Top 55 TV Programs for March 15-21, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 8:
SUNDAY, NOV. 8, 2009
◊“Bored to Death” (8:30 p.m. on HBO): In the Season 1 finale, George, Jonathan and Ray accept a challenge from George’s publishing rival, Richard, and agree to a tripleheader boxing match — the guys from Edition against the GQ crew.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates the murder of an accomplished 45-year-old Mexican-born jockey who “disappeared” within hours of losing a race he’d long planned as his last before retirement. The music of Santana will play exclusively throughout the episode. Jacob Vargas (”Traffic”) guest stars as the slain jockey’s apprentice.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): Susan believes Katherine may be Julie’s assailant while Angie confronts Nick about the secret he’s withholding from her. Kathy Najimy (”Sister Act”) guest stars.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Kellie Pickler travels with the team to Beavercreek, Ohio, to tell James Terpenning, a wheelchair sports champion and mentor to disabled Iraqi War veterans, that he and his family will have a newly rebuilt home in seven days.
◊“Gabriel Iglesias: I’m Not Fat … I’m Fluffy” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): This all-new stand-up special features the comedian’s perfect blend of impeccable voice skills and an uncanny knack for hilarious storytelling. Iglesias’s high-caliber performance was filmed in front of a packed house at the historic Plaza Theatre in El Paso, Texas.
◊“Jonas” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): Joe discovers Stella is going on a date with the star jock Van Dyke Tosh (Chuck Hittinger, “ER”), so he has a date, as well.
◊“Keeping Up With the Kardashians: The Wedding” (7 p.m. on E!): After a whirlwind romance, Khloe Kardashian takes a magical journey down the aisle with Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom. Join Kim, Kourtney and the whole Kardashian clan along with Hollywood’s elite for an insider’s look at this star-studded event.
◊“Legend of the Seeker” (4 p.m. on KOCB-34): In Season 2, Richard, Kahlan and Zedd will encounter an array of new characters, both good and evil, and they will be tested in ways that they never could have imagined. The trio will discover that in defeating the bloodthirsty tyrant Darken Rahl, their victory is short-lived as they inadvertently unleashed an even greater evil on the world. Charisma Carpenter (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) guest stars as a wicked Mord’Sith named Triana.
◊“Mad Men” (9 p.m. on AMC): As Don has a meeting with Connie, Pete has a chat with his clients, and Betty receives an interesting piece of advice in the Season 3 finale.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The black mamba hasn’t been studied in the wild much, because most people who encounter this large, deadly snake kill it on sight. But in this new episode, a team of snake handlers in Swaziland braves the danger to conduct a six-week study of the deadly reptile.
◊“The Prince & Me: Holiday Honeymoon” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In this sequel to “The Prince & Me: The Royal Wedding,” newlyweds Queen Paige (Kam Heskin) and King Edvard (Chris Geere) try to escape the spotlight by honeymooning in Belavia. But instead they end up uncovering a plot against the Danish monarchy.
◊“Stacked: CMA Nominees 2009″ (9:30 a.m. on CMT): This special features the CMA Awards nominees in the video of the year category — Randy Houser’s “Boots On,” Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” Bill Currington’s “People Are Crazy,” Brad Paisley’s “Start a Band” duet with Keith Urban and Geirge Strait’s “Troubadour.” The 43rd annual CMA Awards ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
◊“Storm Chasers” (9 p.m. on Discovery): Reed Timmer aims to step up from aggressive chaser to extreme scientist with his new military-grade radar capable of measuring wind speeds inside a twister. And he gets his vehicle inside the circulation of an EF3 for the intercept of a lifetime.
◊“Surviving 2012″ (8 p.m. on Discovery): This special explores the most plausible planetary disasters that 2012 may bring to determine whether or not the end of life on Earth really is lurking just around the corner.
◊“The Time I …” (6:55 p.m. on Disney): This new short-form series features young viewers sharing milestones in ther lives. The 1-2 minute segments include the stories “The Time I…Became a Big Sister” by 12-year-old Jasmine, “The Time I….Rode an Elephant” by 12-year-old Tiana, “The Time I….Flew By Myself” by 8-year-old Reese and “The Time I…Won a Blue Ribbon at the Country Fair” by 10-year-old cousins Hope and Logan.
MONDAY, NOV. 9, 2009
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on CMT): Host Jeff Foxworthy welcomes Bert, Grover, Prairie Dawn, Zoe and Cookie Monster for a week-long event celebrating the 40th anniversary of “Sesame Street.” A different co-host will be featured each day of the week as contestants test there knowledge of grade-school level questions on the fast-paced game show.
◊“BBC World News America” (6 p.m. on BBC America): A special edition of the show broadcasts live from Berlin on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. German-born Matt Frei, who reported from Berlin on the day the Wall fell 20 years ago, returns to his native country to anchor the program from the historic Brandenburg Gate.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio Caine calls Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) to come to Miami when a severed leg found in the Everglades is discovered to belong to a girl who went missing in Las Vegas a week earlier.
◊“Garage Mahal” (9:30 p.m. on DIY): Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) throws down his carving knife and picks up a hammer to help the DIY Network crew and host Brian Corsetti build a vintage diner style garage, complete with rolling car and custom back bars, diamond plate wainscoting and chair rail, black and white murals and a half-ton of classic auto parts.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Not satisfied with just being Queen of Constance Billard, Jenny sets her sights on becoming Queen of all the Upper East Side. Leighton Meester;s new single “Somebody to Love” is featured, along with a guest performance from all-girl rock band Plastiscines.
◊“How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Filmmaker Leslie Woodhead, who first met the Beatles in 1962 when he worked on a film in the Liverpool Cavern Club, talks to Russians who grew up listening to the Beatles and found hope and inspiration in their music and their message of rebellion.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): After Barney and Robin hit a rough patch in their relationship, Lily devises the perfect plan to break them up, calling in help from Robin’s famous friend, Alan Thicke.
◊“Lincoln Heights” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Cassie tells Charles she wants to apply to school in New York, and Lizzie gets into trouble at school.
◊“Lopez Tonight” (10 p.m. on TBS): Comedian and actor George Lopez headlines this new late-night talk show that will feature a street-party feel with pumped-up music, audience interaction and a format that is open to change each day. His prmeiere-night guests include Ellen DeGeneres (”Ellen”), Eva Longoria-Parker (”Desperate Housewives”) and Kobe Bryant (NBA player).
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): Series star Sophia Bush (Brooke) directed this episode in which devastating news threatenes to derrail Brook and Julian’s fairytale romance.
◊“Rita Rocks” (9 p.m. on Lifetime): Swoosie Kurtz (”Pushing Daisies”) guest stars as Rita’s overly judgmental mother, Marilyn. Rita scrubs down the house and hides all the junk food to prepare for a visit from Marilyn, who decides to stay a couple weeks longer to spend more quality time with Rita and the family.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (noon on KOCB-34): Meredith Vieira won’t be the only person asking questions on the game show. Starting today, she will get assistance from celebrities such as Senator John McCain, Vanessa Williams (”Ugly Betty”), Jane Lynch (”Glee”), Joe Mantegna (”Criminal Minds”) and Robin Roberts (”Good Morning America”). Monday is also the first day of the “Million Dollar Tournament of Ten” that will feature the season’s top 10 contestants who will get a shot at a $1 million question.
TUESDAY, NOV. 10, 2009
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): Playing the game for charity are celebrities Nick Lachey (“Charmed”) and Drew Lachey (“The Comebacks”).
◊“Disaster House” (9 p.m. on DIY): Host Josh Temple and his team drop a 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis from nearly 100 feet to replicate years of damage a normal driveway can endure and what homeowners can do to repair common problems. He also uses a Pumpkin Cannon to shoot a variety of fruits at a home mailbox to show viewers how to repair theirs.
◊“Full Throttle Saloon” (9 p.m. on truTV): This new series takes viewers behind-the-scenes at The Throttle, a biker bar in Sturgis, S.D. The 30-acre indoor/outdoor bar features several large stages, a burn-out pit, a tattoo parlor, zip lines, a wrestling ring, restaurants, dozens of stores, hundreds of cabins for rent and parking for thousands of bikes. It is only open two weeks a year during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): While representing the daughter of one of the partner’s at the law firm, Alicia finds herself attracted to her co-counsel and his unorthodox approach to defending their client. Chris Bowers (”Rescue Me”) guest stars as Alicia’s co-counsel.
◊“In the Spotlight With Robin Roberts: Bright Lights. Big Stars. All Access Nashville” (9 p.m. on ABC): Take a backstage tour of the country music scene with Robin Roberts (”Good Morning America”) as she goes home with Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood and Nashville residents Tim McGraw and Martina McBride. Also on the itinerary are interviews with Vince Gill, Loretta Lynn and Rosanne Cash.
◊“Independent Lens” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): In “D Tour,” documentarian Jim Granato tells the story of Pat Spurgeon, an aspiring indie rocker whose life and career suffer a setback when one of his kidneys begins to fail. The film follows him as he searches for a donor while on tour with his band Rogue Wave.
◊“James May on the Moon” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Driven by his passion for technology, “Top Gear” presenter James May seeks out both the astronauts and the men who built the space vehicles. And through manipulation of archive footage, May buckles up with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, lands the Eahle and takes a space walk.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): With the team’s help, Vance faces his demons while uncovering a complex relationship with a killer that puts his whole family in danger. Kelly Hu (”Martial Law”), Penny Johnson Jerald (”24″) and Paula Newsome (”Women’s Murder Club”) guest star.
◊“Sesame Street” (9 a.m. on OETA-13): The world’s largest informal children’s educator celebrates its 40th birthday today, which is the exact day the series debuted on television four decades ago. The new season will feature a new show opening, a new nature curriculum and the new First Lady Michelle Obama, who appears in the premiere epusode and teaches “the street’s” residents about the many benefits of planting a garden and healthy eating.
◊“Starz Inside: Sex and the Cinema” (9 p.m. on Starz): This special explores how sexually charged films reflect out own sexual liberation. It also looks at many films that push the boundary, from mainstream studio films to producyt that comes from the porn industry.
◊“The Will: Families Divided” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special explores the intrigue, legal wrangling and high emotions surrounding real-life stories of family inheritance — whether there is a valid will or not.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 2009
◊“The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” (7 p.m. on ABC): Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, the reigning CMA female and male vocalists of the year, co-host the event for the second consecutive year. Both are also nominees and are scheduled to perform, along with Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift and George Strait.
◊“Apocalypse: The Second World War” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Martin Sheen (”The West Wing”) narrates this six-part series featuring footage filmed by those who witnessed the war first-hand. This footage was deemed ‘unfit’ for civilians to see. Until now. It has been restored, colorized and transferred to high definition. The series will air over six consecutive nights.
◊“Change the World: American Heroes” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Craftsman Carter Oosterhouse and designer Monica Pedersen transform homes in Philadelphia and St. Louis into comfortable and welcoming places for veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.
◊“Coca-Cola: The Real Story Behind the Real Thing” (8 p.m. on CNBC): With unprecedented access, CNBC pulls back the curtain on Coca-Cola, revealing never-before-seen labs, secret archives and high-tech product testing. Cameras follow Coke’s urgent campaign to reinvent itself after years of losing ground to arch-rival Pepsi in the race to develop new beverages.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit follows a trail of murders that seems to align with the tour schedule of a rock star. Gavin Rossdale plays a Goth performer who has become lost in the frightening alter-ego he portrays on stage — an alter-ego the BAU team suspects may be a brutal serial killer.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) rushes to New York when Det. Mac Taylor and his team identify a woman hidden in a big rig following an accident as someone he interviewed in Miami related to his missing person’s case. Though the woman disappears after the accident, Langston and Mac discover they’re onto an interstate trucking ring that specializes in human cargo and black market organ harvesting.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Allison is jilted when her new “friend,” Sophia (Nadine Valezquez, “My Name Is Earl”), prefers Gary’s company over hers.
◊“Ghost Hunters Academy” (9 p.m. on Syfy): In this new spinoff of “Ghost Hunters,” two members of The Atlantic Paranormal Society — technical manager Steve Gonsalves and evidence analyst Dave Tango — show a group of college students how to investigate reports of paranormal activity.
◊“POV” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new documentary “The Way We Get By” tells the stories behind a group of retired and elderly citizens in Maine who have taken it upon themselves to greet every troop plane arriving or departing Bangor, which is the last and first piece of U.S. soil many soldiers see before and after their deployments.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Max (Eric McCormack, “Will & Grace”) points out to Christine that she quits anything that gets too hard, including relationships, which is one of the reasons he chose to be her therapist rather than her boyfriend.
◊“Return to Duty” (8 p.m. on MTV): Viewers of “The Real World: Brooklyn” may remember the emotional moment when cast member and Army vet Ryan Conklin was unexpectedly recalled for a second tour of duty in Iraq. In this documentary, Conklin takes viewers through the year since that day, offering a soldier’s view of America’s changing military presence in the long war in Iraq.
◊“Secrets of the Dead” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new episode “Airmen and the Headhunters” recounts the rescue of a U.S. bomber crew shot down over the jungles of Japanese-occupied Borneo during World War II. Dayak tribesmen, known for taking the heads of their enemies, fed and protected the airmen.
THURSDAY, NOV. 12, 2009
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Dr. Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) continues the search for the young girl taken hostage as part of the human trafficking operation. It leads him to investigate a prostitution ring in Las Vegas that may harbor the missing woman.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Owen recruits his fellow Iraqi War vet, Dr. Teddy Altman, as the new cardiothoracic surgeon, Cristina questions Teddy’s abilities in the operating room and the nature of their past relationship. Joel Grey (”Cabaret”) and Kim Raver (”24″) guest star.
◊“The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): While Jane and the team examine the crime scene where a baseball scout is found murdered, Jane is clocked in the head by a ball and flashes back to his childhood with his overbearing father (Nick Chinlund, “Desperate Housewives”).
◊“Stateline: Behind the Curtain” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of OETA’s award-winning documentary series unveils what it takes to maintain Oklahoma’s world class museums and attractions. Attractions featured include the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, home to thousands of varieties of sea life; the J.M. Davis Gun Museum in Claremore that could outfit an army; and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, which prepares for performances days in advance of the curtain.
◊“The Vampire Diaries” (7 p.m. on CW): A mysterious new history teacher (Matt Davis, “Legally Blonde”) arrives at the high school. And when Elena, Bonnie and Caroline hold a seance, the results are stranger than any of them expected.
FRIDAY, NOV. 13, 2009
◊“Great Performances” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Motown Records, “Stevie Wonder: Live At Last” features the American musician in a concert performance at London’s O2 Arena.
◊“Invitation Only: Tim McGraw” (8 p.m. on CMT): Country music artist Tim McGraw returns to the stage to perform his biggest hits and music from his latest album “Southern Voice.” He also takes questions from fans and gives revealing and candid answers.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison fears the worst about Ariel’s new boyfriend when she suspects him of murdering a man. Also, Bridgette posts embarrassing videos of a man on the Internet and gets into trouble. Amy Pietz (”Caroline in the City”) guest stars as the mother of Ariel’s boyfriend in this episode directed by David Arquette (“Scream”).
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): While tracking down a felon running a heroin ring inside a prison, Agent Ian Edgerton (Lou Diamond Phillips, “La Bamba”) becomes a murder suspect when the informant he meets with ends up dead, sending a desperate Edgerton over the edge when he takes a member of Don’s team hostage.
◊“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): DC Comics’ “The Wonder Twins” Jayna and Zan (David Gallagher, 7th Heaven) show up in Metroplolis to help The Blur fight crime. But they end of botching several rescues.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Hilda’s bad-boy high school flame and Betty’s schoolgirl crush — Bobby Talercio (Adam Rodriguez, “CSI: Miami”) — teaches at Justin’s school, causing the sisters to both doubt their feelings for “nice guys” — such as Archie (Ralph Macchio, “The Karate Kid”), in Hilda’s case.
SATURDAY, NOV. 14, 2009
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): Host Claire Robinson prepares all her Thanksgiving recipes with five or fewer ingredients. She cooks up roasted turkey breast with gravy, cornbread dressing and a ginger pumpkin tart.
◊“Ask Aida” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Create a Thanksgiving feast with host Aida Mollenkamp’s crowd-pleasing menu. She fixes an apple-sage roast turkey, whole wheat stuffing and a pecan pumpkin crunch. She also shares her simple recipe for hearty pan gravy.
◊“Cougar Town” (4 p.m. on SoapNet): This two-hour marathon includes the first three episodes (as well as the fifth episode) of the ABC series starring Courteney Cox as a recently divorced single mother exploring the truths about dating and aging.
◊“Everything She Ever Wanted” (7 p.m on Lifetime Movie Network): This two-part miniseries, which concludes Nov. 15, stars Gina Gershon (”Bound”) as a Southern woman whose storybook wedding signals the beginning of a nightmare marriage that is ultimately upended by greed and violence. It is inspired by a true story.
◊“Flower Girl” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Marla Sokoloff (”The Practice”) stars in this new romance as Laurel, a florist who can’t seem to find the man of her dreams. But when her grandmother (Marion Ross) tries to fix Laurel up with the perfect man, before she knows it, she has not one but two potential suitors on her hands and must decide if its time to follow her heart or her head.
◊“Imagination Movers” (9 a.m. on Disney): In the episode “A Fairy Tale Ending,” the Movers must convince Cinderella to go home and back to her story so she can have her fairy tale ending with Prince Charming. The episode features the debut of the new original song “When You Grow Up.” Nicole Anderson (”Jonas”) and Jason Dolley (”Good Luck Charlie”) guest star as Cinderella and Prince Charming.
◊“Oklahoma Hall of Fame” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The 2009 Oklahoma Hall of Fame class of 2009 is inducted. The seven Oklahoma honorees are: C. Kendric Fergeson, Altus; Marlin G. “Ike” Glass, Jr., Newkirk; V. Burns Hargis, Stillwater; Polly A. Nichols, Oklahoma City; Lee Roy Selmon, Eufaula; Steven W. Taylor, McAlester; and Wayman Lawrence Tisdale, Tulsa, who will be inducted posthumously.
◊“Saturday Night Live” (10:29 p.m. on NBC): January Jones (”Mad Men”) makes her “SNL” debut as host. Back for their second appearance are musical guests The Black Eyed Peas, three-time Grammy Award winners.
◊“Super Dave’s Spike-Tacular” (10 p.m. on SPIKE): Emmy winner Bob Einstein returns as Super Dave Osbourne, self-described as the greatest daredevil superstar entertainer of all time, as he prepares for a weekly death-defying stunt. Stunts he will attempt in the four-part special event include trying to break the NASCAR speed record on a track loaded with explosives, breaking the speed record in the Guinness Book of World Records for a hybrid vehicle, challenging the world’s six greatest paintball players and stepping into the Octagon with former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): The five warning signs that your financial advisor doesn’t have your best interest at heart.
◊“True Jackson, VP” (7:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In the Season 2 premiere, True is determined to save her school’s design department from budget cuts and decides to hold a fundraising concert. Making special celebrity appearances are teen pop singer Justin Bieber and Brooklyn tween punk rock band Care Bears on Fire.
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for Oct. 25-31, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Oct. 25:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, OCT. 25
◊“Bored to Death” (8:35 p.m. on HBO): Jonathan is enlisted to retrieve a sex tape that a female escort is using to extort money from a married New Jersey man. Patton Oswalt (”The King of Queens”) guest stars.
◊“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (8 p.m. on HBO): Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld (”Seinfeld”) consider incorporating Larry’s latest real-life experience, involving a bare-midriff assistant and a crying Jesus, into the reunion show.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The design team rebuilds the crumbling Illinois home of Nathan Montgomnery, who gave up a lucrative engineering career to start a charity that feeds hundreds of hungry families in his community. Chefs Rocco DiSpirito (”Dancing With the Stars”), Sandra Lee (”Semi-Homemade Cooking With Sandra Lee”), Spike Mendalsohn (”Top Chef”) and Art Smith (”Top Chef Masters”) will be the celebrity volunteers for this build.
◊“He’s My Antonio” (9 p.m. on VH1): Antonio Sabato Jr. concludes his search for love in Hawaii with the final two women, Brooke and Miranda. Both women are convinced that they are his true love, and Antonio is agonizing over his choice.
◊“Masterpiece Contemporary” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The Emmy-winning series returns for a new season with a new host — Scottish actor David Tennant (”Doctor Who”) — and a new drama about the real-life negotiations that led up to the end of apartheid in South Africa. William Hurt, Jonny Lee Miller, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Derek Jacobi star in “Endgame.”
◊“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Choo Choo Express” (6 a.m. on Disney): Mickey and pals climb aboard the Clubhouse Choo Choo Train for a snow-filled adventure. Grammy Award-winning alternative rock band They Might Be Giants and the Sensational Six each perform a new song in the special.
◊“Sandra’s Money Saving Meals” (11 a.m. on Food Network): Sandra Lee (”Semi-Homemade Cooking With Sandra Lee”) returns for a second season of sharing creative recipes that save money and time. In this installment, she cooks up blackened catfish and BBQ beef stir fry.
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Following a bus crash, the parents of a football player must make a heartbreaking decision whether to donate his organs. Dr. Travis Stork (”The Doctors”) guest stars as Dr. Travis, an anesthesiologist.
◊“Who Speaks for Islam?” (9 p.m. on Link TV, channel 375 on DirecTV, 9410 on Dish Network): This new series explores global attitudes of Anti-Americanism and Islamophobia and tracks evolving portrayals of Muslims in Hollywood. It will also be streams on LinkTV.org.
MONDAY, OCT. 26, 2009
◊“American Experience: The 1930s” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This five-part series examines America’s response to the unprecedented economic crisis, high unemployment and environmental catastrophe that threatened the nation during one of history’s most tumultuous decades. It begins with stock market collapse in “The Crash of 1929.”
◊“Cake Boss” (9 p.m. on TLC): In Season 2, expect to see Buddy Valastro and his family create cakes that continue to defy expectations. In the season premiere, they create an engagement ring box cake.
◊“Dr. G: Medical Examiner” (8 p.m. on Discovery Health): Medical examiner Dr. Jan Garavaglia draws viewers into a world of mystery and forensics with her relentless determination to discover the truth and provide answers to families’ lingering questions about the death of their loved ones.
◊“Emeril’s Culinary Adventures: Napa” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): Chef Emeril Lagasse’s tour of wine country includes a visit to a farm that uses solar power and biodiesel fuels for all its energy needs and explores the in’s and out’s of organic farming.
◊“Extreme Paranormal” (9 p.m. on A&E): Shaun, Nathan and Jason investigate Pennhurst State School and Hospital, a decrepit mental asylum in eastern Pennsylvania where people have reported strange sightings since the facility’s closing in 1986. The team also travels to the allegedly haunted Manchac Swamp just outside New Orleans.
◊“Greek” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): Everyone is packing their bags and heading home for Thanksgiving, but Casey and Rusty find themselves stranded at college when their parents leave them behind for Maui. This episode’s promotes volunteerism as part of the show’s “Pledge Yourself to do Something” campaign.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When the gang suspects that Barney has a girlfriend after he mysteriously leaves MacLaren’s, they decide to follow him. Frances Conroy (”Six Feet Under”) guest stars as Barney’s mother.
◊“Lincoln Heights” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): R&B singer Trey Songz holds a contest and Tay dazzles him with an inspired performance. But when Eddie’s father-son project coincides with his big night, Tay must choose between his dream and his father’s feelings.
◊“No Excuses” (9:30 p.m. on VH1): Hip-Hop artist and entrepreneur Percy Miller – aka Master P – helps turn one former gang member’s life around, showing him the amazing things you can do when you stop making excuses.
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): Dan brings Renee onto his television show, leaving Nathan and Haley powerless to stop him from revealing the truth of her pregnancy to the world. Series star James Lafferty (Nathan) directed the episode.
◊“Real Chance of Love 2: Back in the Saddle” (8 p.m. on VH1): It’s been another wild ride to find love for Real and Chance this season. Deep, dark secrets will be revealed when the boys fly the final five ladies to Miami Beach in the shows’ finale.
◊“RiP: A Remix Manifesto” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary explores the meaning of copyright in the digital age where the wall between producers and users has been irrevocably torn down. It follows several key individuals who seek to redefine originality in the future, including mash-up musical phenomenon Girl Talk (Greg Gillis).
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie joins Alan, Herb and his next door neighbor in a night of alcohol-fueled sexual reminiscences after Chelsea finds nude pictures of another woman on his phone. Michael Clarke Duncan (”The Green Mile”) reprises his role as Charlie’s neighbor.
TUESDAY, OCT. 27, 2009
◊“Big Ideas for a Small Planet” (7 p.m. on Sundance): Soleil Moon Frye (”Punky Brewster”) and Cindy Crawford (”Fashion Flashback”) are among the innovators working on ideas that will help parents raise their babies in a green environment. Ideas include frozen organic baby food, green diapers and the eco-friendly baby store.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): Derek Jeter, a four-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, gives the contestants a pep talk about the importance of teamwork before they embark on a wild baseball challenge.
◊“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Jordan Lloyd (”Big Brother 11″ winner) and Jeff Schroeder (voted America’s favorite houseguest on “Big Brother 11″) appear in flashback scenes of a high school homecoming dance in the 1980s (complete with era-appropriate wardrobe and hair).
◊“Flipping Out” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The “Flipping Out” gang reuniite to discuss the show’s third season. Jeff and Ryan come face to face to talk about the serious accusations made about Ryan’s business practices.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Close to Home” chronicles how the middle class is faring in the recession by focusing on the stories of the owner, employees and patrons of a New York City salon.
◊“General Hospital” (2 p.m. on ABC): Jonathan Jackson (”Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) returns to the daytime drama in the role of Lucky Spencer, son of super couple Luke and Laura, which he created as a teenager. Lucky wants his former wife, Elizabeth, to remarry him, but unbeknownst to him, Elizabeth has strong feelings for Lucky’s brother, Nikolas.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): In the documentary “Journals of a Wily School,” the police in Kolkata, India, offer a young pickpocket a full pardon if he helps track down more notorious criminals.
◊“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): The 1966 half-hour animated Halloween-themed Peanuts special created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz returns. It will air in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programming.
◊“The Little Couple” (9 p.m. on TLC): As the next step in their journey toward having a child, Jen and Bill make an appointment with a pulmonologist to discover Jen’s lung capacity.
◊“30 for 30: Muhammad and Larry” (7 p.m. on ESPN): In 1980, Muhammad Ali was preparing to fight for an unprecedented fourth heavyweight title against his friend and former sparring partner Larry Holmes. This special features unseen footage from the build-up to that fight that was filmed by documentarians Albert and David Maysles.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the death of a Marine, the team finds themselves intertwined in an inner city gang war. Muse Watson (”Prison Break”) reprises his role as Gibb’s mentor, Mike Franks.
◊“Scream 2009″ (9 p.m. on Spike): Tobey Maguire presents a tribute to Marvel Comics icon Stan Lee at the fourth annual event honoring all things science-fiction, fantasy and horror. The two-hour extravaganza will also include previews of the upcoming films “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and “Shutter Island.”
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28, 2009
◊“The Botany of Desire” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This special explores the natural history of four plants — the apple, the tulip, marihuana and the potato — and the corresponding human desires — sweetness, beauty, intoxication and controlling nature — that link their destinies to our own. Featured are the potato fields if Idaho and Peru, the apple orchards of New England, the tulip markets of Amsterdam and a medical marijuana hot house.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 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”) guest star.
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on DirectTV): As Season 4 opens, a redistricting plan has left Dillon a town divided. Having been ousted from his role as head coach at Dillon High School, Coach Taylor finds himself faced with the daunting task of building a football team from scratch as well as motivating and disciplining the unmanageable East Dillon Lions players. The drama will air commercial free on The 101 Network.
◊“Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this special based on the 2009 animated film, Susan Murphy (Reece Witherspoon) and the Monsters now work with the U.S. government as special operatives. When an alien presence is detected in Susan’s hometown right before Halloween, the team is dispatched to investigate.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine considers herself popular by association when Ritchie is asked to a dance by the most popular girl in school, and Matthew and Richard try to evict an elderly woman (Marion Ross, “Happy Days”) from the apartment they hope to rent.
◊“Top Chef: Las Vegas” (9 p.m. on Bravo): After a “TV dinner” quickfire challenge, the remaining cheftestants visit head judge Tom Colicchio’s Craft Steak restaurant in Las Vegas to cook for actress Natalie Portman and friends.
THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): Liz and Jack venture down south to Kenneth’s hometown to discover new talent. Betty White (”The Golen Girls”) and Jeff Dunham (”The Jeff Dunham Show”) guest star.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Isaac, the hospital lab tech, has an inoperable tumor wrapped around his spine, he turns to Dr. Derek Shepherd to do the impossible, and Derek tests the Chief’s authority when Richard objects to moving forward with the risky surgery. Series star Chandra Wilson (Dr. Miranda Bailey) directed the episode.
◊“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (9 p.m. on FX): In an effort to “support the war,” the gang decides to put on a wrestling show for the returning troops calling themselves “The Birds of War.” Rowdy Roddy Piper (”WF SmackDown!”) guest stars.
◊“The League” (9:30 p.m. on FX): This new comedy series follows a circle of friends involved in a fantasy football league and focuses on male friendship, marriage, parenting, suburbia and growing up – or refusing to grow up.
◊“Lives That Changed the World: Muhammad Ali” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): On this date in 1960, a new fighter won his first professional fight. Muhammad Ali went on to become one of the most prolific sports personalities of the 20th century.
◊“The Mentalist” (9 p.m. on CBS): Patrick Jane and the California Bureau of Investigation
team investigates the death of a wealthy man who witnesses say was killed by a ghost haunting his mansion. Frances Fisher (”Eureka”) guest stars.
◊“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Find out what really went down in Atlanta when the Southern gals reconvene for a two-part reunion special. In part one, they reveal how they relaly fel about all the catfights and wig-pulling.
FRIDAY, OCT. 30, 2009
◊“Cyberchase” (10 a.m. on OETA-13): The annual “Halloween Howl” bash in Castleblanca promises to be spooktacular…until Hacker takes over the Mayor’s Castle and brings its seven stone gargoyles to life. Obeying Hacker’s every command, the gargoyles capture the Mayor and imprison him in the dungeon. To gain control of the creepy creatures, the CyberSquad must figure out how to use division to evenly split up bunches of garlic and rock candy.
◊“Dollhouse” (8 p.m. on Fox): Echo is sent to stop Senator Daniel Perrin (Alexis Denisof, “Angel”) before he can expose the Dollhouse’s secrets. Adelle and Topher travel to the Washington D.C. Dollhouse where they meet its genius programmer, Bennett Halverson (Summer Glau, “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”), a woman with a mysterious past connection to Echo.
◊“Ghost Adventures Live” (7 p.m. on Travel Channel): Paranormal investigators Zak Bagans, Nick Groff and Aaron Goodwin voluntarily lock themselves in one of America’s most haunted locations, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia, for this live seven-hour event. Viewers at home will have total access to the investigation via webcams and online chats with the crew at www.travelchannel.com/ghostadventures.
◊“Halloween on Ice” (7 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Halloween comes early this year with a twist (and a triple axel). This special, which combines Halloween haunts with some of the world’s most accomplished skaters, features the music of Mannheim Steamroller and performances by Olympic medalists Nancy Kerrigan, Todd Eldredge and Elvis Stojko.
◊“Invitation Only: Brooks and Dunn” (9 p.m. on CMT): Ronnie Dunn from Tulsa and his country music partner, Kix Brooks, perform some of their biggest hits before a small studio audience in Nashville. They also host an informal question and answer session and talk about reaching their decision to part ways after their tour in 2010.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): Allison has vivid nightmares that insert her into scenes from the classic horror film “Night of the Living Dead,” which leave her with unexplained cuts and bite marks and possible clues that could lead her to a funeral director’s murderer. The cast will be inserted into scenes from George Romero’s timeless zombie fest throughout the episode. Aida Turturro (”The Sopranos”) guest stars.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When strange, almost paranormal happenings are observed at a decommissioned air base, the spooky occurrences take on a decidedly different tone when the team is brought in to investigate the mystery of a dead woman found there. John Michael Higgins (“Best in Show”), Silas Weir Mitchell (“Prison Break”), Sam Lloyd (“Scrubs”), and Jennifer Elise Cox (“The Brady Bunch Movie”) guest star.
◊“The Real Story: The Amityville Horror” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): On November 13, 1974, police discovered six members of the DeFeo family – father, mother and four of their five children – shot to death inside their home at 112 Ocean Ave. in the quiet village of Amityville, NY. Ronald, the eldest son, was found guilty of the murders. With the help of eye witness accounts, extraordinary archival footage and psychological drama, learn the facts and reveal new evidence behind the “Horror.”
◊“Super Why!” (8 a.m. on OETA-13): It’s Halloween in Storybrook Village and Pig is so frightened that he won’t go trick-or-treating with friends. The Super Readers pay a storybook visit to Little Ghost, who’s a bit of a scaredy cat himself, to teach him there’s more to Halloween than meets the eye.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on ABC): Betty is overwhelmed with her editorial work, so Wilhemina assigns Marc to be Betty’s temporary assistant. Betty’s story idea to cover the worst jobs in New York goes south when she has to dress up as a hot dog and do a Bollywood dance number. Dylan Baker (”Kings”) and Jamie-Lynn Sigler (”The Sopranos”) guest star.
◊“The Vampire Princess” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Two skeletons were found in Schwarzenberg Castle, Bohemia. Their decapitated heads were between their legs, weighed down by stones, and wooden stakes were driven through chest cavities. They may help decipher the spine-chilling story of an infamous Austrian princess. Princess Eleanor was not only a main character in the original version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but she was also notable for keeping captive wolves and bathing in their milk. Now the notes of her extraordinary autopsy have been found, and they help reveal why she became an infamous recluse and how she died.
◊“Zombie Girl: The Movie” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This film chronicles the journey of Austin, Texas-based film enthusiast Emily Hagins, 12, as she spends two years writing, directing and editing her first feature-length motion picture, the zombie movie titled “Pathogen.” She battles everything from budget shortfalls to self-doubt, all while coming of age as a teenager.
SATURDAY, OCT. 31, 2009
◊“Hanging Shadows: Perspectives on an Italian Horror Cinema” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This special presents a historical overview of the giallo genre, exploring its genesis and chronicling the films, directors, and personalities that made up its golden age. This group of films and filmmakers helped redefine the horror genre that forever changed the way we think of horror films.
◊“The Locator” (8 p.m. on WEtv): In the Season 3 finale, Troy Dunn helps a woman and her stepfather locate her biological dad.
◊“Phineas and Ferb” (7 a.m. on Disney XD): At their yard sale, Dad accidentally sells Candace’s favorite childhood doll, Mary McGuffin, to Dr. Doofenshmirtz who has been looking for the rare doll for Vanessa ever since her 5th birthday. When Vanessa’s mom, Charlene, donates the doll to a thrift store, Vanessa races to get it back, while Phineas and Ferb help Candace find Mary McGuffin. Allison Janney (”The West Wing”) guest stars.
Allison Janney (“The West Wing”) on “Phineas and Ferb,” 7 a.m. Saturday on Disney XD.
◊“The Suze Orman Show” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This Halloween edition of the show features a masked mystery guest. And one caller asks about spending $100 in a baby Halloween costume.
◊“The True Story of Mary Celeste” (11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): On December 5, 1872, the brigantine Mary Celeste was found adrift in the Atlantic, its captain and crew nowhere to be found. The mystery of this “ghost ship” has remained unanswered for over 135 years. Now, with the help of a newly discovered transcript documenting the ship’s final five days, Smithsonian Channel brings this unsolved case to a close.
–Penny TV
And the nominees for the 2009 awards shows are … (could be Oklahoma artists)
‘Tis the season for awards shows, and artists with Oklahoma ties are in the running.
On Tuesday (Oct. 13), ABC announced nominees for the 2009 American Music Awards that will air live Nov. 22. Rascal Flatts (featuring Joe Don Rooney from Picher) received two nominations, while Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood were both nominated for favorite female country music artist.
And on Thursday, additional performers were added to the lineup for The 43rd Annual CMA Awards that will air live at 7 p.m. Nov. 22 on ABC. Among them were Oklahoma City native Vince Gill, who will duet with rock band Daughtry, and Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert.
Here is a list of upcoming awards shows, and additional info will be added when nominees are announced. So stay tuned.
••Oct. 27: Scream 2009 (9 p.m. on SPIKE) — Fourth annual event honoring the best in horor, science fiction, fantasy and comics. Top nominee is “Star Trek” (17).
••Oct 27: Fourth Annual BET Hip Hop Awards (7 p.m. on BET) — Mike Epps hosts. Top nominees are Kanye West (9), Lil’ Wayne (7), Jay Z (7), T.I. (6).
••Nov. 11: The 43rd Annual CMA Awards (7 p.m. on ABC) — Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley co-host. Top nominees are Brad Paisley (6), Taylor Swift (4), Keith Urban (4), Jamey Johnson (4), George Strait (4), Zac Brown (4). Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Miranda Lambert (female vocalist of the year, single of the year), Carrie Underwood (female vocalist of the year, album of the year), Rascal Flatts (vocal group of the year), Brooks & Dunn (vocal due of the year, album of the year), Trisha Yearwood (musical event of the year). Performers with Oklahoma ties are Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood.
••Nov. 5: The 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards (7 p.m. on Univision) — Top nominee is Calle 13 (5).
••Nov. 22: 2009 American Music Awards (7 p.m. on ABC) — Top nominees are Taylor Swift (6), Michael Jackson (5), Eminem (4). Nominees with Oklahoma ties are Rascal Flatts (favorite band, duo or group, favorite album), Reba McEntire (favorite female artist), Carrie Underwood (favorite female artist).
••Jan. 6: The 36th Annual People’s Choice Awards (8 p.m. on CBS) — Queen Latifah hosts. Nominees announced in November.
••Jan. 17: The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards (7 p.m. on NBC) — Nominees announced Dec. 15.
••Jan. 23: The 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (7 p.m. on TNT and TBS) — Nominees announced Dec. 17.
••Jan. 31: The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards (7 p.m. on CBS) — Nominees announced Dec. 2.
••Feb. 21: 2010 Orange British Academy Film Awards (usually broadcast on BBC America) — Nominees announced Jan. 21.
••March 5: The 25th Annual Independent Spirit Awards (7 p.m. on IFC) – Nominees announced in January.
••March 7: The 81st Annual Academy Awards (7 p.m. on ABC) — Nominees announced Feb. 2.
TV Premieres and Finales airing Sept. 13-19, 2009
Mischa Barton on "The Beautiful Life: TBL" (The CW Photo)
Friday is when The Oklahoman
posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Sept. 13.
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
••“Mega Beasts,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Design Inc.,” 11 a.m. Monday on FLN (third-season premiere).
••“The Dr. Oz Show,” 11 a.m. Monday on KOCO-5 (series premiere).
••“Martha Speaks,” 1 p.m. Monday on OETA-13 (second-season premiere).
••“The Martha Stewart Show,” 2 p.m. Monday on KSBI-52 (fifth-season premiere).
••“Dr. Phil,” 3 p.m. Monday on KOCO-5 (eighth-season premiere).
••“Have Fork Will Travel,” 4 p.m. Monday on FLN (series premiere).
••“The Oprah Winfrey Show,” 4 p.m. Monday on KOCO-5 (24th-season premiere).
••“Monday Night Football,” 6 p.m. Monday on ESPN (40th-season premiere).
••“Wheel of Fortune,” 6:30 p.m. Monday on KOCO-5 (27th-season premiere).
••“Lincoln Heights,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (fourth-season premiere).
••“One Tree Hill,” 7 p.m. Monday on CW (seventh-season premiere).
••“Gossip Girl,” 8 p.m. Monday on CW (third-season premiere).
••“Eddie Griffin: Going for Broke,” 9 p.m. Monday on VH1 (series premiere).
••“The Jay Leno Show,” 9 p.m. Monday on NBC (series premiere).
••“The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC (eighth-season premiere).
••“The Beautiful Life: TBL,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CW (series premiere).
••“60 Minutes on WE,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on WEtv (series premiere).
••“The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SPIKE (season premiere).
••“Bones,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox (fifth-season premiere).
••“Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday,” 7 p.m. Thursday on NBC (series premiere).
••“Survivor: Samoa,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CBS (19th-season premiere).
••“Parks and Recreation,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC (second-season premiere).
••“Extreme Cuisine With Jeff Corwin,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“Fringe,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Fox (second-season premiere).
••“The Office,” 8 p.m. Thursday on NBC (sixth-season premiere).
••“Community,” 8:31 p.m. Thursday on NBC (series premiere).
••“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” 9 p.m. Thursday on FX (fifth-season premiere).
••“The Troop,” 7 p.m. Friday on Nickelodeon (series premiere).
••“Crash,” 9 p.m. Friday on Starz (second-season premiere).
••“Busytown Mysteries,” 8 a.m. Saturday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Rollbots,” 8 a.m. Saturday on CW (series premiere).
••“Noonbory & the Super 7,” 8:30 a.m. Saturday on CBS (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“King of the Hill,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Fox (series finale).
••“There Goes the Neighborhood,” 7:59 p.m. Sunday on CBS (first-season finale).
••“True Blood,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (second-season finale).
••“Amazing Wedding Cakes,” 9 p.m. Sunday on WEtv (second-season finale).
••“HGTV Design Star,” 9 p.m. Sunday on HGTV (fourth-season finale).
••“Hung,” 9 p.m. on Sunday HBO (first-season finale).
••“More to Love,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (first-season finale).
••“Big Brother,” 8:01 p.m. Tuesday on CBS (11th-season finale).
••“Shaq VS,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“The Cleaner,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (second-season finale).
••“Masters of Reception,” 9 p.m. Tuesday at TLC (first-season finale).
••“America’s Got Talent,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on NBC (fourth-season finale).
••“Truth Be Told,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TLC (first-season finale).
••“Dark Blue,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (first-season finale).
••“Guiding Light,” 2 p.m. Friday on CBS (series finale).
••“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox (third-season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
TV Premieres, Finales, Marathons airing Aug. 30-Sept. 5
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 Aug. 30.
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
••“Viva El Sueno (Live the Dream),” 7 p.m. Sunday on Univision (series premiere).
••“Greek,” 8 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (third-season premiere).
••“Tool Academy,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on VH1 (second-season premiere).
••“Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre World,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Travel (series premiere).
••“Rehab: Party at the Hard Rock Hotel,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on truTV (second-season premiere).
••“Surviving Disaster,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Spike (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Dance Your Ass Off,” 9 p.m. Monday on Oxygen (first-season finale).
••“Nova ScienceNOW,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on OETA-13 (fourth-season finale).
••“Gordon Ramsay’s F Word,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on BBC America (fourth-season finale).
••“American Loggers,” 8 p.m. Thursday on Discovery (first-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“Monk,” 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday on USA Network.
••“Eureka,” 7 a.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday on Syfy.
••“House,” 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday on USA Network.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Pictured above: ABC Family’s “GREEK” stars Dilshad Vadsaria as “Rebecca,” Amber Stevens as “Ashleigh,” and Spencer Grammer as “Casey.” (ABC FAMILY/CRAIG SJODIN)
TV Premieres and Finales airing Aug. 9-15
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 Aug. 9-15.
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
••“Ten Dollar Dinners,” 11:30 a.m. Sunday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“Raging Planet,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew,” 8 p.m. Sunday on MTV (fourth-season premiere).
••“Shark Tank,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC (series premiere).
••“There Goes the Neighborhood,” 8 p.m. Sunday on CBS (series premiere).
••“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC (first of 11 new episodes airing over two weeks).
••“Popular Science’s Future Of,” 8 p.m. Monday on Science Channel (series premiere).
••“Daddy’s Girls,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on MTV (second-season premiere).
••“Man vs. Wild,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Discovery (fourth-season premiere).
••“Truth Be Told,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TLC (series premiere).
••“Criss Angel Mindfreak,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on A&E (fifth-season premiere).
••“Dinner: Impossible,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Food Network (seventh-season premiere).
••“Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Cincinnati Bengals,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on HBO (fifth-season premiere).
••“Into the Pride,” 7 p.m. Thursday on Animal Planet (series premiere).
••“Special Ops Mission,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Military channel (series premiere).
••“Househusbands of Hollywood,” 8 p.m. Saturday on Fox Reality Channel (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” 8 p.m. Sunday on USA (eighth-season finale).
••“In Plain Sight,” 9 p.m. Sunday on USA (second-season finale).
••“Jesse James Is a Dead Man,” 9 p.m. Sunday on SPIKE (first-season finale).
••“Z Rock,” 10 p.m. Sunday on IFC (second-season finale).
••“Obsessed,” 9 p.m. Monday on A&E (first-season finale).
••“NYC Prep,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (first-season finale).
••“Better Off Ted,” 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“Ghost Hunters International,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Syfy (summer finale).
••“The Mom Show,” 9 a.m. Friday on WE (season finale).
••“Mental,” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox (first-season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for Aug. 9-15, 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 Aug. 9:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, AUG. 9
◊“At Sea” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): This three-part miniseries airing today through Tuesday focuses on the new responsibilities of the Navy, as well as new technologies and training necessary to achieve success on the seas.
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star John Finn (John Stillman) directed this episode in which Rush and the team investigate the 1964 murder case of a young white woman who secretly travelled to Mississippi during Freedom Summer.
◊“Comedy Central Roast of Joan Rivers” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Kathy Griffin (”My Life on the D-List”) will serve as roast master for this event that pays homage to the career of comedienne Joan Rivers. Roasters include Brad Garrett (”Everybody Loves Raymond”), Carl Reiner (“The Dick Van Dyke Show”), Gilbert Gottfried (“Clerks”), Lily Tomlin (“Nine to Five”) and Richard Belzer (“Law & Order”).
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): At a charity golf tournament, Vince and Drama up the stakes with teammates Mark Wahlberg (“Rock Star”) and Tom Brady (New England Patriots quarterback).
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): The three remaining families take a detour off Route 66 to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas where they get a special performance by Penn and Teller. This leg of the journey also includes a trip to one of the man made wonders of the world – the Hoover Dam – where the families compete in The King of the Road challenge.
◊“Jesse James Is a Dead Man” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): Modern-day daredevil Jesse James takes on another death-defying challenge in the show’s first-season finale.
◊“Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (8 p.m. on USA): In the Season 8 finale, detectives Nichols and Eams pursue a surviving member of the radical Baader-Meinhof gang as he stages a revolutionary terrorist campaign. An eight-hour marathon of the season’s episodes begins at 9 a.m.
◊“Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d’Arabian” (11:30 a.m. on Food Network): Last week, stay-at-home mom and home cook Melissa d’Araboan was crowned the Season 5 winner of “The Next Food Network Star.” In her new series, she will show viewers how to incorporate creative and tasty meals into their budgets by sharing her tried-and-true recipes. And she keeps her $10 promise in every episode.
◊“Raging Planet” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This new series takes viewers right into the heart of the planet’s most amazing forces, revealing the speed of a twister, the lethal force of a lightning bolt, the power of a hurricane and the instant devastation of a flood.
◊“Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew” (8 p.m. on MTV): Mario Lopez (”Saved By the Bell”) hosts Season 4 of the series in which dance crews of five to seven members perform their hottest moves for dance supremacy and a $100,000 cash prize. Each week, viewers will choose their favorite crews via text messaging and online voting (http://dancecrew.mtv.com). The two crews with the least number of votes will be up for elimination with the judges – JC Chasez, Lil Mama and Shane Sparks – making the final call on which crew will be sent home.
◊“Shark Tank” (8 p.m. on ABC): In this new reality series, budding entrepreneurs try to persuade five tycoons to invest in their business proposals in return for part equity in the company. On the panel of “sharks” are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, infomercial pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O’Leary.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Cary Grant is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1964’s “Father Goose” (3 p.m.) and 1950’s “Crisis” (11 p.m.).
◊“There Goes the Neighborhood” (8 p.m. on CBS): In this new reality competition series, eight families in a suburban neighborhood in Georgia are enclosed by a massive 20-foot wall as they compete in family-friendly games for the grand prize of $250,000. Matt Rogers (”American Idol”) hosts.
◊“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (7 p.m. on ABC): Regis Philbin returns as host as the game show returns to primetime for a two-week, 11-night event celebrating the show’s 10th anniversary. The game show will air Sunday through Thursday, and finale on Aug. 23 will feature a visit from the show’s first woman to win $1 million — Nancy Christy of Tulsa.
◊“Z Rock” (10 p.m. on IFC): The band ZO2 gets the gig of a lifetime: a Bar Mitzvah. Technically speaking, it’s actually a “B-iz-ar Mitzvah” for a well-known black rapper, and it’s being filmed as the pilot episode of a highly anticipated reality series about crazy Bar Mitzvahs. Guest stars include Joan Rivers (”The Celebrity Apprentice”) and Gary Dell’Abate (“Howard Stern”).
MONDAY, AUG. 10
◊“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Morgan Fairchild guest stars as a Beverly Hills socialite friend of Stephanie Forrester (Susan Flannery), who prompts a dueling fashion show between rival fashion houses Forrester Creations and Jackie M. Her character will appear in the Tuesday, Thursday and Friday episodes, as well.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): A large box with a body stuffed inside leads Brenda in search of suspects, and she winds up with several: a scripture-thumping stepfather, a disgruntled ex-girfriend, a buddy who was constantly being hit up for money and a landlord who simply hated the victim’s guts.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include an instrument that may have been recovered from the Hindenburg, a book that may have beem a gift from President John Adams to his son and a home in the Bronx that may have been the birthplace of hip hop.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): When Ted tells the gang Stella’s intimate secret, he must face the consequences of breaking her trust. Sarah Chalke (”Scrubs”) and Will Forte (”Saturday Night Live”) guest star.
◊“Jon & Kate Plus 8” (8 p.m. on TLC): While Jon overseas the installation of new cabinets in the kitchen, Kate and the kids get some fun in the sun at the beach. She allows them to body paint with pudding yet again, despite her natural desire for cleanliness and order.
◊“Lord of the Revolution” (7 p.m. on VH1): Richard Belzer narrates this five-part series airing today through Friday. Each hour-long episode celebrates the counterculture icons of the ‘60s and ‘70s – the legends who defied the social, political and cultural mores of their time — from the Black Panthers and Andy Warhol to Harvard professor turned psychedelic advisor Timothy Leary.
◊“The Nine Lives of Marion Barry” (8 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary profiles the controversial Washington, D.C. politician, viewed by some as a philandering, drug-addled disaster, and by others as a folk hero. It tells Barry’s improbable personal history through a wealth of archival footage of him as a young activist in the 1960s, a rising African-American political star in the 1970s, and his resurgence into D.C. politics with his most recent campaign in 2004.
◊“Obsessed” (9 p.m. on A&E): The Season 1 finale focuses on an extreme hoarder who can’t throw away anything that belonged to his deceased mother and a woman who pulls her hair out when she feels anxious.
◊“One Tree Hill” (7 p.m. on CW): When Peyton’s pregnancy is threatened, Lucas struggles to pick up the pieces. Victoria (Daphne Zuniga, “American Dreams”) returns to lure Brooke back to Clothes Over Bro’s.
◊“Popular Science’s Future Of” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Author and comedian Baratunde Thurston hosts this new series that gives viewers a glimpse of the unbelievable scientific and technological innovations destined to shape our lives in five, ten, 15 or 25 years. Through in-depth interviews with maverick scientists and hands-on experience with breakthrough research and extraordinary prototypes, each episode examines how one important characteristic of human life will fundamentally change within our lifetimes.
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): Bobbi defends a young woman accused of trying to smuggle a brick of cocaine, but her client’s appearance proves to be an issue. Michelle, who is prosecuting the case, has to rely on testimony by her cop boyfriend, but there’s something a little too coincidental about his involvement.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Dirk Bogarde is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1957’s “Doctor at Large” (2 p.m.) and 1950’s “The Blue Lamp” (7 p.m.).
◊“Teen Choice 2009″ (7 p.m. on Fox): The Jonas Brothers host and perform during the 11th annual awards show honoring the year’s hottest teen icons for contributions to television, music, film, sports and fashion. “Twilight” and its cast lead the pack with 12 nominations, followed by “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” and its cast, Miley Cyrus and “Gossip Girl” and its cast with 10 nods each.
◊“Twilight Weekly: Spotlight” (9 p.m. on REELZ, channel 238 on DirecTV, 299 on Dish Network): Correspondent Naibe Reynoso hosts this new series that gives viewers the most buzzed-about news, behind-the-scenes coverage of the “Twilight” sequels “New Moon” and “Eclipse,” as well as interviews with key cast members.
TUESDAY, AUG. 11
◊“90210” (7 p.m. on CW): In an attempt to get close to Liam (Matt Lanter, “Commander in Chief”), Naomi offers to be his math tutor, but she gets more than she bargains for when he takes her out for a wild night.
◊“America’s Got Talent” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the second week of live performance shows, 10 of the top 40 contestants perform for a chance to win $1 million and be named the most talented person in America. Judging is turned over to the American viewing audience.
◊“Better Off Ted” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): In the Season 1 finale, a new Veridian invention accidentally reveals buttoned-up Veronica’s surprising “secret” life. Meanwhile, Linda decides that if Ted won’t date her, she’s going to fix him up with her old roommate.
◊“Chain Gang Girls 2” (8 p.m. on WE): This two-hour special focuses on America’s only female chain gang. The women have all committed crimes as varied as their backgrounds, but all are bound together by one thing — a 30-foot steel chain. This month-long rotation, part of an intense military-style reform program, forces the women to work together and come to terms with inner issues.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): Christine Lahti (“Chicago Hope”) guest stars as a mother who asks William and Swenton to retrieve her drug-addled son from jail in the Inland Empire. Whoopi Goldberg (”The View”) reprises her role as PK, William’s former sponsor.
◊“Daddy’s Girls” (9 p.m. on MTV): Season 2, which opens with back-to-back episodes, showcases Angela and Vanessa’s new life in Los Angeles and how they’ve adjusted to the West Coast — especially how their father, Rev Run, has dealt with giving his daughters room to grow.
◊“Great American Seafood Cook-Off” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special highlights the fifth annual event held last August in New Orleans. Overcooked fish and other culinary calamities cause major stress for the contestants as they attempt to create a masterpiece in three hours.
◊“Hawthorne” (8 p.m. on TNT): Christina leaves Bobbie in charge of the entire hospital nursing staff while she goes into budget battles with Morrissey, who gives Christina until the end of the day to lay off six nurses. The order couldn’t come at a worse time for Kelly, who gets into trouble when she refutes Dr. Marshall’s treatment for a stroke patient.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on CBS): Allison is visited again by the ghost of FBI Agent Cooper (Kurtwood Smith, “That ’70s Show), who helps her investigate who the real killer is in a series of questionable murders, but she starts to question Cooper’s motives and wonders if she can trust his advice.
◊“NYC Prep” (8 p.m. on Bravo): In the first-season finale, the school year comes to a close and seniors PC and Jessie give their parting goodbyes — but not without a good fight.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Made in L.A.” chronicles the remarkable and tireless efforts of three Latina garment workers in Los Angeles to secure better working conditions in factories that bear an uncomfortable resemblance to early 20th-century New York sweatshops. The women waged a three-year battle to bring a major clothing retailer to the negotiating table.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): The squad investigates the death of a parole officer with secrets, while Grace and her brother Johnny finally track down Neely, the young addict who shares visions of Earl.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Audrey Hepburn is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1952’s “Secret People” (7 a.m.) and 1953’s “Roman Holiday” (9:30 p.m.).
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12
◊“Acid Test: The Global Challenge of Ocean Acidification” (9:30 p.m. on Planet Green): Sigourney Weaver (“Aliens”) narrates this documentary produced by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) that explores the startling phenomenon of ocean acidification, which may soon challenge the survival of thousands of marine species.
◊“The Bold and the Beautiful” (12:30 p.m. on CBS): Appearing in the next three episodes as celebrity judges at a fashion show will be Jim J. Bullock (“Too Close for Comfort”), who reprises his role as Sergei; Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”), who returns as Rich Ginger; and Melissa Rivers (“The Celebrity Apprentice”), who plays herself.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): A serial killer who disguises his victims’ demise by creating car accidents to mask their earlier deaths is the subject of a BAU manhunt. William Mapother (”Lost”) and Wil Wheaton (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) guest star.
◊“Criss Angel Mindfreak” (9 p.m. on A&E): Illusionist Criss Angel returns for a fifth season of putting himself to the ultimate life or death test. Each week, he will perform a variety of different illusions and end with a never-before-seen demonstration (in the premiere episode, he is being buried alive in ice and snow).
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the shooting of a man in an empty theater, Stella realizes that the crime scene is oddly familiar and staged. Katherine McPhee (”American Idol”) guest stars.
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): Carter’s unit races against the clock to save a kidnapped woman, and it’s up to Ty as a gangbanger, Dean as a security guard and Jaimie as a potential victim to track down the woman’s whereabouts. But the situation is not helped by the fact that the FBI are involved in the case, dredging up a deeply personal grudge Carter has against the feds.
◊“Dinner: Impossible” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Robert Irvine and his team try to overcome culinary obstacles in this series, which returns for its seventh season. In the premiere episode, they cater a utensil-free meal for 250 Roller Derby women and their families.
◊“Ghost Hunters International” (8 p.m. on Syfy): The team investigates Chile’s famed El Bosque City Hall, which was once a retirement home for Catholic priests and doubled as a house of detention for the secret police during the reign of Augusto Pinochet.
◊“Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Cincinnati Bengals” (9 p.m. on HBO): HBO Sports, NFL Films and the Cincinnati Bengals will team up for an all-access look at what it takes to make it in the National Football League in this sports-based reality series, which returns for its fifth season. The five-episode series will focus on the daily lives and routines of players and coaches as the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for the 2009 NFL season.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): The crew dives into the paranoid world of government conspiracies to expose a heartless tabloid newscaster as a fraud.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The 200th anniversaries of Franz Joseph Haydn’s death and Felix Mendelssohn’s birth are commemorated with performances by violinist Joshua Bell and the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra. The program includes Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and his popular concert work “The Hebrides”; Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 in D Major (”London”); and Mozart’s Rondo for Violin and Orchestra in C Major and Adagio for Violin and Orchestra in E Major.
◊“Man vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In the Season 4 premiere, host and survival expert Bear Grylls navigates through the icy Arctic Circle where he tackles a frozen waterfall, hunts wild reindeer and battles against some of the coldest conditions on the planet.
◊“Meet the Browns” (8 p.m. on TBS): Attractive principal Mr. Hughes gives Cora a full-time job teaching at the high school, but she immediately runs into problems when a student shows up to class drunk. And the Colonel tries to find a job after losing his nest egg.
◊“The Philanthropist” (9 p.m. on NBC): Teddy has come to the impoverished Caribbean nation of Haiti with his partner, Philip, to try and solve an almost-hopeless food shortage. Philip, who was born in Haiti but left as a teenager, is locking horns with a powerful island senator named Jean Beauvais who also happens to be Philip’s estranged brother.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Clark Gable is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1954’s “Betrayed” (noon) and 1932’s “Red Dust” (7 p.m.).
◊“Truth Be Told” (8 p.m. on TLC): This new series focuses on compulsive hoarders who hold onto worthless possessions to the point where clutter makes their homes unlivable.
◊“TV’s 50 Funniest Phrases, Part 2” (7 p.m. on NBC): Host Jane Krakowski (”30 Rock”) celebrates the humor and history of television’s funniest phrases with this special, that will begin with the 24th most popular catchphrase from TV and will countdown all the way to No. 1. Also featured are the top three phrases of popular genres including science fiction and action adventure.
THURSDAY, AUG. 13
◊“30 Rock” (7 p.m. on NBC): C.C. (Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”) wants to go public with her relationship with Jack, but Jack is still very reluctant. Meanwhile, Liz continues to appease both Tracy and Jenna as stars of “TGS with Tracy Jordan.”
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (7:59 p.m. on CBS): Nick’s case of a deceased skydiver takes an interesting turn when Catherine discovers there may be a connection
between the skydiver and a mysterious double murder case. Charisma Carpenter (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Greg Germann (”Ally McBeal”) guest star.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Bailey heads up a team of surgeons performing a “domino procedure” in which each surgery hinges on the one preceding it; Derek gets sole credit for the brain tumor study he did with Meredith; Lexie goes to great lengths to have George notice her romantically, and Sloan counsels a desperate Callie on the ways of love. Carl Lumbly (”Alias”) and Kevin McKidd (”Rome”) guest stars.
◊“Into the Pride” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): In this five-part series, large predator expert Dave Salmoni heads deep into the African bush on a double mission – to return to his wild roots and save a rogue pride of lions from elimination.
◊“Special Ops Mission” (9 p.m. on Military Channel): In each episode of this new series, special forces operator Wil Willis must complete a nearly impossible mission. Each episode introduces a new “Op-For” team that will employ the latest military tactics to stop Willis.
◊“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment titled “Buffalo Soldiers” takes viewers back into the past in order to recognize some of those who secured Oklahoma’s future. Native Oklahomans nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers” protected Indians from white settlers and white settlers from hostile Indians. They also built forts, railroads, ran telegraph lines and mapped much of Oklahoma and Indian Territories. Many were eventually awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for various acts of heroism.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Gloria Grahame is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are 1953’s “The Glass Wall” (2 p.m.) and 1953’s “The Big Heat” (8:45 p.m.).
FRIDAY, AUG. 14
◊“Degrassi Goes Hollywood” (7 p.m. on The N): Old friends, flames and rivals reunite as the Degrassi gang takes over Tinseltown in the network’s first original two-hour movie. The only thing bigger than their dreams is the drama when they venture to Hollywood to score parts in a film, Mewesical High, directed by Jason Mewes (“Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”). The movie also features guest appearances by Kevin Smith (“Clerks”), Perez Hilton (celebrity blogger), Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy), Vivica A. Fox (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Kelly Carlson (“Nip/Tuck”) and Cassadee Pope (“Hey Monday”).
◊“The Doors: Live in Europe” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special features performances from the American rock band’s 1969 European tour, including the songs “Light My Fire,” “Hello, I Love You” and “The Unknown Soldier.” It also offers a glimpse of life on the road for band members Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore.
◊“Gown Crazy” (9 p.m. on TLC): Norman designer Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie, who finished fifth in Season 3 of “Project Runway,” is featured in this new special, which was taped as a pilot for a possible series. He has four days to design and sew five outfits for the Miss Oklahoma Pageant, put on a charity fashion show and design and complete a custom evening gown and wedding gown.
◊“Kai-Lan’s Great Trip to China” (9 a.m. on Nickelodeon): This new one-hour special takes Kai-lan, Yeye and friends on a trip to China to visit Kai-lan’s great aunt and attend the naming ceremony of a baby panda. Along the way, viewers will be asked to help Rintoo, Tolee, Hoho and the baby panda overcome their fears of trying something new so they don’t miss the special naming ceremony at sundown. Ming-Na (“ER”) guest stars as the voice of Kai-lan’s Great Aunt Gu Nai Nai.
◊“Kung Fu Panda” (7:15 p.m. on Cinemax): The title character doesn’t know martial arts when the movie begins, but that changes fast in this fun, animated comedy-adventure featuring the voice of Jack Black in the main role. The voice cast also includes Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu and Ian McShane.
◊“The Mom Show” (9 a.m. on WE): In the season finale, resident doctor Dave Greenberg joins the moms to talk about a growing epidemic — stress.
◊“Monk” (8 p.m. on USA): While investigating the high-profile murder of a maid whose assailant apparently tried to treat her wounds, Monk finds himself drawn to another case involving a visiting African man investigating his wife’s hit-and-run death.
◊“Neil Diamond — Hot August Night: NYC” (7 p.m. on CBS): This new concert special features performances from Neil Diamond’s latest sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York. He sings several of his classics, including “America,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “I Am…I Said,” “Cherry, Cherry” and “Sweet Caroline.” In addition, Diamond reflects on a recent visit to his hometown, as he takes the audience on his journey from Brooklyn to Madison Square Garden.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): When Robin’s seemingly strong case against a weapons smuggler falls apart, the team decides to look into the jury who heard the case. James Marsters (”Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Ray Wise (”Reaper”) guest star.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Sidney Poitier is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1967’s “To Sir, With Love” (5 p.m.) and 1963’s “Lilies of the Field” (9:15 p.m.).
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): Alex opts to plan a zombie-themed anti-prom, but she is unprepared for the real zombies that arrive for the ultimate prom dance-off.
◊“Woodstock: Now & Then” (8 p.m. on VH1): This documentary directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple (“American Dream”) examines the 1969 three-day music festival from the perspectives of not only the musicians who graced the stage, but the fans who gathered in mass and the concert promoters who risked everything. History Channel will air the 2-hour documentary on Aug. 17.
SATURDAY, AUG. 15
◊“The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): When Bill refuses to shave his beard after a fishing trip, Susan decides to teach him a lesson, and Paul winds up in the crossfire. Meanwhile, Bryan tries to join Trent in tormenting Lauren, but it’s unclear he has what it takes to be a prankster.
◊“Castle” (9 p.m. on ABC): Castle and Beckett investigate the murder of a missing plastic surgeon who is found dead in the front seat of his car after a week of being parked curbside. As they delve into the twisted world of surgery obsessed patients and secret operations, Castle experiences a fatherly rite of passage as Alexis attends her first prom.
◊“Househusbands of Hollywood” (8 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): This new series follows the lives of five men and their high-powered, successful wives. The men live under a different set of circumstances, but they all have one thing in common –their wives are bringing home the bacon. The Hollywood husbands include former Los Angeles Dodger Billy Ashley (married to celebrity makeup artist Lisa Ashley), actor Darryl M. Bell (married to actress Tempestt Bledsoe) and former Marine Corps sniper Grant Reynolds (married to ‘Good Day LA” host Jillian Reynolds).
◊“My Sinatra: A Musical Tribute” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): New York crooner Cary Hoffman celebrates Frank Sinatra’s classic period from 1953 to the early ‘60s with his renditions of “Luck Be a Lady,” Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way” and others classics.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Deborah Kerr is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among her films airing are
1942’s “The Avengers” (9:30 a.m.) and 1957’s “An Affair to Remember” (7 p.m.).
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing July 26-Aug. 1, 2009
"The Bachelorette" Jillian Harris (ABC Photo)
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of July 26.
If one was missed, the network did not issue a press release about it. But feel free to add it in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
BEGINNINGS
••“Way Too Early With Willie Geist,” 4:30 a.m. Monday on MSNBC (series premiere).
••“Making His Band,” 9 p.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Rising Icons,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on BET (series premiere).
••“More to Love,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Fox (series premiere).
••“Deconstruction,” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on DIY (second-season premiere).
••“Holidate,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on SoapNet (series premiere).
••“The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (second-season premiere).
••“Face the Ace,” 8 p.m. Saturday on NBC (series premiere).
ENDINGS
••“The Bachelorette,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC (fifth-season finale).
••“The Superstars,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“The Lazy Environmentalist,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance (series finale).
••“Tattoo Highway,” 10 p.m. Wednesday on A&E (first-season finale).
MARATHONS
••“Torchwood: Children of Earth,” noon to 7 p.m. Sunday on BBC America.
••“Burn Notice,” 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday on USA.
••Rocky Bal-Blowout movie marathon, 12:30 p.m. Saturday to 12:30 a.m. on SPIKE.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for July 26-Aug. 1, 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 July 26:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JULY 26
◊“Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead” (7 p.m. on BBC America): This special finds thre Doctor (David Tennant) trapped on a desert alien planet with a red double-decker bus but no Tardis. He soon discovers the mysterious planet holds secrets hidden in the sand and is forced to team up with thief Lady Christina (Michelle Ryan, “Bionic Woman”) to get back to Earth.
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Jane’s past catches up with her when a case from the prior year is up for retrial. She has difficulty containing her emotions and is thrown in contempt of the court. Rosie O’Donnell (”The View”) and Chuck Woolery (“Love Connection”) guest star.
◊“Easy Money” (6 p.m. on CW): This canceled drama about a family of loan sharks and the mother (Laurie Metcalf, “Roseanne”) who heads up the company, returns to burn off its four unaired episodes.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The Kadzis family’s hurricane-damaged home in Tallahassee, Fla., was rebuilt and modified in seven days to meet their special needs. Three days after the family received their new home, living father and husband George succumbed to brain cancer.
◊“Food Network Challenge” (7 p.m. on Food Network): “Sesame Street” turns 40 this year, and to honor the characters that have taught generations to play nice, four pastry chefs will create “Sesame Street”-inspired cakes.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment titled “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?” the last words of a dying man lead the sole witness to team with a beautiful socialite to find out if foul play was involved. Miss Marple joins them as they land in a hotbed of homicide and intrigue.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): Merlins is forced to choose between a young druid’s life and his sworn destiny to protect Arthur. What Merlin doesn’t know is that his decision will come back to haunt him.
◊“The Michael Jackson Story” (7 p.m. on TV One): This new documentary kicks off the networks’ “Forever Michael Week” that was originally scheduled to celebrate Michael Jackson’s highly anticipated London concerts. In addition to the documentary, which charts the superstar’s career from his days as a shy young child in Indiana through his last days as a closeted icon, the week will include “The Jackson: An American Dream” miniseries (8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday) and the “Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration” concert (8 p.m. Friday).
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The installment titled “Silence of the Bees” explores the international emergency researchy that is underway to uncover the cause of the massive die-offs of honeybees, which could be a potential ecological disaster.
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): The remaining three finalists lunch with Emeril Lagasse (”Emeril”) and learn that they must create a three-course menu for a group of culinary elite inspired by a screening of Columbia Pictures’ movie “Julie & Julia,” which opens Aug. 7 in theaters.
◊“One Hot Summer” (6 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Attorney Margarita Santos (Vanessa Marcil, “Without a Trace”) has a good life in Miami. But it’s turned upside down when her ex-lover (Casper Van Dien, “Watch Over Me”) comes to town and is willing to do anything to get her back. The film is part of the networks’ best seller summer and is based on the novel by Carolina Garcia-Aguilera.
◊“The Storm” (8 p.m. on NBC): In this new two-part movie, a young scientist (James Van Der Beek, “Dawson’s Creek”) enlists the aid of a reporter (Teri Polo, “Meet the Parents”) to help him expose a billionaire’s (Treat Williams, “Everwood”) ill-advised attempt to control the weather, which has unleashed catastrophic storms around the globe. The conclusion airs Aug. 2.
◊“Stories from the Vaults: Nature’s Vault” (7 p.m. Sunday on Smithsonian Channel): Host Tom Cavanagh (”Trust Me”) goes behind the scenes to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama to track sloths.
◊“Thunderheads” (8 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): This special takes viewers on a thrilling ride with scientists battling to better understand the role of thunderstorms in the climate change puzzle.
MONDAY, JULY 27
◊“The Bachelorette” (7 p.m. on ABC): Jillian Harris, who had her romantic dreams crushed when Jason Mesnick passed her over in the last season of “The Bachelor,” is the one making her choice for her ideal romantic mate as the reality series closes out its fifth season. The “After the Final Rose” special will air at 9 p.m. Tuesday.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): Horatio and the team go head-to-head with a defense attorney (Sean Combs, “A Raisin In the Sun”) who may be involved in a murder cover-up.
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): When the five remaining families hit the mid point of Route 66, a messy pie-eating contest ensues. It’s then on to the open road through the expansive Southwest, with stops in Albuquerque for a hot air baloon ride and Arizona to see the Meteor Crater.
◊“Hair: Let the Sunshine In” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary examines the origins, impact and enduring power of the rock musical that opened off-Broadway in 1967.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investivated include a fragment that may have been a piece of Amelia Earhart’s plane, a Colorado home whose supports may have been constructed from a railroad boxcar and a letter from President Millard Fillmore commuting the death sentence of an American Indian.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7 p.m. on CBS): .When Barney loses his “mojo,” he attends the Victoria’s Secret Fall Fashion Show after-party to get himself back on track. But his smooth operating skills are put to the test when he meets supermodel Heidi Klum (”Project Runway”). Wayne Brady (”The Wayne Brady Show”) also guest stars.
◊“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (9 p.m. on Bravo): When Proposition 8 is passed in California, Kathy realizes that even though bshe has always been a gay rights activist, there is still work to be done. She stops by the home of Melissa Etheridge where the singer likens her to Sally Field in “Norman Rae” and christens Kathy “Norma Gay.”
◊“Making His Band” (9 p.m. on MTV): Viewers have seen Sean “Diddy” Combs create a hip-hop group, a female pop group and a male R & B group. Now he is creating a group to perform on what he is calling his last album. Those who make it through the early auditions will spend several weeks proving their worth and ultimately Diddy will choose the best of the best to be in his band.
◊“Rising Icons” (9:30 p.m. on BET): This new series highlights eight of the world’s most influential newfound artists. Each episode will take viewers on an up close and personal journey behind the scenes with the artists, giving viewers a glimpse into their road to stardom and revealing what it takes to be successful in music and entertainment today. Artists featured include Chrisette Michele, Hal Linton, Keri Hilson, Kid Cudi, Melanie Fiona, Ryan Leslie, The-Dream, and Wale.
◊“The Yes Men Fix the World” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary follows pranksters Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno, aka The Yes Men, as they infiltrate the world of big business and pull off outrageous pranks in an effort to highlight the human toll of greed and profiteering.
◊“Way Too Early With Willie Geist” (4:30 a.m. on MSNBC): In this new morning talk show, Willie Geist (”Morning Joe”) will offer viewers everything they need to know to start the morning – from news and politics to sports and pop culture. he will continue to co-host “Morning Joe” that follows at 5 a.m.
TUESDAY, JULY 28
◊“America’s Got Talent” (8 p.m. on NBC): Contestants who made it through the first round of auditions descent upon Las Vegas. Judges David Hasselhoff, Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne will deliberate, debate and determine which of the acts will make it into the elite Top 40.
◊“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): Two identical twin sisters, seemingly polar opposites, discover that their paths to recovery may be intertwined.
◊“Deconstruction” (9:30 p.m. on DIY): Licensed contractor Matt Blashaw hosts this show that explores the science behind home improvement., such as how pressurized wood gets treated and if home insulation is really fire retardant.
◊“The Lazy Environmentalist” (8 p.m. on Sundance): The final episode of this series, which shows individuals that a green lifestyle can be achieved with little sacrifice, offers ecologically-sound options to a bartender in Brooklyn and the boss of Vox Entertainment in Los Angeles.
◊“More to Love” (8 p.m. on Fox): Supermodel Emme hosts this new series, in which 20 full-figured women compete for the attention of Luke Conley, 26, a college football player-turned-subcontractor and real estate investor who is seeking romance.
◊“NOVA scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Neil deGrasse Tyson looks at the oldest known organic molecules on Earth and neuronal processes that lead to producing sound.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): British filmmaker Kim Longinotto’s documentary “Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go” explores Oxford’s Mulberry Bush School for emotionally disturbed children. It’s an unusual school in which a patient and gentle staff counters extreme, sometimes violent behavior with consolation and mild restraint in a world where troubled kids trying to survive are given a glimmer of hope.
◊“The Superstars” (7 p.m. on ABC): After weeks of different challenges, the “Superstars” champion is crowned. The final events include kayak pursuit, tug-o-war and a triathlon
◊“Unforgettably Evil” (9 p.m. on Starz): Film critic Richard Roeper hosts this documentary that explores film’s many faces of evil. It includes interviews with Eric Roberts (“Heroes”), Kristanna Loken (“BloodRayne”), Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds”) and the late David Carradine (“Kung Fu Killer”).
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Joe E. Brown was born on this day in 1892, and TCM celebrates the occassion by airing 10 of his films, including 1932’s “Fireman, Save My Child” (8:45 a.m.), 1935’s “Alibi Ike” (3 p.m.) and 1936’s “Sons O’ Guns” (5:30 p.m.).
◊“Warehouse 13″ (8 p.m. on Syfy): Artie is kidnapped by a young woman who believes he is responsible for the death of her brother 12 years earlier. Artie learns there is more to the brother’s fate than he knew, and he might still have a chance to make things right. CCH Pounder (”The Shield”) guest stars.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
◊“Favorite Child Stars: Where Are They Now?” (9 p.m. on E!): Who traded in their movie screen time for army boot camp? What child dtar is now a hit record-maker? Tune in to this special that will reveal the secret lives of former child celebrities.
◊“Holidate” (9 p.m. on SoapNet): This new reality series focuses on two different women each week who are both successful and dynamic bit unlucky in love. These women will switch cities and embark on a series of three dates hand-selected by the other woman.
◊“The Nine” (9 p.m. on DirecTV’s 101 Network): Viewers will finally have the opportunity to watch the previously unaired final four episodes of this 2007 drama that was pulled from the ABC lineup after nine episodes. The drama delves into the lives of nine people who forge a common bond when they live through a 52-hour hostage standoff during a bank robbery.
◊“The Philanthropist” (9 p.m. on NBC): Teddy and Philip’s college friend asks for their help to negotiate with both the Indian and Pakistani governments in an attempt to rebuild the region’s water system and reopen the line of control that divides the ancient land of Kashmir in two.
◊“Tattoo Highway” (10 p.m. on A&E): In the Season 1 finale, the bus travels to Phoenix to meet newlyweds who want matching bride and groom sugar skulls tattooed on their calves. Tommy gets agitated because the couple doesn’t like his sugar skull and makes him draw the design multiple times.
◊“Time Team America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The team heads to the picturesque canyons of Utah to determine what went wrong for the Fremont Indians, who vanished 1,000 years ago.
◊“Top Chef Masters” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Top top six chefs, including Oklahoma-born Rick Bayless, advance to the finals and must now face-off for the ultimate title. Each is asked to produce their signature dish, only to find they must re-create their competitor’s unique dish.
◊“Ultimate Fighting: Fistful of Dollars” (9 p.m. on CNBC): Correspondent Scott Wapner travels to Germany for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first-ever event in mainland Europe. He also profiles a stable of skilled fighters who have helped the league grow from a dying franchise to a global sensation in less than a decade.
THURSDAY, JULY 30
◊“30 Rock” (7 p.m. on NBC): Jack turns to Kenneth for help when an aggressive West Coast NBC executive (Will Arnett, “Arrested Development”) declares that he is after Donaghy’s job. Al Roker (”Wake Up With Al”) also guest stars.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston and Riley are taken hostage during the aftermath of a shootout in an usually calm Las Vegas community. Denzel Whitaker (”The Great Debaters”) guest stars.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (7 p.m. on ABC): Derek’s mother, Carolyn (Tyne Daly, “Cagney & Lacey”), makes a surprise visit to Seattle and meets Meredith for the first time, as Mark tries to conceal his relationship with Lexie from her as well. Jessica Capshaw (”The Practice”) and Eric Stoltz (”Mask”) also guest star.
◊“The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss is the newest housewife on the show, which returns for its second season. The series offers an up-close and personal look at five women from Atlanta’s social elite as they juggle their burgeoning careers and busy home lives with the whirl of city.
◊“Royal Pains” (9 p.m. on USA): Hank unexpectedly takes on a successful children’s book illustrator who has a serious heart condition, causing tension between him and Jill.
FRIDAY, JULY 31
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dean Cain (“Clubhouse”) heads back to the classroom to win big for chartiy. He will be able to “peek” and “copy” from the show’s fifth-grade students in order to determine the correct answer and graduate toward the top prize of $1 million.
◊“Eureka” (8 p.m. on Syfy): Tempers and tensions run high as Eureka hosts long-term rival Area 51 in their bi-annual Eureka-fied bowling tournament. Ever Caradine (“Commander in Chief”) guest stars.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): A feud between rival Chinese gangs leads to the kidnapping of an undercover agent and the re-appearance of the enigmatic Samuel Kraft. Kelly Hu (”Martial Law”) guest stars.
◊“Training Day” (7 p.m. on AMC): Denzel Washington earned an Oscar for best actor for this 2001 police drama. He breaks type memorably as a veteran of the Los Angeles narcotics beat who deals dirty in getting the goods on really bad guys. Ethan Hawke plays his new partner, a rookie who can’t believe much of what he witnesses as they make their rounds.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7 p.m. on Disney): Justin’s new vampire girlfriend, Juliet, gets the Russos to change their lifestyle by adding healthy foods and exercise. However, Alex is concerned about Juliet’s true intentions for Justin when she discovers that vampires like the taste of healthy blood.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
◊“Assault in the Ring” (9 p.m. on HBO): This documentatry revisits the ill-fated 1983 junior middleweight fight between Billy Collins Jr. and Luis Resto and its subsequent effect on both boxers. It was discovered that the padding had been illegally removed from Resto’s gloves by his trainer before the fight. Resto was subsequently incarcerated and banned from the sport, while the brutally beaten Collins went into a tragic downward spiral.
◊“Dirty Sexy Money” (9 p.m. on ABC): Patrick meets again with Congressman Whatley (John Schneider, “Smallville”) who hit on him, but this time it is the congressman’s wife, Dana (Krista Allen, “The Starter Wife”), who is making moves on Patrick.
◊“Face the Ace” (8 p.m. on NBC): Actor Steve Schirripa (”The Sopranos”) hosts this new seven-episode game show, in which amateurs take on world-class poker players in hope of winning $1 million. The amateur selects one of four doors, behind each of which is a seasoned poker pro such as Phil Ivey, Erick Lindgren or Chris Ferguson. If the player beats the pro, he can take his winnings and leave or face another pro for a chance at higher winnings.
◊“Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith” (8 p.m. on Hallmark): A newly divorced woman (Cybill Sheperd, “The L Word”) returns to finish her degree, but she soon figures out the college scene has changed in the last 30 years. While her roommate may be only as old as her kids, they aren’t as different as they think, as both of them fall in love with the same professor (Jeffrey Nordling, “Dirt”).
◊Rocky Bal-Blowout movie marathon (12:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on SPIKE): The first five “Rocky” movies will air back-to-back, beginning with 1976’s “Rocky.” It will be followed by 1979’s “Rocky II” at 3 p.m., 1982’s “Rocky III” at 5:30 p.m., 1985’s “Rocky IV” at 8 p.m. and 1990’s “Rocky V” at 10 p.m.
◊TCM Summer Under the Stars: Henry Fonda is today’s star in this month-long celebration of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities, and among his films airing are 1940’s “The Grapes of Wrath” (7 p.m.) and 1935’s “The Farmer Takes a Wife” (9:15 p.m.).
–Penny TV
TV Premieres and Finales airing June 14-20
"True Blood" (HBO Photo)
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of June 14.
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
••“True Blood,” 8 p.m. Sunday on HBO (second-season premiere).
••“Hammertime,” 9 p.m. Sunday on A&E (series premiere).
••“Real Estate Intervention,” 10 p.m. Sunday on HGTV (series premiere).
••“It’s On with Alexa Chung,” 11 a.m. Monday on MTV (series premiere).
••“Zeke and Luther,” 7:30 p.m. Monday on Disney XD (series premiere).
••“Joe Buck Live,” 8 p.m. Monday on HBO (series premiere).
••“Wedding Day,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on TNT (series premiere).
••“The First 48,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on A&E (ninth-season premiere).
••“HawthoRNe,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on TNT (series premiere).
••“The Lazy Environmentalist,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance (series premiere).
••“Chopped,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Food Network (series premiere).
••“Deliver Me,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Discovery Health (third-season premiere).
••“NYC Prep,” 10 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“Saving Grace,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on TNT (third-season premiere).
••“Dance Your Ass Off,” 10 p.m. Tuesday on Oxygen (series premiere).
••“The Othersiders,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••“Survive This,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••“Gordon Ramsay’s F Word,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on BBC America” (fourth-season premiere).
••“I Survived a Japanese Game Show,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (second-season premiere).
••“Jeffrey and Cole Casserole,” 10 p.m. Friday on Logo (series premiere).
••“Can You Duet,” 7 p.m. Saturday on CMT (second-season premiere).
••“BrainRush,” 7 p.m. Saturday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••“Destroy Build Destroy,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday on Cartoon Network (series premiere).
••“The Singing Bee,” 9 p.m. Saturday on CMT (second-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Greek,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (second-season finale).
••“Pros vs. Joes,” 10 p.m. Monday on SPIKE (fourth-season finale).
••“The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (first-season finale).
••“The Unusuals,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on ABC (series finale).
••“Don’t Forget the Lyrics,” 7 p.m. Friday on Fox (second-season finale).
••“The Ultimate Fighter: United States vs. United Kingdom,” 8 p.m. Saturday on SPIKE (first-season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
