents her sassy brand of mobile shoe parties, and the sharks get excited about a re-invention of the umbrella. There is also an update on the Life Belt and its inventor, Robert Allison, who passed up a million-dollar offer from the Sharks last season.
SATURDAY, JAN. 30, 2010
◊“The 2010 Miss America Pageant” (7 p.m. on TLC): Taylor Treat, an Ada native who is the first woman in her family to attend college, will represent Oklahoma at the 89th annual event. Mario Lopez will host the event, and seven judges, including Vivica A. Fox (“The Cougar”) and Rush Limbaugh (radio talk show host), will evaluate the contestants from the preliminaries through the final night of competition, airing live tonight from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Mary J. Blige (six-time Grammy winner) travels with the team to Erie, PA, to help Clara Ward, who has cast the adversity of her health and surroundings aside to run a nonprofit youth development and family center from her home.
◊“Lying to be Perfect” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Poppy Montgomery (“Without a Trace”) stars in this new original movie adapted from Sarah Strohmeyer’s novel “The Cinderella Pact.” It tells the story of Nola Devlin (Montgomery) and her two best friends who, in a last ditch effort to lose weight, band together to follow the advice of their “fairy godmother” and end up changing their lives forever.
◊“The Magic of Ordinary Days” (7 p.m. on CBS): A pregnant city girl (Keri Russell, “Felicity”) is married off to a farmer (Skeet Ulrich, “As Good as It Gets”) in this 2005 Hallmark Hall of Fame romance set in Colorado during World War II. They’re awkward and uncomfortable together at first, but by the time she has a chance to return to the city, she’s not sure she wants to go.
◊“Meteor Storm” (8 p.m. on Syfy): A passing meteor shower turns into a deadly storm from space that threatens to destroy San Francisco. As the city’s disaster official (Michael Trucco, “Battlestar Galactica”) tries to evacuate the population, a scientist (Kari Matchett, “Invasion”) races to unravel the mystery of the repeated strikes.
◊“Pit Boss” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Shorty takes on a job for a new client requiring three little people to dress up as crawfish. When Choctaw native Ronald tells Shorty the costumes are demeaning and threatens not to participate, his job is on the line.
◊“Seducing Cindy” (8 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): Cindy Margolis (“Austin Powers” International Man of Mystery”) searches for love in this new reality dating show. Over the course of eight episodes, she will put her heart on the line with 24 potential suitors in an attempt to find her ultimate soul mate. The men range from 18 – 71 years old and come from all walks of life, and they will battle through competitive tasks for a chance to stay on Cindy’s list of potential mates.
◊“The Story of Lassie” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In 1943, a collie catapulted to stardom in the MGM film “Lassie Come Home.” This special hosted by June Lockhart (Ruth Martin on the “Lassie” TV series) includes clips from Lassie’s feature films and TV series, as well as interviews with actors and directors who worked with the famous collie.
◊“Truth in Motion: The U.S. Ski Team’s Road to Vancouver” (7 p.m. on NBC): This documentary follows American athletes as they prepare for the competition of their lives – the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. They push the limits of their bodies and equipment from preseason on-snow training in Portillo, Chile and Saas Fee, Switzerland, to the final days leading up the start of the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup competition in Sölden, Austria.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Jan. 17-23, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman
posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Jan. 17.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••“Human Target,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox (series preview, premieres Wednesday).
••“24,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Fox (eighth-season premiere).
••“I’m in the Band,” 6 p.m. Monday on Disney XD (series premiere).
••“Big Time Rush,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).
••“Life UneXpected,” 8 p.m. Monday on CW (series premiere).
••“The Buried Life,” 9 p.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Be Good Johnny Weir,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on Sundance (series premiere).
••“The Millionaire Matchmaker,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (third-season premiere).
••“White Collar,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on USA Network (winter premiere).
••“Paranormal Cops,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (series premiere).
••“Meteorite Men,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel (series premiere).
••“Being Erica,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (second-season premiere).
••“Mantracker,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Science Channel (second-season premiere).
••“The Deep End,” 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC (series premiere).
••“Food Tech,” 8 p.m. Thursday on History (series premiere).
••“Burn Notice,” 9 p.m. Thursday on USA Network (winter premiere).
••“Caprica,” 8 p.m. Friday on Syfy (series premiere).
••“Friday Night With Jonathan Ross,” 8 p.m. Friday on BBC America (18th-season premiere).
••“Man Caves,” 8 p.m. Friday on DIY (fourth season resumes).
••“Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” 9 p.m. Friday on Starz (series premiere).
••“Mexican Made Easy,” 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“The Shift,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Investigation Discovery (second-season finale).
••“Dollhouse,” 8 p.m. Friday on Fox (series finale).
MARATHONS
••“The Unit,” 5 a.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday on Sleuth.
••“Hot Winter Projects,” 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday on DIY.
••“Burn Notice,” 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday on USA Network.
••“Psych,” 5 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Jan. 24 on Sleuth.
Pictured above: HUMAN TARGET: Christopher Chance (Mark Valley) is a unique private contractor hired to protect his clients from dangerous and imminent threats in the new action-drama HUMAN TARGET airing with a special preview event Sunday, Jan. 17 on FOX. CR: Justin Stephens/FOX
Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 17-23, 2010
Sunday’s
Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Jan. 17:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JAN. 17, 2010
◊“24″ (8 p.m. on Fox): In the Season 8 premiere airing over two consecutive nights, Jack Bauer finds himself drawn back into the adrenalized action after he learns of a plot to assassinate a prominent Middle East peacekeeper. Joining the cast this season are Katee Sackhoff (“Battlestar Galactica”), Freddie Prinze Jr. (“Freddie”), Mykelti Williamson (“Boomtown”), John Boyd (“Lady in the Water”), Jennifer Westfeldt (“Notes from the Underbelly”) and Chris Diamantopoulos (“The Starter Wife”).
◊“The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards” (7 p.m. on NBC): The Hollywood Foreign Press Association honors achievement in film and television from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., with Emmy winner Ricky Gervais (“The Office”) hosting the alcohol-fueled ceremonies. Mavis Spencer, daughter of Oklahoma actress Alfre Woodard, helps hand out awards as Miss Golden Globe.
◊“Aziz Ansari: Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Filmed in front of a packed house at the Brentwood Theater in Los Angeles, comedian and actor Aziz Ansari (“Parks and Recreation”) discusses topics ranging from sheets with fraudulent thread counts to the chubbiness of his young cousin, Harris.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Kitty’s friend Buffy (Cheryl Hines, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) steps in where she doesn’t belong, pushing Kitty and Robert to another impasse over politics.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): After a private investigator’s remains are found buried in the cement foundation of a demolished building, Lilly and her team reopen the man’s 1974 murder case and discover the investigator had uncovered several unsavory things for his last few clients. Richard Moll (“Night Court”) and Matthew Willig (former NFL player) guest star.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Xzibit travels with Ty Pennington and the team to Suffield, Conn., to rebuild the small, fire-damaged and deteriorating home of the musical Hill family, who give the gifts of song and inspiration to their community.
◊“Freakiest Festivals” (8 p.m. on FLN): Host Adam Gertier is on a quest to take on America’s most bizarre and extreme festivals and events — from a cook-off in West Virginia where contestants use road kill as the main ingredient to a Colorado coffin race.
◊“Human Target” (7 p.m. on Fox): Adapted from a DC Comics book and graphic novel, this new action series follows Christopher Chance (Mark Valley, “Boston Legal”), a unique private security guard who saves his clients’ lives even if it means turning himself into a human target. Assisting him are Chance’s business partner, Winston (Chi McBride, “Pushing Daisies”), and hired gun Guerrero (Jackie Earle Haley, “Watchmen”).
◊“Iron Chef America” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Chef Jose Garces, the winner of “The Next Iron Chef,” represents the Chairman in Kitchen Stadium for his first battle as an Iron Chef.
◊“Live at the Golden Globes With Carrie Ann & Chris” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor”) co-host the red carpet event that will feature interviews with nominees attending the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards.
◊“Why Planes Crash: Breaking Point” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This special hosted by NBC News’ Lester Holt explores the terrifying consequences of plane crashes resulting from structural failure. It features dramatic animations that put viewers right next to passengers facing life or death situations — from an engine loss that caused the deadliest single airplane crash on U.S. soil to a decompression powerful enough to suck a flight attendant out of a plane.
◊“The Wronged Man” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Julia Ormond (“Legends of the Fall”) stars in the true story of Janet “Prissy” Gregory’s 22-year quest to overturn the sentence of wrongfully accused Calvin Willis (Mahershalalhashbaz Ali, “The 4400”).
MONDAY, JAN. 18, 2010
◊“Accidentally on Purpose” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): While working on a story with Sully, Billie gets some surprising news about the newspaper. Meanwhile, Zack and Davis go into the sandwich business together. Executive producer Claudia Lonow’s brother, Michael Rapaport (“My Name is Earl”) returns as Sully, a sports reporter.
◊“American Character Along Highway 50″ (7 p.m. on USA Network): This special follows journalist Tom Brokaw as he travels across Highway 50 documenting the lives of Americans along the transcontinental road that connects the Pacific to the Atlantic. Brokaw captures the stories of real people and explores how their lives are being impacted economically, politically and culturally during these extraordinary times.
◊“American Pickers” (8 p.m. on History): This new series follows the adventures of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, business partners of Antique Archaeology based in Iowa, who are professional “pickers” trolling America’s small towns to salvage rare collectibles and good junk from regular folks. They get their hands dirty in search of weird and wonderful Americana.
◊“Be Good Johnny Weir” (9:30 p.m. on Sundance): This new eight-part documentary series explores the life of one of America’s most outspoken and colorful sports figures, three-time U.S. National Figure Skating Champion and World Medalist Johnny Weir. He is as comfortable walking in a downtown New York fashion show as he is on the ice, and he is known for giving candid, irreverent, responses at press events.
◊“Beyond Wise Guys” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Narrated by Paul Borghese (“Julie & Julia”) and executive produced by John Turturro (“The Bronx Is Burning”), this documentary shows how Italian-Americans transformed themselves from outsiders, stereotyped by the Hollywood establishment as mobsters, into industry insiders. Featured are interviews with well-known contemporary Italian-American filmmakers who used their heritage to positively shape the art and craft of American cinema.
◊“Big Time Rush” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Four fun-loving best friends from Minnesota trade in hockey practice for vocal lessons in this new musical comedy series that chronicles the making of a music group. They move from Minneapolis to Hollywood after being discovered by an eccentric record executive during a nationwide casting call for a new boy band. But the boys quickly realize they have a very short window to prove to themselves that they are serious about their new career choice.
◊“The Buried Life” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new documentary series follows Duncan, Ben, Jonnie and Dave, who travel across the country in their purple bus named Penelope in an attempt to cross off items on their list of “100 things to do before they die.” The guys make a promise that for each item they cross off their list, they will help a perfect stranger accomplish one of their goals.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Awesome is mistaken for a super spy by the evil Sydney Price (Angie Harmon, “Law & Order”), Chuck must become his handler and show him the spy ropes.
◊“Fashion Police: The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards” (9 p.m. on E!): Host Joan Rivers will be joined by popular outspoken personalities Khloe Kardashian Odom, Giuliana Rancic and Jay Manuel to assess the fashion choices of Hollywood’s stars attending the event. They will debate over who deserves the titles of fashion’s biggest winners and losers.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Hiro’s life hangs in the balance as his brain tumor worsens, prompting him to subconsciously deal with some of his past decisions. George Takei (“Star Trek”) and David Anders (“Alias”) guest star.
◊“Obama’s America: 2010 and Beyond” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): Moderated by Chris Matthews (“Hardball”) and featuring radio host Tom Joyner, this two-hour special airing live from Texas Southern University in Houston will explore some of the most pressing and provocative issues connected to race and race relations in the U.S.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Marshall insists that his attractibe co-worker, Jenkins (Amanda Peet, 2012), tell Lily what really happened after Lily won’t believe that Jenkins kissed him. Series star Neil Patrick Harris (Barney Stinson) directed this episode.
◊“I’m in the Band” (6 p.m. on Disney XD): This new music-filled comedy series follows a teenager who realizes his wildest dream when he joins his favorite rock band, Iron Weasel.
◊“Improv-Ice” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Hosted by Olympic champions Brian Boitano and Kristi Yamaguchi, the live audience helps give an assist in picking the most innovative routines for the skaters to perform backed by the live music of the rock band the Goo Goo Dolls. Skating champions Sasha Cohen, Nancy Kerrigan, Kurt Browning, Evan Lysacek are among the performers.
◊“Life UneXpected” (8 p.m. on CW): This new series stars Brittany Robertson as Lux, an Oregon teenager who, after bouncing around from one foster home to another, decides to become an emancipated minor. Her quest reunites her with her biological father (Kristoffer Polaha), a bar owner who didn’t even know she existed, and her birth mother (Shiri Appleby), a local radio star.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (5:30 p.m. on Disney XD): Mr. Moseby forbids football on the Sky Deck so the students decide to play fantasy football instead. Cody enlists Kirby to teach him about football, and London unveils her secret weapon – Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kurt Warner.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie endures a colonoscopy to get out of a trip to see Chelsea’s bigoted parents, only to return home and find them in his living room. Stacy Keach (“Titus”) guest stars as Chelsea’s father.
TUESDAY, JAN. 19, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Guest judge Shania Twain (Grammy winner) helps Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi critique the talent at the Chicago auditions.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Host Alison Sweeney surprises the contestants with the news that this will be student/teacher week, in which the contestants on each team assume the role of either teacher or student. The teachers get to work out with the trainers and then have to teach the students what they learned.
◊“Love That Girl!” (8 p.m. on TV One): This new black sitcom stars Tatyana Ali (“Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”) as a young divorcee who returns home to southern California for a second chance in life and a career in her father’s real estate business. The four-episode series executive produced by Martin Lawrence (“Martin”) opens with back-to-back episodes and airs over three consecutive nights.
◊“The Millionaire Matchmaker” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In Season 3, matchmaker Patti Stanger and her staff once again give their big-bucks clients complete transformations with the help of personal shoppers, date coaches and therapists. In each episode, two wealthy clients are set up on dates hand-picked by Stanger based upon their beauty and intelligence.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): An international team of archeologists, architects and engineers is racing against time to save the Sphinx from erosion.
◊“Paranormal Cops” (9:30 p.m. on A&E): This new series follows a group of Chicago-area police officers who apply their forensic and investigative expertise to paranormal casework. Responding to the pleas of people who are victimized by distressing and inexplicable activities in their homes and workplaces, these cops bring their no-nonsense approach to hunting ghosts and real-life police skills to separate the fact from fiction.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Julianna Margulies (“The Good Wife”) helps Big Bird when he hurts his wing. Matthew Fox (“Lost”) presents the “Word on the Street”: “Bone.”
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): The winter premiere begins where the fall season cliffhanger left off with the tables turned between Neal and Peter. After going deep into the underworld of corrupt Wall Street brokers, the question remains as to whose side Peter is on.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20, 2010
◊“American Idol” (7 p.m. on Fox): Guest judge Kristin Chenoweth (“Pushing Daisies”) helps Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi critique the talent at the Orlando auditions.
◊“Being Erica” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): In Season 2, Erica is more experienced in the ways of time travel and therapy. As she continues to move forward in her journey, she will come to understand that changing her life isn’t a quick fix. It involves facing an ever-expanding series of challenges.
◊“Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Alan Alda gets a highly detailed scan of his brain, which for a man in his early 70s in in remarkably good shape. He learns that the human ability to imagine fires most fiercely when we are doing nothing at all.
◊“Human Target” (8 p.m. on Fox): Chance and Winston encounter some severe turbulance when they work together to protect a client they have never met from an assassin aboard a passenger plane. Courtney Ford (“Dexter”) and Alessandro Juliani (“Battlestar Galactica”) guest star.
◊“Mantracker” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): The chase continues with Season 2 of this adventure series that challenges the wits and wills of weekend warriors in an intense game of cat and mouse played out in the rough countryside. Each episode, two new competitors have a day and a half to reach a finish line that is 22 miles away without getting caught by the “Mantracker, a veteran outdoorsman trained in tracking and retrieving missing persons in the deep wilderness.
◊“Meteorite Men” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This new series follows Geoff Notkin and Steve Arnold, who build and keep secret maps of locations where they believe meteorites have fallen. Armed with an assortment of high-tech equipment, they search these secret locations combating rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions in their pursuit of scientific treasures.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Mitchell plants the seed in Jay’s head that he thinks one of Jay’s old buddies, Shorty (Chazz Palminteri, “Analyze This”), might be secretly gay. Jay doesn’t believe it, although he now keeps noticing all the questionable signs.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine’s promising romance with therapist boyfriend Max (Eric McCormack, “Will & Grace”) threatens to be derailed by old flame Mr. Harris (Blair Underwood, “Dirty Sexy Money”).
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello With Bruce Springsteen” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Host Elvis Costello sits down with Bruce Springsteen for a special two-part episode that concludes Jan. 27. With his guitar in hand, Springsteen opens up about his pre-E Street Band bands, his early and current inspirations and the resurgence of New Jersey. E Street Band members Nils Lofgren and Roy Bittan also sit in for a couple of songs.
THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2010
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): When Liz Lemon decides to take the show on the road to cure a case of the winter blues for the staff, the anticipated trip doesn’t exactly go as planned. Julianne Moore (“Blindness”) guest stars.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Mr. White (Richard T. Jones, “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) and his team of government agents put the Jeffersonian Lab on lock down and demand that Brennan and her forensics team determine a cause of death for an unidentified, but highly classified set of remains. Meanwhile, Booth’s boss, Andrew Hacker (Diedrich Bader, “The Drew Carey Show”), helps him break into the lab and determine the motive behind the mystery investigation.
◊“Burn Notice” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Michael, a blacklisted spy who finds himself stranded on Miami, takes on a violent con man in the winter premiere. Guest star Sharon Gless reunites with her “Cagney & Lacey” partner Tyne Daly, who plays Michael’s mother on the series.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): The CSI team explores the outwardly sedate world of professional golf after the body of a legendary player is discovered during a major tournament. Pro golfers Rocco Mediate, Gary McCord, Duffy Waldorf and Natalie Gulbis guest star as themselves.
◊“The Deep End” (7 p.m. on ABC): Leah Pipes (“Sorority Row”), Tina Majorino (“Big Love”), Matt Long (“Jack and Bobby”), Ben Lawon (“Neighbours”) and Mehcad Brooks (“True Blood”) star in this new drama that follows the tragedies and triumphs of five earnest twenty-something first-year associates fighting to stay afloat in one of Los Angeles’ top law firms.
◊“Food Tech” (8 p.m. on History): In this new series, food industry veteran Bobby Bognar criss-crosses the nation in search of the origins and production secrets behind the foods we love. In the premiere episode, he unearths the hidden mysteries in a cheeseburger and fries, including how they get the sesame seeds to stick to the bun and what it takes to stuff 20 tomatoes inside a ketchup bottle.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): After learning of Richard’s drinking problem, Derek confronts him for the sake of his friend and the hospital. Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest stars.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Joshua Bell With Rriends @ the Penthouse” features the celebrated violinist performing with friends in the Kaplan Penthouse. His musical friends include Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth, Marvin Hamlisch and Frankie Moreno.
◊“The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Jane and the team investigate the murder of the mayor’s aide. Sharon Lawrence (“NYPD Blue”) guest stars as Mayor Melba Walker Shannon.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): Rocco Fiorentino (blind, sixth-grade jazz singer) stops by for some fun. Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) presents the “Word on the Street”: “Miniature.”
◊“Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): Damon takes a trip to Georgia, where he surprises an old flame (Gina Torres, “Eli Stone”) and enlists her help to figure out how to open the tomb. In the process, Damon comes face to face with someone who is determined to make him pay for past wrongs.
FRIDAY, JAN. 22, 2010
◊“Caprica” (8 p.m. on Syfy): This new series follows two rival families and their patriarchs – Daniel Graystone (Eric Stoltz) and Joseph Adama (Esai Morales) – as they compete and thrive in the realm of the 12 Colonies. It will feature the passion, intrigue, political backbiting and family conflict in an omnipotent society that is at the height of its glory and on the brink of its fall.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Set in the year 2020, Echo and her surviving Dollhouse crew attempt to restore order to a devastating future world before mankind is eliminated in “Epitaph 2: The Return,” the series finale episode.
◊“Man Caves” (7:30 p.m. on DIY): In this two-and-a-half marathon, viewers get an insider’s look at the man caves of some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison dreams of a schizophrenic child, who she later meets as the well-adjusted roommate of a missing psychiatric patient, and questions whether she was responsible for killing her own parents. Danielle Panabaker (“Shark”) guest stars as Summer Lowry, the schizophrenic young girl from Allison’s dreams.
◊“Spartacus: Blood and Sand” (9 p.m. on Starz): Australian actor Andy Whitfield stars as the gladiator warrior Spartacus in this new series. Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”) plays Lucretia, who along with her husband, Batiatus, own the Ludus gladiator camp. They bought Spartacus hoping his fighting prowess will help them regain their status in the brutal world of gladiatorial contests.
◊“Supernanny” (7 p.m. on ABC): This special episode features the world’s first Super-Manny, Mike Ruggles, a Chicago native with more than 17 years of experience as a teacher and developmental therapist for children. But he faces his biggest challenge with a chaotic family of six from Colorado.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): Things percolate between the Sharks and a husband and wife team from Santa Monica after Kevin O’Leary mocks their poorly executed business pitch about providing legal services at a coffee house. Another coffee-oriented pitch finds a man who has created a way to determine if a cup of Joe does or doesn’t contain caffeine.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): This special hourlong episode features guest stars Gregg Sulkin (Disney Channel UK’s “As The Bell Rings”) and Bridgit Mendler (“Good Luck Charlie”) reprising their roles as Alex’s new boyfriend, Mason, and Justin’s vampire girlfriend Juliet Van Heusen, who recently disappeared after being turned into a mummy’s minion.
SATURDAY, JAN. 23, 2010
◊“The 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards” (7 p.m. on TNT and TBS): Actors honor their peers in the annual ceremony, which will air live from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center. Betty White will receive the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.
◊“Arj Barker: LYAO” (11 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new stand-up special brings the “Flight of the Conchords” star to the stage to poke fun at controversial topics ranging from global warming to losing Pluto as a planet.
◊“Artie Lange: Jack and Coke” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): This special brings Artie Lange’s uncensored observations and incredible knack for funny storytelling to the stage. He talks about his competition with Heath Ledger and the opening monologue he’d do if he were ever asked to host the Oscars.
◊“Live at the Screen Actors Guild Awards With Carrie Ann & Chris” (5 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Carrie Ann Inaba (“Dancing With the Stars”) and Chris Harrison (“The Bachelor”) co-host the red carpet event that will feature interviews with nominees attending the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.
◊“Mexican Made Easy” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): In this new series, professional chef and cookbook author Marcela Valladolid prepares a fresh take on Mexican food and shares simple and authentic recipes with viewers.
◊“The Screen Actors Guild Awards Red Carpet Show” (6:30 p.m. on TNT): People Magazines deputy managing editor Peter Castro and entertainment reporter Thea Andrews co-host this live pre-show telecast. They will interview this year’s nominees, past recipients and presenters as they walk down the red carpet on their way into the prestigious ceremony. Also on hand to report on the hottest red carpet styles and trends will be People StyleWatch correspondent Lori Bergamotto.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Dec. 27.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••“Everest: Beyond the Limit,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (third-season premiere).
••“Motor City Motors,” 9 p.m. Monday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“One Big Happy Family,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on TLC (series premiere).
••“The Imploders,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TLC (series premiere).
••“The Real World: D.C.,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on MTV (season premiere).
••“Curb Appeal: The Block,” 1 p.m. Friday on HGTV (fourth-season premiere).
••“First Time Design,” 2 p.m. Friday on HGTV (series premiere).
••“Design Interns,” 3 p.m. Friday on HGTV (series premiere).
••“DocTalk,” 7 p.m. Friday on Documentary Channel (series premiere).
••“The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie,” 9 p.m. Friday on HGTV (series premiere).
••“The Squeeze,” 9 p.m. Friday on MSNBC (series premiere).
••“The Antonio Treatment,” 9:30 p.m. Friday on HGTV (sneak peek).
••“How Do I Look?” 7 p.m. Saturday on Style Network (ninth-season premiere).
••“What I Hate About Me,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Style Network (series premiere).
••“Underdog to Wonderdog,” 7 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“It’s Me or the Dog” (8 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“Demons,” 9 p.m. Saturday on BBC America (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Brothers,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Fox (first-season finale).
••“Outer Space Astronauts,” 10 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy (first-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“Royal Pains,” 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday on Sleuth.
••“Ghost Lab,” 9 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on Discovery.
••“How Do They Do It?” 11 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday on Science Channel.
••“South Park,” 8 p.m. to midnight Thursday on Comedy Central.
••“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” 5 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday on USA Network.
••“Disaster House,” 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday on DIY.
••“Mythbusters,” 8 a.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday on Discovery.
••“How It’s Made” 11 a.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Friday on Science Channel.
••“The Virginian,” 11 p.m. Thursday to 11 p.m. Friday on Encore Westerns.
••“The Biggest Loser 8,” 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday on FLN.
••“NCIS” 8 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Jan. 3 on USA Network.
••“Have Gun-Will Travel,” 11 p.m. Friday to 11 p.m. Saturday on Encore Westerns.
Pictured above: Demons – (l to r) Ruby (Holliday Grainger), Luke (Christian Cooke), Rupert (Phillip Glenister) and Mina (Zoe Tapper). Photo Credit: Sony
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Dec. 20-26
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 Dec. 20 (as well as several day-long marathons).
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
BEGINNINGS
••“5 Ingredient Fix,” 11:30 a.m. Saturday on Food Network (third-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Survivor: Samoa,” 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS (19th-season finale).
••“The Sing-Off,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC (series finale).
••“The Closer,” 8 p.m. Monday on TNT (fifth-season finale).
••“Raising the Bar,” 7 p.m. Thursday on TNT (series finale).
••“Find My Family,” 8 p.m. Monday on ABC (first-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“CSI: NY,” 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday on SPIKE.
••“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday on SPIKE.
••“Ghost Hunters,” 7 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday on Syfy.
••“Deadliest Catch,” 8 a.m.Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday on Discovery.
••“A Christmas Story,” 7 p.m. Thursday to 7 p.m. Friday on TBS.
••“Mythbusters,” 8 a.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday on Discovery.
••“Criminal Minds,” 7 a.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday on A&E.
••“Bones,” 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday on TNT.
••“Stargate Universe,” 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday on Syfy.
••“Dogs 101/Cats 101,” 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet
••“Dirty Dancing,” 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday on TV Guide Network.
••“How It’s Made,” 11 a.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday on Science Channel.
••“Hooked,” 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday on National Geographic.
••“Say Yes to the Dress,” 4 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday on TLC.
••“I’m Alive,” 6 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday on Animal Planet.
••“Southern Belles: Louisville,” 6 to 10 p.m. Friday on SoapNet.
••“NCIS,” 8 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Dec. 27 on USA Network.
••“Band of Brothers,” 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday on SPIKE.
Top 55 TV Programs for Dec. 20-26, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Dec. 20:
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
SUNDAY, DEC. 20, 2009
◊“Addicted to Psychics” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special focuses on people who cannot eat, sleep of move without consulting a psychic. In the premiere episode, discover the secret world of Gabby, the psychic hotline addict who can not find peace until she gets her regular psychic fix. And watch as self-confessed psychic junkie Susie consults her readers on matters from real estate deals to what designer shoes to buy.
◊“Christmas in Washington” (7 p.m. on TNT): George Lopez hosts the 28th holiday event that is annually attended by the President and First Lady and benefits the National Children’s Medical Center. Scheduled performers include Mary J. Blige, Neil Diamond, Sugarland, Rob Thomas and Usher. This marks the 28th event overall and 11th broadcast on TNT.
◊“Future 2025″ (9 p.m. on MSNBC): The third installment of MSNBC’s four-part environmental series will focus on the most desperate — but rarely discussed — crisis currently facing our global landscape: the severe threat to our water supply due to global warming and vast population growth.
◊“The Gigantic World of Epics” (7 p.m. on TCM): This special looks at Hollywood’s biggest screen spectaculars from all sides, including the genre’s beginnings, literary adaptations, great epic directors and actors, the challenges of making big-budget movies, classic set-pieces and epic music scores.
◊“History in HD: The Last Bomb” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This special documents one of the 21st Bomber Command’s long distance, low altitude, daylight strikes over Tokyo during the spring and summer of 1945. This rare Technicolor film, transferred to stunning HD, covers the mission in its entirety – from General Curtis Lemay’s initial planning stage, through fighter action and “bomb’s away,” and finally to final touchdown back at the base on Iwo Jima.
◊“Kendra: Here Comes Baby” (8 p.m. on E!): This holiday special follows reality star Kendra Wilkinson (“Kendra”) who is expecting her first child with her new husband, Indianapolis Colts football player Hank Baskett. They are busy trying to settle into their new life before becoming parents. The baby is coming quickly, but the nursery is still in shambles, and the couple can’t seem to decide between baby blue and Colt blue for their future wide receiver.
◊“Nature: Christmas in Yellowstone” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other.
◊“She Survived That … Pregnant?” (8 p.m. on TLC): Four pregnant women face the most harrowing moment of their lives and leave their unborn babies hanging in the balance.
◊“Two Weeks in Hell” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This two-hour special reveals the grueling Green Beret Special Forces selection process. Over 14 days, a candidate’s true character is exposed through physical and mental challenges. Sixty percent of the candidates will not last the two weeks — and passing this test is just for the opportunity to start real Green Beret training.
◊“White House Christmas” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Designer Genevieve Gorder offers viewers an insider’s look at how dozens of volunteers find inspiration in this year’s decor theme, “Reflect, Rejoice, Renew,” to give the White House a traditional yet fresh and eco-friendly transformation for the holidays. During the one-hour special, President Barack Obama and his family light the National Christmas Tree in a special ceremony.
◊“With All Due Respect” (9 p.m. on HLN): This roundtable discussion on the biggest stories of 2009 is hosted by HLN anchor Robin Meade and features TNT NBA analyst Charles Barkley, TBS MLB analyst Dennis Eckersley and TNT NASCAR analyst Kyle Petty giving their opinions on topics ranging from sports to world news, entertainment and current events.
MONDAY, DEC. 21, 2009
◊“ABC World News” (5:30 p.m. on ABC): Diane Sawyer (“Good Morning America”) anchors the newscast today and Tuesday. She is replacing former anchor Charles Gibson, who has retired. Sawyer will permanently take over the anchor spot in January.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): In this episode directed by series creator James Duff, Mary McDonnell reprises her guest role as Capt. Raydor, with whom Brenda forms an unlikely partnership to close an emotional murder case.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs make a shocking discovery about their murder victim, while Horatio tries to save his son from Julia’s erratic behavior. Elizabeth Berkley (“The L Word”) guest stars as Julia.
◊“Find My Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, the search team lends a helping hand to a grieving daughter in search of her birth mother after losing her adoptive mother to ovarian cancer. The team gives her news she never could have expected.
◊“Great Performances: Nutcracker” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi hosts this broadcast of the San Francisco Ballet’s production of “Nutcracker.” It s reset during the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exhibition.
◊“I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!” (7 p.m. on ABC): This 2003 animated special reunites the updated Peanuts gang and the yuletide season. It centers on ReRun, the younger brother of Linus and Lucy, who asks Snoopy to invite his canine brother Spike to come for a visit during Christmas break.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio: Kate Hudson” (6 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton interviews Kate Hudson, who without relying on her personal role as the daughter of Goldie Hawn has become a notable presence on the big screen over the past 10 years.
◊“Little Chocolatiers” (8 p.m. on TLC): Meet the Hatches, little people who own a chocolate shop in Salt Lake City. Watch as Steve and Katie attempt to produce 600 chocolate dice for a casino night party and build a life-sized all-chocolate flower garden for a couples’s fifth anniversary.
◊“Make My Day” (9 p.m. on TV Land): Each episode of this laugh-filled hidden camera series follows a clueless participant who is enjoying a day filled with lucky coincidences and even chance encounters with favorite celebrities, never guessing for a second the whole thing is set up by the show’s production team.
◊“Rufus Wainwright: Prima Donna” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This special chronicles the career of musician Rufus Wainwright as he tackles his grandest project yet: mounting his first classical opera “Prima Donna.”
◊“Search for the Star of Bethlehem” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This special unveils how modern science is re-examining the mystery behind the Star of Bethehem. Recent developments in computer technology are allowing astronomers, historians and scientists to map the ancient world’s star with exceptional accuracy.
◊“The Sing-Off” (7 p.m. on NBC): Nick Lachey (“Charmed”) hosts this live finale in which viewer votes decide which a cappella group wins the $100,000 prize and an Epic Records/Sony recording contract.
◊“Top Gear Polar Special” (7 p.m. on BBC America): In this special, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond set out on a 450 mile land race in the the vehicles of their choice from the town of Resolute in Northern Canada to the magnetic North Pole.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Jake disappears with the daughter of Charlie’s neighbor, a former NFL player, and Charlie is left to cover his back. Meanwhile, Alan scores a hot date with the help of Charlie’s Mercedes. Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) guest stars.
◊“Unlikely Angel” (2 p.m. on ABC Family): This 1996 movie stars Dolly Parton as a brassy lounge singer who accidentally drives her car off a cliff. She meets St. Peter (Roddy McDowell) at the Pearly Gates, and he sends her back because she hasn’t earned her wings.
◊“World Chocolate Championship” (9 p.m. on TLC): Nineteen of the best chocolatiers in the world assemble in Paris to compete for the title of World Chocolate Master. These elite pastry chefs must use all their skills, creativity and cunning to impress judges in five mouthweatering categories.
TUESDAY, DEC. 22, 2009
◊“The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this encore presentation, viewers can catch up with contestants from the previous seven seasons. Danny Cahill from Broken Arrow won Season 8.
◊“Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special” (7 p.m. on Fox): In this encore presentation, the Grammy-winning and multiplatinum country singer performs holiday songs and selections from her albums. Performers joining Underwood onstage include Kristin Chenoweth, David Cook, Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley.
◊“Chelsea Lately Bloopers” (9:30 p.m. on E!): This is the first of three comedy specials highlighting hilarious outtakes and never-before-seen moments from Cheslea Handler’s latenight series.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia and Will have only 72 hours to find the smoking gun that proves the train company, and not the three engineers, is responsible for the crash, thus securing the widows their pensions the company is holding back. Martha Plimpton (“Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars as the train company’s very pregnant attorney.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): While stuck working on a case over Christmas, the team searches for a suspect presumed dead…and begins to discover some startling personal revelations. Peter Coyote (“The 4400″) guest stars.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): Departing from the show’s regular format, host Bryant Gumbel leads correspondents Mary Carillo, Frank Deford, Jon Frankel, Bernard Goldberg and Andrea Kremer in a spirited roundtable discussion of 2009, touching on everything from favorite stories of the year to the interviews and pieces that had the greatest impact on them.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23, 2009
◊“The 11th Annual A Home for the Holidays With Faith Hill” (7 p.m. on CBS): Grammy and Country Music Association Award winner Faith Hill headlines this holiday special that celebrates the joys of adoption from the perspectives of the adoptive families and the children who finally have found stable homes. Joining Hill are musicians Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Mary J. Blige, Michael Franti and Shakira. Jenna Elfman (“Accidentally on Purpose”) and Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) are among the celebrities presenting inspirational stories about adoption.
◊“Christmas at Belmont” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Country music singer Trisha Yearwood hosts this annual concert at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The three-time Grammy winner will be joined by Belmont University’s 10-voice, pop, R&B, rock, and alternative ensemble, Phoenix; female a cappella ensemble, Session; 12-voice, Blues, Swing, Bebop and contemporary jazz group, Jazzmin; and Women’s Choir. Yearwood graduated from Belmont in 1987 and now lives in Owasso with husband Garth Brooks.
◊“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC): The 1966 animated holiday story based on the classic children’s book by Dr. Seuss takes viewers inside a snowflake to Whoville, the magical land of the Whos. But high above this holiday-loving town resides the Grinch, a hateful creature with a heart three sizes too small, who despises Christmas and plots to steal it from the Whos.
◊“E! Entertainment Special: Jonas Brothers” (9 p.m. on E!): Through intimate interviews with brothers Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas, as well as those who know them best, this special uncovers the phenomenon surrounding these gifted performers.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Will thinks the glee club desperately needs more of an edge, so he brings in his former classmate, April Rhodes (Kristin Chenoweth, “Pushing Daisies”), to spice things up. Will’s plan seems to be going smoothly until he realizes he may be losing a key member of the club.
◊“Mega-Tsunami: 5 Years Later” (7 p.m. on TLC): This special about the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami is told almost entirely through amateur archive footage that delivers a powerful story of confusion and panic, heartbreak and heroism, death and survival.
◊“Mercy” (8 p.m. on NBC): As her secret affair with Dr. Sands becomes less and less a secret, Veronica takes a cue from a cancer patient and contemplates coming clean to her husband. Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men”), Ann Meara (“The King of Queens”) and Jerry Stiller (“The King of Queens”) guest star.
◊“Sports Jobs With Junior Seau” (9 p.m. on Versus): The pressure is on as Junior learns how to jack up the car, fill it with gas and change the tires — and do it all to have Scott Dixon’s car back on track in seven seconds.
THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 2009
◊“2009 Hollywood Christmas Parade” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This encore presentation features floats, marching bands and Santa Claus coming down the Tinseltown parade route. Susan Lucci (“”) is the 2009 Grand Marshal.
◊“American Story” (7 p.m. on MSNBC): Journalist Bob Dotson (former KFOR-4 reporter and producer) hosts this special that highlights the extraordinary lives of ordinary Americans throughout the United States. For more than three decades, Bob Dotson has been traveling this country uncovering the stories of people who are practically invisible, the ones who quietly change our lives, but who don’t seek fame or fortune.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Angela’s psychic, Avalon Harmonia (Cyndi Lauper, “Vibes”), reveals while reading Angela’s tarot cards that there are multiple bodies buried under a Washington, D.C. fountain. Angela shares the information with Brennan and Booth, but they’re both a little skeptical considering the source.
◊“Christmas at The Cathedral – Beacon of Hope” (12:05 a.m. on CBS): This special features highlights from the concert series at St. Joseph Cathedral, the seat of the diocese which covers 35,000 square miles east of the Missouri River. The event filled with music and song focuses on the universal story of the Prince of Peace. A prayerful message and Christmas blessing will be lead by the Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, The Most Reverend Paul J. Swain.
◊“Courgar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): A very wealthy potential home buyer (Scott Foley, “Felicity”) feigns interest in an overpriced home in order to get Jules’ attention. Meanwhile, Ellie begrudgingly leaves the baby with Andy for a day to prove to herself that she trusts her husband.
◊“CSI: NY” (7 p.m. on CBS): Mac informs an ex-con that he served time for a crime he didn’t commit, and Anna tells Danny “it’s time” for the first CSI baby to be born. Charles S. Dutton (“Threshold”) and Mare Winningham (“Clubhouse”) guest star.
◊“Faith Hill, Joy to the World: A Soundstage Special Event” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Singer Faith Hill, backed by an orchestra led by conductor David Campbell, presents favorites from her holiday album “Joy to the World.”
◊“The Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special” (9 p.m. on BBC America): Last season ended with Gavin and Stacey reuniting after a difficult separation and happily celebrating the birth of Smithy and Nessa’s baby. Now it’s Christmas Eve and Stacey’s family decide to join Gavin’s for one of his dad’s famous turkey dinners. The British series returns for Season 3 next year.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (9 p.m. on ABC): As Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s pass, Miranda is visited by her father, who disapproves of her choices in life; meanwhile, Mark and Lexie must cope with the shocking arrival of a woman from his past, and Thatcher Grey questions the Chief’s recent behavior as Meredith comes to his defense. Frankie Faison (“Silence of the Lambs”) and Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest star.
◊“It’s a Wonderful Life” (7 p.m. on NBC): This special presentation of director Frank Capra’s 1946 film will be described for the blind and visually impaired by former President George Bush. His descriptions will inform the viewer of what is occurring on the screen, filling in blanks where no dialogue or other sounds tell viewers what is happening.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Christmas is in full swing at the Dunphy house until the kids get in some trouble and Phil and Claire threaten to take away Christmas until one of them fesses up. Meanwhile, Jay struggles with wanting to stick to his holiday traditions while Gloria and Manny want to incorporate some of their Colombian practices. Fred Willard (“Best in Show”) guest stars as Phil’s dad.
◊“Raising the Bar” (7 p.m. on TNT): The canceled legal drama will conclude its two season run with a three-episode marathon.
FRIDAY, DEC. 25, 2009
◊“America’s Children’s Holiday Parade” (8 a.m. on OETA-13): Mark Curry (“Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper”) hosts the 2009 parade featuring children’s favorites appearing as giant ballons and characters waiving from floats. This event in downtown Oakland, Calif., is produced by renowned parade professionals and has a complete focus on children.
◊“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Encore presentation of a classic episode from Christmas 2007.
“Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” (9 a.m. on ABC): The 26th annual parade hosted by Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) at Walt Disney World and Ryan Seacrest (“American Idol”) at Disneyland will feature performances by the Jonas Brothers (“Jonas”), Demi Lovato (“Sonny With a Chance”), Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”), Kris Allen (“American Idol:) and Grammy winners Celine Dion and Stevie Wonder.
◊“Don’t You Forget About Me” (5:40 p.m. on Encore): This documentary follows a group of young filmmakers searching for director John Hughes. It was filmed a year before his untimely death and includes appearances by Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Andrew McCarthy, Kevin Smith, Alan Ruck, Kelly LeBrock, Justin Henry, Roger Ebert, Jason Reitman and Richard Roeper.
◊“Forbes’ Most Bankable Stars” (7:30 p.m. on E!): The experts at Forbes came up with a formula that determined how much money, on average, an actor/actress earned for every $1 he/she was paid. And this special counts down the 10 men and 10 women Hollywood can count on to rake in the big bucks at the box office without breaking the bank.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Melinda helps a family in turmoil after a freak accident. Meanwhile, Delia has her first haunting and discovers why sometimes it’s easier to be a skeptic than a believer. Sharon Lawrence (“NYPD Blue”) guest star.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison works on a seemingly routine missing persons case, but her dreams lead her to suspect that the missing woman’s children may have something to do with her disappearance. Also, Joe’s sister moves in when she thinks her husband is cheating. Guest stars include James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”), Morena Baccarin (“V”) and Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team has only hours to investigate a last-minute tip that could exonerate a dangerous mob boss on the eve of his execution. Meanwhile, Charlie’s attempt to help the CalSci basketball team break their incredible losing streak leads to some interesting outside help. Gina Gershon (“Face/Off”) and Los Angeles Lakers players Pau Gasol and Jordan Farmar guest star.
◊“The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Encore presentation of a Christmas 2008 episode.
◊“Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas” (7 p.m. on NBC): This encore presentation features guest appearances by Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, as well as sketches with troublemaker Gilly (played by Kristen Wiig) and holiday-themed sketches from the show’s 35-year history.
◊“Til Death” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): When Eddie and Joy pay a visit to his parents in Florida, Eddie discovers that his parents are planning to divorce in order to qualify for medical insurance. Eddie refuses to accept the idea and tries to convince his mother (Valerie Harper, “Valerie”) that it’s a bad decision to put his father (Jerry Adler, “Rescue Me”) back on the market .
◊“The Young and the Restless” (11:30 a.m. on CBS): Encore presentation of a classic episode from Christmas 2003.
SATURDAY, DEC. 26, 2009
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): In the Season 3 premiere, host Claire Robinson cooks up a no-fuss cocktail party menue perfect for any gathering. She prepares bite-sized Beef Wellington, sweet and spicy cocktail nuts, shortbread and a classy cocktail.
◊“Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part One” (8 p.m. on BBC America): It’s the Tenth Doctor’s final journey, but his psychotic nemesis the Master has been reborn on Christmas Eve. With both determined to cheat death, the battle ranges from the wastelands of London to the mysterious Immortality Gate. Meanwhile, the alien race Ood warn of an even greater danger approaching.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Detectives Benson and Stabler arrive on the scene of a single murder, they discover two more dead bodies in the apartment next door. Carol Burnett (“The Carol Burnett Show”) and Matthew Lillard (“The Pool Boys”) guest star.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Host Suze Orman celebrates with a new “best calls you’ve never heard,” plus a look back at her year in jackets.
◊“Three Sheets: New Year’s Eve in New York” (8 p.m. on FLN): This special introduces viewers to the premier bar scenes in the city that never sleeps, so drink and be merry with host Zane Lamprey who takes being “spirited” to a whole new level.
–Penny TV
TV Premieres, Finales and Marathons airing Nov. 29-Dec. 5, 2009
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 Nov 29, as well as marathons of some popular shows.
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
••“Intervention,” 8 p.m. Monday on A&E (eighth-season premiere).
••“Hoarders,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (second-season premiere).
••“I’m Pregnant And …,” 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery Health (series premiere).
••“Britain’s Missing Top Model,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on BBC America (series premiere).
••“Scrubs,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (ninth-season premiere).
••“Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on BBC America (fifth-season premiere).
••“Dog the Bounty Hunter,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on A&E (sixth-season premiere).
••“Sports Jobs With Junior Seau,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Versus (series premiere).
••“Steven Seagal Lawman,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on A&E (series premiere).
••“Launch My Line,” 10 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“In the House,” 4:30 p.m. Thursday on Encore (series premiere).
••“BBQ Pitmasters,” 9 p.m. Thursday on TLC (series premiere).
••“Jersey Shore,” 9 p.m. Thursday on MTV (series premiere).
••“1000 Ways to Die,” 11:30 p.m. Saturday on SPIKE (second-season premiere).
••“Manswers,” 11 p.m. Saturday on SPIKE (third-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Storm Chasers,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (third-season finale).
••“Eyes,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on DirecTV (series finale).
••“Sherri,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Lifetime (first-season finale).
••“Bank of Mom and Dad,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (first-season finale).
••“Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network (series finale).
••“Pit Bulls and Paroles,” 9 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (first-season finale).
••“White Collar,” 9 p.m. Friday on USA Network (fall finale).
••“Robin Hood,” 8 p.m. Saturday on BBC America (third-season finale).
••“The Ultimate Fighter 10,” 8 p.m. Saturday on SPIKE (10th-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“How It’s Made,” 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday on Science Channel.
••“Good Times,” 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday on TV Land.
••“Monk,” 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday on USA Network.
••“I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant,” 11 a.m. Sunday to 3 a.m. Monday on Discovery Health.
••“Bizzare Foods,” 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday on Travel Channel.
••“World’s Wildest Vacation Videos,” 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday on truTV.
••“Storm Chasers,” noon Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday on Discovery.
••“America’s Best Dance Crew,” 1 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday on MTV2.
••“The Andy Griffith Show,” 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday on TV Land.
••“Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday on Bravo.
••“Supernanny,” 5 to 11 p.m. Sunday on Style Network.
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 29-Dec. 5, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman,
which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 29:
(NOTE: All times are CT. For ET, add one hour)
SUNDAY, NOV. 29, 2009
◊“The 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert” (7 p.m. on HBO): This four-hour event spotlights a host of musicians with performances culled from live concerts in late October. Among the artists featured are Eric Clapton, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Friends Aretha Franklin, Metallica, Simon & Garfunkel, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, U2 and Stevie Wonder.
◊“650 Lb. Virgin: The Weight Is Over” (9 p.m. on TLC): After losing 400 pounds without resorting to gastric bypass surgery, David Smith has become an inspiration for others. Now, along with his trainer and best friend Chris, he’s on a mission to help reshape the nation.
◊“2009 Soul Train Awards Show” (8 p.m. on BET): Taraji P. Henson (“The Division”) and Terrence Howard (“Street Time”) co-host the event that features performances by Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Boyz II Men, Chrisette Michele, Erykah Badu, Brian McKnight and Mario.
◊“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (6 p.m. on ABC): Former “America’s Funniest Home Videos” host Bob Saget returns as a guest co-host with Tom Bergeron in an episode that salutes the show’s funniest moments in its two decades on the air. In its 20 seasons to date, the show has given away over $10 million in prize money and evaluated more than half a million videotapes from home viewers.
◊“A Dog Named Christmas” (8 p.m. on CBS): A mentally challenged young man (Noel Fisher, “The Riches”) with a penchant for caring for animals in need sets out to convince his family and community to participate in the local shelter’s inaugural “Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.”
◊“The Dog Who Saved Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Mario Lopez (“Nip/Tuck”) provides the voice of Zeus, the misguided guard dog who saves the Bannister family’s Christmas when he thwarts a burglary attempt by two inept thieves.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and the team travel to Lyme, NH, to tell Jay and Elena Marshall that their moldy and rotting home will be rebuilt in seven days.
◊“Frost/Nixon: The Original Watergate Interviews” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This program features David Frost’s entire 1977 Watergate interview with President Nixon. The original broadcast was watched by 45 million Americans and drew the biggest worldwide audience for a news interview.
◊“Half-Ton Teen: Confronting Addiction” (7 p.m. on TLC): Billy Roberts, once the world’s heaviest teenager, is gaining weight again. In the third installment of “Half Ton Teen,” doctors make a desperate attempt to save Billy from self-destruction.
◊“Legend of the Seeker” (5 p.m. on KOCB-34): Kahlan and Richard set out to rescue a mysterious girl named Annabelle (Aimee Teegarden, “Friday Night Lights”), the only other living Confessor, and try to prevent her from accidentally unleashing the powers she possesses.
◊“Pavarotti: Salute Petra” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This tribute concert taped October 2008 at the historial site of Petra in Jordan marks the first anniversary of the death of Luciano Pavarotti. The line-up features opera singers and musicians who performed with the Italian tenor, including Placido Domingo, Angela Gheorghiu and Andrea Bocelli.
MONDAY, NOV. 30, 2009
◊“Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): Castle is wrestling with how to repair his relationship with Beckett, while struggling to finish his soon-to-be-published bestseller, Heat Wave. But circumstances force the pair back together to investigate the mysterious murder of a man found dead, tangled in the limbs of a tree. Authors Stephen J. Cannell and Michael Connelly guest star as themselves.
◊“Emeril Green California” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): This special takes viewers to one of the country’s most progressive and dedicated organic and sustainable farming areas – Sonoma and Napa Valleys.
◊“Hoarders” (9 p.m. on A&E): The second-season premiere introduces viewers to Augustine, whose son Jason was removed from her home by Child Protective Services 14 years ago, because of her hoarding. It follows Jason as he tries one last time to rescue his mother from the filth he escaped from years ago.
◊“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (7 p.m. on ABC): This 1966 animated holiday story takes viewers inside a snowflake to Whoville, the magical land of the Whos. But high above this holiday-loving town resides the Grinch, a hateful creature with a heart three sizes too small, who despises Christmas and plots to steal it from the Whos. The voice cast includes Boris Karloff as The Grinch/Narrator and June Foray as Cindy Lou Who.
◊“Jim Thorpe: The World’s Greatest Athlete” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special chronicles Jim Thorpe’s life — from his boyhood in Oklahoma and his gold-medal wins at the 1912 Summer Olympics to his advocacy of American Indian rights and self-sufficiency. It recounts these events and others through interviews with Thorpe’s surviving children, dramatic recreations and archival photos and film.
◊“The Lady From Shanghai” (7 p.m. on TCM): This 1948 thriller stars Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth and features the famed hall-of-mirrors climax. It is the first of four films guest programmer Anthony Hopkins (“The Silence of the Lambs”) selected to air. The others are 1948′S “The Treasure of Sierra Madre” (8:45), 1940′s “The Grapes of Wrath” (11 p.m.) and 1954′s “Rear Window” (1:15 a.m.).
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Ted tries to prove he’s not pathetic for getting left at the altar, and Barney tries to impress Robin by fighting with patrons who are sitting in their favorite booth. Will Sasson (“MadTV”) guest stars.
◊“Intervention” (8 p.m. on A&E): The eighth-season premiere features Linda, who after graduating from college found success working as an extra in HollywoodBut her dreams died when she came down with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and started taking the painkiller Fentanyl.
◊“Shrek the Halls” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This 2007 animated holiday special Shrek’s plans for a cozy family celebration end up spiraling into one truly unforgettable Christmas. The voice cast includes Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas.
◊“Smokey Robinson Tribute on Ice” (5 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Singer Smokey Robinson will perform while a stellar cast of Olympic, World and National figure skaters — including Brian Boitano, Todd Eldredge and Jennifer Robinson — cut through the ice.
TUESDAY, DEC. 1, 2009
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The final four contestants go home to reunite with family and friends and learn that when they return to the ranch, they will face their toughest challenge yet — running a full marathon. Cheering them along the way with me Season 7 winner Helen Phillips and finalists Tara Costa and Mike Morelli.
◊“Britain’s Missing Top Model” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In this new reality series, eight aspiring models — each with a disability — compete for a photo shoot with one of the United Kingdom’s best known fashion photographers, a four page spread in Marie Claire and an introduction to the head of a top modelling agency.
◊“Christmas Outside the Box” (6 p.m. on TLC): This special will unwrao the rituals of the holiday and reveal a day layeed with mystery, science and honored tradition.
◊“Eyes” (9 p.m. on DirecTV): In the series finale, Wyatt Markum, a bond trader, is murdered under the watch of Jimmy Doyle, a bodyguard and old friend of Harlan’s. The investigation is complicated by detective Ryan Giggs, who believes that Jimmy killed Wyatt. Meanwhile, Jeff’s mother, Dee Dee (Patti D’Arbanville, “New York Undercover”), has been scammed and asks her son for help in catching the con artist.
◊“The Forgotten” (9 p.m. on ABC): The Forgotten Network investigates the death of a John Doe found murdered and stuffed in the trunk of a car four months ago. The investigation takes a turn when a DNA test identifies the Doe as an ex-con who died four years ago. James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”) guest stars.
◊“I’m Pregnant And …” (8:30 p.m. on Discovery Health): This new series follows the stories of women facing serious issues — emotional, physical, mental or circumstantial — as they navigate their nine-month journey through pregnancy. Topics explored throughout the six-part series include “I’m Pregnant and I’m Addicted,” “I’m Pregnant and I Have an Eating Disorder” and “I’m Pregnant and Over 55.”
◊“Invitation Only: Carrie Underwood” (8 p.m. on CMT): Checotah native Carrie Underwood takes the stage to perform her chart-toppers as well as music from her new album “Play On.” She also takes questions from fans and gives revealing and candid answers.
◊“Love In a Time of HIV” (8 p.m. on Showtime): Premiering on the 21st annual World AIDS Day, this documentary takes a walk in the shows of several people around the world living with HIV.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The death of a NCIS agent leads Gibbs and Tony into the desert to locate a woman who holds the answer to the mystery. Lance Henriksen (“Millennium”) guest stars.
◊“Prep & Landing” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This new holiday special reveals the never-before-told tale of a high-tech organization of elves that ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared for the yearly visit from The Big Guy, their code name for Santa Claus. The voice cast includes Dave Foley (“NewsRadio”) as Wayne, Sarah Chalke (“Scrubs”) as Magee and Derek Richardson (“Men In Trees”) as Lanny.
◊“Sci-Fi Science: Physics of the Impossible” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): This new series based on Dr. Michio Kaku’s best-selling book combines his knowledge of theoretical physics with his ability to turn high-level science into blueprints for light sabers, starships, time travel and more. In each episode, Dr. Kaku will illustrate how each fantastic invention would work and could be built.
◊“Scrubs” (8 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 9 premiere, J.D., Turk, Drs. Cox and Kelso and Intern Denise return to Sacred Heart to teach med school, while new med students Lucy, Drew, Cole and Maya are put through the ringer on their first day of school.
◊“Sherri” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): In the Season 1 finale, Sherri finds herself at a crossroads between re-kindling her relationship with Kevin and starting a new future with Randy.
◊“Transgendered and Pregnant” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special tells the story of a transgendered couple expecting a baby. In spite of ongoing hormone treatments, the male-to-female transgender wife managed to impregnate the female-to-male tramsgender husband, and cameras follow the couple throughout the pregnancy leading up to the birth of their first child.
◊“The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show” (9 p.m. on CBS): The annual holiday-themed runway show returns to New York City and will feature supermodels Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes and Marisa Miller. The event will also feature model profiles, behind-the-scenes footage, red-carpet interviews and performances by three-time Grammy Award winners the Black Eyed Peas.
◊“Where the Water Meets the Sky” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Narrated by Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”), this documentary tells the story of a group of Northern Zambian women who learn how to use the art of filmmaking as a way to speak out about their lives and the plight of the staggering number of young women orphaned by AIDS in their country.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2, 2009
◊“Bank of Mom and Dad” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): Sarah, a 23-year-old self-proclaimed “urban sophisticate” from New Jersey, spends all of her money on clothes and food while her parents foot the bill for her real expenses on the season finale.
◊“Christmas in Rockefeller Center” (7 p.m. on NBC): Jane Krakowski (“30 Rock”) and Zachary Levi (“Chuck”) co-host the 77th annual holiday celebration that has aired on NBC for 12 years. The tree lighting event will also feature performances by Michael Bublé, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, The Roots, Shakira, and The Radio City Rockettes.
◊“Criminal Minds” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team travels to Fort Lauderdale during spring break to find a serial killer with multiple personalities who is targeting co-eds on vacation. Roma Maffia (“Nip/Tuck”) and Jackson Rathbone (“Twilight”) on “Criminal Minds,” 9 p.m. on CBS.
◊“Dog the Bounty Hunter” (8 p.m. on A&E): Season 6 opens with the show’s 150th episode, and Duane “Dog” Chapman’s target seems to have a taste for drugs and a record of reckless driving.
◊“Eastwick” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): While enduring a visit from her mother, Edie (Joanna Kerns, “Growing Pains”), Roxie discovers a newfound power. After Jamie’s failed attempt to poison Darryl lands Greta Noa (Rosanna Arquette, “The L Word”) in the hospital about to die, Darryl urges Kat to embrace her healing abilities so she can save his friend. Meanwhile, Jamie is forced to team up with Bun and Eleanor (Cybill Shepherd, “The L Word”) to finish the job on Darryl.
◊“The Grammy Nominations Concert Live! Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night” (8 p.m. on CBS, 2:37 a.m. Friday on KWTV-9 in OKC): LL Cool J (“NCIS: Los Angeles”) host host this special broadcast live from Club NOKIA in Los Angeles. It will reveal Grammy nominations in several categories and the world premiere performance of Nick Jonas & the Administration, as well as appearances by Black Eyed Peas, Sugarland and Maxwell.
◊“Launch My Line” (10 p.m. on Bravo): Designers Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED2 host this new series that follows 10 professionals who are paired with 10 established fashion designers who will help them execute their dream clothing line.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): Officer Nate Kendall (Wentworth Miller, “Prison Break”) is called in to help Detectives Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler solve a series of rape cases.
◊“Little Parents, First Baby” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): Dwarf couple Becky and Craig Hennon welcomed their first child earlier this year. Cameras revisit the family to see how they are faring and find out if they have learned whether their baby boy will also be a dwarf.
◊“Rebuilding America” (7 p.m. on CNBC): Are the manufacturing jobs in the U.S. gone forever? Does an economy that doesn’t produce anything have any real value? CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo and some leaders in manufacturing answer those questions and chart our path forward.
◊“Pixar Short Films” (6 p.m. on ABC Family): This two-hour presentation features 20 animated Pixar short films, including Academy Award winners “Tin Toy” (1988), “Geri’s Game” (1991) and “For the Birds” (2001) and Oscar nominees “Luxo Jr.” (1986), “Mike’s New Car” (2002), “Boundin” (2003), “One Man Band” (2005), “Lifted” (2006) and “Presto” (2008).
◊“Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Chef Gordon Ramsay returns for a fifth seaosn of taking on struggles restaurant ventures and passing on tips to owners on how best to cope with the credit crunch.
◊“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (7 p.m. on CBS, 2:37 a.m. Thursday on KWTV-9 in OKC): The longest-running holiday special in television history celebrates its 45th anniversary with this digitally-remastered version. The classic “Animagic” special features a musical score from Johnny Marks and the voice of Burl Ives.
◊“Sports Jobs With Junior Seau” (9 p.m. on Versus): The former New England Patriot linebacker trades in his helmet and pads and tries out the sometimes thankless byt extremely important jobs across the entire sports world. In the premiere episode, Seau will be working as part of the construction crew helping to build the new stadium for the New York Giants/Jets.
◊“Steven Seagal Lawman” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new real-life series chronicles martial arts expert and film star Steven Seagal’s work in law enforcement. For almost 20 years, he has been working as a fully-commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. Each episode will allow fans to ride shotgun with Seagal as he and an elite team of deputies respond to crimes-in-progress.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The final chef’testants gear up for the high-stakes finale on Dec. 9, as the final four travel to Napa and get narrowed down to three. And the three finalists get a surprise wake-up and fight for the title.
◊“Tulsa A to Z” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Tulsa video historian Jack Frank takes viewers on a tour of unique and historical places across the city — from the Admiral Twins, the city’s last remaining drive-in, to the Indy 500 race cars built by Tulsan Jack Zink.
◊“Whatever, Martha!” (8 p.m. on FLN): To prove that she is in on the show’s joke, Martha Stewart joins co-hosts Alexis Stewart and Jennifer Koppelman Hutt on the couch to reminisce about some of her favorite TV segments, including Martha making a spice rubbed turkey with TV anchor Bryant Gumbel and showing off her new laundry room. The hosts also talk to Martha about what her life was like growing up.
THURSDAY, DEC. 3, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): Tracy takes on the ultimate Hollywood challenge in order to prove is commitment to his wife (Sheri Shepherd, “Sherri”).
◊“BBQ Pitmasters” (9 p.m. on TLC): Each episode of this new series travels to a different competition and shows viewers what it takes to win big in barbecue. An estimated 10 million people visit competitions each year to get up-close and personal with the leading chefs of America’s barbecue circuit. Among the competitions documented are the Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-Off in Illinois, Diamond State BBQ Championship in Delaware and The Big Pig Jig in Georgia.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): A hypnotist who uses her powers of persuasion to rob banks becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Jorja Fox reprises her role as Sara Sidle.
◊“Dwarf Adoption Story” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): This hour-long special follows the daily lives of David and Tina King, a dwarf couple who hope to adopt their second child — a 2-year-old dwarf from Albania.
◊“Echo: Queen of the Elephants” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special spotlights the 1,200 elephants that live nestled at the foot of Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and the researchers who study and hope to protect them. The Kenyan savannah is experiencing one of its worst droughts and, as a result, these elephants that cherish familial ties and experience emotions similar to those of humans must watch as their family members fall victim to thirst, starvation and poaching. It is estimated that hundreds of elephants have died as a result.
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Against Wedeck’s orders, Mark and Demetri travel to Hong Kong in search of the woman claiming to know details of Demetri’s fate; Lloyd tries to come clean about his and Simon’s involvement in the global blackout; and Zoey discovers the true meaning of her flashforward.
◊“In the House” (4:30 p.m. on Encore): Hollywood insiders Peter Bart and Peter Guber co-host this new entertainment news and interview show. It will deal with breaking news and industry trends in pop culture and will provide a platform for major stars, key filmmakers and other creative and business leaders who wish to comment on their industry.
◊“Inside the Mind of Google” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Maria Bartiromo (“Closing Bell”) reports on how two graduate students took a one-time research project and in barely a decade and turned it into a global technological powerhouse. With nearly two billion searches being done on its website every day, Google has access to an unprecedented amount of information about its users.
◊“Jersey Shore” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new series follows eight young adults as they move into a summer share to indulge in everything Seaside Heights, NJ, has to offer. It uncovers sometimes surprising, often hilarious and usually over-the-top personalities as they juggle work, love, nightlife, friendship and the drama that ensues. In the end, viewers see that there is more to these tan and buff individuals than hair gel.
◊“The Truth About Binge Drinking” (7 p.m. on BBC America): British pop star Michelle Heaton takes an investigative look into the world of binge drinking, which affects everyone from college to underage kids and from desperate housewives to young professionals.
FRIDAY, DEC. 4, 2009
◊“2009 mtvU Woodie Awards” (9 p.m. on MTV): For the sixth year in a row, college students from all over the country have nominated their favorite artists to vie for mtvU Woodie awards. Nominees Death Cab For Cutie and Matt & Kim will perform along with The Dead Weather, featuring Jack White (White Stripes, The Raconteurs), Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age), Jack Lawrence (The Greenhornes, The Raconteurs) and Alison Mosshart (The Kills).
◊“Expecting 15 Babies” (7 p.m. on Discovery Health): Three families experience the dangerous business of giving birth to and raising multiples, including the first Hispanic sextuplets in the United States, an expecting mother of quadruplets and a family with 22-month-old quintuplets.
◊“One Life to Live” (1 p.m. on ABC): The All-American Rejects (rock band from Stillwater) will appear at Ultraviolet, and Rex surprises his son Shane with the honor of announcing the band. The multi-platinum group is currently making the rounds on an international tour for their latest musical offering, “When the World Comes Down,” and will perform “Mona Lisa” and “I Wanna” from the album.
◊“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (6:30 p.m. on ABC Family): In this film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s bestseller, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers of his own. Three more films in the “Harry Potter” series will air on the network this weekend: “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (3 p.m. Saturday), “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (7 p.m. Saturday) and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (6:30 p.m. Dec. 6).
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): When samples of a deadly viral disease go missing, Allison’s visions could help prevent a massive bio-terror attack. Also, Scanlon is ready to propose to Lynn, but Bridgette’s dreams could foreshadow problems on the horizon. Matt Letscher (“Entourage”) guest stars as bio-pathologist Dr. Erik Westphal, who has been working with the virus.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): In the series finale, Monk hunts down his wife Trudy’s killer.
◊“A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa” (7 p.m. on NBC): On Christmas Eve, Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo and the rest of the gang attempt to deliver three letters to Santa Claus. Guest starring in this special filled with song, mayhem and heaps of holiday spirit are Whoopi Goldberg, Jane Krakowski, Nathan Lane, Jesse L. Martin, Steve Schirripa, Tony Sirico, Uma Thurman and New York’s Mayor Bloomberg.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the team foils a robbery of an armored car full of Federal Reserve money and recover bills that trace back to the infamous D.B. Cooper heist, they call on Agent Roger Bloom, who worked on the Cooper case, for help with the investigation. Henry Winkler (“Happy Days”) returns as former FBI Agent Roger Bloom.
◊“Pit Bulls and Paroles” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Running the Villalobos Rescue Center is a financial strain, and it is getting harder for Tia Maria Torres to make ends meet.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): While docked in Sweden, Zack and Cody learn from Mayor Ragnar (Ed Begley Jr., “Gary Unmarried”) that their ancestors were scoundrels, rather than heroes like they thought. Meanwhile, Marcus and Moseby get stuck in a furniture store trying to find a screw for Moseby’s nightstand.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Things should be dreamy at the Bahamas resort, where even Shakira (portraying herself) is staying, but Betty has a nightmarish photo shoot after Willie learns her nemesis, Penelope Graybridge (Christie Brinkley, “Vacation”), snagged a coveted job.
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): In the fall finale, the FBI investigates a jewelry heist, and all clues point to Neal. Now Peter must figure out if Neal is telling the truth or pulling a con.
SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 2009
◊“12 Men of Christmas” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Tony and Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth (“Pushing Daisies”) stars in this romantic comedy, adapted from a novel by Phillipa Ashley. She plays a New York public relations executive who loses her job and her fiance at her office holiday party. To escape everything, she takes a job in Montana and channels her energy to help raise funds for the local search-and-rescue team by producing a steamy calendar of its hunky men.
◊“1000 Ways to Die” (11:30 p.m. on SPIKE): The series, begins Season 2 with back-to-back episodes, showcases some of the most outrageously true stories about those who died in the most unorthodox styles. It moves to at 9 p.m. Wednesdays on Dec. 9.
◊“A Boyfriend for Christmas” (4 p.m. on Lifetime): Kelli Williams (“Lie to Me”) stars in this holiday comedy as Holly, who professes that she doesn’t believe in Santa Claus since she can’t meet the man of her dreams.
◊“Debbie Macomber’s Mrs. Miracle” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Single dad Seth Webster (James Van Der Beek) is in desperate need of a nanny. At his lowest point, Mrs. Merkle (Doris Roberts) appears and proves herself to be more-than-adept at handling his twin 6-year-old boys.
◊“Guy Fieri’s Top of the Class” (6:30 p.m. on Food Network): This behind-the-scenes special reveals what happens when aspiring teenage chefs gather in San Digo for the National proStar Invitational. Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) hosts the event as students race to complete a three-course meal before the hour runs out.
◊“Guy’s Disney Holiday” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Guy Fieri explores Disneyland during the holidays and shares the fun, excitement and charm that the park offers through its holiday-themes meals and treats.
◊“iQuite iCarly” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this original movie based on the Nickelodeon series, a rift between iCarly BFFs’ Carly Shay (Miranda Cosgrove) and Sam Puckett (Jennette McCurdy) puts their friendship to the test and takes its toll on their popular web show.
◊“Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special features Rockette performances that showcase the dancers’ signature precision dance style. Traditional fan favorites such as the “Living Nativity” scene and “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” have been in the show since its inception in 1933.
◊“Robin Hood” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Robin and Gisborne have been forced together to save their half brother and take down the evil Prince John. Tune in to the Season 3 finale find out if their alliance lasts or if Prince John takes down Robin Hood once and for all.
◊“Sandra Lee Celebrates: Magical Merry Christmas” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Following their 13-year-old daughter Kelsea through her recent recovery from cancer, the Henderson family now spends their holiday time brightening the lives of those still in need. Sandra will teach the Hendersons how to create the perfect food, decorations and tree trimmings for their own family, as well as arm them with useful tips on how to use their favorite holiday items to craft a moving ‘pay it forward’ tribute to the hospital where Kelsea spent so much time.
◊“Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam” (10 p.m. on Showtime): D.L. Hughley hosts this event that features stand-up from comedians Earthquake, Lavell Crawford, Melanie Comarcho and Arnez J. It was filmed live at the 13th annual American Black Film Festival in Miami.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 22-28, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 22:
NOTE: Times are CT. For ET, add one hour.
SUNDAY, NOV. 22, 2009
◊“2009 American Music Awards” (7 p.m. on ABC): The 37th annual event will honor artists in the categories of Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin and Contemporary Inspirational. And for the third year in a row, winners will be determined by online voting. Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire for favorite female country artist and Rascal Flatts for favorite country band and album.
◊“Bill Engvall: Aged and Confused” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): In this standup comedy special filmed at the Vic Theater in Chicago, the Blue Collar comedian moves away from discussing family life and what it’s like raising kids to discussing all the little everyday things that drive him nuts.
◊“The Cleveland Show” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): Cleveland celebrates his first Thanksgiving with his new family. However, the holiday gets complicated when Roberta and Federline decide to celebrate on their own. Musical artists Daryl Hall and John Oates guest star as themselves.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 7 finale, a returned favor costs Larry quality time with Cheryl.
◊“Did the Mob Kill JFK?” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Featuring an exclusive interview with a secret FBI informant, this special tracks the nexus of organized crime, the Justice Department, the CIA and attempts to overthrow Cuban leader Fidel Castro culminating in that fateful day in Dallas.
◊“Future Earth: 100 Heartbeats” (7 p.m. on MSNBC): Wildlife expert Jeff Corwin hosts this two-hour special on the plight of endangered species and the environmental heroes around the world who are working to save them. At the current rate of extinction, scientists estimate that only half of the world’s animal species will remain by the end of the 21st century.
◊“The Haunted” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series focuses on people whose animals act as mediaries to the afterworld. Often the subjects of the most intense paranormal hauntings, animals are commonly believed to be more sensitive to spirits than people. But when spirits afflict pets, the animals aren’t the only victims. Owners also fall prey to paranormal activity and will often stop at nothing to rid their homes and pets of paranormal spirits.
◊“JFK: The Ruby Connection” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special sets out to answer this by recreating and restaging the Nov. 24, 1963, shooting of Oswald at the actual Dallas police station garage where Jack Ruby shot him. The same vintage cameras and lights will be used to illustrate minute-by-minute who was standing where and why.
◊“Meet the Natives USA” (10 p.m. on Travel Channel): This new series focuses on five tribesmen from the South Pacific island of Tanna who have come to the United States to see how Americans live and to deliver a message of peace from their supreme chief to the leaders of America.
◊“The Next Iron Chef” (8 p.m. on Food Network): The remaining two chefs walk into the hallowed halls of Kitchen Stadium to complete their final test with the Chairman looking on and host Alton Brown commentating from the side.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): Fed up with Bart’s constant pranks, Principal Skinner tells him there is a former Springfield Elementary student (Jonah Hill, “Funny People”) who is hailed as the best prankster ever.
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In the new episode “Fight or Flight,” University of Oklahoma graduate Reed Timmer isn’t satisfied after he launches a remote control plane to drop data-probes into a tornado, so he punches right into an erratic storm, only to find himself with no time to get out of the way of the powerful vortices that surround him.
◊“Vampires From the Abyss” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Journey to depths of more than 13,000 feet as Science Channel searches the oceans off San Francisco for one of the most unusual organisms on the planet — the Vampire Squid.
MONDAY, NOV. 23, 2009
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): After he’s humiliated on National Public Radio, Sheldon vows to destroy Kripke, while Wolowitz tries not to destroy his new relationship with Bernadette. “Battlestar Galactica” star Katee Sackhoff appears as herself, offering Wolowitz some relationship advice.
◊“Bus 174″ (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This special documents the terrifying tale of what happened in Rio de Janeiro on June 12, 2000, when bus 174 was taken hostage by an armed man threatening to shoot all the passengers. The event played out live on over Brazilian TV networks. It became a shocking example of the incompetence by local law enforcement agencies to properly handle the situation, which appeared to be coming to a safe and peaceful conclusion until the misguided acts of a policeman changed everything.
◊“Elbert Hubbard: An American Original” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Liev Schreiber (“The Manchurian Candidate”) narrates this documentary about the life of Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915), the flamboyant founder of the Roycroft artisan community in East Aurora, N.Y. The voice of Hubbard, an influential author, publisher, lecturer and entrepreneur, is provided by Adam Arkin (“Baby Bob”).
◊“Find My Family” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): With the help of a dedicated team of researchers, hosts Tim Green and Lisa Joyner guide people searching for lost loved ones through emotional journeys that will change their lives forever.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): On the eve of Thanksgiving, the team treats a brilliant physicist (Esteban Powell, “The Cleaner), who traded his career for a job as a courier because he found intelligence to be a burden that led to depression and addiction. A myriad of strange symptoms nearly stumps the doctors, who also wrestle with strained personal relationships.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): Barney freaks out when Marshall bequeaths a “slap bet” slap to Ted and Robin. Meanwhile, Lily’s estranged father (Chris Elliott, “Everybody Loves Raymond”) shows up for Thanksgiving.
◊“Jon and Kate Plus 8″ (8 p.m. on TLC): On the Season 5 finale, Kate and the kids milk cows at a dairy farm and Jon and the kids learn about firefighting. Then, Jon and Kate speak about recent life events, the series and ups and downs of the last few years.
◊“Lie to Me” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Loker investigates the origin of a deadly stampede at an electronics store on the day after Thanksgiving.
◊“Live With Regis and Kelly” (9 a.m. on CBS): Hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa are in Las Vegas for a week of telecasts originating from the city’s new resort, Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. In addition to a top-notch lineup of guests, the show will turn the spotlight on Las Vegas’ vibrant nightlife, elaborate stage productions and all of the sights and sounds of this unique oasis in the desert.
◊“The Martha Stewart Show” (2 p.m. on KSBI-52): Chef Emeril Lagasse joins Martha Stewart in the kitchen to prepare a Thanksgiving feast. And in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Martha will dedicate one segment per show to answer last-minute Thanksgiving questions via Twitter.
◊“Rita Rocks” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): When Rita’s PTA nemesis, Jennifer (Melissa Peterman, “Reba”), shows up at Bed & Bath Max blubbering about being broke and her husband running off with their maid, Rita helps her get a job at the store.
◊“Surviving the Holidays With Lewis Black” (7 p.m. on History): Armed with history and humor, Lewis Black (“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart”) explores the meaning of Kwanzaa, the history of Hanukkah, the real St. Nicholas and “interviews” ill-fated turkeys on a farm. Also appearing are Joy Behar, Bob Saget, David Alan Grier, Craig Ferguson and other comics.
TUESDAY, NOV. 24, 2009
◊“Apollo Wives” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This special looks at the wives of Apollo astronauts and what was required of them by their husbands, by NASA and by the media.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The five remaining contestants get a surprise visit from financial guru Suze Orman, who gives them tips on how toi be financially fit when they get home. Later, Hall of Fame football player Rod Woodson helps kick off an NFL challenge involving the weight they’ve each lost all season.
◊“Dancing With the Stars” (8:01 p.m. on ABC): The three remaining couples compete for the Season 9 championship. Singer Mya and her partner, Dmitry Chaplin, were early favorites to win.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia deals with tricky office politics when she’s asked to represent the firm’s senior partner after he’s arrested. Meanwhile, Peter’s evidentiary hearing hits the skids, leading Alicia to suspect that he may, in fact, actually be guilty of corruption. Chelsea Handler (“Chelsea Lately”) guest stars as herself when she interviews Peter Florrick’s mistress on her show.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): A look at our complex relationship with manufactured objects, the people who design them and the creative process behind their work.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A dead Marine’s day job at a government think tank leads Gibbs and the team into the life of a 12-year-old prodigy who may be the killer’s next target. Lisa Sheridan (“Invasion”) guest stars as Facilities Coordinator Krista Dalton. Francis Capra (“Veronica Mars”) guests as Gang Member Eddie Castillo. Ray Mabus, the 75th United States Secretary of the Navy, will make a cameo appearance.
◊“NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): Forensic scientist Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette, “NCIS”) joins the Los Angeles NCIS team when a murder case resembles the pattern for a serial killer she has been tracking.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment follows heading dream researchers to witnes the experiments they use to investigate the world of sleep.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): The 152nd edition profiles an organization for paralyzed football players, follows one man’s triumphant return to Ironman competition and revisits the NFL’s efforts to curb alcohol-induced fan misconduct.
◊“So You Think You Can Dance” (7 p.m. on Fox): The top 12 dancers twist, turn and tango for the chance to get a ticket on the “Hot Tamale Train.” This is the last week that the judges decide who goes home, and then it will be solely up to America.
◊“V” (7 p.m. on ABC): On the November cliffhanger, Erica looks to uncover a biological threat from the visitors, Anna befriends a special guest inside the mothership and Chad does an investigative report on the V healing centers. The series will return with new episodes in March.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25, 2009
◊“American Masters” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment focuses on the music of folk singer Woody Guthrie, whose songs have been recorded by artists ranging from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to the Irish rock band U2.
◊“Ben 10: Alien Swarm” (6 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new live-action movie based on the popular animated franchise follows Ben (Ryan Kelley, “Prayers for Bobby”) as he breaks ranks from the Plumbers — a secret organization that battles alien forces — to help a mysterious young woman from his past uncover an alien threat to our world.
◊“The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?” (7 p.m. on NBC): This special will feature more that 40 contestants from seasons one through seven, showing how they look now and sharing what they’ve been doing with their lives since being on the show. Former players, some of whom will be surprised by visits from trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels, will also share major milestones, from getting married to having children.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): On the show”s 100th episode, the Behavioral Analysis Unit races to help Hotchner find The Reaper (C. Thomas Howell, “The Outsiders”) and save his family before it’s too late. D.B. Sweeney (“Jericho”) also returns as US Marshall Kassmeyer.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): In the culmination of a multi-episode mystery, Mac and his team uncover the dark lair of a murderous madman, the Compass Killer (Skeet Ulrich, “Jericho”). But as they race to save his fourth victim, the sunrise presents one final surprise that no one ever expected.
◊“Eastwick” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Thrilled when Darryl arranges an art show for her work at his mansion — and invites New York art maven Greta Noa (Rosanna Arquette) — Roxie forgets that his motives might be less than pure. Joanna turns to her power to get her life back on track, but swiftly discovers that every action, magical or otherwise, has its consequences.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Gary lets Louise attend the popular girls party, he tries to keep it a secret from Allison. Meanwhile, Sasha contemplates having more than a working relationship with Gary. Victoria’s Secret Model Marisa Miller guest stars as Brittney, a fashion store clerk.
◊“Glee” (8 p.m. on Fox): Mr. Schuester and his glee club check out their hair-raising competition, but there’s even scarier stuff going on elsewhere, as Kurt gives Rachel a makeover. Eve guest stars as the rival glee club’s instructor.
“The Jazz Baroness” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This special documents the enduring relationship between British-born heiress Pannonica Rothschild (“Nica” for short) and pianist-composer Thelonious Monk. It was directed by Nica’s great-niece Hannah Rothschild and features the voice of Helen Mirren (“The Queen”), who reads Nica’s words.
◊“Man Shops Globe” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Keith Johnson, buyer-at-large for the innovative specialty retailer Anthropologie, continues his search for unusual good while on vacation in Argentina. In the Palermo area, he combs through the offerings at a flea market, checks in with his favorite fabric merchant, who sells hand-loomed pieces from remote parts of the country and takes in two stores specializing in 20th Century pieces.
◊“Man v. Food” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): Host Adam Richman visits Little Rock, Ark., to taste the mammoth Quadruple Hubcap Burger and compete in the Shut Up Juice Spicy Pulled Pork Challenge.
◊“Modern Family” (7 p.m. on ABC): Claire and Mitchell’s mother, Dede (Shelley Long,” Cheers”), drops in for a surprise visit and is determined to make amends with everyone she offended during what has been deemed “the incident” at Jay and Gloria’s wedding.
◊“Secrets of the Dead” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The episode “Mumbai Massacre” revisits the events of Nov. 26, 2008, when a wave of orchestrated terrorism was transmitted live around the world via cell phones, the Internet, texting and social networks such as Twitter. That same technology enabled the terrorists to coordinate and plan their attacks.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Ricardo Montalban was born on this day in 1920, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of his films, including 1952′s “My Man and I” (9:45 a.m.), 1966′s “The Money Trap” (3:15 p.m.) and 1966′s “The Singing Nun” (5 p.m.).
◊“A Very Monkey Christmas” (7 a.m. on OETA-13): This holiday special finds Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat preparing for Christmas, when they encounter a dilemma–neither can figure out what to give the other for a present. It features classic Christmas carols, as well as three original songs –”Are You Ready?”, “Something As Special as You”, and “Christmas Monkey.”
THURSDAY, NOV. 26, 2009
◊“2009 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” (8 a.m. on NBC): “Today” show’s Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Al Roker will co-host the 83rd annual event, which has aired on NBC since 1948. More than 8,000 participants, including marching bands, celebrities, clowns, floats and giant helium balloons, will once again convene on the Upper West Side to bring the magic of the season to life. Joining the balloon team this year will be Spider-Man, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Ronald McDonald and Sailor Mickey Mouse.
◊“2009 National Dog Show Presented by Purina” (11 a.m. on NBC): Three new American Kennel Club-recognized breeds — the Irish Red and White Setter, Norwegian Buhund and Pyrenean Shepherd — will be among more than 150 breeds competing for best in breed, group winner and best in show honors at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. America’s top-ranked show dog, a Scottish Terrier named Sadie, is also entered in the event, which is co-hosted by John O’Hurley (“Seinfeld”) and David Frei (expert analyst).
◊“Beyonce: I Am … Yours” (8 p.m. on ABC): An intimate performance of Beyonce’s appearance at the Encore at Wynn in Las Vegas last summer in which she tells the story of her career through music and dance. It includes never-before-seen footage of her off stage life and rare childhood video.
◊“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this 1973 animated special, the pressure is on for Charlie Brown after Peppermint Patty decides she and the gang will have Thanksgiving dinner at ‘‘Chuck’s” house. The holiday classic is followed by “This Is America, Charlie Brown: The Mayflower Voyagers,” in which Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew experience firsthand the lifestyle of the early settlers and celebrate the first Thanksgiving.
◊“CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” (8 p.m. on CNN): Anderson Cooper (“Anderson Cooper 360″) hosts the third annual event that spotlights everyday citizens changing the world. Culled from more than 9,000 submissions and selected by a Blue Ribbon panel that included Whoopi Goldberg,Elton John, Kirk Cameron and Ted Turner, the Top Ten Heroes will each be awarded $25,000. Also, Carrie Underwood will perform at the gala.
◊“Cool Tools Hardware Show 2009″ (7 p.m. on DIY): “Cool Tools” host Chris Grundy visits the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas to check out more than 850,000 square feet of the latest in tools.
◊“Kaleidoscope” (3 p.m. on Fox): This holiday variety special features Olympic skating champions and Grammy Award-winning music artists. Scott Hamilton, who will kake his first television performance since being diagnosed with a brain tumor five years ago, will skate to the music of fellow cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John. Also performing will be Dorothy Hamill, Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan and Olympic figure skating hopefuls Johnny Weir and Rachael Flatt.
◊“NBC’s People of the Year” (8 p.m. on NBC): Matt Lauer (“Today”) looks back at the year’s most memorable celebrities, politicians and pop stars and invites the public to vote on-line for the person of the year.
◊“Paul McCartney: Good Evening New York City” (9 p.m. on ABC): This special was taped last summer when Paul McCartney performed at Shea Stadium in Queens, NY. Also featured is footage of the Beatles concert at Shea Stadium 44 years ago, as well as an interview with McCartney talking about those early days and what it was like to return and sing many of those Beatles songs today.
◊“Punkin Chunkin 2009″ (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This special highlights the Delaware-based World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association (WCPCA) competition, in 110 competitors from 20 states try to launch a pumpkin one mile. “The Road to Punkin Chunkin” at 7 p.m. captures the high pressure blowups, breakdowns and sparks throughout the journey for chunkin glory.
◊“The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS” (8 a.m. on CBS): Maggie Rodriguez and Dave Price from “The Early Show” will anchor the event, which will feature the 83rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiivng Day Parade live from New York City, as well as a performance by country music artist Reba McEntire from Oklahoma. Additional performances during the parade include the Broadway casts of “West Side Story” and “Ragtime” and the off-Broadway cast of “Dreamgirls.” And Jamie Kennedy (“Ghost Whisperer”) will offer an additional viewpoint of the parade as the “Man on the Street” as he reports and interacts with the crowd.
◊“There’s a Rhino In My House” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Safari park owners Judy and John Travers have devoted their lives to protecting black rhinos in eastern Zimbabwe. When a tragic turn of events leaves a baby rhino, warthog and hyena orphaned, Judy takes on the task of rasing all three in her home.
FRIDAY, NOV. 27, 2009
◊“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Best from the Road” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Host Guy Fieri takes a look back at some of his most memorable visits to joints across the country. The special highlights local favorites, good food and crazy characters.
◊“Great Performances” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Superstar Sting welcomes the holidays with an atmospheric musical celebration of wintertime.The special, taped near his hometown of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in northern England, features new songs, as well as Sting’s interpretation of classical favorites.
◊“I’m in the Band” (5:45 p.m. on Disney XD): This is a special preview of a new music-filled comedy series that follows teenager Tripp Campbell (Logan Miller, “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”) as he joins his favorite “vintage” rock band, Iron Weasel, and sets out to help them make an epic comeback. The series is scheduled to premiere in January.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison slips into a coma during a murder investigation and her spirit inhabits the body of a man named Todd Emory (Jeffrey Tambor, “Arrested Development”), who may be a suspect in the case.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk returns to the place where he first heard about Trudy’s murder and kicks off an investigation of great significance. Casper Van Dien (“Starship Troopers”) guest stars.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team has only four hours to stop a group of hijackers who take a bus full of Hollywood tourists hostage. Fisher Stevens (“Early Edition”) guest stars.
◊“Say Yes to the Dress: Nightmares and Dreams” (8 p.m. on TLC): This special installment highlights some of the most entertaining, emotional and plain wacky moments from the previous three seasons, including loud bridal parties, opinionated moms, picky brides and extremely unusual requests.
◊“Shameless” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Season 5 of the award-winning British comedy series follows the lives of the Gallagher clan and their extended network of lovers, friends and foes at a public housing project in Manchester, England.
◊“Skyrunners” (4 p.m. on Disney XD): This new sci-fi adventure movie follows teenage brothers Tyler (Joey Pollari) and Nick Burns (Kelly Blatz, “Aaron Stone”) who commandeer a small UFO that crashes near their town. They soon learn the spacecraft is “alive” and there’s an alien plot to take over Earth.
◊“VH1 Storytellers: Foo Fighters” (10 p.m. on VH1): This special features a collection of the Foo Fighters’ greatest hits as well as a performance of their new single “Wheels.” Viewers will also get to hear the band members share their stories and inspiration behind each song.
SATURDAY, NOV. 28, 2009
◊“Big Time Rush” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This is a special preview of a new comedy series that chronicles the journey of four best friends who are given the opportunity of a lifetime when they get a chance to be part of the Los Angeles pop music scene. The series is scheduled to premiere in early 2010.
◊“Holly and Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure” (9 a.m. on ABC Family): This one-hour animated movie features Meaghan Martin (“10 Things I Hate About You”) and Jonathan Morgan Heit (“Bedtime Stories”) as the voices of Easton and Weston, two high-strung elves who monitor the North Pole Weather Center. It features the new song “When You Dream” by Tena Clark, music producer, songwriter and CEO/chief creative officer of DMI Music & Media Solutions.
◊“Magic of Audrey” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This special captures the allure and charisma of actress Audrey Hepburn and includes film clips and rare footage of screen tests and interviews.
◊“The National Tree” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Evan Williams (“Degrassi: The Next Generation”) stars as a 17-year-old video blogger who submits the winning entry in a contest to find a new national Christmas tree. The Sitka Spruce was planted when he was born by his father (Andrew McCarthy, “St. Elmo’s Fire”), and the two of them drive it to Washington, D.C. for a ceremony with the President.
◊“Sandra Lee Celebrates: Holiday Homecoming” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Sandra Lee helps create a holiday homecoming part for Christina Sobiloff, a Peace Corps Volunteer stationed in Burkina Faso, Africa, who returns home to Creskill, N.J., for the holidays.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Host Suze Orman talks to “The Biggest Loser” trainer Jilian Michaels about the health-wealth connection.The episode also features never-before-seen clips of Suze’s one-on-one meetings with “The Biggest Loser” contestants.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 15-21, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman,
which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 15:
(All times are CT, for ET add one hour)
SUNDAY, NOV. 15, 2009
◊“Aliens of the Amazon” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Scientists venture deep into the Amazon to discover some of the most unfamiliar and bizarre creatures in the jungle called Treehoppers. These animals speak using vibrations and ward off prey by forming alliances with other creatures.
◊“America’s Funniest Home Videos” (6 p.m. on ABC): With the first $100,000 prize of the season to be awarded, here are the videos in the running: “Hidden Honkers,” a car alarm prank; “U Don’t Know Uvulas,” a little girl with a smarty pants vocabulary; “Ballpark Promise,” a Dodger fan catching a ball; “Laser Chasers,” a Great Dane and a little boy chasing a laser pointer; “Soda Bottle Blowout,” a kid’s science experiment having explosive results; and “Boohoo in the Loo,” a little boy pitching a fit in the bathroom.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Lilly and the team investigate the 1991 murder of a 14-year-old foster child who was starting to establish herself as a talented rapper. She was killed just a few months after she and her sister were placed with new foster parents. Kadeem Hardison (“A Different World”) and Craig ‘‘muMs” Grant (“Oz”) guest star.
◊“DriveThru” (7:30 p.m. on Fuel TV): In Season 6 of this surf adventure series, Pat O’Connell (“Endless Summer II”), Benji Weatherley (former World Tour competitor) and free surfer/recording artist Donavon Frankenreiter attempt to drive through both the East and West Coasts of Australia in search of the best waves.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer David Duchovny (“Californication”) traveled with the team to Lena, IL, to tell Joey and Philip Stott that their uninhabitable house and farm will be rebuilt in seven days.
◊“Joined For Life: Abby and Brittany Turn 16″ (9 p.m. on TLC): Conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel are about to turn 16. That means they’re very busy with schoolwoork, sports, social activities and, yes, testing for their driver’s license.
◊“Masterpiece Contemporary” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Collision,” a Friday-afternoon traffic pileup on a superhighway snarls the lives of 10 strangers who add up to a confounding puzzle for Detective Inspector John Tolin (Douglas Henshall, “Primeval”). He must work with his estranged former lover, Senior Investigating Officer Ann Stallwood (Kate Ashfield), to try to get to the bottom of what happened and why.
◊“The Prisoner” (7 p.m. today through Tuesday on AMC): This reinterpretation of the 1960s British TV series will air from 7 to 9 p.m. over three consecutive nights. Jim Caviezel (“The Passion of the Christ”) stars as a man known only as Number Six, who awakens to find himself trapped in “The Village” with no memory of how he got there.
◊“Sonny With a Chance” (7 p.m. on Disney): Zora gets challenged by the studio head’s daughter, Dakota, to sell the most Blossom Scout cookies ever, and Sonny steps in to help Zora win. Madison De La Garza (“Desperate Housewives”) guest stars as young Sonny.
◊“Three Foot Giant” (9 p.m. on Biography): This special profiles 30-year-old Sean Stephenson who, at three feet tall and permanently confined to a wheelchair, defies the odds every day and changes people’s lives with his “anything is possible” philosophy. The special follows Stephenson as he prepares to throw out the first-pitch at a Chicago White Sox game, practices intense one-on-one therapy with a client and goes out on a first date.
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Andy treats a car crash victim dying from ALS who asks to be to taken off of life support so his organs can be used to save others. Mandy Patinkin (“Criminal Minds”), a double corneal transplant recipient, guest stars.
◊” Tough Love” (8 p.m. on VH1): Back for a second season are professional matchmakers Steve Ward and his mother JoAnn Ward, who will help a new group of unlucky-in-love women who are willing to do whatever it takes to find Mr. Right. Along the way, Steve will share his unique male perspective in attempt to reform each of their “destructive” dating habits.
◊“WWII in HD” (8 p.m. today through Thursday on History): Gary Sinise narrates this 10-hour series that presents the story of the war as viewed through the eyes of 12 Americans — including Army captain Charles Scheffel from Enid — who fought in or contributed to the war effort. Their in-the-moment accounts are delivered with emotional impact by some of Hollywood’s top talents, and Ron Livingston (“Defying Gravity”) provides the voice of Scheffel, who also appears.
MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009
◊“10 Vampires We Love” (9:30 p.m. on E!): This special explores the vampire phenomenon and counts down toe 10 sexiest vampires of all time.
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The installment “The 1930s: Surviving the Dust Bowl” spotlights the people who refused to give up on the land and a way of life despite the desertification of the once bountiful wheat fields.
◊“The 100 Mile Challenge” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): In the “Final Stretch” episode, the families gather one last time to look back at their 100-day experiences in which they consumed only food and drink produced within a 100-mile radius of their home town of Mission, British Columbia.
◊“Chef Academy” (10 p.m. on Bravo): Meet Jean Christophe Novelli, world renowned Michelin and 5AA Rosette award-winning chef with restaurants in London, France and South Africa. This new series chronicles Novelli’s move to Los Angeles as he opens a test program for a top-notch culinary institute and trains and transforms those who aspire to cook like professionals.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When the CSIs investigate who or what caused a horrific car accident, both drivers’ darkest secrets are revealed. Los Angeles Laker player Pau Gasol guest stars as a person of interest in the case.
◊“Dear Food Network: Thanksgiving Top 10” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network personalities Giada De Laurentiis, Ted Allen Tyler Florence and other share their turkey recipes, carving tips, sensational sides, delivious desserts and specialty drinks.
◊“The Doctors” (3 p.m. on KWTV-9): Barbra Streisand (“What’s Up, Doc?”) calls the show’s doctors to discuss her crusade to support heart health awareness for women, a cause which led her to create and endow the Barbra Streisand Women’s Cardio Vascular Research and Education Program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Hoping to impress the elitist theater kids at NYU, Blair sets her sights on landing a private concert with Lady Gaga (performing in this episode).
◊“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): Samuel learns just how powerful he can become and takes dangerous measures to reach his full potential. Ravi Kapoor (“Crossing Jordan”) guest stars.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): After House’s medical license is reinstated, he reclaims his role as Head of Diagnostics in time to treat Hank Hardwick (Troy Garity, “Soldier’s Girl”), an adult film star admitted to Princeton Plainsboro for pulsating eye pain.
◊“Inside the Actors Studio: Jon Bon Jovi” (7 p.m. on Bravo): Host James Lipton interviews Jon Bon Jovi, who began playing music in clubs at age 16, has sold over 120 million albums and earned a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination.
◊“Jon and Kate Plus 8″ (8:30 p.m. on TLC): Kate Gosselin shares never-before-seen footage from Season 5, including the Kate celebrating her 10th wedding anniversary with the kids.
◊“Mystery Diagnosis” (9 p.m. on Discovery Health): Season 8 opens with segments on a newborn exhibiting strange symptoms but no visible reaction to fevers or pain and a seemingly healthy woman experiencing seizures and blackouts.
◊“Stud Finder 2009″ (9 p.m. on DIY): This special focuses on the network’s search to find the next do-it-yourself star and features the five finalists in head-to-head competition with one another. The winner gets a show on DIY.
◊“Quiero Mis Quinces” (8 p.m. on MTV Tr3s): Season 4 follows nine young Hispanic girls who set out to plan their Quinceañera, a unique celebration of their 15th birthday and official entry into womanhood.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Chelsea invites her beautiful college roommate (Tricia Helfer, “Battlestar Galactica”) to stay at the house while she gets over a bad breakup.
TUESDAY, NOV. 17, 2009
◊“Being Neil Armstrong” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Andrew Smith, aurthor of the best-selling book “Moondust,” sets out across America to find out about the real Neil Armstrong since walking on the moon. Smith meets people who knew the national hero and finds the places where Armstrong lived and woked.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Fashion guru Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”) and hair stylist Tabatha Coffey (“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover”) return for the annual make-over episode to help the remaining six contestants look fabulous before they give speeches about their weight loss journeys to motivate others at a TV Guide Magazine event.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): “A Death in Tehran” investigates the life and death of Neda Soltani, who was shot and killed on the streets of Tehran, Iran, during protests over the country’s presidential election last summer. Her death was captured on a cell-phone camera and uploaded to the Web.
◊“Good Morning America” (7 a.m. on ABC): Barbara Walters interviews former Vice Presidential candidate and Alaska Governer Sarah Palin in conjunction with the release of her memoir “Going Rogue: An American Life.” Portions of the interview will also air on “Nightline” (10:35 p.m. today), “Good Morning America” (7 a.m. Wednesday) and “20/20″ (9 p.m. Friday).
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Alicia prepares to defend a scientist accused of arson, she is caught off guard when Peter’s attorney asks her to testify on Peter’s behalf sooner than she expected. Peter Riegert (“Damages”) guest stars as the judge in Peter’s appeal and Russ Mitchell (“The Early Show”) guest stars as himself, interviewing Peter Florrick.
◊“Independent Lens” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “No Subtitles Necessary: Lazzlo & Vilmos” provides an intimate portrait of the 50-year journey of two giants of modern cinematography — Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond — and the deep bond of brotherhood that transcended every imaginable boundary.
◊“The Little Couple” (9 p.m. on TLC): Jen and Ben head to New York to appear on “The Dr. Oz Show” to discuss skeletal dysplasia for a TV audience. But nerves begin to kick in as they get closer to showtime.
◊“Melrose Place” (8 p.m. on CW): Ella and Caleb are stunned when agency owner Amanda Woodward (Heather Locklear, original ‘Melrose Place”) walks into WPK and immediately fires half the staff, including Caleb.
◊“Merry Madagascar” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this holiday sequel to the animated feature “Madagascar,” Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria (voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith) must deliver Santa’s presents to save Christmas when St. Nick gets amnesia following a crash landing on their island.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Becoming Human: Unearthing Our Earliest Ancestors” looks at how we became the creative humans of today and what really happened to the Neanderthals who faded into extinction.
◊“The Standard Snowboard Show” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): Season 6 features future stars of the sport, including Halldor Helgason and Jason Dubois.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): In the Cycle 13 finale, the final two girls must pull out all the stops to impress the judges and nail their final CoverGirl commercial in Hawaii. Eddie Murphy (“Imagine That”) attends the final runway show, and the episode is followed by a special look back at the season with never-before-seen clips.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): After a body falls from the 59th Street Bridge, the CSI team finds a compass near the body pointing east, and realizes it’s the third victim of the “Compass Killer.” Skeet Ulrich (“Jericho”) returns as Hollis Eckhart, the “Compass Killer.” Nelly (“The Longest Yard”) returns as Terrence Davis, an informant who helps Detective Flack.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Gary turns to Allison after he makes a disastrous attempt to prepare a fancy Thanksgiving feast for Sasha, Curtis, Jack and the kids. Max Gail (“Barney Miller”) returns as Gary’s Dad, Jack.
◊“Gotta Catch Santa Claus” (6 p.m. on ABC Family): This animated musical adventure follows two youngsters as they atempt to track down Santa Claus (voiced by William Shatner, “Star Trek”) and prove he still exists.
◊“In the Spotlight With Robin Roberts” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Singer Janet Jackson will sit down with host Robin Roberts for an exclusive television interview. The private pop star, who was known to be extremely close with her brother, Michael, will allow cameras into her Malibu home for the first time.
◊“Lost Cave Temples of the Himalaya” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In a remote corner of the Himalaya, in the forbidden kingdom of Mustang, a team of climbers clambers into mysterious caes for the first time and uncovers ancient cave temples lost to the modern world.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): With a history of giving bad gifts, Claire is determined to surprise Phil with an amazing anniversary present – a private performance by one of their favorite musicians, Izzy LaFontaine (Edward Norton, “Primal Fear”). Meanwhile, Mitchell and Cameron call up their party-girl friend, Sal (Elizabeth Banks, “Seabiscuit”) for a long overdue night out on the town.
◊“Mustang — Journey of Transformation” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Richard Gere (“Amelia”) narrates the story of a Tibetan culture pulled back from the brink of extinction through the restoration of its most sacred sites: the 15th-century Buddhist monasteries and the art within.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine sets Richard up on a date with a gorgeous, passionate woman who works out at her gym, while Richard’s friend, Tom, continues trying to woo Christine. Jennifer Grey (“Dirty Dancing”), who is married to series star Clark Gregg (Richard), guest stars as Richard’s lusty blind date. Dave Foley (“News Radio”) returns as Tom, Richard’s friend who has a longstanding crush on Christine.
◊“Secrets of Shangri-La” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the legendary kingdom of Mustang, a remote corner of the Himalaya previously off-limits to outsiders, a team of explorers and scientists climbs for the first time into human-carved caves thousands of years old.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on Bravo): This week’s challenge is based on the Bocuse d’Or, a prestigious cooking competition founded by noted chef Paul Bocuse, whose son, Jerome, serves as a guest judge along with American chef Thomas Keller. Chefs Daniel Boulud, Alex Stratta, Gavin Kaysen, Timothy Hollingsworth and Traci Des Jardin also appear.
THURSDAY, NOV. 19, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): When Liz’s apartment building is converted to condos, she has to make a drastic change to her living arrangements. Nathan Corddry (“United States of Tara”) and Chris Parnell (“Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
◊“The 2009 World Magic Awards” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): The two-hour awards presentation brings together the world’s top illusionists, escape artists and sleight-of-hand masters and will feature 14 heart-stopping performances. Scheduled to appear are Lance Burton, Franz Harary, Ed Alonzo, Katalin, Barry & Stuart, Morgan, Greg Frewin and Tommy Wind.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Booth’s grandfather Hank (Ralph Waite, “The Waltons”) comes to live with him and tags along as Brennan and Booth investigate ashes and charred remains found by a real estate agent while showing a property to prospective buyers.
◊“Family Armor” (9 p.m. on TLC): Deep in the heart of Texas, two Mormon brothers-in-law run a cutting-edge bulletproofing business that turns everyday cars into tricked-out gadget-filled fortresses. The family devotes their time to work, kin and religion … and along the way they get to shoot guns and blow up things.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): As Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s pass, Miranda is visited by her father, William (Frankie Faison, “Silence of the Lambs”), who disapproves of her choices in life.
◊“Mortal Lessons” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary is about two women battling lung cancer on the surface, yet it is really about living life.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Addison is shaken by the unwelcome arrival of her father (Stephen Collins, “7th Heaven”) to Los Angeles, Cooper is arrested when he refuses to cooperate in a case involving a longtime patient and Pete fights to keep a terminally ill patient alive long enough for him to meet his new daughter.
◊“Project Runway” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): After the grueling weeks in the workroom and knocking off their competition, the remaining designers prove to the judges they have the skills and vision to make it in the fashion business. The finalists are given their biggest challenge yet — to create a complete collection to show during New York Fashion week.
◊“Secrets of Twilight” (9:30 p.m. on E!): Giuliana Rancic (“Giuliana & Bill”) hosts this special that is packed with interviews, backstage gossip and clips from the latest movie in the “Twilight” saga, “New Moon.”
◊“Terror in Mumbai” (7 p.m. on HBO): CNN host Fareed Zakaria, a native of Mumbai, narrates this documentary that chronicles the bloody period in 2008 when a band of 10 young Pakistani men made coordinated attacks across the city, leaving more than 170 people dead. The film includes recordings of cell-phone calls between the gunmen and those controlling them, as well as interrogation footage of the lone surviving shooter.
◊“Top 20 Celebs Gone Good” (7 p.m. on VH1): VH1 has partnered with DoSomething.org, the nation’s largest not-for-profit for young people and cause, to help separate the stars that really care from those who just like to smile for the cameras. This special will reveal the top 20 do-gooders that visitors to CelebsGoneGood.com helped choose as 2009’s Top 20 Celebs Gone Good for their charity work. Nominees include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Oprah Winfrey and Carrie Underwood.
◊“Wild Horse Redemption” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): At a prison in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, hard-core criminals are given 90 days to tame wild mustang horses. Most of the inmates who volunteer for the program have never even ridden a horse.
FRIDAY, NOV. 20, 2009
◊“Damned to Heaven” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary examines issues of polygamy, abuse and under-age marriage practiced in the Colorado City, Ariz.-based Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) cult guided by Warren Jeffs. It features interviews with former FLDS members that capture honest feelings about Jeffs and life within the community.
◊“General Hospital” (2 p.m. on ABC): Golden Globe winner James Franco (“James Dean”) joins the cast in the recurring role of Franco, a mystery person who comes to Port Charles and will be intertwined with many other residents in town.
◊“Happily Ever Faster” (9 p.m. on TLC): This new series profiles the Las Vegas wedding chapel The Chapel of the Flowers that has a complete wedding services menu and caters to upwards of 50 couples a day. In the premiere episode, chapel planner Melody attempts to enlist William Shatner (“Star Trek”) as best man for a Trekkie wedding.
◊“Jimmy Kimmel Live” (12:06 p.m. on ABC): Host Jimmy Kimmel welcomes “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner to the show to coinciding with the release of the movie in theaters on the same night. Also, rock band Death Cab for Cutie will perform music from “The Twilight Saga: New Moon’s” original motion picture soundtrack, including the single “Meet Me on the Equinox.”
◊“Larry the Cable Guy’s Hula-Palooza Christmas Luau” (8 p.m. on CMT): This 90-minute variety show will feature Larry along with friends, including Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”), Caroline Rhea (“Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”), George Lindsey (“The Andy Griffith Show”) and Angela Little MacKenzie (“Reno 911”). In addition to the holiday-themed comedy and sketches set on the fictional island of Hula-Poola, the special will include musical performances by Billy Currington and the Zac Brown Band.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Allison develops a strange sensitivity to light, the sunglasses she wears reveal mysterious numbers which could tie into people’s life expectancies. Tom Verica (“American Dreams”) and Mitch Pileggi (“The X-Files”) guest star.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): Monk finds his return to the police force to be more challenging than he expected when he becomes involved in the case of a serial killer.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When robbers hit a diamond exchange and take hostages, Don and the team find an unlikely ally in convict John Buckley (Fisher Stevens, “Early Edition”), who may help the team’s investigation when they believe the men are copying Buckley’s criminal strategies.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): After Harper learns her family is moving away, the Russos offer to let Harper live with them. While cleaning out the basement to make room for Harper, Alex shrinks herself down to fit in her old doll house. Yara Shahidi (“Imagine That”) guest stars.
SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 2009
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): In addition to getting a sneak peek at Suze Orman’s upcoming visit to “The Biggest Loser,” she also explains why viewers shouldn’t give in to the sale signs in store windows this season.
◊“Sit Down, Shut Up” (11 p.m. on Fox): In the series finale, Sue gives Andrew an ultimatum to turn around the drama department. He writes his magnum opus, a musical starring the teachers with Miracle (voice of Oklahoma actress Kristin Chenoweth) as the female lead.
◊“True Jackson, VP” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the one-hour special episode “Flirting With Fame,” True’s crushing on a new boy at school named Justin (Tyler James Williams, “Everybody Hates Chris”). aND In an attempt to show True his romantic side, Justin enlists the help of superstar Natasha Bedingfield to perform “These Words” for the duo.
◊“Turtles Forever” (9 a.m. on CW): This special incorporates the three distinctive versions of the Turtles as they appeared in their original iterations: 1984 black and white comic book; late 1980’s/early 1990’s animated TV series; and their current animated series.
–Penny TV
