The latest television news from NewsOK.com

“Being Erica” returns for third season Jan. 26 on Soapnet

Soapnet series “Being Erica” returns for its third season at 10 p.m. Jan. 26 with 13 one-hour scripted episodes.

“Being Erica” centers on Erica Strange (Erin Karpluk), a thirty-something woman who has the ability to go back in time to sort out her past regrets, according to a Soapnet news release.

Erica is assisted by mysterious therapist Dr. Tom (Michael Riley) in this time-travel therapy, where she is capable of reliving a past regret each week in order to come back and make a positive change in her present.

At the end of the second season, Erica had lost everything – her job, her boyfriend and her life – had all been left in shambles.

But, unlike the Erica we met in the first season, Erica is now able to deal with these setbacks and turn them into positives.

The theme for the third season of “Being Erica” is transformation, with Erica being more confident and on the path to forging a new identity.

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TV Premieres and Finales airing April 4-10, 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 April 4.
   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
••”Two Wheel Oklahoma,” 8:30 a.m. Sunday on OETA-13 (series premiere).
••”Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom,” 6 p.m. Sunday on Animal Planet (eighth-season premiere).
••”Sunday Best,” 7 p.m. Sunday on BET (third-season premiere).
••”Good Luck Charlie,” 7:30 p.m. Sunday on Disney (series premiere).
••”Adventure Time With Finn & Jake,” 7 p.m. Monday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••”Little People, Big World,” 7 p.m. Monday on TLC (fifth season resumes).
••”Runaway Squad,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (series premiere).
••“Paris Hilton’s British Best Friend,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TV Guide Network.
••”Top Chef Masters,” 10 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (second-season premiere).
••”LisaRaye: The Real McCoy,” 8 p.m. Thursday on TV One (series premiere).
••”Gator 911,” 8 p.m. Friday on CMT (series premiere).
••”Garage Mahal,” 8 p.m. Friday on DIY Network (second-season premiere).
••”Danger Coast,” 8:30 p.m. Friday on CMT (series premiere).
••”Private Chefs of Beverly Hills,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“Renovation Realities,” 8 p.m. Saturday on DIY (fourth-season premiere).

ENDINGS
••”How to Make It in America,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HBO (first-season finale).
••”Southland,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT (spring finale).
••”Being Erica,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (second-season finale).
••”Shear Genius,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (third-season finale).

Pictured above: GOOD LUCK CHARLIE – Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie” stars Eric Allan Kramer as Bob, Bradley Steven Perry as Gabe, Bridgit Mendler as Teddy, Jason Dolley as PJ, Leigh-Allyn Baker as Amy and Mia Telerico as Charlie. (DISNEY CHANNEL/CRAIG SJODIN)

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Top 55 TV Programs for April 4-10, 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 April 4:

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 4
••The 18th Annual Trumpet Awards (8 p.m. on TV One): Nicole Ari Parker (“The Deep End”) and Malcolm Jamal Warner (“Sherri”) co-host the event honoring African-American achievements in diverse fields such as law, religion, politics, public service, sports and entertainment. During the telecast, comedian, actor and radio personality Steve Harvey will be presented with the Pinnacle Award.
••”Antonio Treatment” (9 p.m. on HGTV): Built in the 1950s, the Highland Gardens Hotel (formerly the Landmark Hotel) has been the scene for some legendary Hollywood history — most notably as the place where rocker Janis Joplin died from an overdose back in 1970. But it hasn’t been updated much in the past few decades, and the owners assign Antonio Ballatore to give their rock ’n’ roll landmark a new party room.
••”Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): After determining the serial killer’s identity – and some of his likely future  targets – the team and the FBI work together to apprehend him while trying to locate and protect the people he’s preparing to kill. Susanna Thompson (“Once and Again”) returns as FBI agent Diane Yates.
••”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Jessica Alba (“The Killer Inside Me”) joins the team in Kemah, Texas, to surprise a big-hearted family of 15, all living together in a small trailer.
••”Good Luck Charlie” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): This new comedy focuses on what happens when a new baby joins the Duncan household and roles shift for everyone in the family, including teen siblings PJ and Teddy and tween brother Gabe, who must adjust to the many changes baby Charlie brings.
••”How to Make It in America” (9 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 1 finale, Cam suspects Rene of having something to do with the theft of the Rasta Monsta truck filled with his and Ben’s Crisp tees.
••”Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In “Sharpe’s Peril,” the new adventures of Richard Sharpe (Sean Bean) continue as he and Harper (Daragh O’Malley) lead a ragtag party of civilians and soldiers on a march across India.
••”Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom” (6 p.m. on Animal Planet): Season 8 kicks off with “Bearwalker of the Northwoods.” Dr. Lynn Rogers illustrates that many of the perceptions people have of black bears are wrong as he gets incredibly close to them — from taking naps with them in the woods to being able to put radio collars on them without sedating them.
••”Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Moment of Impact: Hunters & Herds” focuses on savannahs and grassland, where the planet’s largest concentrations of herd animals come up against some of nature’s most successful hunters.
••”The Pacific” (8 p.m. on HBO): Finally enlisted as a Marine, Sledge trains for combat at Camp Elliott.  The 1st Marine Division lands at Cape Gloucester on the Japanese-held island of New Britain.
••”Storm Riders” (8 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Get a sneak peek at the new series featuring scientists Juston Drake and Simon Brewer on a storm hunt. With no high-tech equipment, gadgets or antennas, these chasers are armed with a meteorology degree, map and cell phone as they rely on their education and gut instincts to get them to the center of the storm. The series is scheduled to premiere in fall.
••”Sunday Best” (7 p.m. on BET): Season 3 features gospel recording artists Pastor Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams as new judges. In addition to the U.S. talent pool of competitors, the series hosted by Kirk Franklin goes to Lagos, Nigeria, for the first-ever international auditions to see who will become the next great gospel star.
••”Til Death” (6:30 p.m. on Fox): When Ally and Doug announce that they’re going to be parents, Joy has a meltdown about becoming a grandmother, forcing Eddie to call in his mother-in-law for help. Lainie Kazan (“My Big Fat Greek Life”) and Martin Mull (“Mrs. Doubtfire”) guest star.
••”Treasures of the Gilcrease: Charles Russell, Western Story Teller” (6:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Charles Russell remains one of the most significant American artists of the early 20th century.  His depictions of cowboys, American Indians, historical figures and Western fauna are among the most well-known portrayals of the late 19th and early 20th century Western experience.
••”Two Wheel Oklahoma” (8:30 a.m. on OETA-13): This locally-produced travel show hosted by Tulsa motorcycle enthusiasts Brad Mathison and Rex Brown features scenic highways, unique destinations and interesting people they meet as they travel in and around Oklahoma.
••”Weatherproof” (9 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Meteorologist Stephanie Abrams and special effects technician Newton Wimer reveal how your home or car stacks up against deadly twisters as they create scenarios that could help make all the difference.
••”Undercover Boss” (8 p.m. on CBS): President and COO of Roto-Rooter Rick L. Arquilla goes undercover in his own company and finds himself overwhelmed with emotion while working alongside several employees who force him to reflect on his past as well as his future legacy as the boss of their company.
••”Unfaithful: Stories of Betrayal” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special takes a look at why spouses have cheated and the reckless actions that lead to devastating consequences. It also provides insight and analysis from doctors.

MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2010
••”Adventure Time With Finn & Jake” (7 p.m. on Cartoon Network): This new animated series introduces viewers to unlikely heroes Finn and Jake, buddies who traverse the mystical Land of Ooo and encounter its colorful inhabitants. Finn, a silly kid with an awesome hat, and Jake, a brassy dog with a big, kind heart, depend on each other through thick and thin. 
••”Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Items appraised in Hour 2 from Denver include a Dodger’s game-used jersey worn by Don Drysdale and an heirloom 1817 needlework family portrait.
••”Arthur” (3:30 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode “When Carl Met George,”  George is excited about spending time with his new friend, Carl, who loves to draw trains and knows all kinds of facts about them. George discovers that Carl has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, and that Carl sees the world a bit differently than George and many kids. The story is followed by a live-action segment featuring kids with Asperger’s and autism.
••”The Big Bang Theory” (7 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.
••”Christian Siriano: Having a Moment” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Get a glimpse into the life of the ‘‘Project Runway” Season 4 winner-turned-minimogul in this new special as he prepares for his third runway show. He oversees every aspect of his line from start-to-finish, model fittings, Emmy-dress appointments and balancing work and life with family, friends and work associates.
••”Empress Hotel” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film follows the stories and lives of 10 individuals living in San Francisco’s Empress Hotel and their battles against addiction and mental illness.
••”Life Unexpected” (7 p.m. on CW): With her wedding on the horizon, Cate decides to take a road trip with Lux to find her father, Gordon (Peter Horton, “thirtysomething”), who abandoned her when she was a little girl.
••”Little People, Big World” (7 p.m. on TLC): Season 5 continues with twins Zach and Jeremy, recently graduated from high school, taking off on their own for a European backpacking adventure. Soon, the rest of the Roloffs join for a full family vacation that includes visits to Italy and France.
••”Runaway Squad” (9 p.m. on A&E): This new real-life series follows former NYPD detective Joe Mazzilli and his team of private investigators, who track, rescue and reunite runaways with their families.
••”Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): As Grace deals with the aftermath of her dramatic fall from a building with Neely, she also struggles with the impending death of her grandfather, GeePaw.  Meanwhile the squad investigates a double homicide involving a water dispute between two ranchers, and Rhetta discovers a secret about her daughter.
••”Storm Stories” (7:30 p.m. on The Weather Channel): This installment titled “Midwest Outbreak” spotlights a tornado sighted May 10, 2008, near Chetopa, Kansas. Before it is over, this mile-wide twister will destroy the town of Picher and claim more than 20 lives – including that of a 21-year-old firefighter from Missouri.
••”Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Jeremy travels to Belfast to conduct an extremely thorough gtest of the Renaultsport Twingo 133. British film director Guy Ritchie (“Sherlock Holmes”) is featured in the star in a reasonably price car segment.

TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2010
••”Dad’s in Heaven With Nixon” (7:30 p.m. on Showtime): This documentary by writer, director, producer Tom Murray traces his fractured childhood in 1960s Southampton, New York. He recounts his grandfather and father’s battles with bipolar disorder and, conversely, his brother’s prosperity through autism and how their afflictions affected their large, affluent Irish-American family.
••”The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): Alicia and Will defend a college student accused of killing her sorority sister while under the influence of a sleep aid. Gary Cole (“Entourage”) returns as ballistics expert Kurt McVeigh.  David Paymer (“Line of Fire”) returns as Judge Richard Cuesta.
••”Inside the Perfect Predator” (9 p.m. Animal Planet): This special looks at four predators — the cheetah, great white shark, crocodile and falcon — in an attempt to understand how they accomplish their extraordinary killing feats.
••“Paris Hilton’s British Best Friend” (9 p.m. on TV Guide Network): Paris Hilton puts 12 hopeful Brits through the test of true friendship. In the end, one lucky contestant will get to walk the red carpet with Paris on their arm.
••”NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The death of a Navy officer leads Gibbs and the team into the world of high-priced call girls, relying on D.C. Madam Holly Snow (Dina Meyer, “Burn Notice”) to help them catch a killer. Adam Kaufman (“Without A Trace”) reprises his role as Homicide Detective Philip McCadden.
••”NCIS: Los Angeles” (8 p.m. on CBS): When an undercover operation has the NCIS team investigating a MMA gym and its fighters, Sam Hanna is tasked with donning gloves and entering the cage for a one-on-one fight. Making special giest appearances are MMA fighters Dan Henderson, Frank Shamrock, Gilbert Melendez, Josh Thomson, KJ Noons and Cung Le.
••”NOVA” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): ‘‘Hunting the Edge of Space” looks at how the telescope has evolved from the simple spyglass used by Galileo into sometimes enormous pieces of equipment perched on mountains, orbiting the Earth and even circling other planets.
••”Parenthood” (9 p.m. on NBC): Kristina’s worrying affects her six life, while Crosby tries to tell his parents he has a son. Minka Kelly (“Friday Night Lights”) and Jason Ritter (“Joan of Arcadia”) guest star.
••”Southland” (9 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 finale, John gets an unexpected request from his ex-wife just as he, Ben and Chickie are sent out as part of a maximum deployment to capture the “Canyon Rapist,” a perp who has been impersonating a cop.
••”Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): After a quiet start to the 2009 tornado season, an EF-2 touches down in rural Nebraska June 17.  As it moves toward the city of Aurora, meteorologists track the storm and warn residents to take shelter.  But for some residents, it takes seeing storm chasers parked outside their home to begin a frantic run for cover. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2010
••”Accidentally on Purpose” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Zack is upset when Billie hires a baby nurse without consulting him. Meanwhile, Davis and Ryan are faced with a difficult choice when they learn surprising news about the nurse. Olivia Munn (“Iron Man 2″) guest stars as Nicole, Billie and Zack’s sexy nurse.
••”America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW):  The girls pose with comedian Ross Mathews (“The Tonight Show”) before heading to New York City’s garment district to be completely transformed in faux fashion wardrobe.
••”Being Erica” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): In the Season 2 finale, Erica’s perfect life is turned upside down when she finally makes some big decisions. Dr. Tom adds a major twist to her therapy that opens up a world of possibilities.
••”The Buddha” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Richard Gere (“Amelia”) narrates this documentary about the life of the Buddha, an Indian sage who gained enlightenment as he sat under a fig tree. The Buddha never claimed to be God or his emissary on Earth. He said only that he was a human who had found a kind of serenity that others could find, too.
••”Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Bobby and Jules are at an impasse over letting Travis go to a party where he’ll undoubtedly be drinking, Ellie is determined to triumph as alpha dog over Grayson, and Laurie meets Smith’s dad (Barry Bostwick, “Spin City”).
••”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit travels to San Francisco to investigate the murders of several homeless men and teams up with a separate group of BAU operatives who are working another case they think is connected. Forest Whitaker (“Last King of Scotland”) guest stars as Special Agent Sam Cooper, and Mary Steenburgen (“Joan of Arcadia”) guest stars as Director Beth Griffith.
••”CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a woman linked to an unsolved murder case is found dead, the evidence and autopsy both suggest a suicide. But Stella is unconvinced and risks her life to pursue the case. Madchen Amick (“My Own Worst Enemy”) guest stars.
••”In Plain Sight” (9 p.m. on USA Network): The new episode ‘‘When Mary Met Marshall” flashes back to the day Mary joined WitSec. Prompting those memories is a present-day break-in that threatens the security of the first witnesses Mary and Marshall handled together. Allison Janney (“The West Wing”), Tess Harper (“Crash”) and Josh Cooke (“Big Day”) guest star.
••”Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Phil and Claire break from their traditional Valentine’s Day dinner date and plan a little “role play” excursion. Meanwhile, Jay and Gloria’s ideas of romance clash when he takes her to a comedy show. David Brenner (“The Hollywood Squares”) guest stars as himself.
••”The Oprah Winfrey Show” (4 p.m. on KOCO-5): The cast of “Glee” visits Oprah for an hour of behind-the-scenes secrets, revealing interviews, unseen backstage moments and a show-stopping performance.
••”Shear Genius” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 3 comes to a close when the final three stylists team up with fashion designer Henry Duarte for their biggest challenge yet.They’ll each style six models for a fashion show where the designer will debut Duarte’s new line of edgy rock-and-roll inspired clothing.
••”Top Chef Masters” (10 p.m. on Bravo): World-renowned chefs revert to basics and compete against one another until one claims the title of Top Chef Master and a prize for the charity of his or her choice. Food journalist Kelly Choi returns as host for Season 2, and back on the Critics’ Table are restaurant critics Gael Greene and Jay Rayner and culinary expert James Oseland.
••”Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. om ABC): As Hilda’s wedding day approaches, Betty asks Daniel to be her plus-one, Ignacio invites Elena, and Amanda is set on fixing up Marc with her new client, soap opera star Spencer Cannon (Bryan Batt, “Mad Men”).

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2010
••”Big Money in the Middle East” (7 p.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Erin Burnett gathers an exclusive panel of billionaires betting big on the region to talk opportunity and, for the first time, the big risks of putting money in the Middle East. Joining Burnett is the richest man in Egypt and all of Africa. The other? A self-made American billionaire.
••”Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Star David Boreanaz (Seeley Booth) directs the series’ 100th episode, which recounts the first time Booth and Brennan worked together on a case. This look back at their beginnings has a profound effect on them and may change their feelings for each other forever. The episode also provides a glimpse at the other Jeffersonian team members to see how their relationships began and the influence they have had on each other’s lives.
••”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston’s investigation into the murder of a family brings him one step closer to catching the Dr. Jekyll serial killer as the CSI team traces the perp to the house next door to the murder site.
••”Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Mark flies Addison to Seattle to help with a difficult procedure on his pregnant daughter, Sloan, Owen questions Teddy’s motives when she assigns Cristina the lead on a complicated surgery, and Derek’s suspicions are raised when the Chief recruits Meredith to assist with a high profile operation. Kate Walsh (“Private Practice”) and Kim Raver (“Lipstick Jungle”) guest star.
••”LisaRaye: The Real McCoy” (8 p.m. on TV One): This new reality series follows LisaRaye (“All of Us” and former First Lady of the Turks and Caicos) as she works to fully re-establish her critically acclaimed acting career, while balancing a far-flung and complex personal life.
••“The Marriage Ref” (9 p.m. on NBC): Celebrity panelists Tracy Morgan (“30 Rock”), Kathy Griffin (“My Life on the D-List”) and Nathan Lane (“The Producers”) offer their wit, wisdom and unique opinions to couples in marital tiffs.
••”The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a “Jane Doe” with amnesia and covered in blood steps in front of Cho and Van Pelt’s car, Patrick Jane must use all of his skills to discover who she is, her last location and why she lost her memory. Aunjanue Ellis (“True Blood”) returns as the CBI’s new boss, Special Agent Madeleine Hightower.
••”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.
••”Private Chefs of Beverly Hills” (9 p.m. on Food Network): This new series follows six gifted cooks from Big City Chefs, Beverly Hills’ premiere private chef placement agency. On-call 24/7, the chefs must cater to the whims of their over-the-top and eccentric clientele in Los Angeles’ most posh neighborhood.
••”Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of OETA’s award-winning documentary series takes a look back at prohibition. Oklahoma had been officially dry since statehood in 1907. But that hadn’t kept anyone from having a cocktail. Liquor was available by free delivery 24 hours a day from bootleggers. And cocktails and wine were served at banquets and in clubs, restaurants and hotels.
••”Supernatural” (8 p.m. on CW): Sam and Dean are outnumbered by demons, but are saved at the last minute by Rob (Michael Shanks, “Smallville”) and his townspeople, who are aware of the Apocalypse, and have been training to fight and kill demons.

FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2010
••”The Awkward Comedy Show” (11 p.m. on Comedy Central): This stand-up special features five quirky and eclectic comedians — Hannibal Buress, Eric Andre, Baron Vaughn, Marina Franklin and Victor Varnado — who uncover humor in a world full of stereotypes.
••”Danger Coast” (8:30 p.m. on CMT): This new series follows the dramatic exploits of Miami-Dade County’s elite waterborne Marine Operations Bureau as they engage in unexpected, life-saving activities that no training or experience could prepare them for. These heroes fight against overwhelming odds to selflessly protect the public at large, while risking their own lives.
••”Garage Mahal” (8 p.m. on DIY Network): In the Season 2 premiere, host Bill Goldberg (“The Longest Yard”) and the DIY team transform the the messy garage of late-night talk show host Jay Leno. In six days, they turn Leno’s unruly six-car, three room space into a showcase, complete with technology out of a James Bond film.
••”Gator 911″ (8 p.m. on CMT): Conservationist Gary Saurage, the owner of Texas adventure park Gator Country, goes on the hunt for his park’s namesake reptiles. Rescuing gators from unusual and precarious places, he collects them and brings them to a new and safe home.
••”Live From Abbey Road” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Musical artists discussing their work and performing at London’s Abbey Road Studios are Lyle Lovett, Doves and Noisettes.
••”The Message” (9 p.m. on TLC): In this special. private investigator Christopher Bauer gives three families the chance to send heartfelt messages to some they are desperate to find.
••”Miami Medical” (9 p.m. on CBS): One member of the team learns a secret about Dr. Proctor’s past while treating the victims of a hotel shooting.  Meanwhile, Dr. Deleo is offered a prestigious career move. Paul McCrane (“ER”) directed this episode. Michael O’Neill (“The West Wing,” “The Unit”) guest stars as orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bruce Kaye.
••”Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): Tess creates an elaborate hoax in order to kidnap Green Arrow, and she delivers him to Amanda Waller (Pam Grier, “The L Word”), who tells him that that the government is recruiting him to serve his country.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010
••”24/7 Mayweather/Mosley” (9 p.m. on HBO): This four-episode, all-access series follows two of boxing’s top performers – Floyd Mayweather and Shane Mosley – as they prepare for their May 1 welterweight pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas. This is Mayweather’s fourth time on “24/7,” which previously chronicled his relationship with father Floyd Sr. and uncle and trainer Roger.
••”Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installments of the locally-produced series spotlights the world’s largtest cattle auction that is held in Oklahoma City, a Duncan meat market and Perryman Ranch in Jenks.
••”Mega Piranha” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Barry Williams (“The Brady Bunch”), Tiffany (1980s singing sensation) and Paul Logan (“Megafault”) star in this new movie about a group who form an alliance to stop a mutant strain of giant ferocious piranhas that have escaped from the Amazon and are eating their way to Florida.
••”Patricia Cornwell’s At Risk” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): In this TV adaptation of crime writer Patricia Cornwell’s book, Daniel Sunjata (“Rescue Me”) and Andie MacDowell star as Massachusetts state investigator Win Garano and Boston district attorney Monique Lamont. The latter plans to launch a bold new anti-crime initiative by introducing new DNA evidence into a cold-case murder, putting herself and Garano in danger.
••“Renovation Realities” (8 p.m. on DIY): When Josh Hissong, an accomplished kitchen designer living in Spokane, Wash., bought his dream fixer-upper home, he decided to start his renovations in the kitchen. Setbacks ranging from broken windows to using the only kitchen floor-plan to start a fire when the power goes out plague this project from the very beginning.
••”Shots That Made History at the Masters” (1:30 p.m. on CBS): Hosted by CBS Sports’ Jim Nantz, this special looks back at the strokes of genius by some of the game’s greatest players that have thrilled golf fans for the last 75 years. Highlights include Gene Sarazen’s double eagle in 1935, Jack Nicklaus’s birdie on hole No. 16 in 1975 and  Tiger Woods’ chip-in on hole No. 16 in 2005.

–Penny TV

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Stars from ‘All My Children,’ ‘One Life to Live’ and ‘General Hospital’ unite for Broadway concert March 21

  
   Fans of “All My Children,” “One Life to Live” and “General Hospital” might want to plan a trip to New York City next month.
   Stars from those daytime dramas will take the stage March 21 for “The 6th Annual ABC Daytime & SoapNet Salute Broadway Cares.” The one-night-only event at Broadway’s historic Town Hall will feature a night of singing, dancing and entertainment.
   Tickets for the event range from $50 to $500.
   Cameron Mathison (Ryan, “All My Children”) will host the gala concert in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.”
   Scheduled to appear are:
   “All My Children” stars Rebecca Budig (Greenlee), Melissa Claire Egan (Annie), Bobbie Eakes (Krystal), Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake), Adam Mayfield (Scott), Cornelius Smith Jr. (Frankie) and Susan Lucci (Erica).
   “One Life to Live” stars Scott Evans (Fish), Kassie DePaiva (Blair), Mark Lawson (Brody), Nicholas Rodriguez (Nick), Tika Sumpter (Layla), Jason Tam (Markko), Brittany Underwood (Langston) and Bree Williamson (Jessica).
   “General Hospital” stars Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Brandon Barash (Johnny), Anthony Geary (Luke), Jonathan Jackson (Lucky) and Nathan Parsons (Ethan).
    That’s not all, though. This year’s event will feature a special musical performance by Sherri Shepherd of “The View.”
   For tickets, go to www.broadwaycares.org or call 212.840.0770. Talent participation is subject to change, and new names may be added in the coming weeks.
–Penny TV

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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

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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

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Top 55 TV Programs for Jan. 3-9, 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. 3:

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

SUNDAY, JAN. 3, 2010
◊“Durham County” (8 p.m. on ION): While the villain of the first season turned out to be the former high school classmate and neighbor of Homicide Detective Mike Sweeney, the evil threat in Season 2 comes from a brilliant but deeply troubled forensic psychiatrist Pen Verrity (Michelle Forbes, “True Blood”).
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): “Good Morning America” weather anchor Sam Champion joins the design team to help repair the 100-year-old home of the Morris family in St. Paul, Minn. Kermit, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppet gang also volunteer to rebuild the home that also serves as a daycare in the community.
◊“Frank the Entertainer … in a Basement Affair” (7 p.m. on VH1): Frank Moresco, aka the “Entertainer” from “I Love New York 2” and “I Love Money,” is back and looking for love. Fifteen women traveled to New York for Frank, only to find out that they won’t be living in the elaborate mansion they expected – they will be living in Frank’s parents’ house. Each week at elimination, Frank will give the ladies keys to his basement, and those locked out will have to pack up.
◊“Giuliana & Bill” (8 p.m. on Style Network): Season 2 takes viewers inside the adventures of celebrity power couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic as they focus on the future, including trying for a baby and settling down in one city.
◊“Platinum Weddings” (8 p.m. on WEtv): The economic downturn hasn’t hurt the budgets of these “want-it-all” brides and grooms, as Season 4 features more one-of-a-kind weddings that come with price tags no less than six figures. The premiere episode showcases a Black-Eyed-Peas guitarist who treats his guests to a leisurely swim with sharks.
◊“Secrets of Aspen” (9 p.m. on VH1): This new docu-soap style series will explore the lives of six single women who live in America’s most renowned resort town – Aspen, Color.  Known as a playground for the rich and famous, Aspen has become one of the country’s most expensive zip codes to live in. However, not everyone living in this small town can afford to live the lavish lifestyle.
◊“Smucker’s Stars on Ice 2010″ (3 p.m. on NBC): Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi will host this special that gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the tour, how it all began, the star skaters, emotional memories and a collection of standout performances. Among those featured are skating greats Scott Hamilton, Rosalynn Sumners, Brian Orser, Kurt Browning, Paul Wylie, Evan Lysacek and Sasha Cohen.
◊“Super Chef Battle: An Iron Chef America Event” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network personalities Mario Batali, Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse travel to the White House to take part in a culinary competition. Greeted by First Lady Michelle Obama, the chefs are joined by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and receive their challenge: create a meal for America using The White House Kitchen Garden’s produce as their secret ingredients.
◊“Worst Cooks in America” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Twelve of the most hopeless cooks in the country are put through a culinary boot camp led by chefs Anne Burrell (“Secrets of a Restaurant Chef”) and Beau MacMillan (executive chef at elements in Phoenix). At stake for the last two standing is the chance to cook for a panel of esteemed culinary critics and win the grand prize of $25,000.

MONDAY, JAN. 4
◊“All My Children” (noon on ABC): Mark Consuelos (“Killer Hair”) and Kelly Ripa (“Live With Regis and Kelly”) return to the daytime drama for the show’s 40th anniversary episodes, which air today and Tuesday. This will be the first time either actor has appeared on the show since they left in 2002. The milestone special episodes will air on January 4 and 5, 2010.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The 14th-season premiere features a record-setting appraisal of four Chinese carved jade objects estimated to be worth as much as $1,070,000 – -the highest value appraisal ever featured on the series. The collection was discovered at the “Roadshow: event last june in Raleigh, N.C.
◊“The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love” (7 p.m. on ABC): Airline pilot Jake Pavelka, who was rejected by Bachelorette Jillian Harris, gets a chance to hand out the roses himself in the 14th edition of the romantic reality series. Kimberly, a Norman native and former NBA dancer for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is among the 25 women competing for his attention.
◊“Blood, Sweat & Takeaways” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new four-part series, a group of young fast food junkies spend a month finding out the truth behind how their favorite foods are produced.
◊“Conveyor Belt of Love” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In this fast-paced special, 30 men go by on conveyor belt and are given 60 seconds to impress one of five women. If a woman is interested in someone, that man will step aside and wait as the rest of the men go by. But if another man comes by on the belt who seems better than that woman’s first choice, she can swap out the man waiting off of the belt as many times as she wants until the last man has passed by. Each woman is left with her final choice as she embarks on a date in the hope of finding a true connection.
◊“Forensics: You Decide” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): The Season 1 finale presents both sides of the case involving Jeffrey Lamb of Florida. He is a suspect in the murder of his wife and attack of his own dogs.
◊“Make It or Break It” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): The series, which returns to complete its first season with 10 new episodes, is set in the world of competitive gymnastics. And while the girls celebrate their win at the National Gymnastics competition, Payson struggles with the ramifications of her back injury, becoming increasingly detached from her family and friends.
◊“This Emotional Life” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This three-part series, airing nightly through Wednesday, explores ways to improve social relationships and become more resilient while coping with depression and anxiety. The opening episode, ‘‘Family, Friends & Lovers,” explores the importance of relationships to a person’s emotional well-being. Tuesday’s episode is “Facing Our Fears,” followed by “Rethinking Happiness” on Wednesday.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This drama, which returns to complete its second season with 12 new episodes, focuses on the relationships between families and friends and how they deal with teenage issues, including an unexpected pregnancy. In the premiere episode, Amy and Anne decide to take their babies and escape their problems by going on vacation — and things back at home start to fall apart in their absence.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie must decide between his fiancée, Chelsea, and his old flame, Mia, on a rebroadcast of the seventh season premiere. Rock Superstar Eddie Van Halen makes a cameo appearance as himself.
◊“Welcome to Macintosh” (8:30 p.m. on CNBC): This CNBC special is the Apple story told by people who build, use, love, hate, and obsess over the company’s revolutionary products.  When Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched Apple Computers in 1977, they had no idea the impact their company would have on the world.  Now, more than thirty years later, filmmakers Robert Baca and Josh Rizzo take an in dept look how Apple has created a cult fan base and how Steve Jobs has become a modern day hero.

TUESDAY, JAN. 5, 2010
◊“As the World Turns” (1 p.m. on CBS): Model Paulina Porizkova (a judge on Season 4 of “America’s Next Top Model”) makes her daytime debut as Clarissa, a character who has a history with Simon Frasier (Paul Leyden), who recently returned to the show.
◊“The Biggest Loser: Couples” (7 p.m. on NBC): Cheryl and Daris George from Ardmore are among the 11 family teams of two on Season 9 of the weight-loss competition series. Alison Sweeney hosts the series and contestants work out under the supervision of trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels.
◊“ID Investigates: The Secret Life of Tiger Woods” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special takes a comprehensive look at the Tiger Woods scandal — the details curently unfolding and the legal ramifications.
◊“Last Restaurant Standing” (8 p.m. on BBC America): World-renowned chef and restaurateur Raymond Blanc returns for a third season with nine couples vying for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open a restaurant with him. The couples are working and living together 24 hours-a-day under enormous pressure, and only one will succeed.
◊“Maneaters” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series tells the stories of people who have survived terrifying encounters with animals. The premiere episode is titled “Sharks.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): When a Navy pilot is found dead under strange circumstances in a secluded area, the team finds themselves battling a no-nonsense attorney with a hidden agenda. Rena Sofer (“General Hospital”) guest stars as attorney Margaret Allison Hart. Marcus Giamatti (“Judging Amy”) guest stars as aerospace engineer Victor Tillman.
◊“Nova: Killer Subs in Pearl Harbor” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment presents evidence that a torpedo fired from a Japanese midget submarine may have struck the USS Oklahoma during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Parks Stephenson was the lead investigator on the underwater expedition, and he says there are accounts that indicate one torpedo fired at the USS Arizona was a dud, but he believes another torpedo hit the USS Oklahoma.
◊“Wild Recon” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new 10-part series follows Donald Shultz, a venom expert, as he travels the world collecting bio specimens from the world’s deadliest animals. He’s the guy who approaches the animal, like a cobra, to extract the venom, or the 400-pound wild African lion to get a blood sample — all in pursuit of bio-specimens for research and potential new scientific discoveries.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6, 2010
◊“The 36th Annual People’s Choice Awards” (8 p.m. on CBS): Queen Latifah (“Chicago”) hosts the event live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Fans cast more than 16 million votes to determine the nominees and winners in the fields of music, movies and television. Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Carrie Underwood (favorite female artist and favorite country artist), Brad Pitt (favorite movie actor) and Rascal Flatts (favorite country artist).
◊“Big Chef Takes on Little Chef” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new four-part series, Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal has six months to help put an old-fashioned chain of roadside cafes back on the map.
◊“Building Your Future: Educational Opportunities in Oklahoma” (7 p.m. on KWTV-9): Oklahoma City TV personaliity Jennifer Eve hosts this special that is designed to engage high school students and their parents into thinking ahead about college. John Feaver, president of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma will appear along with two USAO alums, a faculty member and a current student.
◊“Conviction Kitchen” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): In this new series, chef Marc Thuet and his wife have three weeks to help 24 ex-cons with no culinary experience open a high-end restaurant from scratch.
◊“Cougar Town” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Despite fearing the meanest and most unrelenting dermatologist in town, Dr. Amy Evans (Lisa Kudrow, “Friends”), Jules and Ellie are willing to endure the harsh ridicule and wrath for an appointment with the best in the business. But when Jules learns Dr. Evans is seeing Bobby, she’s determined to stand up to her and protect him.
◊“Ghost Hunters International” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Season 3 will have the team traveling to a different international country each week in pursuit of the truth behind bizarre supernatural claims. In the premiere episode titled “Hitler’s Ghost,” the investigators venture to Miramar, Argentina, and set their sights on the Gran Hotel Viena, once the secret residence of many Nazi war criminals including rumored guest, Adolf Hitler.
◊“The Human Spark” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Alan Alda (“Scientific American Frontiers”) hosts this three-part series that examines paintings and carvings that date back 30,000 years in an attempt to determine when mankind developed the ‘‘human spark” that produced art, innovative technology and symbolic communication.
◊“I Get That A Lot” (7 p.m. on CBS, 2:37 a.m. on KWTV-9): This new special features celebrities tricking everyday citizens in a case of supposed “mistaken identity.”  Among the celebrities confusing customers who can’t decide if it’s the actual celebrity or a look-alike, are Julie Chen (“Big Brother”) working at a yogurt shop, Paris Hilton (“The Simple Life”) as a gas station employee, Snoop Dogg (hip-hop artist) as a parking lot attendant, Rachael Ray (“The Rachael Ray Show”) working at a dry cleaner, Gene Simmons (rocker of the band Kiss) as a psychic guru and Tony Hawk (skateboarder) working in a surf shop.
◊“Launch My Line” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Pop star Lady Gaga, known for her fashion-forward outfits, surprises the designers and provides inspiration. In this week’s challenge, the teams create an avant-garde outfit, but they must make sure they are pushing the boundaries of fashion without crossing the line of good taste.
◊“Man Vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Host Bear Grylls hits the global road for extreme adventures and invaluable lessons in survival. His locations this season include China, Panama, Montana, Guatemala and Poland.  No feat is too large, nor task too daunting as Bear climbs a 200-foot waterfall, gets bitten by aggressive weaver ants, encounters a deadly Green Pit viper snake and lands on an active volcano.
◊“Marriage From Hell: The Breakup of AOL Time Warner” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special takes viewers inside the story of what has been called the worst deal ever made. In includes candid comments from one of the chief architects of the deal, former Time Warner CEO Gerald Levin, who underwent a stunning reversal of fortune.
◊“The Middle” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Frankie fears that a confrontation with trashy neighbor Rita Glossner (Brooke Shields, “Lipstick Jungle”) is at hand when Sue has a run-in with her sons. Meanwhile, Axl tries to bribe Brick when he’s asked to teach his little brother how to kick a ball for a gym requirement, but it’s Brick who turns the tables on Axl and ends up bribing him for another favor.
◊“Modern Family” (8 p.m. on ABC): Gloria is less than pleased with Jay’s reaction to the arrival of Manny’s infamously unreliable dad, Javier (Benjamin Bratt, “The Cleaner”). Meanwhile, Phil is suffering from kidney stones and his dramatics leave Claire no other choice but to call for the hot firemen to rush him to the hospital.
◊“Nip/Tuck” (9 p.m. on FX): As the seventh (and final) season begins, the doctors are honored by their alma mater, the University of Miami, prompting Sean to recall their college years and past pains. Meanwhile, a man whose genetic disorder has led to self-mutilation wants it undone.
◊“Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Elvis Costello” (9 p.m. on Sundance): In this special edition, Elvis Costello slides from the host chair to guest chair for a revealing conversation with actress/music journalist Mary Louise Parker (“Weeds”). While it’s impossible to cover all of Costello’s 30 year plus musical journey in an hour, he performs a wide selection of his material.
◊“Ugly Betty” (9:01 p.m. on ABC): Betty wants to spend some time apart from Matt, so she finds him something else to keep him occupied. Meanwhile, Hilda has a tough decision to make regarding her baby, and Mark’s fling looks to be heading towards something more serious.

THURSDAY, JAN. 7, 2010
◊“Bear Whisperer” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): Every summer, tourits and black bears converge on the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, Calif. “Bear Whisperer” Steve Searles is fearless in his efforts to jeep the peace between man and beast.
◊“Best of the World Music Awards” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): This special looks back at over a decade of the most memorable World Music Award moments, including performances by Michael Jackson, Byonce, Britney Spears and Mariah Carey.
◊“Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on VH1): Season 3 will follow the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment at a center in the Los Angeles area.  The show will follow Mackenzie Phillips (“One Day at a Time”), Heidi Fleiss (“Alien 51″), Tom Sizemore (“Crash”), Dennis Rodman (“Celebrity Apprentice”), Mindy McCready (country singer), Lisa D’Amato (“America’s Next Top Model”), Mike Starr (Alice in Chains) and Joey Kovar (“Real World Hollywood”).
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston and Riley are taken hostage during the aftermath of a shootout in a typically calm Las Vegas community. Denzel Whitaker (“The Great Debaters”) guest stars.
◊“Duel in the Sun” (7 p.m. on TCM): Actress Jennifer Jones, who was born in Tulsa, earned an Oscar nomination for this 1946 Western about an American Indian woman caught between two brothers. It is the first of a four-film tribute to Jones, who died Dec. 17 at age 90. The other films are “1954′s ◊“Beat the Devil” (9:30 p.m.), 1949′s “Madame Bovary” (11:15 p.m.) and 1954′s “Indiscretion of an American Wife” (1:15 a.m.).
◊“The Newlywed Game” (8 p.m. on GSN): Game show host Bob Eubanks, who first began hosting “The Newlywed Game” more than 40 years ago, returns as guest host of the new version. This special episode features current host Carnie Wilson and her family as the celebrity contestants. Competing against Wilson and her husband, Rob Bonfiglio, are Wilson’s sister Wendy Wilson and her husband Dan Knutson, and Wilson’s mother, former singer Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford, and her husband, Daniel Rutherford.
◊“Planet of the Apps: A Handheld Revolution” (9 p.m. on CNBC): This special looks at the recent “app” explosion and how they have changed the way we live. It introduces viewers to some of the creators who are designing applications and striking it rich and explains just how the big business of apps really works.

FRIDAY, JAN. 8, 2010
◊“Bartender Wars” (9:30 p.m. on FLN): Three bartenders pair drinks with flavored popcorn, try to send psychic messages to their patrons and play a game of catch—with olives.  Guest judge Dan Aykroyd (“Ghostbusters”) asks them to impress him with their bartending skills and create a drink they’d be proud to put on their headstones.
◊“Big Band Blues” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This program presents performances from the Motor City Blues & Boogie Woogie Festival. It also features commentary from the artists about the relationship between blues, boogie woogie, jazz and swing music.
◊“Big, Bigger, Biggest” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): This series follows the evolutionary engineering leaps that enable iconic structures to grow in size. The Season 2 premiere focuses on the largest submarine ever constructed by the U.S. Navy.
◊“Elvis on Tour” (7 p.m. on TCM): In honor of the 75th celebration of Elvis Presley, TCM host Robert Osborne is joined by Priscilla Presley and Jerry Schilling to introduce the 1972 concert documentary. They also comment on the 2001 re-edited version of the 1970 film “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” (9 p.m.) and the 1957 film “Jailhouse Rock” (11 p.m.).
◊“John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show” (10 p.m. on Comedy Central): John Oliver (“The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”) hosts this new series that features some of Oliver’s favorite comedians. In the premiere episode, Oliver ditches the suit to discuss his surprising affection for America, the upside-down Australians and the effects of voting under the influence. The episode also features sets from Maria Bamford, Nick Kroll, Greg Fitzsimmons and Eugene Mirman.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team try their luck at investigating the theft of scratch-off lottery tickets, but the stakes are raised when one of the culprits killed at a botched robbery turns out to be a former lottery winner. Guest stars include Michael O’Neill (“Transformers”) as California Lottery security supervisor Boyd Keene; Nicole Sullivan (“Rita Rocks”) as eccentric lottery agent Nancy Hackett; and Allison Smith (“Kate & Allie”) as Sara Lewis, a financial advisor working with lottery winners.
◊“Operation Wild” (9 p.m. on Planet Green): This new series follows the officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. In the premiere episode, the officers are busy patrolling the annual Lobster Mini-Season as thousands of people put their lobster-catching skills to the test over a 48-hour period.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): This series, back for Season 2, gives budding entrepreneurs a chance to make their business dreams come true and make them successful and possibly wealthy people. But first, the entrepreneurs must convince a panel of five ruthless, multi-millionaire tycoons – known as Sharks — to part with their own hard-earned cash to give them the funding they need to jumpstart their breakthrough business concepts, products, properties and services. The five Sharks are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, “infomercial” industry pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O’Leary.

SATURDAY, JAN. 9, 2010
◊“Renovation Realities Best Freakin’ Moments” (8 p.m. on DIY): This special looks as some of the most compelling moments from the home renovation show — from big mistakes and injuries to major fights and meltdowns.
◊“The View Special Edition — All My Children: Moving Pine Valley” (5 p.m. on SoapNet): This encore presentation pays tribute to the daytime drama that is relocating to Los Angeles. The one-hour celebration features the show’s creator, Agnes Nixon, and cast members Susan Lucci, Debbi Morgan, Rebecca Budig, Cameron Mathison, Michael E. Knight and Vincent Irizarry.
◊“The Wishing Well” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a city-bred journalist (Jordan Ladd, “Death Proof”) heads to small-town Illinois for a story, her one-day visit turns into a much longer stay with the toss of a coin. Sally Kellerman (“Open House”), Jason London (“All Roads Lead Home”), Tempestt Bledsoe (“The Cosby Show”) and Charles Shaughnessy (“The Nanny”) costar in the time-twisting story about finding answers in the most unexpected of places.
◊“World’s Greenest Homes” (5 p.m. on Planet Green): The Season 2 premiere spotlights a dome home in upstate New York. It has a spaceship-like exterior that rotates to make the most of the sun’s rays.

–Penny TV

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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.

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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)

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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

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