TV Premieres and Finales airing Nov. 8-14, 2009
Friday is when The Oklahoman
posts a list of all the premieres and finales (and all the guest stars, see separate blog) coming up on TV next week.
And here are the shows beginning and ending the week of Nov 8.
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
••“Legend of the Seeker,” 4 p.m. on KOCB-34 (second-season premiere).
••“The Time I …,” 6:55 p.m. Sunday on Disney (series premiere).
••“Lopez Tonight,” 10 p.m. Monday on TBS (series premiere)(pictured at right).
••“Full Throttle Saloon,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on truTV (series premiere).
••“Secrets of the Dead,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on OETA-13 (ninth-season premiere).
••“Ghost Hunters Academy,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Syfy (series premiere).
••“True Jackson, VP,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday on Nickelodeon (second-season premiere).
ENDINGS
••“Bored to Death,” 8:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO (first-season finale).
••“Mad Men,” 9 p.m. Sunday on AMC (third-season finale).
••“Lincoln Heights,” 7 p.m. Monday on ABC Family (fourth-season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
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 Nov. 1-7, 2009
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which
includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Nov. 1:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, NOV. 1, 2009
◊“Cold Case” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team looks into the 1944 murder of the top pilot from the WASP program, a pioneering group of civilian women who volunteered to fly non-combat missions for the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII. Guest stars include Michael Learned (”The Waltons”) as a former WASP pilot, John Aniston (”Days of Our Lives”) as a WWII Army Air Force pilot veteran and Daniel Baldwin (”Grey Gardens”) as Moe Kitchener, who is out on bail awaiting his trial for running Lilly’s car off the road.
◊“Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In this new primetime special, Dora continues her magical storybook adventure from last fall (“Dora Saves the Snow Princess”), when the magic crystal that the Snow Princess gave her are stolen by a greedy king (voiced by Richard Kind, “Spin City”). Dora and Boots must help locate the crystals and turn the pale gray kingdom back into a colorful wonderland.
◊“Duel with the Devil” (9 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary follows members of the special homicide task force in Guatemala City as they risk their lives solving thousands of homicides that occur every year.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): Celebrity volunteer Clint Black (“The Celebrity Apprentice”) and the team travel to Daviess County, KY, to tell Steve and Melissa Mattingly that their small single-wide trailer will be replaced by a newly constructed home built in seven days.
◊“Food Network Challenge” (7 p.m. on Food Network): Four cake designers make cakes based on the four main characters from “The Simpsons.” The designers must team up with a “Simpsons” super fan to ensure that every detail of the cake is just right.
◊“Kristi Yamaguchi & Friends” (3 p.m. on NBC): Featuring the musical talents of The Backstreet Boys, who are touring in support of their new album, “This Is Us,” this skating exhibition will showcase Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and her skating friends. Among them are four-time world champion Kurt Browning, eight-time British champion Steven Cousins and two-time Olympic gold medalist Ekaterina Gordeeva.
◊“Masterpiece Contemporary” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Juliet Stevenson (”Truly, Madly, Deeply”) stars as a TV journalist who reopens the unsolved 1963 disapperance of a 13-year-old girl in “Place of Execution,” a thriller adapted from a novel by Val McDermid (”Wire in the Blood”).
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Born Wild: The First Days of Life” follows the birth and first day of several species, from marmoset to moose and elephant to gorilla.
◊“Nostradamus Decoded” (7 p.m. on Discovery): This special exposes the truth about the world’s greatest prognosticator and offers insight into human nature itself.
◊“Seven Dumpsters and a Corpse” (7 p.m. on Documentary Channel): A tale of two brothers trying to piece together their family history amidst the mess of their deceased mother’s apartment. The saga involves baronesses and counts, stolen lovers and Nazi officers, lawsuits and counter lawsuits and lots of cats.
◊“Sex Rehab With Dr. Drew” (9 p.m. on VH1): Dr. Drew Pinsky and a team of experts on sexual addition guide eight patients through an extensive program in order to get to the root of their compulsive behavior.◊“Strange Sex” (9 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special explores the world of sexual medical anomalies, including a diagnosed sex addict trying to get her life in order and a woman who is allergic to her husband’s semen.
◊“Styl’d” (9 p.m. on MTV): This new series takes viewers inside the competitive world of fashion by following five junior stylists at the Margaret Maldonado Agency. Each week, they assist with the styling of celebrities for various events including music videos, movie premieres and red carpet events.
◊“Three Rivers” (8 p.m. on CBS): In order to save his life, Andy tries a risky new procedure on his wife’s partner who suffers from an aortic aneurysm. Lennie James (”Jericho”) guest stars as Dr. Timothy Maguire, a cardiologist.
MONDAY, NOV. 2, 2009
◊“For the Love of Ray J” (8 p.m. on VH1): R&B artist Ray J is back to find his soul mate. When things with Season 1 finalist Cocktail didn’t end well, VH1 found a new group of 18 women to vie for Ray J’s heart.
◊“Gossip Girl” (8 p.m. on CW): Olivia (”Hilary Duff, “Lizzie McGuire”) says something she regrets during her appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s talk show and tries to keep Dan from finding out.
◊“Ham on Turkey” (2 p.m. on Fine Living Network): George Duran, host of “Ham on the Street,” stages a Mayflower pizza party and unveils the hottest trend in turkey roasting — the bicycle-powered mega-rotisserie.
◊“Heroes” (7 p.m. on NBC): Hiro gets a second chance to save the love of his life. Elsewhere, H.R.G.’s past with his Primatech partner (Elizabeth Rohm, “Law & Order”) is revealed.
◊“I Want to Work for Diddy” (9 p.m. on VH1): Sean “Diddy” Combs returns for a second season in search of a new assistant. He will challenge 11 new hopefuls to see who has the talent and motivation to work for him.
◊“The People V. Leo Frank” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This program dramatizes the 1913 murder of Mary Phagan and the trial and lynching of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory supervisor accised of her murder. The cast is led by Will Janowitz (”The Sopranos”) and Seth Gilliam (”The Wire”).
◊“Poliwood” (6:30 p.m. on Showtime): Academy Award winner Barry Levinson (”Rain Man”) directed this look at the collision and collusion between politics, Hollywood and the media. Among the celebrities featured are Annette Bening, Susan Sarandon, Hayden Panettiere, Matthew Modine and Tulsa native Alfre Woodard.
TUESDAY, NOV. 3, 2009
◊“90210″ (7 p.m. on CW): DJ Samantha Ronson guest stars as herself, offering dating advice to Navid. Rumer Willis (“Sorority Row”) also guest stars in the episode that features a performance by Pharrell and N.E.R.D.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The contestants head to Washington D.C. for an unforgettable week that includes a visit to the White House kitchen and the biggest workout in the show’s eight-year history.
◊“By the People: The Election of Barack Obama” (8 p.m. on HBO): Filmmakers Amy Rice and Alicia Sams chronicle the presidential campaign of Barack Obama starting from nearly a year before he announced his candidacy. Interwoven with the drama of the campaign is never-before-seen footage of Obama behind the scenes, as well as interviews and candid moments with wife Michelle Obama, the couple’s young daughters, Malia and Sasha, and senior campaign staff, volunteers, reporters, supporters and opponents. Rice, who grew up in Oklahoma City, conceivced the idea of making the documentary when she saw Obama’s 2004 convention speech on TV.
◊“The Good Wife” (9 p.m. on CBS): As Alicia works with Will on the appeal of a death row inmate, she agrees to a conjugal visit with Peter in order to get information from him since her client was convicted under Peter’s regime as state’s attorney. David Paymer (”Mr. Saturday Night”) returns as Judge Richard Cuesta.
◊“Independent Lens” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Maggie Gyllenhaal (“SherryBaby”) hosts the new installment titled “Power Paths” that looks at traditional American Indian values regarding conservation and the earth that offer real solutions to America’s energy crisis.
◊“Kathy Griffin: Balls of Steel” (8 p.m. on Bravo): In her seventh original stand-up special for Bravo, two-time Emmy winning comedienne Kathy Griffin dishes about her experience at the Teen Choice Awards with her date, Levi Johnston, and offers her take on recent headlines including Jon and Kate Gosselin, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A murder investigation prompts Gibbs and the team to play family counselor to his former mentor, Mike Franks, in the hopes of preventing a bloody international conflict. Robert Patrick (”Terminator 2: Judgment Day”) guest stars as First Defense COO Colonel Merton Bell.
◊“Nova: Becoming Human” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This three-part special investigates new discoveries that are transforming the picture of how we became human. The first installment explores fresh clues about our earliest ancestors in Africa, including the stunningly complete fossil nicknamed “Lucy’s Child.”
◊“Rip-Off!” (8 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This special profiles two of the most notorious white-collar criminals in recent memory — Dennis Kozlowski, chief executive of Tyco, and Marcus Schrenker, owner and operator of Heritage Wealth Management.
◊“State of Creativity” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): With strategic placement on I-35 and I-40, drugs are trafficked to all four corners of our country through the boarders of Oklahoma. Drug trafficking brought the street gangs from southern California here in the 1980s and they brought their culture with them. Violence. Robbery. Vandalism. OETA’s newest documentary series takes a look into the gangster lifestyle and discovers a solution that breaks the cycle of this dangerous culture.
◊“Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Tabatha Coffey returns for a second season to help transform the lives and businesses of salon owners in the Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami areas. Fans first met her as an acerbic contestant on the first season of “Shear Genius.” Since that time, Tabatha has earned respect for her unapologetic, brutally honest approach.
◊“V” (7 p.m. on ABC): In this reimagining of NBC’s 1983 miniseries, a bunch of charismatic extraterrestrials led by Anna (Morena Baccarin, “Firefly”) captivates most of Earth’s population. But FBI counterterrorism agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell, “Lost”) suspects the aliens have a far more sinister agenda.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4, 2009
◊“Bill Cosby: The Mark Twain Prize 2009″ (7 p.m. on OETA-13): A roster of top-flight American comics including Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock salutes the Emmy-winning actor as he becomes the recipient of the 12th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The special includes clips of his career highlights from stand-up appearances as well as his groundbreaking role on “I Spy” and the sitcoms that later bore his name.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit tracks a serial killer who keeps the eyes of his victims as souvenirs. Salli Richardson-Whitfield (”Eureka”) returns as the sister of a murder victim.
◊“Gary Unmarried” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Allison is jilted when her new “friend,” Sophia (guest star Nadine Valezquez, “My Name Is Earl”), prefers Gary’s company over hers.
◊“Flowers Uncut” (9 p.m. on TLC): Jeff Leatham, one of the top floral designers in the world, moves from Paris to New York City to set up shop in the event capital of the world. One of his first jobs in an $80,000 floral presentation for the Shila Hotel in Korea.
◊“House of Payne” (8 p.m. on TBS): Kim Fields (”The Facts of Life”) directs two new episodes airing back-to-back. In “Where’s the Payne,” Curtis finds out that he’s being forced into retirement and Calvin discovers that Miranda is missing. In “Recurring Paynes,” Miranda’s mother arrives and confronts Calvin, who has become a suspect in her disappearance.
◊“Johnny Mercer: The Dream’s on Me” (7 p.m. on TCM): Clint Eastwood (“Gran Torino”) executive produced this profile of the gap-toothed composer from Georgia who penned the lyrics, music or both to some of the most beloved songs of the 20th century, including “Hooray for Hollywood,” “Moon River” and “The Days of Wine and Roses.”
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8 p.m. on NBC): When two young girls are similarly murdered a little over a month apart, Detective Odafin Tutuola decides to investigate the gruesome crimes. John Larroquette (“Boston Legal”) guest stars.
◊“Mercy” (7 p.m. on NBC): Sonia gets relationship advice from a patient and begins to question her arm’s-length approach to dating. Jerry Stiller (“The King of Queens”) and Ann Meara (“Archie Bunker’s Place”) guest star.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine considers herself popular by association when Ritchie is asked to a dance by the most popular girl in school, and Matthew and Richard try to evict an elderly woman (Marion Ross, “Happy Days”) from the apartment they hope to rent.
◊“Strange Sex” (9 p.m. on Discovery Health): This special explores the world of sexual medical anomalies, including a diagnosed sex addict trying to get her life in order and a woman who is allergic to her husband’s semen.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Gig Young was born on this day in 1913, and TCM celebrates by airing nine of his films, including 1950’s “Hunt the Man Down” (11 a.m.) and 1953’s “The Girl Who Had Everything” (4:15 p.m.).
◊“Top Chef All Stars Dinner” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Season 5 fan favorite Fabio Viviani hosts a get-together complete with a challenge as past chef’testants rehash their favorite moments on the series. Chefs taking part include Harold Dieterle (Season 1), Ilan Hall (Season 2), Hung Huynh (Season 3) and Lisa Fernandes (Season 4).
THURSDAY, NOV. 5, 2009
◊“30 Rock” (8:30 p.m. on NBC): While Liz and Pete try to rig the audition process, Tracy and Jenna decide it’s in their best interest to conduct their own search for a new “TGS” actor. Brian Williams (“NBC Nightly News”) guest stars.
◊“Broke and Famous: Willie Aames” (9 p.m. on VH1): This special chronicles the journey of Willie Aames, a once rich and successful celebrity who descended into poverty, as he works to transform and rebuild his life. Sarano Kelley, a financial guru and life coach, will be tasked with giving Willie the wake-up call he needs and helping him to reshape his financial future.
◊“Cold Blood” (9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This series, beginning its second season, presents competing versions of what may have happened as investigators follow forensic clues in search of the truth.
◊“Community” (7 p.m. on NBC): When the gang finds out Jeff is living out of his car, they offer their help. Eric Christian Olsen (”Fired Up!”) guest stars.
◊“The Doctors” (3 p.m. on KWTV-9): Brooke Burke (”Dancing With the Stars”) joins the daytime talk show as a “Mommy Correspondent.” She will make house calls and act as the liaison between mothers and the doctors — Dr. Travis Stork (E.R. physician), Dr. Lisa Masterson (obstetrician and gynecologist), Dr. Andrew Ordon (plastic surgeon) and Dr. James Sears (pediatrician).
◊“FlashForward” (7 p.m. on ABC): Mark, Demetri, Gough and MI6 agent Fiona Banks (Alex Kingston, “ER”) investigate a Blue Hand club and its possible connection to some recent suicides. Meanwhile, Demetri comes clean with Zoey (Gabrielle Union, “Life”) about his lack of a flashforward.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): After months of painstaking work, Lego brick artist Kurt Zimmerle is back home in Michigan working on his Halloween haunted houses. What he’s left behind is a masterpiece that will benefit Oklahoma City’s poverty stricken children for years to come. Zimmerle constructed about 50 Oklahoma City buildings like the state capital, the Skirvin Plaza, Bricktown and the as yet un-built Devon tower. (The Lego version stands 9 feet tall) out of Lego bricks. Kurt hasn’t done an exact count because he says he does not have time, but he estimates he has used over 1,000,000 bricks to construct OK Cityscapes.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Jim and Pam are out of excuses, so they have no choice but to go on a double date with Michael and Helene (Linda Purl, “First Monday”).
◊“The Real Housewives of Orange County” (9 p.m. on Bravo): In Season 5, the Southern California girls welcome Alexis Bellino to the group and say farewell to longtime housewife Jeana Keough. The series also takes a turn with shifting relationships and the tough economy hitting the women and their families hard.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Vivien Leigh was born on this day in 1913, and TCM celebrates by airing four of her films, including 1938’s “A Yank at Oxford” (6:45 a.m.) and 1941’s “That Hamilton Woman” (10:30 am.).
FRIDAY, NOV. 6, 2009
◊“Fanboy and Chum Chum” (8 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new animated comedy spin-off from the Nicktoons Network series “Random! Cartoons” centers on a comic book-loving 11-year old named Fanboy and his best friend and trusty sidekick, Chum Chum, whose wide-eyed acceptance of the bizarre is the perfect complement to his friend’s enthusiasm and imagination. In every episode, Fanboy and Chum Chum, donning their tights and capes, embark on a daily quest to turn an average day into a fun one.
◊“Ghost Adventures” (8 p.m. on Travel Channel): The crew travels to Poveglia Island in Italy to investigate the cursed ground. Locals and tourists are forbidden from visiting this location.
◊“Ghost Adventures Live: Post Mortem” (7 p.m. on Travel Channel): One week after being locked down live in West Virginia’s Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum for seven hours, Zak, Nick and Aaron relive the best moments of the event.
◊“Greg Behrendt: That Guy From That Thing” (11 p.m. on Comedy Central): Best known for his book “He’s Just Not That Into You,” Greg Behrendt brings his blunt and humorous observations to this stand-up special. He leaves the self-help at home to take action against what Criss Angel did to magic, ponder the nature of God and explain why guys shouldn’t quote lines from porn movies.
◊“Live From Abbey Road” (10 p.m. on Sundance): The music series, back for its third season, features performances and interviews with musicians filmed at London’s Abbey Road Studios.
◊“Medium” (8 p.m. on CBS): When Allison’s car is wrecked, the SUV she rents turns out to have some unusual features, including a satellite radio that allows her to hear other people’s conversations. Faith Prince (”Huff”) guest stars as Lauren Portman, whose daughter causes the damage to Allison’s car.
◊“SpongeBob SquarePants: Truth or Squared” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Celebrity guest stars Rosario Dawson, Craig Ferguson, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, LeBron James, P!nk, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and Robin Williams appear as themselves in live-action sequences throughout this special, which follows SpongeBob and the Bikini Bottom gang as they reminisce through a series of original, never-before-seen flashbacks. Ricky Gervais narrates the special and Cee-Lo Green (Gnarles Barkley) performs a cover of the SpongeBob theme song to an all-new stop-motion opening title sequence.
◊“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. on CBS): Matt asks someone else to be his “plus one” at Wilhemina’s fund-raiser for Tibetan orphans. Meanwhile we learn the truth behind Nico’s (YaYa Dacosta, “All My Children”) dire straits.
SATURDAY, NOV. 7
◊“Handy Manny” (7:30 a.m. on Disney): Season 3 of this multicultural series for preschoolers will introduce 10 new tool characters. Guest stars this season include Rosario Dawson (“Gemini Division”) as a marine biologist, Dale Earnhardt Jr. as a race car driver, Jim Belushi (”According to Jim”) as a drawbridge operator and Giada De Laurentiis (“Giada at Home”) as the owner of a pizza parlor.
◊“Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers” (8 p.m. on CBS): Fedor Emelianenko of Russia, the world’s top-ranked mixed martial arts heavyweight fighter, will face undefeated American Brett Rogers of Minnesota in the marquee match up. Also appearing on the live four-fight primetime card are middleweights Jake Shields and Jason “Mayhem Miller, who will battle for the recently vacated Strikeforce middleweight title.
◊“Til Debt Do Us Part” (9 p.m. on CNBC): Financial author and columnist Gail Vaz-Oxlade takes a tough-love approach to getting couples in financial crisis to face reality. Some couples are on the verge of bankruptcy and others are just getting by. Either way, they all learn how to work their way out of debt and get the skills they need to plan for their financial future.
◊“Too Late to Say Goodbye” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Rob Lowe stars in this new film inspired by the true story of an outwardly charming couple whose deceit and secret affairs result in fatal consequences. It is based on Ann Rule’s best-selling book.
◊“The Wanda Sykes Show” (10 p.m. on Fox): Wanda Sykes, fresh off her funny HBO special and her recurring role in “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” joins the late-night talk show arena with her own blend of comedy and topical commentary, which is set to include panels to discuss current events.
–Penny TV
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.
Happy Birthday, Bill Engvall
July 27, 2009 — William Ray Engvall Jr.,
who plays Bill Pearson on “The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. Saturdays on TBS), turns 52 today.
He played Bill Pelton on “The Jeff Foxworthy Show” (1996-97 on ABC).
His first acting role was a Student in the 1982 movie “Split Image.” He was 25.
Best wishes to Bill and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Bill Engvall on “The Bill Engvall Show” (TBS Photo)
TV Premieres and Finales airing July 12-18, 2009
"Dark Blue" (TNT 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 12.
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
••“Big Daddy’s House,” 12:30 p.m. Sunday on Food Network (third-season premiere).
••“Stories From the Vaults,” 7 p.m. Sunday on Smithsonian Channel (second-season premiere).
••“Surprise Vacations With Karen Duffy,” 7 p.m. Sunday on FLN (series premiere).
••“Drop Dead Diva,” 8 p.m. Sunday on Lifetime (series premiere).
••“I Survived …,” 8 p.m. Sunday on BIO (third-season premiere).
••“Entourage,” 9:30 p.m. Sunday on HBO (sixth-season premiere).
••“The Wendy Williams Show,” noon Monday on KAUT-43 (series premiere).
••“Miami Social,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“Leverage,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (second-season premiere).
••“Dark Blue,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on TNT (series premiere).
••“Michael & Michael Have Issues,” 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on Comedy Central (series premiere).
••“Watch What Happens: Live,” 11 p.m. Thursday on Bravo (series premiere).
••“Catch It Keep It,” 9 p.m. Friday on Science Channel (series premiere).
••“Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-Up,” 10 p.m. Friday on Starz (fourth-season premiere).
••“Barefoot Contessa,” 12:30 p.m. Saturday on Food Network (12th-season premiere).
••“The Bill Engvall Show,” 8 p.m. Saturday on TBS (third-season premiere).
••“Dirty Sexy Money,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC (series returns).
ENDINGS
••“Expedition Africa,” 9:02 p.m. Sunday on History (first-season finale).
••“Here Come the Newlyweds,” 9:02 p.m. Monday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“Is Your House Killing You?” 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on Sundance (series finale).
••“Food Party,” 10:15 p.m. Tuesday on IFC (first-season finale).
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
Top 55 TV Programs for July 12-18, 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 12:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JULY 12
◊“Addicted to Surrogacy” (9 p.m. on BBC America): This special follows the stories of the women who are addicted to giving babies away. Approximately one thousand surrogate babies have been born in the United Kingdom over the past two decades. In recent years, half of them have been born to serial surrogates: women who’ve been surrogates more than once.
◊“Amazing Octopus” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Shot off the southern coast of New Zealand, this film tells the life story of a single female octopus, from birth to old age. that includes her encounters with squid, paddle crabs, sea eggs, anemones and cod.
◊“Big Daddy’s House” (12:30 p.m. on Food Network): Big Daddy creates a sandwich menu that includes a fall-off-th-bone braised short rib sandwich.
◊“Drop Dead Diva” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): This new series tells the story of a shallow model-in-training who dies in a sudden accident only to find her soul resurface in the body of a brilliant, plus-size and recently deceased attorney. She must come to terms with inhabiting a curvier frame in the ultimate showdown between brains and beauty.
◊“Entourage” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): When Season 5 ended last year, Vince was on the verge of ending a prolonged career slump, thanks to an offer to star in Martin Scorsese’s next movie. Now, with “Gatsby” about to open, he’s a hot property once again.
◊“Expedition Africa” (8 p.m. on History): See the two-hour conclusion of this series following four modern-day explorers as they relive Sir Henry Stanley’s journey to find Dr. David Livingstone. They confront obstacles and dangers similar to those encountered by the explorers before them.
◊“Expedition Borneo” (8 p.m. on Planet Green): A team of explorers, biologists and filmmakers travel through Borneo’s swamps, caves cliffs and jungle in search of new species.
◊“I Survived …” (8 p.m. on BIO): Season 3 features eight new episodes exploring first person accounts of extraordinary true-life tales of those who found the strength and courage to endure when faced with unforeseen, life-threatening situations.
◊“Let’s Hear It for the Laurie Berkner Band” (6 p.m. on Noggin): This special features 17 music videos from the band, including a music video for the new song “My Family” and preschool favorites “Victor Vito” and “Pig on Her Head.” Noggin’s Moose and Zee serve as hosts and play interactive music and movement games throughout the special that promote creativity and foster an appreciation for music.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Murder is Easy,” Miss Marple investigates a string of murders in a peaceful village town.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): A mysterious man from the past arrives in Camelot and delivers a bunch of enchanted flowers to Morgana, and she becomes ill when a spider creeps from the boquet and enters her ear.
◊“Meteor” (8 p.m. on NBC): As smaller meteorites begin to lay waste to major cities around the globe, two scientists (Christopher Lloyd, Marla Sokoloff) discover that Kassandra, a giant slab of space rock three times the size of Mount Everest, is barreling straight toward Earth, but a military scientist (Jason Alexander) discounts their dire warnings.
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): The remaining four finalists met Ted Allen (”Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”) and learn of their next challenge: creating a dish for a restaurant at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
◊“Stories From the Vaults” (7 p.m. on Smithsonian Channel): Tom Cavanagh (”Ed”) hosts returns for Season 2 of the series that goes beyond exhibit halls for an insider’s tour of Smithsonian’s vast collections. The season premiere focuses on food in a fun but educational lesson in three different museum locations, concluding a visit to the National Museum of Dentistry to explore the effect of food on our teeth.
◊“Surprise Vacations With Karen Duffy” (7 p.m. on FLN): In this new series, one unsuspecting and deserving person is surprised by family, friends and co-workers with the vacation of their dreams. Edmond resident Amy Eldridge, who helped found the Love Without Borders organization, is featured in the premiere episode.
◊“Wild Pacific” (7 to 10 p.m. today and Monday on Discovery): These three-hour specials explore the largest ocean on Earth, the isolation of its islands and the
extraordinary journeys that wildlife and people have gone through to reach these specks of land.
◊“Z Rock” (9 p.m. on IFC): The band plays a wrestling-themed children’s party in which they get to dress up in tights and capes. Chris Jericho (professional wrestler) guest stars.
MONDAY, JULY 13
◊“The Blonde Mystique” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This Canadian documentary brings together three women — two natural brunettes and one natural blonde — for a series of real-world experiments that test blonde stereotypes.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Brenda’s team investigates the shooting death of a popular online “hook-up king” who was in the process of putting together a television pilot for a men’s cable network. Meanwhile, Pope does a rotation as a regular member of Brenda’s squad.
◊“Here Come the Newlyweds” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): The final two couples learn that the seven newlywed couples they competed against will be the ones to decide who will win the life-changing grand prize. Host Pat Bullard also takes the two final couples to a retirement home where long-married couples tell them what makes a strong, successful marriage.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Items investigated include Navajo rug that features a controversial design and a 1933 Chicago World’s Fair souvenir silver baby cup.
◊“Immokalee USA” (8 p.m. on Documentary Channel): This documentary chronicles the daily lives of migrant farm workers and their challenges and struggles to make a living in Immokalee, Fla.
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): Jerry takes on a pro bono case in which he defends a man arrested for running over his crooked lawyer with a car. But it looks like he’s going to have to rely on jury sympathy instead of facts to get an acquittal.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): When Adam’s mother, Fay, comes to visit, Audrey warns Jennifer about the judgmental tendencies of a mother-in-law,
however, it’s Jennifer who discovers that she is the one who is critical of Fay and her kooky lifestyle. Peggy Lipton (”The Mod Squad”) guest stars.
◊“Teddy: In His Own Words” (8 p.m. on HBO): This documentary profiles U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, using his own words and previously unseen home movies. It chronicles his childhood and the 46-year Senate career that began in the shadows of his ill-fated brothers, John and Robert, culminating with his speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
◊“The Wendy Williams Show” (noon on KAUT-43): Radio personality Wendy Williams is known for being audacious, bold and original. She raises the talk show bar with her new nationally syndicated show that will combine the latest buzz and hot topics with a diverse mix of celebrities from the arenas of film, music, sports and television.
TUESDAY, JULY 14
◊The 80th Major League Baseball All-Star Game (7 p.m. on Fox): Play-by-play announcer Joe Buck and analyst Tim McCarver call the action live from Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
◊“Bob le Flambeur” (1 p.m. on Sundance): This 1956 French film follows an aging gambler plotting one final score. It is the first film in a triple feature dedicated to French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Melville and airing in honor of Bastille Day. The other films include 1962’s “Le Doulos” (2:45 p.m.) and 1969’s “Army of Shadows” (4:45 p.m.).
◊“Food Party” (10:15 p.m. on IFC): In the Season 1 finale, Thu is pregnant and plans on making a special dinner for her husband and two children. But, after cooking Tamarind soup and birthing a kitten, the night goes awry when a mysterious villain stalks her family.
◊“Great American Road Trip” (7 p.m. on NBC): The remaining families travel to Branson, Mo., where they perform skits in front of stars Andy Williams and Yakov Smirnoff.
◊“Hawthorne” (8 p.m. on TNT): Christina spends the day giving special attention to a young heart patient who is beginning to suffer from seizures, but the brash young surgeon called in to handle the case has an ego that rubs Christina the wrong way.
◊“Miami Social” (9 p.m. on Bravo): this new docu-series shows viewers what life is like in the energetic social scene of South Beach. It explores the lives of a group of hot, young professionals – corporate types by day and party animals by night – as they navigate the sometimes murky waters of Miami’s hottest locales.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A slain sergeant’s private life is on full display as the team must determine if a suspected act of treason lead to his death. Chris Carmack (”The O.C.”) guest stars.
◊“NOVA scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment looks at two drugs that may aid children with muscular dystrophy, the demise of the dinosaurs and the danger of the northern lights.
◊“Oxygen’s 25iest: Celeb-U-Tots” (10 p.m. on Oxygen): This special counts down the offspring of celebrities, including Trey, Jaden and Willow Smith (Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s children), Emme and Max Muniz (Jennifer Lopez and and Marc Anthony’s children) and Suri Cruise (daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise).
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installnent “The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court” chronicles the work of the first permanent court created by more than 120 countries for the purpose of prosecuting crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): During a case that puts Grace’s spirituality to the test, the squad investigates the murder of a Hasidic Jew whose body is found near a herd of dead cows. Miyam Bialik (”Blossom”) and Michael Lerner (”Barton Fink”) guest star.
◊“Square Roots: The SpongeBob SquarePants Story” (8 p.m. on VH1): Commissioned by Nickelodeon to commemorate the anniversary of the series’ first episode, the documentary chronicles the beloved character’s journey to international pop culture icon status and showcases the series’ impact on everyone from President Barack Obama, children across the globe and San Quentin inmates who sing its catchy theme song.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): A Russian tourist is found stabbed to death and the CSIs come face to face with the frightening realities of human trafficking. Solving this case becomes personal when it directly affects a prominent member of the NYPD. Julia Ormond (”The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) guest stars.
◊“Dark Blue” (9 p.m. on TNT): This new series stars Dylan McDermott (”The Practice”) as Carter Shaw, who leads a team of undercover cops in Los Angeles. In the series premiere, he is determined to bring a gang leader down while ensuring that one of his officers has not switched loyalties. Oklahoma actress Nicki Aycox plays Jamie Allen, the newest member of the team.
◊“Gordon Ramsay’s F Word” (8 p.m. on BBC America): Chef Gordon Ramsay travels to Oklahoma for an extraordinary food adventure spent catfish noodling, in which he attempts to catch sharp-toothed catfish using nothing but his hands.
◊“The Kid: The Life and Death of Ted Williams” (9 p.m. on HBO): This documentary explores the life of Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams, who was a tireless fundraiser, expert fisherman and all-around outdoorsman extraordinaire. His final years were marked by ill health; following his death, the decision to have his body preserved in a cryonics facility inspired public disputes among his family and friends, sparking controversy and ridicule.
◊“Leverage” (8 p.m. on TNT): In the Season 2 premiere, Nate Ford reluctantly reassembles the team to pit the local Irish mob against a banker who is gaming a government bailout. Charles Martin Smith (”The Untouchables”) guest stars.
◊“Michael & Michael Have Issues” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Long-time comedic partners Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter star in this new twist on narrative and sketch comedies. Viewers will get a first hand look at issues that the two misguided stars wrestle with as they confront their own issues of insecurity and jealousy and attempt to undermine each other.
◊“Monsters Inside Me” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): In Oklahoma, a chemical sprayer’s cough is the result of parasitic worms that multiply in the human lung. Learn how these pests have manipulated reproduction to overwelm their host.
◊“Porn: Business of Pleasure” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This new CNBC original production takes an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look inside the multibillion pornography business, from the threats to its profitability to the one issue that could bring the adult industry to it’s knees.
◊“Time Team America” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Scientists travel to the swamps of South Carolina in an effort to discover when people first came to North America. Many experts think humans followed big game here about 13,000 years ago, but others think it may have been much earlier.
THURSDAY, JULY 16
◊The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards Nominations (7:35 a.m. on www.emmys.tv): Chandra Wilson (”Grey’s Anatomy”) and Jim Parsons (”The Big Bang Theory”) will join Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Chairman John Shaffner at NOKIA Theatre L.A. Live to announce the nominees. The Emmy Awards will be handed out on Sept. 20, and the ceremony will air live on CBS.
◊“Are We Alone?” (8 p.m. on Discovery): This new special ventures to Earth’s strangest, most extreme regions to uncover clues to the universe’s evolution. From Death Valley, California, to the glaciers of Chile; from the harsh desert climates of Africa to the lush seascapes of the Caribbean, the world’s top astrobiologists and astrophysicists examine the geological record and the biological influence of life forms that created and continue to sustain life on Earth.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Series star David Boreanaz (FBI special agent Seeley Booth) directed this episode in which a bungee-jumping couple plunges off a bridge and come face-to-face with a corpse lying at the bottom of a gorge.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Meet the man who saved Oklahoma City’s Paseo District and turned it into a vibrant arts community. It was built in 1929 as Oklahoma City’s first commercial shopping district, and it was almost torn down in the late 1970s.
◊“J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life” (7 p.m. on ABC): Timed to the release of the newest Harry Potter film, this hourlong documentary follows the author during the months prior to publication of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the final book in the series. Cameras also travel back to her hometown and discover where many of the Harry Potter characters originated.
◊“The Listener” (9:01 p.m. on NBC): After Toby witnesses a young woman revive a badly injured baby, he feels a strong kinship and curiosity about her gift.
◊“Stateline” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment of the locally-produced documentary series follows the men and women of the Oklahoma National Guard’s 45th Fires Brigade as they train at Fort Hood, Texas, for their mission in Iraq.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Barbara Stanwyck was born on this day in 1907, and TCM celebrates by airing three of her films: 1929’s “The Locked Door” (5 a.m.), 1940’s “Remember the Night” (6:30 a.m.) and 1944’s “Double Indemnity” (8 a.m.).
◊“Watch What Happens: Live” (11 p.m. on Bravo): Bravo programming executive Andy Cohen hosts this new interactive series. He will sit down with guests from some of Bravo’s most popular series, as well as from the world of entertainment, to chat about what has transpired on-air and in pop culture that week.
FRIDAY, JULY 17
◊“According to Jim” (8 p.m. on ABC): Jim uses his passion for sports to connect with son Kyle. But sports-challenged Kyle identifies more with fellow sci-fi nerd Andy, forcing a reluctant Jim to dress up as a Cyclops at a sci-fi convention in order to win his son back. Williams “Refrigerator” Perry (former NFL player) guest stars.
◊“Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” (7 p.m. on Fox): Star Jones (“The View”) and Jack Hanna ((”ZooLife with Jack Hanna”) compete for $1 million for charity by testing their elementary school knowledge in subjects ranging from art and geography to math and social studies. Real students will offer to help them if they are unsure of an answer.
◊“Call 911″ (7 p.m. on Investigation Discovery): This installment of the show, which features actual 911 recordings between operators and callers, includes a tornado survivor is pinned inside his truck that is surrounded by downed live electrical lines.
◊“Catch It Keep It” (9 p.m. on Science Channel): During each episode of this new series, three contestants test their scientific and engineering mettle against Science Channel’s “engineer of destruction” Mike Senese, who devises dastardly schemes uniquely designed to obliterate the prize of the week. The contestants must brainstorm, plan and construct a way to rescue the item within the span of 48 hours.
◊“Fats Domino: Walkin’ Back to New Orleans” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This special chronicles musician Fat Domino’s return to the stage after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation to his hometown of New Orleans. It features performances from a 2007 benefit concert for the city, as well as interviews with Domino and singers Robert Plant and Randy Newman.
◊“Flashpoint” (8 p.m. on CBS): After hearing on the radio that a talk show host is holding a prominent politician hostage, the Strategic Response Unit races to the station to talk the host out of killing him on the air.
◊“Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-Up” (9 p.m. on Starz): Doug Williams (”The Bernie Mac Show”) returns as host of the show that presents up-and-coming comics and established stars performing before a live audience.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don looks toward his newly found religious beliefs to help him contend with an escaped criminal bent on revenge. David Gallagher (”7th Heaven”) guest stars.
◊“SpongeBob SquarePants” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Nickelodeon kicks-off a 50-hour marathon with the premiere of “To SquarePants or Not to SquarePants”, which follows SpongeBob after his square pants have shrunk in the dryer. Unable to find a new pair, he tries round pants, but no one seems to recognize him as SpongeBob RoundPants. Patchy the Pirate hosts the marathon that will include 11 “SpongeBob” premieres.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: James Cagney was born on this day in 1899, and TCM celebrates by airing three of his films: 1935’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (11:45 a.m.), 1936’s “Something to Sing About” (2 p.m.) and 1955’s “Love Me or Leave Me” (3:45 p.m.).
SATURDAY, JULY 18
◊“Barefoot Contessa” (12:30 p.m. on Food Network): Host Ina Garten showcases portable food with full flavor made for two desk-bound friends.
◊“The Bill Engvall Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): Bill and Susan are feeling the economic pinch, just as Lauren prepares to take an expensive trip for spring break. Bill is certain her disappointment in not being able to go will permanently scar their father-daughter bond.
◊“Discovery Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installment of the locally-produced program visits Okmulgee State Park and Discoveryland.
◊“Dirty Sexy Money” (9 p.m. on ABC): While the Darlings are away for Thanksgiving, Clark the chauffeur offers his version of various Darling family rumors to a persistent reporter. This is one of the series’ final episodes scheduled to air over the next four Saturdays.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): After imprisoning Jack and Savid for treason, Silas continues with his plan to hand over Port Prosperity to long-time enemy Gath.
◊“Mamma Mia!” (7 p.m. on HBO): In this musical inspired by the songs of the Swedish pop group ABBA, Amanda Seyfried plays a young bride-to-be who wants to know her father’s identity before she walks down the aisle. Her mother (Meryl Streep) isn’t much help on that count, so she invites the likeliest candidates (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard) to the nuptials.
◊“Mending Fences” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a Los Angeles journalist (Laura Leighton) visits her ailing mother (Angie Dickinson) and the farm she grew up on, she finds out that her mother’s vision is deteriorating and that her hometown has been struggling with a terrible drought that is forcing many residents to sell out to a casino developer.
◊“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): This 2002 comedy transfers writer and star Nia Vardalos’ stage show to film, thanks to producers Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. Vardalos plays a Greek woman who risks her tradition-bound family’s wrath when she falls for, then plans to wed, a decidedly non-Greek educator (John Corbett, ‘‘Sex and the City”).
◊“Outdoor Oklahoma” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): Produced by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, this series keeps Oklahoman informed about fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation, as well as policies and programs. Learn about the latest quail research, what’s happening with deer season or where fisheries personnel have found the biggest catfish in the state.
◊“SpongeBob SquarePants” (9 a.m. on Nickelodeon): The marathon continues with the Top 10 most memorable “SpongeBob” episodes as picked by fans on Nick.com. The night will be capped off with “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” at 9 p.m.
◊“Tom Jones” (7 p.m. on TCM): This adaptation of Henry Fielding’s novel, which won the best picture Oscar for 1963, follows the adventures of the title character (Albert Finney), whose enjoyment of the earthly delights of 18th-century England almost get him hanged.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Jim Gaffigan
July 7, 2009 –Jim Gaffigan, who plays
Andy Franklin on “My Boys” (Season 3 episodes aired through May on TBS), turns 43 today.
He played Rusty Carnouk on “The Ellen Show” (2001-02).
His first acting role was in the 1997 movie “Fool’s Paradise.” He was 31.
Best wishes to Jim and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Jim Gaffigan performs to a sold out crowd, Friday, Feb. 2, 2007 at Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo. (AP Photo/Al Maglio)
Top 55 TV Programs for June 28-July 4, 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 June 28:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
◊The BET Awards ’09 (7 p.m. on BET): Jamie Foxx (“Ray”) will host the ninth annual event that celebrates the achievements in music, sports and entertainment. The O’Jays will be honored with a lifetime achievement award.
◊“Built to Shred” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV): In Season 2 of this build-and-ride sports show featuring top skateboarders, BMXers and surfers, host Jeff King works with pros to design, build and try out a new obstacle.
◊“Celebrity Rides: Hollywood Speeding Bullitt” (6 p.m. on DIY): Chad McQueen, son of actor Steve McQueen, helps build a 1968 GT Fastvack Mustang made famous by the movie “Bullitt.”
◊“Comedy You Can Believe In With David Alan Grier” (9 p.m. on TBS): David Alan Grier (“Chocolate News”) will perform his own stand-up and introduce comedians Bruce Bruce, Jo Koy, Mark Curry, Aries Spears and Marina Franklin.
◊“Gene Simmons Family Jewels” (8:30 p.m. on A&E): While Gene Simmons rings the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and spreads the word about investing in America, Shannon does some spending of her own when she gets addicted to late-night infomercials.
◊“HGTV Showdown” (9 p.m. on HGTV): A new line-up of challengers and celebrity guests take the design stage for Season 3 of the show. Host Jamie Durie will guide viewers through the action as two teams of expert designers and builders compete to design and execute a winning room makeover for one lucky homeowner. The homeowner also will win a professional design plan and $10,000 toward the redesign of a room in their home.
◊“Hung” (9 p.m. Sunday on HBO): In this new and very adult comedy, Thomas Jane stars as Ray Drucker, a high school basketball coach and divorced dad who sets out to change his fortune.
◊“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Mrs. McGinty’s Dead,” crime novelist Ariadne Oliver (Zoe Wanamaker, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”) joins Poirot (David Suchet, “Henry VIII”) to save a man who has been sentenced to hang for the murder of his landlady.
◊“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): The witch Nimueh casts a spell with a monster that poisons Camelot’s drinking water, spreading a sickness throughout the city. When Gwen’s father falls ill, Merlin disobeys Gaius’ orders and tries to help.
◊“The Next Food Network Star” (8 p.m. on Food Network): Bobby Flay tests the remaining seven finalists by having them out their culinary point of view on a classic American dish — the burger. Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”) surprises the finalists and challenges them to create a dish using a basket of international ingredients for a group of returning American soldiers.
◊“Prehistoric New York” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Travel back in time through the lost worlds of New York City’s past, when mammoths once trampled down Fifth Avenue and some of the world’s first dinosaurs roamed where the New York Giants now play.
◊“Waging War on Cancer With Paula Zahn: The Future” (1:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This program seeks to demystify cancer by explaining where it comes from. In many cases, it has to do with chronic injury to tissue.
MONDAY, JUNE 29
◊“Blood, Sweat + Gears: Racing Clean to the Tour de France” (9:30 p.m. on Sundance): This documentary follows the journey of an American cycling team seeking to compete in its first Tour de France, the French bicycle race that covers over 3,500 kilometers in 22 grueling days. The 2009 Tour de France runs from July 4-July 26.
◊“The Closer” (8 p.m. on TNT): Brenda and her squad are temporarily deputized into the FBI when a missing person case turns into a full-blown murder investigation involving drug trafficking at gay dance parties. The case gives Brenda and Fritz the chance to work together again, but her investigative tactics don’t exactly fit FBI protocol.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a murderer kidnaps an innocent baby, Horatio and the team must find him before the child becomes his next victim. Teri Polo (”Meet the Parents”) guest stars in this of the show’s 150th episode.
◊“Dance Your … Off” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): Marissa Jaret Winokur (“Hairspray”) hosts this new dance/weight-loss competition series featuring full-figured contestants who struggle with their weight and dance to unleash their inner thin.
◊“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This installment focuses on an invention that may have been used in the atomic bomb, a 23-pound block of beeswax with strange markings and a French manuscript kept by an American family for 160 years.
◊“JoMoPro 2009″ (7 p.m. on Fuel TV, 265 on Cox Digital Cable, 536 on U-verse, 618 on DirecTV): This BMX event in Joplin, Mo., offers a $20,000 prize purse and features a best-trick contest that awards the winning rider a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
◊“Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Kathy seeks out Paris Hilton. The new BFFs spend the day buying trendy clothes on Robertson Blvd., pose for hundreds of photographers trailing their every move and make a call to Snoop Dog.
◊“NewsHour With Jim Lehrer” (5 p.m. on OETA-13): The segment “A Future That is Bright and Green” features Nathan Wright and Casey Wenzel, who are among the first students at Oklahoma State University to participate in a new degree program in wind turbine technology. They are hopeful about finding jobs that are not only close to home, but that are safer, cleaner and more stable than those in the oil and gas industry.
◊“Operation Emeril” (7 p.m. on Planet Green): In this special, chef Emeril Lagasse visits the Army Center of Excellence Subsistence (ACES) at Fort Lee in Richmond, VA, and meets service men and women training to become military cooks. He shows the soldiers how to mix new combinations of food while in the kitchen and prepare healthy and delicious meals for the masses.
◊“Raising the Bar” (9 p.m. on TNT): When an innocent picture of a little boy in a bathtub winds up on a child pornographer’s Web site, Jerry has his hands full defending the father against Balco’s aggressive prosecution.
◊“Shouting Fire: Stories From the Edge of Free Speech” (8 p.m. on HBO): In collaboration with her father, First Amendment attorney Martin Garbus, Oscar nominated filmmaker Liz Garbus explores the social and political trends that have shaped America’s attitudes about free speech and how they can threaten the very tenets upon which the country was built.
◊“Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell” (8 p.m. on Sundance): This film looks at the life and music of Arthur Russell, a little-known composer, producer, cellist, singer and songwriter who died of AIDS in 1992.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30
◊“18 Kids and Counting” (8 p.m. on TLC): Josh and Anna Duggar don’t know if their first child will be a boy or girl — but the “Today” show does. Watch as the Duggars are kept in the dark until it’s revealed live on national television via a special cake from the “Cake Boss.”
◊“The Best Thing I Ever Ate” (8:30 p.m. on Food Network): Food Network stars Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-ins and Dives”), Duff Goldman (“Ace of Cakes”) and Aida Mollenkamp (“Ask Aida”) talk about their favorite foods made with bacon.
◊“HawthoRNe” (8 p.m. on TNT): Christina scrambles to create a makeshift ICU bed for a woman whose son isn’t ready to let her go. And Camille spends the day sneaking around the hospital when she’s supposed to be working on an English essay.
◊“NOVA” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Musical Minds” investigates the impact music can have on the human brain through case studies from neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks’ book “Musicophilia.”
◊“NOVA scienceNOW” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Host Neil deGrasse Tyson returns for Season 4, which is packed with provocative new stories from the frontlines of science, technology, and medicine. In the premiere episode, a blindfolded Tyson is led to a top-secret “diamond farm” to investigate breakthroughs in the engineering of artificial diamonds. Indistinguishable from the real thing, these glittering creations may one day replace silicon transistors in everything from super computers to high-speed electric trains.
◊“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): The family of a French gay man who was brutally murdered by three neo-Nazi skinheads undergoes an astonishing personal journey as its members struggle to seek justice while coming to terms with their unthinkable loss in ‘‘Beyond Hatred.”
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Matthew (F. Murray Abraham, “Amadeus”), one of Earl’s fellow angels, hits a rough patch when it comes to winning souls, and he starts honing in on Earl’s territory.
◊“Stager Invasion” (7 p.m. on TLC): In this new series, professional stager Lisa Lynch visits houses that are on the market by homeowners but aren’t getting much interest. Lynch and a staging team help transform the homes – using mostly items already part of the decor – while battling 8-hour timelines to get everything ready for showings.
◊“Wake Steady” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV, 265 on Cox Digital Cable, 536 on U-verse, 618 on DirecTV): Catch wakeboarding and wakeskating champions attacking still waters worldwide.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
◊“10 Grand in Your Hand” (8:30 p.m. on DIY, 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on Direct TV, 454 on U-verse): This series shows homeowners how to cut up to $10,000 from their renovation and remodeling projects. It offers advice on new materials and technologies, as well as how-to info on doing some of the basic work themselves.
◊“American Masters” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new 90-minute episode goes behind the scenes of the radio show ‘‘A Prairie Home Companion,” created by humorist and commentator Garrison Keillor. It follows Keillor and his crew of actors and misicians as they travel across the country broadcasting and recording shows.
◊“Clean House: Search for the Messiest Home in the Country” (8 p.m. on Style Network): In the first-season finale host Niecy Nash (”Reno 911!”) unveils 2009’s messiest home in the country and documents its full makeover. The home belongs to a detective, and it is crammed with suff in every room.
◊“Monsters Inside Me” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series explores the shocking, gruesome and sometimes deadly details of a parasitic infection. Every episode is a constant battle for life as doctors and scientists attempt to unravel each case.
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine and Barb are informed by the parent company of their gym franchise that they’ve broken a contractual clause and may lose the gym. Megan Mullally (”Will & Grace”) guest stars as the corporate representative from the gym’s parent company.
THURSDAY, JULY 2
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (7 p.m. on CBS): When a series of victims are found deceased seemingly in the middle of everyday activities, the CSIs must determine what is causing them to remain upright after death. Alex Kingston (”ER”), Jeffrey Tambor (”Arrested Development”) and Will McCormack (”Dirt”) guest star.
◊“The Listener” (9 p.m. on NBC): After witnessing a fatal shooting in Chinatown, Toby uses his telepathic gift to help a blind woman solve the murder of her brother. He discovers a cover-up involving a Chinese crime boss who has a lot to hide from the police.
◊“Moments of Impact” (8 p.m. on Discovery): From terrifyingly close calls on the jet way to a sudden avalanche to unexpected animal attacks, this new series provides a spectacular tour de force of real life spills and chills.
◊“Science of the Movies” (9 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): This installment goes behind the scenes of Sony Pictures Animation’s 3D feature “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.”
◊“Soundstage” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Sugarland presents a versatile set that includes pop songs, country sounds and soulful ballads.
◊“Twilight Zone” marathon: (7 a.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. July 5 on SCI FI): The network’s annual event, running Thursday through Saturday, features episodes from the 1980s version of the series, as well as the classic 1960s show.
◊“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic” (6 p.m. on TCM): This special was made in 1989, as it has actually been 70 years since ‘‘Oz” came out. Like the movie, though, it’s still enjoyable and will enhance your appreciation of the film, as actress Angela Lansbury (”Murder, She Wrote”) takes a look back at the production of the 1939 classic.
FRIDAY, JULY 3
◊“According to Jim” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Jim convinces Andy to play snow football even though Andy’s girlfriend, Mandy, warns him against it. Now injured, Andy has to hide his injury from Mandy, so Jim stages a freak accident for Andy in his home. Garry Marshall (“Race to Witch Mountain”) guest stars.
◊“Alex Haley’s Queen” (9 a.m. on TV One, 157 on U-verse, 167 on Cox Digital Cable, 328 on DirecTV): Halle Berry stars in the six-hour miniseries that chronicles the tale of Alex Haley’s paternal grandmother, Queen, who was the daughter of a black slave and a white plantation owner.
◊“Bathtastic” (8 p.m. on DIY, 111 on Dish Network, 171 on Cox Digital Cable, 230 on Direct TV, 454 on U-verse): Host Matt Muenster shares design tips, information on cutting-edge materials and know-how that will revitalize any bathroom, great or small.
◊“Good Evening Ev’rybody: In Celebration of Louis Armstrong” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): This is a presentation of a never-before-released concert performance of Louis Armstrong and other musical greats at the 1970 Newport Jazz Festival in celebration of Armstrong’s 70th birthday. Armstrong performs several of his greatest hits throughout the concert and rehearsals, including ‘Pennies From Heaven” and “Wonderful World.”
◊“Invitation Only” (10 p.m. on CMT): In this installment of the concert series, Darius Rucker performs before a small studio audience in Nashville, takes questions from fans and delivers revealing and candid answers.
◊“Margaret Cho: Beautiful” (10 p.m. on Showtime): Returning to her stand-up roots, Margaret Cho examines the nature of beauty and the importance society has placed on appearance.
◊“The Ultimate Power Lunch: 50 Years of The Four Seasons” (11 a.m. on CNBC): CNBC correspondent Bill Griffeth will speak one-on-one with the most powerful people in finance, media and fashion, asking them about the economy, the markets and their power lunches at the restaurant over the years.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
◊“Apollo 13″ (6:30 p.m. on Cinemax): Ron Howard, who was born in Duncan, directed this 1995 movie about the near-disastrous 1970 Apollo 13 mission. Headed for the moon, Cmdr. Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) and his crew, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert (Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon), experience an on-board explosion.
◊“Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular” (9 p.m. on CBS): Talk show host Craig Ferguson (”The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson”) returns for his third year as host of the special broadcast live from the Charles River Esplanade in Boston. Grammy winner Neil Diamond will perform some of his classic hits with The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra under the direction of conductor Keith Lockhart. The final 21 minutes of the broadcast, featuring the spectacular fireworks display, will be presented commercial free.
◊“Burn After Reading” (7 p.m. on HBO): Brad Pitt, who was born in Shawnee, stars as a gym worker in this movie directed by Oscar-winners Joel and Ethan Coen (”No Country for Old Men”). John Malkovich plays a newly resigned CIA agent whose secrets are swiped by his divorce-seeking wife (Tilda Swinton) and ultimately land in the hands of gym workers.
◊“A Capitol Fourth” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits returns to host this spe3cial live from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol. Barry Manilow will open and close the broadcast with a medley of hits and patriotic classics along with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Choral Arts Society of Washington. Others scheduled to appear are Aretha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, Michael Feinstein, Andrew von Oeyen, the Tony Award-winning cast of “Jersey Boys” and the “Sesame Street” gang.
◊“Choking Man” (9 p.m. on Sundance): This film explores the immigrant experience, as it follows a near-mute dishwasher from Ecuador who is quietly nursing a crush on a radiant fellow immigrant in Queens.
◊“Detonators” (7 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): This series focuses on a specialized team that demolishes skyscrapers, blows up helicopters on movie sets and detonates 50-gallon drums of explosives to quell deadly oil well fires.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): King Silas sends David on a quest to recover a national treasure, the Charter of Gilboa. While on the mission, David discovers shocking information about his father’s death. Leslie Bibb (Confessions of a Shopaholic”) guest stars as Katrina, who is engaged to Jack.
◊“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” (8 p.m. on NBC): “Today” correspondents Natalie Morales and Tiki Barber co-host the special live from New York City. The nation’s 233rd birthday extravaganza will include performances by rock singer Rob Thomas country singer Jewel and the cast from the 2009 revival of “West Side Story.” The fireworks display featuring more than 40,000 shells will be set of from six barges positioned between 24th and 50th Streets on the Hudson River.
◊“Mantracker” marathon (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): Terry Grant is an expert outdoorsman trained to track and retrieve missing persons in the deep wilderness. His mission in each episode is to track two contestants through rough country and capture them before they can reach the finish line.
◊“Sweet Land of Liberty” (5 p.m. on OETA-13): Music selections include “America the Beautiful,” “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “God Bless America.”
◊“Tribute to Liberty” (5:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Music selections include “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “This Is My Country.”
–Penny TV
Top 55 TV Programs for June 21-27, 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 June 21:
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
••“Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life” (6 p.m. on BBC America): Marking the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his world-changing book, On the Origin of Species,” Sir David Attenborough (“Nature’s Most Amazing Events”) shares his personal insight on Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, explaining why he believes it’s more important now than ever before.
••“Exodus Earth” (8 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): In this six-part series, Dr. Basil Singer investigates whether people could possibly call Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturns’s moon Titan or Jupitor’s moons Callisto and Gliese 581c home in the future. The series continues with airings at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
••“HGTV $250,000 Challenge” (9 p.m. on HGTV): Builder Carter Oosterhouse (“Carter Can”) will lend his expertise to help the final two families create captivating new curb appeal to the front of the house and an outdoor oasis in the backyard. Once the dust settles, viewers will find out who wins $250,000.
••“Impact” (8 p.m. on ABC): David James Elliott (:JAG”), Natasha Henstridge (“Eli Stone”), Steven Culp (“ER”) and James Cromwell (“Babe”) star in this two-part, four-hour movie, which concludes June 28. They play a small group of international astronauts, scientists and soldiers who band together in a race against time to save humanity when a meteor shower results in a direct hit to the moon, leaving it on a collision course with Earth.
••“Just For Laughs” (6 p.m. on ABC): Gags featured in the Season 3 premiere of the hidden-camera comedy series include a massage chair with a mind — and hands — of its own and a bike ride in the park that turns into a race to the finish line.
••“Killer Hair” (7 p.m. on Lifetime Movie Network): Maggie Lawson (“Psych”) stars as Lacey Smithsonian, a fashion columnist for a Washington, D.C., newspaper who ends up reporting on more than just style when dead bodies keep mysteriously crossing her path.
••“Masterpiece Mystery!” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): David Suchet returns as Agatha Christie’s Belgian detective Hercule Poirot for a new series of adventures. In the new installment “Cat Among the Pigeons,” he investigates a case involving a Middle Eastern princess who is hidden in an English girls school until someone starts killing the teaching staff.
••“Merlin” (7 p.m. on NBC): This new drama updates the story of the infamous sorcerer of Arthurian legend. When Merlin, a young man with magical powers, arrives in Camelot, he quickly makes enemies with Prince Arthur. But he begins using his talents not just to survive but also to unlock Camelot’s mystical secrets.
••“Ruby: The First 100 Pounds” (7 p.m. on Style Network): This special looks back at Ruby Gettinger’s journey, as the severely overweight Savannah resident has lost more than 100 pounds since the first season of her reality show. Season 2 of “Ruby” begins July 5.
••“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): After many years without incident, Florida residents were reminded in August of l992 of just how destructive a hurricane can be. The experience is told through the eyes of a young couple expecting their first child who ride out Hurricane Andrew in a bathroom.
••“Somali Pirate Takedown: The Real Story” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In April, news of U.S. Navy snipers bringing a swift end to the Somalia pirate standoff captivated the world. However, the heroic stories of the Maersk Alabama’s crew and the U.S. Navy’s courageous maneuvers have not been shared fully, until now.
••“Timewatch: The Last Day of World War I” (9 p.m. on Military Channel, 104 on Cox Digital Cable, 195 on Dish Network, 259 on U-verse, 287 on DirecTV): This special goes to the places where American, British, French, Canadian and German troops were fighting as the war came to an end on Nov. 11, 1918. It tells the story of soldiers who were killed in the final minutes leading up to the cease-fire, as well as those who lost their lives after the Armistice had been signed.
MONDAY, JUNE 22
••“Aaron Stone” (8 p.m. on Disney XD): Xero captures the world’s most feared fighter, World Champion Billy “The Body Bag” Cobb, to teach them the moves necessary to program his combat suit. Chris Jericho (“WWF Smackdown!”) guest stars.
••“Cheat Sheet to the Mysteries of the Universe” (8 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): Dr. Michio Kaku demystifies the universe with credible and understandable explanations.
••“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): A man is found handcuffed and stabbed in his hotel room, while a prank at the lab causes a rift in the CSI team and threatens their investigation. Lucy Lawless (”Xena Warrior Princess”) guest stars.
••“Gimme Sugar: Miami” (9 p.m. on Logo): Charlene reassesses her life in Season 2. She leaves the hills of the west coast and heads down to Miami to face the vibrant club scene and some of the toughest challenges yet.
••“History Detectives” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Featuring a broad range of historical periods, multiple cultures and fascinating personalities, five super sleuths set out to prove that an object found in an attic or backyard could be anything but ordinary.
••“Make It or Break It” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): Gymnastics newcomer Emily Kmetko (Chelsea Hobbs, “Lords of Dogtown”) has dreams of becoming an Olympic gymnast. But when she shows up at The Rock gymnastics training center in Colorado, she inadvertently shakes up the gym’s status quo.
••“Nurse Jackie” (9:30 p.m. on Showtime): An elderly patient (Eli Wallach, “The Holiday”) treats his serious heart disease with chicken soup. And pharmacist Eddie learns he is being replaced by an automated pill despenser, which is bad news for Jackie.
••“Rules of Engagement” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): After a long line of female assistants, Russell learns that a having a male assistant (Adhir Kalayan, “Aliens in America”) can be very advantageous.
••“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In the Season 2 premiere, Anne is dealing with the surprising news of her own pregnancy, while Amy is slowly adjusting to motherhood and a new life filled with midnight feedings and diaper changes.
••“Storm Stories” (7:30 p.m. on The Weather Channel): This episode follows three sets of Galveston County residents as they struggled for survival last September when the storm surge from Hurricane Ike came earlier than expected.
••“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): One of Charlie’s old partners in crime dies, leaving Charlie to reevaluate his own reckless lifestyle. Emilio Estevez (”The Breakfast Club” and brother of series star Charlie Sheen) guest stars.
••“Weeds” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Just as Nancy gets strict instructions from her doctor to reduce her stress level, she gets an unexpected visit from her estranged sister, Jill (Jennifer Jason Leigh, “Synecdoche, New York”).
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
••“America’s Got Talent” (8 p.m. on NBC): The talent show is back for a fourth season with a new host — comic Nick Cannon — and returning judges David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan as contestants compete for a $1 million grand prize.
••“The Best Thing I Ever Ate” (8:30 p.m. on Food Network): Find out what food stars and chefs eat in their free time in this new series. In the premiere episode, Tyler Florence (“How to Boil Water”), Bobby Flay (“Iron Chef America”) and Ted Allen (“Food Detectives”) reveal the best places to get barbeque.
••“Better Off Ted” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Executives Ted and Veronica try mingling with workers and realize they might be better off staying in a boss/employee relationship.
••“Bite Me With Dr. Mike” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): Extreme virologist and world traveler Dr. Mike Leahy knows first-hand how even the tiniest of earth’s creatures can create huge problems for unsuspecting travelers. In this new series, he makes it his mission to uncover everything that might want to bite, suck, sting or feed on unsuspecting travelers’ bodies, and he offers advice on how to avoid these encounters while traveling.
••“The Cleaner” (9 p.m. on A&E): Whoopi Goldberg (“The View”) guest stars in the Season 2 premiere as William’s former sponsor, who resurfaces when an addict he is called to help is one she currently sponsors. The addict (Gary Cole, “Wanted”) is a high-profile national news anchor who is a spokesperson for recovery and is struggling with his sobriety.
••“Golf in America” (9 p.m. on Golf Channel): Anthony Anderson (”Law & Order”) hosts this new series that will travel coast-to-coast to discover never-before-told stories, larger-than-life characters and inspirational people to capture the spirit of the game of golf.
••“Mental” (8 p.m. on Fox): The team encounters a movie star who suffered a psychotic breakdown on a nationally-televised talk show. Spike Feresten (“Talkshow With Spike Feresten”) guest stars.
••“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): While stuck working on a case over Christmas, the team searches for a suspect presumed dead…and begins to discover some startling personal revelations. Peter Coyote (”The 4400″) guest stars.
••“NYC Prep” (9 p.m. on Bravo): This new reality series chronicles the lives of a group of privileged teenagers who are key players in Manhattan’s elite high school scene. Whether it’s on sophisticated vacations or to a townhouse for an exclusive midnight party, their lives intertwine as they network, shop, party, study, date and write college applications.
••“P.O.V.” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Puerto Rican rapper Hamza Perez converts to Islam and starts a new religious community in Pittsburgh, hoping to spread his message of faith through hip-hop, only to have the FBI raid his mosque. The new documentary
••“New Muslim Cool” chronicles his surprising spiritual journey through an ever-changing America.
“Primetime: Family Secrets” (9 p.m. on ABC): This limited series goes behind closed doors and reveals firsthand the secrets most families never tak about. Topics explored include teen pregnancy and child abuse.
••“The Real Housewives Of New Jersey Reunion” (8 p.m. on Bravo): The ladies sit down for an explosive reunion special, which concludes at 8 p.m. Thursday. Hosting the first-season reunion is Bravo programming executive Andy Cohen.
••“The Superstars” (7 p.m. on ABC): This new competitive reality series pairs eight professional athletes with eight celebrities for a series of grueling physical challenges. Competitors include athletes Jennifer Capriati, Brandi Chastain and Bode Miller and celebrities Dan Cortese (“Joey”), Julio Iglesias Jr. (“Gone Country”) and Ali Landry (“Bella”).
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
••“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit becomes involved in the case of a family working together to abduct young women. Emmy nominated actor Tim Matheson (”The West Wing”) directed the episode.
••“Criss Angel: True Hollywood Story” (9 p.m. on E!): This installment will expose the secrets of this illusionist and “Mindfreak” star through candid interviews and never-before-seen footage.
••“Gospel Dream” (9 p.m. on Gospel Music Channel): Season 4 features 37 contestants between the ages of 16 and 40 pursuing their dream of a musical career Gospel/Christian music. Celebrity judges, including Michelle William (”Destiny’s Child”) and Kimberly Locke (”American Idol”), will determine the winner, who will receive record and music video exposure, among other prizes.
••“I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here” (7 p.m. on NBC): The last remaining star will be crowned King or Queen of the Jungle—winning the largest share of the prize for donation to charity.
••“Music Instinct: Science and Song” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This new documentary provides a groundbreaking exploration into how and why the human organism is moved by music. The program includes performances by Bobby McFerrin and Yo-Yo Ma.
••“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine cringes at her mother’s constant disapproval, but when she goes home for Thanksgiving, she’s able to thwart one of her criticisms when she discovers a secret they have in common. Brenda Blethyn (”Secrets & Lies”) guest stars as Christine’s mother.
••“The Philanthropist” (9 p.m. on NBC): James Purefoy (”Rome”) stars in this new drama series as billionaire playboy Teddy Rist, whose life is changed irrevocably after he rescues a boy during a hurricane. Buoyed by the experience, Teddy resolves to channel his power, passion and money into helping those in need, while exorcising his own demons in the process.
••“Primetime: Crime” (9 p.m. on ABC): This limited series goes inside real cases with access to the criminal process, new investigations and exclusive interviews. The series also retraces the twists and turns of some cold cases, providing new clues and forensic evidence.
••“The Real World: Cancun” (9 p.m. on MTV): Season 22 invades the sandy beaches of Cancun with eight roommates who work hard and play harder while living it up in Mexico’s hottest hotel, ME Cancun.
••“Top Chef Masters” (9 p.m. on Bravo): Chicago based chef and Oklahoma native Rick Bayless (”Mexico One Plate at a Time”)is among the third group of competing chefs on the series. He cooks off against Cindy Pawlcyn, Wilo Benet and Ludo Lefebvre, and the top chef moves on the the champions round.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
••“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 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.
••“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”) guest stars.
••“In the Motherhood” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Jane begins to feel inadequate as a parent when boyfriend Shep shows off his parenting skills and quickly bonds with her children. This is the first of the series’ final episoes scheduled to air over the next three Fridays.
••“The Mentalist” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): Lisbon fears that serial killer Red John is drawing Patrick Jane into a trap when the CBI team investigates the murder of a young girl and the abduction of her twin sister. Alicia Witt (”Cybil”) guest stars.
••“Penn & Teller: Bull****” (9 p.m. on Showtime): Season 7 will continue to feature the notoriously outspoken pair on their crusade to expose the inherent hypocrisy of many of the popular beliefs and sacred institutions in our culture.
••“Samantha Who?” (7 p.m. on ABC): When Sam starts dating rock superstar Tommy Wylder (Duran Duran’s John Taylor) – an idol from a youth that she has no recollection of — she becomes so embarrassed by Andrea and Dena’s fan-like reactions that she unintentionally begins to alienate them.
••“Soundstage” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): Grammy-nominated One Republic offers rousing performances of hit singles “Apologize,” “Stop and Stare,” “Say (All I Need)” and “Mercy,” as well as other tracks from their debut CD “Dreaming Out Loud.”
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
••“Build It Bigger” (8 p.m. on Science Channel, 101 on Cox Digital Cable, 193 on Dish Network, 258 on U-verse, 284 on DirecTV): Host Danny Forster takes viewers behind the scene at NASA where he explores the space organization’s next generation rocket, Ares.
••“The Chopping Block” (7 p.m. on NBC): The four remaining teams prepare an Italian feast for patrons and guest stars including chef Mario Natali and Vincent Pastore (”The Sopranos”).
••“CMT Crossroads: Bryan Adams and Jason Aldean” (8 p.m. on CMT): Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Bryan Adams will share the stage with platinum-selling and chart-topping country rocker Jason Aldean in this new installment of the critically-acclaimed series.
••“The Daily Habit” (8 p.m. on Fuel TV): The show;s 900th episode features a tour of Tony Hawk’s office in Carlsbad, CA, a skating session with Tony Hawk and friends on his secret ramp, interviews, a skateboard cake and more.
••“Let Freedom Hum – An Evening of Comedy Hosted by Martin Short” (9 p.m. on TBS): In this special taped June 18 at The Vic in Chicago, Martin Short (”Saturday Night Live”) will perform his own comedy and introduce five comedians: John Pinette, Kathleen Madigan, Greg Giraldo, Tom Papa and Jeremy Hotz.
••“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The bombing of an influential charity’s headquarters forces the team to sift through various rumors about the true reach of the organization’s power. Paul Michael Glaser (”Starsky & Hutch”) guest stars.
••“Princess Protection Program” (7 p.m. on Disney): Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”) and Demi Lovato (“Sonny With a Chance”) star in this adventure comedy about two girls, a princess from a small kingdom and a small town girl, who team up to help the would-be queen pass for a regular teen.
••“Virtuality” (7 p.m. on Fox): Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (“New Amsterdam”) stars in this science-fiction thriller set in outer space and a seemingly limitless virtual reality. Aboard Earth’s first starship, the Phaeton, a crew of 12 astronauts is on the verge of embarking on an epic 10-year journey crucial to the survival of life on Earth. But as crew members go in and out of reality, they realize that a virus has entered their private world.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
••“Discover Oklahoma” (6:30 p.m. on KWTV-9): This installment of the locally-produced program features a tour of Oklahoma City that starts with Nonna’s and Bricktown, travels down the Oklahoma River Trails and finishes at the National Memorial.
••“Doctor Who: The Next Doctor” (8 p.m. on BBC America): It’s Christman Eve in 1851 and Cyberman stalk the snow of Victorian London. When the Doctor (David Tennant, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”) arrives to investigate a spate of mysterious deathes, he’s surprised to meet another Doctor (David Morrissey, “Viva Blackpool”) with his own sonic screw driver.
••“Ellen’s Bigger Longer and Wider Show” (8 p.m. on TBS): Ellen DeGeneres (”Ellen”) hosts this variety show that was taped June 17 at The Chicago Thearte. It features live music, dancers and unique specialty acts.
••“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): King Silas takes David on a pilfrimage while Queen Rose tries to protect her children. Leslie Bibb (”Confessions of a Shopaholic”) guest stars.
••“The Most AddictingGames Showdown” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): In between new episodes of “iCarly” and “True Jackson, VP,” the winners of the best online games will be announced. “Pencil Racer 3: Drive It”, “50 States”, “Porta-Pusher” and “Bloons” are among the games nominated in 10 categories.
••“VH1 Storytellers: ZZ Top” (9 p.m. on VH1): The rock band that holds the record for the most enduring line-up of all original members celebrated its 40th anniversary with this performance taped at Chicago’s Congress Theatre. The Texas trio also took questions from the audience and told the stories behind such hits as “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man.”
–Penny TV
