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“Dexter”: Who’s Coming to Dinner?

“If erring is human, then remorse must be too. Wait, does that make me human?” declared Dexter (Michael C. Hall) at the close of last Sunday’s episode.

After Dexter’s confession to Arthur/Trinity (John Lithgow) about his most recent killing, Arthur felt compelled to reveal his darkest family secrets.

Now the closer Dexter gets to Trinity, the more he realizes that all serial killers are not created equal.

With Thanksgiving approaching, Dexter once again is forced into balancing his family obligations with his ever deadly deepening relationships with Trinity and his bizarrely dysfunctional family.

Turkey Day will never be the same after Dexter and the Trinity Killer share a memorable holiday feast.

♦♦♦ Weekly viewership including DVR and On Demand has pushed “Dexter” over the 4 million mark, so tune in to see what everyone’s watching, if you haven’t caught an episode yet.

To check out a clip from the next episode of “Dexter,” click below.

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Top 55 TV Programs for Nov. 1-7, 2009

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

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, NOV. 1, 2009
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team looks into the 1944 murder of the top pilot from the WASP program, a pioneering group of civilian women who volunteered to fly non-combat missions for the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII. Guest stars include Michael Learned (”The Waltons”) as a former WASP pilot, John Aniston (”Days of Our Lives”) as a WWII Army Air Force pilot veteran and Daniel Baldwin (”Grey Gardens”) as Moe Kitchener, who is out on bail awaiting his trial for running Lilly’s car off the road.
◊“Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this new primetime special, Dora continues her magical storybook adventure from last fall (“Dora Saves the Snow Princess”), when the magic crystal that the Snow Princess gave her are stolen by a greedy king (voiced by Richard Kind, “Spin City”). Dora and Boots must help locate the crystals and turn the pale gray kingdom back into a colorful wonderland.
◊“Duel with the Devil” (9 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows members of the special homicide task force in Guatemala City as they risk their lives solving thousands of homicides that occur every year.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Clint Black (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) and the team travel to Daviess County, KY, to tell Steve and Melissa Mattingly that their small single-wide trailer will be replaced by a newly constructed home built in seven days.
◊“Food Network Challenge” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Four cake designers make cakes based on the four main characters from “The Simpsons.” The designers must team up with a “Simpsons” super fan to ensure that every detail of the cake is just right.
◊“Kristi Yamaguchi & Friends” (3 p.m. on NBC): Featuring the musical talents of The Backstreet Boys, who are touring in support of their new album, “This Is Us,” this skating exhibition will showcase Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and her skating friends. Among them are four-time world champion Kurt Browning, eight-time British champion Steven Cousins and two-time Olympic gold medalist Ekaterina Gordeeva.
◊“Masterpiece Contemporary” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Juliet Stevenson (”Truly, Madly, Deeply”) stars as a TV journalist who reopens the unsolved 1963 disapperance of a 13-year-old girl in “Place of Execution,” a thriller adapted from a novel by Val McDermid (”Wire in the Blood”).
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Born Wild: The First Days of Life” follows the birth and first day of several species, from marmoset to moose and elephant to gorilla.
◊“Nostradamus Decoded” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This special exposes the truth about the world’s greatest prognosticator and offers insight into human nature itself.
◊“Seven Dumpsters and a Corpse” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): A tale of two brothers trying to piece together their family history amidst the mess of their deceased mother’s apartment. The saga involves baronesses and counts, stolen lovers and Nazi officers, lawsuits and counter lawsuits and lots of cats.
◊“Sex Rehab With Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on VH1): Dr. Drew Pinsky and a team of experts on sexual addition guide eight patients through an extensive program in order to get to the root of their compulsive behavior.◊“Strange Sex” (9 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special explores the world of sexual medical anomalies, including a diagnosed sex addict trying to get her life in order and a woman who is allergic to her husband’s semen.
◊“Styl’d” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new series takes viewers inside the competitive world of fashion by following five junior stylists at the Margaret Maldonado Agency. Each week, they assist with the styling of celebrities for various events including music videos, movie premieres and red carpet events.
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): In order to save his life, Andy tries a risky new procedure on his wife’s partner who suffers from an aortic aneurysm. Lennie James (”Jericho”) guest stars as Dr. Timothy Maguire, a cardiologist.

MONDAY, NOV. 2, 2009
◊“For the Love of Ray J” (8 p.m. on VH1): R&B artist Ray J is back to find his soul mate. When things with Season 1 finalist Cocktail didn’t end well, VH1 found a new group of 18 women to vie for Ray J’s heart.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Olivia (”Hilary Duff, “Lizzie McGuire”) says something she regrets during her appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s talk show and tries to keep Dan from finding out.
◊“Ham on Turkey” (2 p.m. on Fine Living Network): George Duran, host of “Ham on the Street,” stages a Mayflower pizza party and unveils the hottest trend in turkey roasting — the bicycle-powered mega-rotisserie.
◊“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): Hiro gets a second chance to save the love of his life. Elsewhere, H.R.G.’s past with his Primatech partner (Elizabeth Rohm, “Law & Order”) is revealed.
◊“I Want to Work for Diddy” (9 p.m. on VH1): Sean “Diddy” Combs returns for a second season in search of a new assistant. He will challenge 11 new hopefuls to see who has the talent and motivation to work for him.
◊“The People V. Leo Frank” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This program dramatizes the 1913 murder of Mary Phagan and the trial and lynching of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory supervisor accised of her murder. The cast is led by Will Janowitz (”The Sopranos”) and Seth Gilliam (”The Wire”).
◊“Poliwood” (6:30 p.m. on Showtime): Academy Award winner Barry Levinson (”Rain Man”) directed this look at the collision and collusion between politics, Hollywood and the media. Among the celebrities featured are Annette Bening, Susan Sarandon, Hayden Panettiere, Matthew Modine and Tulsa native Alfre Woodard.

TUESDAY, NOV. 3, 2009
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): DJ Samantha Ronson guest stars as herself, offering dating advice to Navid. Rumer Willis (“Sorority Row”) also guest stars in the episode that features a performance by Pharrell and N.E.R.D.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The contestants head to Washington D.C. for an unforgettable week that includes a visit to the White House kitchen and the biggest workout in the show’s eight-year history.
◊“By the People: The Election of Barack Obama” (8 p.m. on HBO): Filmmakers Amy Rice and Alicia Sams chronicle the presidential campaign of Barack Obama starting from nearly a year before he announced his candidacy. Interwoven with the drama of the campaign is never-before-seen footage of Obama behind the scenes, as well as interviews and candid moments with wife Michelle Obama, the couple’s young daughters, Malia and Sasha, and senior campaign staff, volunteers, reporters, supporters and opponents. Rice, who grew up in Oklahoma City, conceivced the idea of making the documentary when she saw Obama’s 2004 convention speech on TV.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Alicia works with Will on the appeal of a death row inmate, she agrees to a conjugal visit with Peter in order to get information from him since her client was convicted under Peter’s regime as state’s attorney. David Paymer (”Mr. Saturday Night”) returns as Judge Richard Cuesta.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Maggie Gyllenhaal (“SherryBaby”) hosts the new installment titled “Power Paths” that looks at traditional American Indian values regarding conservation and the earth that offer real solutions to America’s energy crisis.
◊“Kathy Griffin: Balls of Steel” (8 p.m. on Bravo): In her seventh original stand-up special for Bravo, two-time Emmy winning comedienne Kathy Griffin dishes about her experience at the Teen Choice Awards with her date, Levi Johnston, and offers her take on recent headlines including Jon and Kate Gosselin, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A murder investigation prompts Gibbs and the team to play family counselor to his former mentor, Mike Franks, in the hopes of preventing a bloody international conflict. Robert Patrick (”Terminator 2: Judgment Day”) guest stars as First Defense COO Colonel Merton Bell.
◊“Nova: Becoming Human” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This three-part special investigates new discoveries that are transforming the picture of how we became human. The first installment explores fresh clues about our earliest ancestors in Africa, including the stunningly complete fossil nicknamed “Lucy’s Child.”
◊“Rip-Off!” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special profiles two of the most notorious white-collar criminals in recent memory — Dennis Kozlowski, chief executive of Tyco, and Marcus Schrenker, owner and operator of Heritage Wealth Management.
◊“State of Creativity” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): With strategic placement on I-35 and I-40, drugs are trafficked to all four corners of our country through the boarders of Oklahoma. Drug trafficking brought the street gangs from southern California here in the 1980s and they brought their culture with them. Violence. Robbery. Vandalism. OETA’s newest documentary series takes a look into the gangster lifestyle and discovers a solution that breaks the cycle of this dangerous culture.
◊“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Tabatha Coffey returns for a second season to help transform the lives and businesses of salon owners in the Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami areas. Fans first met her as an acerbic contestant on the first season of “Shear Genius.” Since that time, Tabatha has earned respect for her unapologetic, brutally honest approach.
◊“V” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this reimagining of NBC’s 1983 miniseries, a bunch of charismatic extraterrestrials led by Anna (Morena Baccarin, “Firefly”) captivates most of Earth’s population. But FBI counterterrorism agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell, “Lost”) suspects the aliens have a far more sinister agenda.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4, 2009
◊“Bill Cosby: The Mark Twain Prize 2009″ (7 p.m. on OETA-13): A roster of top-flight American comics including Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock salutes the Emmy-winning actor as he becomes the recipient of the 12th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The special includes clips of his career highlights from stand-up appearances as well as his groundbreaking role on “I Spy” and the sitcoms that later bore his name.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit tracks a serial killer who keeps the eyes of his victims as souvenirs. Salli Richardson-Whitfield (”Eureka”) returns as the sister of a murder victim.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Allison is jilted when her new “friend,” Sophia (guest star Nadine Valezquez, “My Name Is Earl”), prefers Gary’s company over hers.
◊“Flowers Uncut” (9 p.m. on TLC): Jeff Leatham, one of the top floral designers in the world, moves from Paris to New York City to set up shop in the event capital of the world. One of his first jobs in an $80,000 floral presentation for the Shila Hotel in Korea.
◊“House of Payne” (8 p.m. on TBS): Kim Fields (”The Facts of Life”) directs two new episodes airing back-to-back. In “Where’s the Payne,” Curtis finds out that he’s being forced into retirement and Calvin discovers that Miranda is missing. In “Recurring Paynes,” Miranda’s mother arrives and confronts Calvin, who has become a suspect in her disappearance.
◊“Johnny Mercer: The Dream’s on Me” (7 p.m. on TCM): Clint Eastwood (“Gran Torino”) executive produced this profile of the gap-toothed composer from Georgia who penned the lyrics, music or both to some of the most beloved songs of the 20th century, including “Hooray for Hollywood,” “Moon River” and “The Days of Wine and Roses.”
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When two young girls are similarly murdered a little over a month apart, Detective Odafin Tutuola decides to investigate the gruesome crimes. John Larroquette (“Boston Legal”) guest stars.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Sonia gets relationship advice from a patient and begins to question her arm’s-length approach to dating. Jerry Stiller (“The King of Queens”) and Ann Meara (“Archie Bunker’s Place”) guest star.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine considers herself popular by association when Ritchie is asked to a dance by the most popular girl in school, and Matthew and Richard try to evict an elderly woman (Marion Ross, “Happy Days”) from the apartment they hope to rent.
◊“Strange Sex” (9 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special explores the world of sexual medical anomalies, including a diagnosed sex addict trying to get her life in order and a woman who is allergic to her husband’s semen.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Gig Young was born on this day in 1913, and TCM celebrates by airing nine of his films, including 1950’s “Hunt the Man Down” (11 a.m.) and 1953’s “The Girl Who Had Everything” (4:15 p.m.).
◊“Top Chef All Stars Dinner” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 5 fan favorite Fabio Viviani hosts a get-together complete with a challenge as past chef’testants rehash their favorite moments on the series. Chefs taking part include Harold Dieterle (Season 1), Ilan Hall (Season 2), Hung Huynh (Season 3) and Lisa Fernandes (Season 4).

THURSDAY, NOV. 5, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): While Liz and Pete try to rig the audition process, Tracy and Jenna decide it’s in their best interest to conduct their own search for a new “TGS” actor. Brian Williams (“NBC Nightly News”) guest stars.
◊“Broke and Famous: Willie Aames” (9 p.m. on VH1): This special chronicles the journey of Willie Aames, a once rich and successful celebrity who descended into poverty, as he works to transform and rebuild his life. Sarano Kelley, a financial guru and life coach, will be tasked with giving Willie the wake-up call he needs and helping him to reshape his financial future.
◊“Cold Blood” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This series, beginning its second season, presents competing versions of what may have happened as investigators follow forensic clues in search of the truth.
◊“Community” (7 p.m. on NBC): When the gang finds out Jeff is living out of his car, they offer their help. Eric Christian Olsen (”Fired Up!”) guest stars.
◊“The Doctors” (3 p.m. on KWTV-9): Brooke Burke (”Dancing With the Stars”) joins the daytime talk show as a “Mommy Correspondent.” She will make house calls and act as the liaison between mothers and the doctors — Dr. Travis Stork (E.R. physician), Dr. Lisa Masterson (obstetrician and gynecologist), Dr. Andrew Ordon (plastic surgeon) and Dr. James Sears (pediatrician).
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mark, Demetri, Gough and MI6 agent Fiona Banks (Alex Kingston, “ER”) investigate a Blue Hand club and its possible connection to some recent suicides. Meanwhile, Demetri comes clean with Zoey (Gabrielle Union, “Life”) about his lack of a flashforward.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): After months of painstaking work, Lego brick artist Kurt Zimmerle is back home in Michigan working on his Halloween haunted houses. What he’s left behind is a masterpiece that will benefit Oklahoma City’s poverty stricken children for years to come. Zimmerle constructed about 50 Oklahoma City buildings like the state capital, the Skirvin Plaza, Bricktown and the as yet un-built Devon tower. (The Lego version stands 9 feet tall) out of Lego bricks.  Kurt hasn’t done an exact count because he says he does not have time, but he estimates he has used over 1,000,000 bricks to construct OK Cityscapes.  
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Jim and Pam are out of excuses, so they have no choice but to go on a double date with Michael and Helene (Linda Purl, “First Monday”).
◊“The Real Housewives of Orange County” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In Season 5, the Southern California girls welcome Alexis Bellino to the group and say farewell to longtime housewife Jeana Keough. The series also takes a turn with shifting relationships and the tough economy hitting the women and their families hard.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Vivien Leigh was born on this day in 1913, and TCM celebrates by airing four of her films, including 1938’s “A Yank at Oxford” (6:45 a.m.) and 1941’s “That Hamilton Woman” (10:30 am.).

FRIDAY, NOV. 6, 2009
◊“Fanboy and Chum Chum” (8 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new animated comedy spin-off from the Nicktoons Network series “Random! Cartoons” centers on a comic book-loving 11-year old named Fanboy and his best friend and trusty sidekick, Chum Chum, whose wide-eyed acceptance of the bizarre is the perfect complement to his friend’s enthusiasm and imagination. In every episode, Fanboy and Chum Chum, donning their tights and capes, embark on a daily quest to turn an average day into a fun one.
◊“Ghost Adventures” (8 p.m. on Travel Channel): The crew travels to Poveglia Island in Italy to investigate the cursed ground. Locals and tourists are forbidden from visiting this location.
◊“Ghost Adventures Live: Post Mortem” (7 p.m. on Travel Channel): One week after being locked down live in West Virginia’s Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum for seven hours, Zak, Nick and Aaron relive the best moments of the event.
◊“Greg Behrendt: That Guy From That Thing” (11 p.m. on Comedy Central): Best known for his book “He’s Just Not That Into You,” Greg Behrendt brings his blunt and humorous observations to this stand-up special. He leaves the self-help at home to take action against what Criss Angel did to magic, ponder the nature of God and explain why guys shouldn’t quote lines from porn movies.
◊“Live From Abbey Road” (10 p.m. on Sundance): The music series, back for its third season, features performances and interviews with musicians filmed at London’s Abbey Road Studios.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Allison’s car is wrecked, the SUV she rents turns out to have some unusual features, including a satellite radio that allows her to hear other people’s conversations. Faith Prince (”Huff”) guest stars as Lauren Portman, whose daughter causes the damage to Allison’s car.
◊“SpongeBob SquarePants: Truth or Squared” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Celebrity guest stars Rosario Dawson, Craig Ferguson, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, LeBron James, P!nk, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and Robin Williams appear as themselves in live-action sequences throughout this special, which follows SpongeBob and the Bikini Bottom gang as they reminisce through a series of original, never-before-seen flashbacks.  Ricky Gervais narrates the special and Cee-Lo Green (Gnarles Barkley) performs a cover of the SpongeBob theme song to an all-new stop-motion opening title sequence.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on CBS): Matt asks someone else to be his “plus one” at Wilhemina’s fund-raiser for Tibetan orphans. Meanwhile we learn the truth behind Nico’s (YaYa Dacosta, “All My Children”) dire straits.

SATURDAY, NOV. 7
◊“Handy Manny” (7:30 a.m. on Disney): Season 3 of this multicultural series for preschoolers will introduce 10 new tool characters. Guest stars this season include Rosario Dawson (“Gemini Division”) as a marine biologist, Dale Earnhardt Jr. as a race car driver, Jim Belushi (”According to Jim”) as a drawbridge operator and Giada De Laurentiis (“Giada at Home”) as the owner of a pizza parlor.
◊“Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Fedor Emelianenko of Russia, the world’s top-ranked mixed martial arts heavyweight fighter, will face undefeated American Brett Rogers of Minnesota in the marquee match up. Also appearing on the live four-fight primetime card are middleweights Jake Shields and Jason “Mayhem Miller, who will battle for the recently vacated Strikeforce middleweight title.
◊“Til Debt Do Us Part” (9 p.m. on CNBC): Financial author and columnist Gail Vaz-Oxlade takes a tough-love approach to getting couples in financial crisis to face reality. Some couples are on the verge of bankruptcy and others are just getting by. Either way, they all learn how to work their way out of debt and get the skills they need to plan for their financial future.
◊“Too Late to Say Goodbye” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Rob Lowe stars in this new film inspired by the true story of an outwardly charming couple whose deceit and secret affairs result in fatal consequences. It is based on Ann Rule’s best-selling book.
◊“The Wanda Sykes Show” (10 p.m. on Fox): Wanda Sykes, fresh off her funny HBO special and her recurring role in “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” joins the late-night talk show arena with her own blend of comedy and topical commentary, which is set to include panels to discuss current events.

–Penny TV

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TV Premieres and Finales airing Oct. 18-24. 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 Oct. 18.
   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
••“Alex’s Day Off,” 8:30 a.m. Sunday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“On the Case With Paula Zahn,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Investigation Discovery (series premiere).
••“Storm Chasers,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (third-season premiere).
••“Lock ‘N Load,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Showtime (series premiere).
••“Living With Ed,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Planet Green (third-season premiere).
••“American Chopper,” 8 p.m. Thursday on TLC (sixth season resumes).
••“The Jeff Dunham Show,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Comedy Central (series premiere).
••“Supernanny,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC (fifth-season premiere).
••“White Collar,” 9 p.m. Friday on USA Network (series premiere).
••“Daycare Diaries,” 7 p.m. Saturday on TLC (series premiere).
••“The Academy: Orange County Fire,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Fox Reality Channel (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Shark Tank,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“Flipping Out,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (third-season finale).
••“The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (second-season finale).
••“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory,” 8 p.m. Thursday on MTV (second-season finale).

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Top 55 TV Programs for Oct. 18-24, 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 Oct. 18:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, OCT. 18, 2009
◊“Alex’s Day Off” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Alexandra Guarnaschelli, professional chef, working mom and passionate home cook, invites viewers to share her down-to-earth recipes. She shows how cooking her personal and playful style of American, French and Italian fare can be elegant and approachable, with a side of sass.
◊“Brothers & Sisters” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Having just returned from France, Sarah distracts Kitty through chemo treatments with tales of her intense romance with a French artist (Gilles Marini, “Sex and the City”).
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team delves into the 1970 murder of a musician who tried to keep his involvement with the Philadelphia Soul scene a secret from his strict preacher father for whom he was an organist. Loretta Devine (”Grey’s Anatomy”) guest stars.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry learns to embrace the upside of disability without actually being disabled, and looks to disprove the rumor that Rosie O’Donnell can kick his butt.
◊“An Engtlishman in New York” (9 p.m. on Logo): This film follows the life of famed writer and performer Quentin Crisp at the peak of his career in the late 1970’s.  Upon the recent success of Crisp’s famous autobiography-turned-film, “The Naked Civil Servant,” Quentin (John Hurt) leaves the U.K. to offer lectures and performances in New York City.  The film explores Quentin’s psyche as he faces the consequences of his casual quip stating that AIDS was “a fad,” leading to social rejection and obscurity.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team travels to Lancaster, Texas, to rebuild the home of Carlton Marshall, who lost most of his mobility and all of his hearing after being shot while leading a Dallas Police Department SWAT team. Country singer Trace Adkins is the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Halloween Block Party” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Three families join forces with lifestyle experts and event planners Michael Russo, Kelley Moore and Eddie Ross to create a Halloween neighborhood bash. The special will offer up design tricks and treats on decor, food, pumpkin carving, floral arrangements, tablescapes and entertainment to help viewers get their haunt on this Halloween.
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): Hannah fills in for Kara DioGuardi (”American Idol”) alongside judges Andy and Byron on reality show “America’s Top Talent.” Her stint as a guest judge turns complicated when Oliver auditions and delivers a knock-out performance.
◊“I Am a Champion” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This documentary follows three athletes in their quest to compete in the 40th annual Special Olympics Oklahoma Summer Games held May 13-15 in Stillwater.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The murder of a small-time criminal leads Lewis and Hathaway to a prominent Oxford don-turned-celebrity athiest in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: The Point of Vanishing.”
◊“Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut)” (8 p.m. on IFC): This six-part documentary series airing today through Friday will feature interviews with the surviving Python troupe members, who tell their life story and reveal deeper truths alongside the more tried and tested Python history lessons.
◊“Occupation” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This new drama captures the lives of three British soldiers caught physically and emotionally in the cross-fire of the Iraq war. Amid growing sectarian conflict and a boom time fuelled by billions of dollars from the U.S., their dreams of riches, love and making a difference come to define not just their lives but also the occupation itself.
◊“On the Case With Paula Zahn” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): In this new weekly newsmagazine, Paula Zahn steps away from the traditional anchor chair and into the field to interview the pivotal figures shaping stories. Her interviews, including several exclusives where people are speaking for the first time, lift the secrecy on acts of deceit, malice and revenge.
◊“The Simpsons” (7 p.m. on Fox): “Treehouse of Horror XX” features three new tales of the strange, spooky and supernatural. It begins with a homage to classic Alfred Hitchcock movies, followed by a parody of the horror film “28 Days Later” and a nod to the Broadway musical “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In Season 3, University of Oklahoma graduate Reed Timmer and his team return with their newly armored chase vehicle “The Dominator,” racing to be first on the storm scene ahead of IMAX filmmaker Sean Casey and his monster tank-like TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle).
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): In order to save his life, Andy tries a risky new procedure on his wife’s partner who suffers from an aortic aneurism. Lennie James (”Jericho”) guest stars as Dr. Timothy Maguire, a cardiologist.
◊“Timewatch: The Rebel Pharaoh’s Lost City” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Archaeologosts in the central Egyptian desert make an extraordinary discovery of an ancient cemetery whee 1,000 people from the Pharaoh’s lost capital of Amarna are buried. The 3,500-year-old bones tell a remarkable new story about these peoplke and their city.
◊“Witness to Waco” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This new documentary provides an in-depth look into the Branch Davidians, a religious cult led by David Koresh in the late 1980s and early 1990s that ultimately met with a tragic end.  Featured are interviews with survivors of the tragedy and rarely-seen footage of David Koresh and other members of the group inside the compound throughout the siege of the property.

MONDAY, OCT. 19, 2009
◊“American Carny: True Tales from the Circus Side Show” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Magician Penn Jillette narrates this special that explores the world of American circus entertainers and features behind-the-scenes footage with some of the world’s most interesting acts.
◊“Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): When Lakewood Elementary’s lunch lady Mrs. MacGrady is diagnosed with cancer, Arthur and his friends all react differently to the news. Lance Armstrong (seven-time Tour De France winner) makes a special appearance to show Francine and the Elwood City residents how they can take a stand, or ride a bike, for cancer survivors.
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): While Sheldon settles a score with his nemesis, Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Wolowitz begs Leonard to get Penny to set him up with one of her friends.
◊“Bud Greenspan Presents: Beijing 2008 — America’s Olympic Glory” (6 p.m. on Showtime): With behind-the-scenes footage and a poignant narrative, this film features six American stories. Among those profiled are gymnast Nastia Liukin, swim team captain Jason Lezak and fencers Keeth and Erinn Smart.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alexx Woods (Khandi Alexander) and Eric Delko return to help the CSIs stop a deadly outbreak in Miami.
◊“Dr. G: America’s Most Shocking Cases” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): Medical examiner Jan “Dr. G” Garavaglia opens the files on astonishing forensic investigations. She demonstrates how the impact of these deaths extends far beyond the morgues of their investigators.
◊“Extreme Paranormal: New Mexico State Penitentiary” (9 p.m. on A&E): Paranormal investigators Shaun, Nathan and Jason explore an abandoned maximum security lockup where visitors claim the tortured souls of inmates, who were violently murdered in the worst prison riot in U.S. history, still linger. The investigators want to see if there is any truth behind the legend in this potentially volatile paranormal environment and go as far as recreating moments of this horrific event, shedding their own blood, to provoke the violent spirits to show themselves to the cameras.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Dan invites Olivia (Hilary Duff, “Lizzie McGuire”) to meet Rufus and Lily, which leads to all sorts of problems for the new couple.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): The team takes on the case of a reckless police detective who has a family history of sudden heart failure that killed his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all at age 40. Jon Seda (“Close to Home”) guest stars.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): While Barney tries to convince Robin to become an American citizen, Ted and Marshall’s fabled road trip takes a wrong turn when Marshall invites Lily. Kenny Rogers (“The Gambler”) narrates the audio book played on Marshall and ted’s road trip.
◊“Latin Music USA” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The final two installments of this four-hour series focus on Mexican-Americans in California, Texas and elsewhere in the Southwest creating their own musical voice during the latter half of the 20th century, as well as the Latin pop explosion at the turn of the 21st century that introduced artists such as Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan and Shakira to the English-language market.
◊“Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags” (8 p.m. on HBO): For generations, New York City’s Garment District was the lifeblood of the city.  But in recent years, with the increased globalization of clothing manufacturing, this once-thriving district has continued to shrink. This documentary tells the story of this vanishing industry through the voices of the people who experienced its highs and lows.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who has been on maternity leave since Aug. 7, returns. “The View” creator, executive producer and co-host Barbara Walters said, “We’ve missed Elisabeth both on and off the air. We’ve missed her opinions and her good humor. I am so happy she is coming back.”

TUESDAY, OCT. 20, 2009
◊“18 Kids and Counting” (8 p.m. on TLC): The Duggars take a trip to Oklahoma to see what life is like working on a farm.
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): It’s Halloween at the Beverly Hills Beach Club and Adrianna channels Marilyn Monroe to help her deal with the end of her relationship with Navid. Silver and Kelly (Jennie Garth, “Beverly Hills, 90210″) continue to have differing opinions about caring for Jackie (Ann Gillespie, , “Beverly Hills, 90210″).
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Contestants on today’s show are “Deal or No Deal” models Leyla Milani, Patricia Kara and Marisa Petroro.
◊“Eyes” (9 p.m. on DirecTV): In the first of seven never-before-seen episodes, Harlan works with a former colleague to uncover a counterfeiting scheme and with a reluctant Las Vegas detective (Stephen Baldwin, “The Usual Suspects”) to stop a burglary ring. The detective drama starring Tim Daly premiered on ABC in 2005 but was canceled after five episodes.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “The Warning,” producer-director Michael Kirk sifts through the ashes of the economic meltdown in search of pivotal moments when things might have gone much differently.
◊“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 (”Parenthood”) guest stars as the train company’s very pregnant attorney.
◊“Shark Tank” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the season finale, an entrepreneur who sells customized Bobble Heads wants an investment from the sharks to create an extension of his already lucrative business. But it becomes a battle of wills when the Sharks won’t bite unless he gives up a stake in his successful business.
◊“Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL?” (7 p.m. on ESPN): This documentary showcases the remarkable influence the United States Football League (USFL) had on football history and looks at what forced the league out of business.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2009
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): The girls put their interviewing skills to the test as they interview Jessica Lowndes from “90210″ on the set of “The Insider.” Kim Kardashian is this week’s guest judge.
◊“CNN Presents: Latino in America” (8 p.m. on CNN): Soledad O’Brien anchors this two-part documentary that examines the growing diversity of America, revealing insight into a changing nation on the eve of the U.S. census that is expected to officially confirm that Latino Americans are the largest minority group within the country.  It concludes Thursday.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team hunts a suspect who impregnates young women and has them give birth before murdering them.
Max Gail (”Barney Miller”), Hallee Hirsh (“ER”), Diana Scarwid (“Wonderfalls”) and Mae Whitman (“Acceptance”) guest star.
◊“Dodsworth” (7 p.m. on TCM): Walter Huston reprises his Broadway performance in this 1936 adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ novel. This is the firsy of four classic films picked by guest programmer Dennis Miller The other films Miller presents along with TCM host Robert Osborne are 1949’s “The Third Man” (9 p.m.), 1941’s “Suspicion” (11 p.m.) and 1948’s “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” (1 a.m.).
◊“Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Join the opening night festivities for conductor Gustavo Dudamel’s inaugural gala concert with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
◊“Living With Ed” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): This series chronicles chronicles the lives of eco-activist/actor Ed Begley. Jr. and his frequently exasperated wife Rachelle Carson Begley. The third season will follow the couple as they embark on an unlikely trip to Vegas, a wedding anniversary getaway only Ed could organize and a major home renovation.
◊“Lock ‘N Load” (7 p.m. on Showtime): This new reality series offers viewers a fly-on-the-wall look at “The Shootist” gun store in Englewood, Colo., where expert gunslinger Josh T. Ryan interacts with customers. The hidden camera, revealed after the transaction is completed, insures a particularly candid and revealing take on why we buy guns.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine begins seeing a therapist who shares office space with Matthew, although it’s unclear to both whether to pursue therapy or romance.  Eric McCormack (”Will & Grace”) guest stars as Dr. Max Kershaw, the therapist/love interest.

THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 2009
◊“American Chopper” (8 p.m. on TLC): Life at Orange County Choppers is forever changed now that Jr. and Mikey have been squeezed out of the business. Even with all the drama, the guys in the shop must forge ahead as they build a bike for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Host Alfonso Ribeiro welcomes three of his former castmates from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” to the show as contestants. Taking part in the challenge are James Avery, Tatyanna Ali and Karyn Parsons.
◊“The Jeff Dunham Show” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): Comic-ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his suitcase posse of comedic cohorts — including Walter, Peanut, Bubba J, Jose Jalapeno on a Stick and Achmed the Dead Terrorist — to this new series featuring Dunham and puppets in performance before a live studio audience as well as interacting with people around Los Angeles.
◊“Nitro Circus” (8:30 on MTV): The cast put on the brakes long enough to spill their guts about all the jaw-dropping makes and laughter-inducing misfires from their risk-fuelled second season.
◊“Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” (8 p.m. on MTV): In Season 2 of the show, where fantasies come alive inside, the adventures have been bigger and the action wilder.
◊“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The lawless black gold boomtowns of early 20th century Oklahoma were a fertile field for the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan’s power faded with the dust bowl but never completely disappeared from Oklahoma. Secret groups survive and operate in towns all over the state to this day.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Joan Fontaine was born on this day in 1917, and TCM celebrates by airing three of her films — 1938’s “Blond Cheat” (10 a.m.), 1952’s “Ivanhoe” (11:15 a.m.) and 1953’s “The Bigamist” (1:15 p.m.).

FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 2009
◊“Brothers” (7 p.m. on Fox):Trainor’s newest hostess spreads some juicy rumors to help attract customers to Trainor’s, but when her gossip attracts Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”), Kim Kardashian (“Keeping Up With the Kardashians”) stops by the restaurant to set the record straight.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Sierra is forced to face her past as her connection to the Rossum Corporation leads to obsession and murder. Keith Carradine (“Complete Savages”) guest stars.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): On the show’s 100th episode, Allison investigates an infant’s kidnapping. But Joe worries when she becomes too attached to the little boy. Also, Bridgette and Joe are amazed when Marie plays the clarinet perfectly without one lesson while Bridgette struggles to learn to play.
◊“My Super Psycho Sweet 16″ (9 p.m. on MTV): This new original movie produced by MTV tells the story of Madison Penrose (Juliana Guill, “Friday the 13th”), a spoiled high school queen bee, and Skye Rotter (Lauren McKnight, “House of Fear”), the class outcast whose father committed a series of grisly murders. Madison’s plans for the ultimate birthday bash are ruined when Skye’s dad crashes the party.
◊“The Suite Life on Deck” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): When recording artist Jordin Sparks (”American Idol”) comes aboard the S.S. Tipton for a concert, Zack, Cody and Marcus write a song for her to sing.
◊“Supernanny” (7 p.m. on ABC): A dad at odds with his teenage daughter brings his family to the brink on the Season 5 premiere. Supernanny Jo Frost pushes the parents to closely examine their marriage.
◊“Til Death” (7:30 p.m. on Fox): When Doug’s father gives him and Ally a large sum of money, they struggle with the decision to keep it or give it back. Barry Bostwick (“Spin City”) and Richard Lewis (“Anything But Love”) guest star.
◊“Trading the Globe” (7 p.m. on CNBC): This special will teach viewers how to think about emerging markets as a source of returns, how to access these markets and how to incorporate trading them into the formula for success in the coming years.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Betty fires on all cylinders to get a big scoop with Gucci’s new designer, Evan York (Hamish Linklater, “The New Adventures of Old Christine”). Meanwhile Daniel begins to attend a bereavement group, where he meets Natalie (Jamie-Lynn Sigler, “The Sopranos”), a sexy girl who takes him out for an interesting night on the town.
◊“White Collar” (9 p.m. on USA Network): Matthew Bomer (”Chuck”) and Tim DeKay (”Carnivale”) wstar in the new drama about an unlikely partnership between a con artist and an FBI agent. In the series premiere, they hunt an elusive and vicious counterfeiter known as the “Dutchman.”

SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 2009
◊“24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto” (9:15 p.m. on HBO): This four-episode, all-access series follows Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, two of boxing’s brightest stars, as they prepare for their Nov. 14 pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas. Pacquiao seeks to continue his reign as the sport’s pound-for-pound king, while Cotto looks to prove that his ring skills are ideal for derailing the Pacquiao express.
◊“The Academy: Orange County Fire” (8 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): This new series will take viewers on a journey with 28 recruits of differing backgrounds as they endure 18 weeks of intense physical training for the Orange County Fire Authority in California.
◊“Always and Forever” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Rena Sofer (”24″) and Dean McDermott (”Tori and Dean”) star in this new original movie about high school sweethearts who reunite at their high school reunion. As they reminisce over old times, the memories and laughs lead to rekindled feelings from their abandoned relationship.
◊“America’s Cutest Dog” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This special counts down the most cuddly and aww-inspiring canine moments caught on camera.
◊“Blackboards and Bullies: Are Your Kids Safe?” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special explores the roots of violent incidents in America’s school systems and tangible ways for communities to improve child safety. Using case studies and interviews with leading experts, it shows the consequences of American adolescent violence and provides information to families on how to protect their children.
◊“Extreme Sweets” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Adam Gertler (“Will Work For Food”) goes in search of America’s most unusual sweets, including worm-covered caramel apples and a treat so spicy that he has to sign a waiver to eat it.
◊“Ghost Town” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Gil Gerard (“Buck Rogers in the 25th Century”) and Billy Drago (“Charmed”) star in this film about a busload of college students that takes a wrong turn on a back road and ends up in a town inhabited by the ghosts of outlaws who return to earth every 13 years to refight a shoot-out.

–Penny TV

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Happy Birthday, Kelly Preston

   Oct. 13, 2009 — Kelly Kamalelehua Palzis, who guest starred as Meghan Doyle last season on “Medium” (airs at 8 p.m. Fridays on CBS), turns 47 today.
   She played Quinn Taylor Scott on “Fat Actress” (2005 on Showtime).
   Her first acting role was as Wendy in a 1980 episode of “Hawaii Five-O.” She was 18.
   Best wishes to Kelly and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV

Pictured at right:  Kelly Preston arrives at the Step Up Women’s Network “Inspiration Awards,” Friday, May 9, 2008, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

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“Dexter: Early Cuts” webisode series premieres Oct. 25

  

   If you can’t get enough of Showtime’s “Dexter,” an exclusive animated webisode series entitled “Dexter: Early Cuts” premiering on Sunday, Oct. 25 at www.sho.com should help.

    The twelve-part series will be told in four, one to two minute chapters. 

    Showtime has created “Dexter: Early Cuts” to be a way to continue building on the mythology and critical mass that has grown around the television series.

    For the past three seasons, fans have watched Dexter (Michael C. Hall) as he has doled out his distinctive brand of vigilante justice.

    Now with “Dexter: Early Cuts,” for twelve weeks fans will get a chance to learn how Dexter’s killing techniques evolved, from haphazard to the calculated methods seen on the show.

    In this multi-part web series, written by “Dexter” producer and writer Lauren Gussis, viewers see the demise of Alex Timmons, a corrupt Gulf War veteran, Gene Marshall, an arsonist, and Cindy Landon, a “black widow.”

    The series will also provide fans with fun and interesting facts about Dexter, including how he bought his boat, the Slice of Life and when he began collecting slides of his victims.

    Each webisode will be brought to life by a different illustrator. Kyle Baker, an eight-time Eisner Award winner, and one of the genre’s biggest names, headlines the roster along with Andres Vera Martinez and Ty Templeton.

    The stories are driven by voiceover from Dexter (Michael C. Hall), narrating his investigative process as he discovers his victims’ guilt, stalks them for reconnaissance and eventually doles out his unique brand of vigilante justice.

    In addition to the webisodes, Showtime has created several other innovative initiatives in digital media to support the new season of “Dexter.”

    A multi-input game that crosses multiple platforms, from on-air to online to mobile devices debuted in late September. Each week users are asked to solve a challenge or find a hidden clue to help reveal a never-before-scene image or video clip from a future episode of the show.

    Also, fans of the hit series can experience “Dexter” via a YouTube game called “Where’s Dexter” based on the popular “Where’s Waldo” concept, in which users are challenged to find Dexter in various scenarios such as a crowded city street.

    Additionally, fans will be able to “Dexterize” their Facebook pages, complete with dripping blood and plastic wrap, as well as play a viral online game, DextersChangeTheBaby.com.  Through the game, fans can upload their photo and replace the face of Dexter’s new baby with their own image.  Fans can choose from a series of baby photos and share with friends via Facebook.

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Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Oct. 11-17, 2009

 
   Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Oct. 11.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

GUEST STARS
••Paula Abdul (”American Idol”) on “Drop Dead Diva,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime.
••Fred Armisen (”Saturday Night Live”) on “Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Corbin Bernsen (”Psych”) on “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Deanne Bray (”Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye”) on “Heroes,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Steve Buscemi (“Fargo”) on “30 Rock,” 8:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Steven Culp (”JAG”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Ted Danson (”Damages”) on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Hector Elizondo (“Cane”) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Peter Gallagher (”The O.C.”) on “Californication,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Showtime.
••Brad Garrett (”Til Death”) on ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Adam Goldberg (”Entourage”) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Matt Hardy (“WWF SmackDown!”) on “Scare Tactics,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Syfy.
••Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Capote”) on “Arthur,” 3:30 p.m. Monday on OETA-13.
••Ernie Hudson (“Oz”) on “Heroes,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Kristen Johnson (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) on “Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Ravi Kapoor (“Crossing Jordan”) on “Fringe,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox.
••Jane Leeves (“Frasier”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 7 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD.
••Shelley Long (”Cheers”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Enrique Murciano (”Without a Trace”) on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Judd Nelson (“Suddenly Susan”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 7 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD.
••Bebe Neuwirth (“Frasier”) on “Bored to Death,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Adina Porter (”True Blood” on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Parker Posey (“The Return of Jezebel James”) on “Bored to Death,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Giuliana Rancic (“Giuliana & Bill”) on ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on My Network TV.
••Lynn Redgrave (“Teachers Only”) on “Ugly Betty,” 7 p.m. Friday on ABC.
••Cokie Roberts (“This Week”) on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” noon Monday on KOCB-34.
••Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”) on “Yo Gabba Gabba,” noon Tuesday on Nick Jr.
••Christian Slater (”the forgotten”) on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Lee Tergesen (“Oz”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Kathleen Turner (“Marley & Me”) on “Californication,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Showtime.
••Wade Williams (”Prison Break”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Chandra Wilson (”Grey’s Anatomy”) on “Private Practice,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Alex Wolff (”The Naked Brothers Band”) on “Monk,” 8 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••Xzibit (“Gridiron Gang”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.           

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

Pictured above: Special guest star Paula Abdul reprises her role as Judge Paula Abdul in the season finale of “Drop Dead Diva.” (Lifetime Photo)

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Top 55 TV Programs for Oct. 11-17, 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 Oct. 11:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

SUNDAY, OCT. 11, 2009
◊“Army Wives” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): In the Season 3 finale, Michael and Claudia Joy prepare for Michael’s promotion ceremony although General Ludwig’s visit to Ft. Marshall could mean a big change that will significantly affect the lives of the entire tribe.
◊“Bored to Death” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): Jonathan falls for his latest client (Parker Posey, “The Return of Jezebel James”), the mother of a boy whose skateboard was stolen by a neighborhood bully. Bebe Neuwirth (“Frasier”) also guest stars.
◊“Breast Cancer Examined: An African American Perspective” (6 p.m. on TV One): This documentary probes into the areas of prevention, detection, treatment and empowerment for survivors, their families and friends. Celebrities interviewed include Gabrielle Union (“Night Stalker”), Diahann Carroll (“Dynasty”) and Alaina Reed Hall (“227”).
◊“Bridezillas” (8 p.m. on WEtv): Lacey Jordan insists on having an outdoor wedding ceremony during tornado season in Oklahoma and refuses to come up with a back-up plan. When the big day arrives, so does a major storm, but the bride still refuses to move the ceremony indoors.
◊“Californication” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Hank attends a university mixer hosted by Dean Koons and Felicia (Peter Gallagher, Embeth Davidtz) and consoles his jilted assistant, Jill, the best way he knows how. Charlie celebrates his first talent
signing and winds up in the arms of his new boss (Kathleen Turner).
◊“Cold Case” (9 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.  Steven Culp (”JAG”), Adina Porter (”True Blood”) and Cress Williams (”Prison Break”) guest star as employees of the faciloity where the victim was killed.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry rats out Christian Slater at Ted (Ted Danson) and Mary’s (Mary Steenburgen) anniversary party, but later gets his payback at a restaurant rendezvous with an old flame (Sherry Stringfield).
◊“Discovering Ardi” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special documents the find and study of a 4.4 million-year-old female partial skeleton nicknamed “Ardi.” The scientific investigation that began in the Ethiopian desert 17 years ago opens a new chapter on human evolution, revealing the first evolutionary steps our ancestors took after we diverged from a common ancestor we once shared with living chimpanzees. “Ardi’s” centerpiece skeleton, the other hominids she lived with, and the rocks, soils, plants and animals that made up her world were analyzed in laboratories around the globe.  The scientists have now published their findings in the prestigious journal Science. 
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): In the season finale entitled “Grayson’s Anatomy,” everyone at the firm is up in arms when they anticipate Parker is going to make an announcement of the newest partner.  Jane finally decides to move on with her life, but when she receives an unexpected visit from a man from her past, she has to rethink all she knows about life and love. Paula Abdul (”American Idol”) guest stars.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Ty Pennington and his team travel 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. Xzibit (“Gridiron Gang”) will be the celebrity volunteer for this build.
◊“Girls Next Door” (9:30 p.m. on E!): A new season of this reality series takes viewers behind closed doors of the Playboy Mansion to reveal the world of Hugh Hefner through the eyes of the women who live, play and party with him.  Last season’s shocking break-ups send Hef on a search for love in all new places with current girlfriends identical twins Karissa and Kristina and Crystal Harris by his side.  
◊“Leave it to Lamas” (10 p.m. on E!): This new series follows the antics of “The Bachelor” winner Shayne Lamas as she works, plays and navigates life in Los Angeles with her close-knit family.  From her always meddling mother Michele Smith, to her famous father Lorenzo Lamas, to her opinionated siblings A.J. and Dakota, there’s never a shortage of fun, excitement or drama for this family.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Not all the melodrama is on the stage as Lewis and Hathaway sift through the motives of many suspects who may have murdered a young actor in a student production of “The Merchant of Venice” and subsequently strangled a campus critic in “Inspector Lewis, Series II: Quality of Mercy.”
◊“Unbelievable Flying Objects” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Network): This special highlights some ideas in the history of aviation that didn’t quite work — from the vertical “Pogo” plane to the disastrous Gobin nicknamed the “Flying Egg” to the efforts to build a submarine that flies.

MONDAY, OCT. 12, 2009
◊“The 100 Mile Challenge” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): This six-part series follows six families in Mission, British Columbia, as they take on the challenge to eat food grown and produced within a 100 mile radius for 100 days. As the kitchen cupboards are stripped bare, the families begin to panic as they soon discover it is not going to be as easy as it first appeared.
◊“Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Capote”) lends his voice as director Will Toffman in the 13th season premiere “No Acting Please.” When Fern lands a role in the Elwood City community production of “It Began With a Whistle,” she fears she’s not talented enough to be a star actress. But Will Toffman teaches Fern how to have fun, be herself and truly shine.
◊“Broke: The New American Dream” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film by director and author Michael Covel brings America’s 2007-09 economic crisis into the  forefront through interviews with Nobel Prize winners Dr. Harry Markowitz and Dr. Vernon Smith, Bill Miller of Legg Mason, David Harding of Winton Capital, and dozens of other Wall Street pros, real estate agents, professional poker players, reporters, athletes and ordinary citizens. The investigation breaks new ground in the field of behavioral finance and dispels the belief that government can solve personal money woes.
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Season 3 of the game show hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro will feature a number of celebrity guest episodes, including appearances by Ribeiro’s former castmates on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and stars from “The Biggest Loser.”
◊“Gone Too Far” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new documentary series hosted and created by Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein chronicles young addicts between the ages of 20-25 in the grip of addiction who are offered a chance at recovery. Goldstein died Aug. 28 of an accidental drug overdose.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): A wealthy businessman brings his teenage son, who is suffering from inexplicable stomach pains, to Princeton Plainsboro and insists on having Dr. House handle the case. The father of the patient believes the karmic penalty of his financial success is that he is victim to personal tragedy, and that the answer to his son’s medical mystery lies in a reverse of fate rather than medical treatment. Lee Tergesen (“Oz”) guest stars.
◊“Latin Music USA” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Jimmy Smits (“The West Wing”) narrates this survey of American music that was forged from strong Latin roots. The first hour, “Bridges,” traces the rise of Latin jazz and the surging popularity of the mambo and the cha-cha. The second hour, “The Salsa Revolution” explores how New York Latinos reinvented traditional Puerto Rican styles by adding soul and jazz elements to create salsa.
◊“Little People, Big World” (7 p.m. on TLC): Season 5 features more heart-warming moments and real-life challenges for the Roloff family, which is comprised of both little and average height people. Matt and Amy start to explore new territory as their oldest children are ready to start their own lives. They are left with different ideas on how to fill their time and have to figure out what will be their next chapter in life.
◊“Million Dollar Listing” (10 p.m. on Bravo): Season 3 of this series takes viewers inside the high-stakes, cutthroat world of real estate, where Josh Flagg, Madison Hildebrand and Chad Rogers struggle to ink their million dollar deals during this economic downturn.
◊“The Rachel Zoe Project” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In the Season 2 finale, Rachel is juggling a high fashion editorial photo shoot and the launch of the Rachel Zoe brand. But when Taylor threatens to walk out the door, the stress causes a relapse of Rachel’s vertigo.

TUESDAY, OCT. 13, 2009
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the Season 28 premiere “Obama’s War,” correspondent Martin Smith travels across Afghanistan and Pakistan to see how the president’s new strategy is taking shape.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): The documentary series kicks off a new season with “Herb and Dorothy,” a profile of Herb and Dorothy Vogel, a postal clerk and a librarian who built one of the most important contemporary art collections in history, proving that you “don’t have to be a Rockefeller” to collect art.
◊“The Newlywed Game” (5 p.m. on GSN): Today’s episode of the game show hosted by Carnie Wilson will feature George Takei (”Star Trek”) and his spouse Brad Altman, the first same-sex couple in the show’s history. Joining them are newlywed couples Christopher Knight (“The Brady Bunch”) and Adrianne Curry (“American’s Next Top Model”) and Damien Gurganius and Nicole Brewer (”The Biggest Loser: Couples 2″).
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m. on Fox): The three remaining chefs have to create one dish from various parts of the world in the Season 6 finale. At the end, one chef is crowned the winner and will receive a head chef position at Araxi Restaurant in Vancouver, Canada.
◊“NOVA: Hubble’s Amazing Rescue” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special takes viewers on board the telescope for spacewalks and in depth behind the scenes coverage in. The five days in space were just the tip of the iceberg in a 7-year effort by a cast of thousands (instructors, designers and engineers) who made it possible for seven astronauts to risk their lives in a dangerous mission to save the world’s “eye on the universe.”
◊“Planet Mechanics” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): Engineers Dick Strawbridge and Jem Stansfield tame a fuel-guzzling grain dryer by turning cow manure into natural gas. But storing a vast amount of this gas is dangerous.
◊“ReCreating America” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The first installment of this three-part documentary series explores the importance of creativity in education. The four schools visited are a preschool in Tulsa, Flower Mound Elementary School in Lawton, Piedmont Middle School and Santa Fe South High School.
◊“Starz Inside: Zombiemania” (9 p.m. on Starz): Richard Roeper (”Ebert & Roeper”) hosts this special that traces the evolution of the Zombie from its roots in African folklore and Haitian Voodoo to its current role as pop culture icon. It uncovers what it is about these flesh-eating ghouls that appeals to millions of horror enthusiasts.
◊“VH1 Hip Hop Honors 2009″ (8 p.m. on VH1): Tracy Morgan (”30 Rock”) hosts the sixth annual event that commemorates the 25th anniversary of Def Jam Records, one of the most celebrated hip hop labels in the music industry. Performances and presenters include Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, Kid Rock, Ludacris, Ashanti, Public Enemy, DMX, Redman, Method Man and Ja Rule.
◊“Yo Gabba Gabba” (noon on Nick Jr.): Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”) teaches the Gabba gang the “Alligator Chomp” during the “Dancey Dance” segment.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14, 2009
◊“American Masters” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): “Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound” is the first comprehensive documentary to chronicle both the private life and the public career of the recording artist and political activist. Filmed during her 2008-09 world tour, it includes footage of Baez in concert, as well appearances by Bob Dylan, David Crosby, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt.
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): This week’s photo shoot has a martial arts-inspired theme that has the girls hanging by a wire. Supermodel Jessica White appears as a guest judge.
◊“Mary Queen of Shops” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Sassy and straight-talking retail guru Mary Portas gives the ultimate insider’s guide on how to get the most out of shops and shopping and troubleshoots her way around the United Kingdom on a mission to help turn around struggling fashion boutiques – one shop at a time.
◊“Modern Family” (8 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. Needless to say, no one is thrilled to see her and everything comes to a head when the whole family shows up to dinner at Claire’s house.
◊“Nature, Inc.” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series explores the question of “what if?” and the ripple effect of a world without coral reefs, honeybees and other key species.
“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barb has her lawyer send over divorce papers, Christine hires an aggressive divorce attorney (Corbin Bernsen, “Psych”) who convinces her that Barb owes her alimony.
◊“Nip/Tuck” (9 p.m. on FX): In the Season 6 premiere, Sean and Christian struggle to keep McNamara/Troy successful in this declining economy. Meanwhile, Matt and Kimber have mixed results in their career paths, as Sean keeps himself distant from Teddy.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Lillian Gish was born on this day in 1893, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1923’s “The White Sister” (6 a.m.), 1926’s “The Scarlet Letter” (10 a.m.) and 1946’s “Duel in the Sun” (4:30 p.m.).
◊“Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak” (6 p.m. on HBO): This documentary explores the life and works of celebrated children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, who does not believe in sugarcoating the truth when it comes to communicating with kids.

THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): In the Season 4 premiere, Jack informs Liz, Tracy and Jenna that “TGS” needs to make immediate adjustments to become more relatable. Steve Buscemi (“Fargo”) guest stars.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): When a policeman kills another officer, the CSIs must look to the evidence to determine if the shooting was premeditated or an accident. Enrique Murciano (”Without a Trace”) guest stars.
◊“E! Investigates: Little Girl Gone” (8 p.m. p.m. on E!): This special tells the story of Riley Fox. 3, who was abused and strangled before her body was dumped in a river. In a shocking turn, Riley’s father, kevin, initially confessed to killing his daughter, but DNA evidence turned the case upside down.
◊“Fringe” (8 p.m. on Fox): The Fringe team travels to Seattle after learning of a mysterious incident involving a man who attacked his boss because he believed he was an evil ram-horned creature. Ravi Kapoor (“Crossing Jordan”) guest stars.
◊“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.
◊“Los Premios MTV Latin America 2009″ (9 p.m. on MTV Tr3s): The eighth-annual event will feature artists performing in cities throughout Latin American and the United States. Scheduled performers include Alejandro Sanz, Cobra Starship, Fall Out Boy, Miranda!, Nelly Furtado, Paulina Rubio and Wisin & Yandel.
◊“Mall Cops: Mall of America” (9 p.m. on TLC): This special features an action-packed day in the life of the Mall of America as seen through the eyes of the men and women assigned to guard its stores and shoppers.
◊“Nitro Circus” (9 p.m. on MTV): The Circus heads home to Utah to wrap up Season 2. Erik and some skydiving friends strap on their wings and engage in a down and dirty sky-scraping dogfight. The Utah Jazz Bear and his mountain bike take a mean hit on a colossal ski ramp. And a base jump from a 600-foot bridge turns into a near-epic disaster for some of the Nitro cast.
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): Leslie plays host to the Parks and Recreation department from Pawnee’s sister city, Boraqua, Venezuela, and is shocked at the cultural differences. Fred Armisen (”Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
◊“Pranked” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): This finale showcases the best pranks ever caught on camera and posted online.  College Humor.com’s Streeter Seidell & Amir Blumenfeld provide commentary.
◊“Private Practice” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson, “Grey’s Anatomy”) brings a kidney transplant patient to Los Angeles, and Addison isn’t the only Oceanside Wellness doctor pleased to see her.
◊“The View” (10 a.m. on ABC): Kara DioGuardi (”American Idol” judge) will be seated alongside Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd during her second appearance on the show, but her first as a guest co-host. DioGuardi, who joined “American Idol” during the show’s eighth season, is a well-renowned singer/songwriter, record producer, music publisher and A&R executive.

FRIDAY, OCT. 16, 2009
◊“Bartender Wars” (9:30 p.m. on Fine Living Network): In each episode of this new competition series, three bartenders face off in a series of challenges. Host Egypt Sherrod rallies these contestants as they challenge each other from seeing who can get the biggest tips to the most phone numbers to creating the most unusual and delicious cocktails.
◊“Live at Gotham” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): This series, back for Season 4, tapes at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City and features six up-and-coming comedians and one all-star host each episode. The premiere is hosted by Jo Koy and showcases the talent of Deb DiGiovanni, Cory Fernandez, Andy Ritchie, Taylor Williamson, Reese Waters and Wil Sylvince.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA Network): To woo the lone holdout on the reinstatement committee, Monk accompanies Lt. Disher on a scouting trip with the man’s troublesome son. Wade Williams (”Prison Break”) and Alex Wolff (”The Naked Brothers Band”) guest star.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team investigate a series of murders which they realize are being copied from scenes out of a soon-to-be-released movie.  Adam Goldberg (”Entourage”) guest stars.
◊“Psych” (9 p.m. on USA Network): While working on a case involving an ice cream truck, Shawn stumbles onto something bigger and more deadly.  It is up to Gus, Lassiter, Henry and Juliet to find Shawn when they discover he’s been kidnapped.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Angela Lansbury was born on this day in 1925, and TCM celebrates by airing seven of her films, including 1944’s “Gaslight” (6 a.m.), 1946’s “The Harvey Girls” (10 a.m.) and 1966’s “Mister Buddwing” (5:15 p.m.).
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 4 premiere, which was delayed from last week, Betty finds that everything is changing as she begins her new job as associate features editor. Lynn Redgrave (“Teachers Only”) and Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest star.

SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 2009
◊“2009 Really Awards” (9 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): Vivica A. Fox (”Curb Your Enthusiasm”) hosts the fourth annual event that celebrates the best in reality television.
“Head Games” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): This new trivia series hosted by Greg Proops (“True Jackson, VP”) and executive produced by Whoopi Goldberg (”The View”) uses humor and fascinating science facts to challenge the intellect of contestants and viewers and test their knowledge about peculiar, unexpected information from the natural and scientific world. Contestants go brain-to-brain to determine who knows more funky facts and in the end, the winner walks away with some cold hard cash.
◊“Jon Reep: Metro Jethro” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): Jon Reed, the redheaded redneck who won Season 5 of “Last Comic Standing,” brings his energy, non-stop characters and clever writing to the stage in this new stand-up special.
◊“Phineas and Ferb” (7 a.m. on Disney XD): Baljeet takes a break from his intense studying to go around town inside a giant bubble with Phineas and Ferb. And Isabella, Adyson and the rest of the Fireside Girls go on an adventure to obtain a patch for sap collecting. Jane Leeves (“Frasier”)and Judd Nelson (“Suddenly Susan”) guest star.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): Gerard Butler (”300″) makes his SNL debut as host. Musical guest is Shakira, who boasts a string of chart-topping hits in both English and Spanish and sales of over 50 million records.
◊“Sorority Wars” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): This original movie follows Katie (Lucy Hale, “Privileged”), a college freshman who has been groomed from birth to continue her mother’s (Courtney Thorne-Smith, “According to Jim”) legacy with the Deltas.  An all out sorority war begins when Katie has doubts about the Deltas and pledges another house.

–Penny TV

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Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2009

  Friday is when The Oklahoman
posts a list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
   And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of Sept. 27.
   If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.

GUEST STARS
••Daniel Baldwin (”Grey Gardens”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Josie Bissett (original “Melrose Place”) on “Melrose Place,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CW.
••Lewis Black (“Root of All Evil”) on “The Big Bang Theory,” 8:30 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Andre Braugher (“Thief”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Deanne Bray (“Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye”) on “Heroes,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Keith Carradine (“Complete Savages”) on “Dexter,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Showtime.
••Kristin Chenoweth (“Pushing Daisies”) on “Glee,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
••Erika Christensen (“The Perfect Score”) on “Lie to Me,” 8 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Jimmy Fallon (“Saturday Night Live”) on “Watch What Happens: Live,” 11 p.m. Thursday on Bravo.
••Jordan Farmer (Los Angeles Lakers player) on “NUMB3RS,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Louise Fletcher (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”) on “Heroes,” 7 p.m. Monday on NBC.
••Tyler Florence (“How to Boil Water”) on “Top Chef: Las Vegas,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo.
••Amanda Foreman (”What About Brian”) on “Private Practice,” 9:01 p.m. Thursday on ABC.
••Matt Gallant (“The Planet’s Funniest Animals”) on “Brothers & Sisters,” 9:01 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Paul Michael Glaser (“Starsky and Hutch”) on “The Mentalist,” 9 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Patricia Heaton (”The Middle) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 6 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Jonathan LaPaglia (”The District”) on “Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS.
••Richard Lewis (“Anything But Love”) on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••John Lithgow (”3rd Rock From the Sun”) on “Dexter,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Showtime.
••Meat Loaf (“Fight Club”) on “Ghost Hunters,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Syfy.
••Eric McCormack (“Trust Me”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Malcolm McDowell (“Fantasy Island”) on “Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO.
••Martin Mull (”Roseanne”) on “Eastwick,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Olivia Munn (”Attack of the Show”) on “Greek,” 8 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Ryan Reynolds (”The Proposal”) on “Saturday Night Live,” 10:29 p.m. Saturday on NBC.
••Lionel Richie (Grammy winner) on “One Life to Live,” 1 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
••Mo Rocca (“I’ll Believe You”) on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” noon Monday on KOCB-34.
••Sebastian Roche (“General Hospital”) on “The Beautiful Life: TBL,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CW.
••Marion Ross (“Happy Days”) on “Brothers & Sisters,” 9:01 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Olesya Rulin (”High School Musical”) on “Greek,” 8 p.m. Monday on ABC Family.
••Cybil Shepherd (”The L Word”) on “Eastwick,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Rumer Willis (“Sorority Row”) on “90210,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CW.

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

Pictured above: Kristin Chenoweth in “Glee” (Fox Photo)

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TV Premieres and Finales airing Sept. 27-Oct. 3

  
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 Sept. 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.
 
BEGINNINGS
••“Washington Watch With Roland Martin,” 10 a.m. Sunday on TV One (series premiere).
••“Amanpour,” 1 p.m. Sunday on CNN (series premiere).
••“Mario’s Green House,” 5 p.m. Sunday on TV One (series premiere).
••“60 Minutes,” 6 p.m. Sunday on CBS (42nd-season premiere).
••“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 6 p.m. Sunday on ABC (seventh-season premiere).
••“The Amazing Race,” 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS (15th-season premiere).
••“Firsthand,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (11th-season premiere).
••“The Simpsons,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox (21st-season premiere).
••“The Adventures of Danny & the Dingo,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Fuel TV (second-season premiere).
••“The Cleveland Show,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox (series premiere).
••“Desperate Housewives,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC (sixth-season premiere).
••“Dexter,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Showtime (fourth-season premiere).
••“Family Guy,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
••“American Dad,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on Fox (fifth-season premiere).
••“Californication,” 9 p.m. Sunday on Showtime (third-season premiere).
••“Cold Case,” 9 p.m. Sunday on CBS (seventh-season premiere).
••“My Fair Wedding With David Tutera,” 9 p.m. Sunday on WEtv (second-season premiere).
••“Brothers & Sisters,” 9 p.m. Sunday on ABC (fourth-season premiere).
••“Brainsurge,” 3:30 p.m. Monday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).
••“Lie to Me,” 8 p.m. Monday on Fox (second-season premiere).
••“The Joy Behar Show,” 8 p.m. Monday on HLN (series premiere).
••“Trauma,” 8 p.m. Monday on NBC (series premiere).
••“Executive Vision,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CNBC (series premiere).
••“Weird, True & Freaky,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“The Hills,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (fifth season resumes)
••“Lost Tapes,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“The City,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (first season resumes)
••“Hank,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“The Middle,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series premiere).
••“Bank of Mom and Dad,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (series premiere).
••“First In,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on BET (series premiere).
••“The Shift,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Investigation Discovery (second-season premiere).
••“Real World-Road Rules: The Ruins,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on MTV (18th-season premiere).
••“Private Practice,” 9 p.m. Thursday on ABC (third-season premiere).
••“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” 7 p.m. Friday on Cartoon Network (second-season premiere).
••“WWE Friday Night SmackDown,” 7 p.m. Friday on My Network TV (10th-season premiere).
••“Til Death,” 7:30 p.m. Friday on Fox (fourth-season premiere).
••“Diet Tribe,” 8 p.m. Friday on Lifetime (second-season premiere).
••“Stargate Universe,” 8 p.m. Friday on Syfy (series premiere).
••“Ultimate Sportsman’s Lodge,” 8 p.m. Friday on DIY (series premiere).
••“Kitchen Nightmares,” 9 p.m. Friday on DIY (second-season premiere).
••“Wedded to Perfection,” 9 p.m. Friday on TLC (series premiere).
••“Bartender Wars,” 9:30 p.m. Friday on FLN (series premiere).
••“Superfetch,” 7 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Dogs 101,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Animal Planet (second-season premiere).
••“Celebrity Ghost Stories,” 9 p.m. Saturday on BIO Channel (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Chopped,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Food Network (first-season finale).
••“Country Fried Home Videos,” 8 p.m. Friday on CMT (season finale).
••“Jockeys,” 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet (second-season finale).
••“All Jacked Up,” 9 p.m. Friday on CMT (season finale).

NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)

Pictured above: STARGATE UNIVERSE cast, from left, Jamil Walker Smith as Msgt. Ronald Greer, Alaina Huffman as Msgt. Tamara Johansen, Louis Ferreira as Col. Everett Young, Ming-Na as Camile Wray, Robert Carlyle as Dr. Nicholas Rush, Brian J Smith as Lt. Matthew Scott, Elyse Levesque as Chloe Armstrong, David Blue as Eli Wallace, Lou Diamond Phillips as Col. Telford — Syfy Photo: Art Streiber — Syfy Photo: Art Streiber

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