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Top 55 TV Programs for April 5-11, 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 April 5:

SUNDAY, APRIL 5
◊The 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (7 p.m. on CBS): Reba McEntire returns as host (for a record 11th time) for the event airing live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas. She is also scheduled to perform, along with Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and Miley Cyrus. Artists with Oklahoma ties up for awards include Carrie Underwood (entertainer of the year, top female vocalist), Brooks & Dunn (top vocal duo, vocal event with McEntire), Miranda Lambert (top female vocalist, single of the year), Toby Keith (top male vocalist), Rascal Flats (top vocal group) and Trish Yearwood (vocal event with Josh Turner).
◊“Explorer: Inside Guantanamo” (8 p.m. on National Geographic): This two-hour special takes viewers inside one of the world’s most famous prisons for a look at day-to-day life. A film crew spent nearly three weeks inside the prison, chronicling the interaction between guards and detainees.
◊“Fast Machines With Funkmaster Flex” (9:30 p.m. on SPIKE): Funkmaster Flex, reknown car customizer in the music and sports world, hosts this new series that will showcase his talents in updating and modifying cars.
◊“Good Buy, Bad Buy?” (11:30 a.m. on HGTV):  This new series features housing experts coming to the rescue of overwhelmed house-hunting families. Each episode will profile two different homebuyers as they struggle to determine which of their favorite two potential homes is the better buy.
◊“Hometown Heroes” (8 a.m. on DirecTV): Joan Lunden (“Wickedly Perfect”) returns as host of this special series that focuses on everyday people from across America whose extraordinary work and humanity are transforming the lives of those in their community.
◊“In Treatment” (8 p.m. on HBO): In Season 2 of the half-hour drama, which will premiere new episodes on Sunday and Monday nights, the newly divorced Dr. Paul Weston has relocated from Maryland to Brooklyn, and now runs his therapy practice out of the living room of his brownstone. Among his new patients are Mia (Hope Davis, “Six Degrees”), an attorney; Walter (John Mahoney, “Frasier”), a CEO; and April (Alison Pill, “The Book of Daniel”), an architecture student.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): When King Silas sacrifices Port Prosperity to reach peace with Gath, David Shepherd must decide where his true loyalties lie. Leslie Bibb (“Popular”) guest stars.
◊“Last Cake Standing” (7 p.m. on Food Network): This competition series throws six pastry chefs into a grueling four-round cake competition  —  from creating one-of-a-kind wedding creations to undergoing a 24-hour cake-making marathon. Each week, judges eliminate one cake artist, and the winner takes home $50,000.
◊“My Mother’s Garden” (9 p.m. on MSNBC): This new documentary offers a daughter’s eyewitness account of her mother’s compulsive disorder and the way in which one family comes together to cope with a mental illness that affects millions.
◊“River Monsters” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Extreme angler Jeremy Wade explores the murky waters of the globe to debunk fish tales. His weekly quest catapults him in search of piranha, alligator gar, wels catfish and bullsharks, piraiba/candiru  —  all supposedly deadly creatures shrouded with mystery.
◊“Russell Simmons Presents Brave New Voices” (10 p.m. on HBO): Narrated by Queen Latifah, this new series focuses on six promising teams from New York, San Francisco, Ft. Lauderdale, Ann Arbor, Hawaii and Philadelphia as they prepare for a chance to compete at the 2008 Brave New Voices National Youth Poetry Slam Championship in Washington, D.C. It profiles hopeful poets and their coaches, revealing their personal struggles and triumphs.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): This episode recounts the August 2007 flood in Stockton, Minn., caused by the lingering effects of Hurricane Erin. It remains the worst on record in U.S. History.
◊“United States of Tara” (9 p.m. on Showtime): The family, now reunited for the first time since Tara checked into the hospital, decides to partake in a family tradition – bowling. But as Tara looks around at her family, she realizes she’s not who she is in spite of her alters, but because of them.
◊“Wizards of Waverly Place” (7:30 p.m. on Disney): The school principal enrolls Alex in the Sunshine Club after noticing her kindness to an elderly woman, Maggie. Alex quickly sees that the students in the club are only interested in helping others for their own good, and decides that charity without an agenda is the best way to live. Jo Anne Worley (“Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In”) guest stars.

MONDAY, APRIL 6
◊“24″ (8 p.m. on Fox): As the day stretches into the middle of the night, Jack and the FBI formulate a plan to prevent further terror attacks.
◊“Antiques Roadshow UK” (9 a.m. on BBC America): This show, the basis from which the U.S. version was created, is part adventure, part history lesson and part treasure hunt.
◊“Catch 21″ (5:30 p.m. on GSN): Host Alfonso Ribeiro (“The Fresh Prince of Bel Air”) returns for Season 2 of the game show that will feature the addition of an extra “power chip” in the jackpot round that puts winning within reach for all players.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Things are looking up for Chuck when he finds his father and lands his dream job — or so he thinks. Chevy Chase (“Saturday Night Live”) and Scott Bakula (“Quantum Leap”) guest star.
◊“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Fred Savage (“The Wonder Years”) directed this new episode in which rush week rivalries kick into high gear as the battle for the big man on campus begins. Jesse McCartney (“Summerland”) guest stars.
◊“The Hotel Inspector” (11 a.m. on BBC America): Renowned hotelier and author Ruth Watson looks to whip Britain’s struggling bed and breakfast owners and hoteliers into shape.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Charlotte, an older woman who has spent the last six months taking care of her husband Eddie (Meat Loaf, “Rock & a Hard Place”), is rushed to Princeton Plainsboro for immediate treatment after collapsing from respiratory failure at Eddie’s deathbed.
◊“Indoors Out” (9:30 p.m. on DIY Network): Derek Steams and Dean Marsico are stonemasons and real-life cousins. Together, they host this series, now entering Season 2, that shows viewers how to expand a home’s square footage without expanding the home.
◊“King of Dirt” (8:30 p.m. on DIY Network): Landscape contractors Gino and Ralph Panaro host this new series that is full of big personalities and even bigger ideas on how to makeover outdoor spaces.
◊“Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed” (8 p.m. on My Network TV): The Masked Magician reveals the secrets behind several illusions, including making a 5 ton elephant appear from out of the blue, levitating a woman with no hidden wires and making an assistant vanish while standing atop an elevated platform.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Allison investigates the case of a mother gone missing and some very strange children. James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”) and Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) guest star.
◊“The Newlywed Game” (5 p.m. on GSN):Carnie Wilson (“Outsider’s Inn”) will make her game show host debut on the new, modernized version of this classic series, which features an updated set and a new bonus round where the winning couple challenges a “Goldywed couple” (a couple that appeared on an original episode from the 1960s through 1990s series who have remained married ever since).
◊“Rock Solid” (9 p.m. on DIY Network): Derek Steams and Dean Marsico are stonemasons and real-life cousins. Together, they host this series, now entering Season 5, that is dedicated to showing viewers how to increase the value of homes by starting in the yard.
◊“Surviving Suburbia” (8:30 p.m. on ABC): Bob Saget (“Full House”) and Cynthia Stevenson (“Men in Trees”) star in this new sitcom that takes a contemporary look at family life and the reasons one might have to question the system.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Doug’s relationship with Maggie (Kathy Baker, “Boston Public) kicks into high gear, with a wedding date already set.  But their plans hit a snag when Maggie is attacked by an unknown assailant at Louie’s.

TUESDAY, APRIL 7
◊“90210″ (8 p.m. on CW): Jason Priestley (“Beverly Hills, 90210″) directed this episode. Kelly (Jennie Garth) and Ryan search the streets and show up at Jackie’s (Ann Gillespie, “Beverly Hills, 90210”) home looking for Silver, but the visit proves pointless when harsh words are exchanged.
◊“Deadliest Warrior” (9 p.m. on SPIKE): This new historical narrative series will pit the world’s greatest warriors against each other in a battle to determine history’s ultimate fighting machine. The premiere episode pits Apache vs Gladiator, and Ultimate Fighting Championship star Chuck Liddell guest stars as a combat expert.
◊“The Fix” (9 p.m. on FLN): This new makeover series melds craftsmanship and comedy as hosts Neil Davies and Jay Purvis surprise homeowners with absurd renovations before working to make it right with the ultimate home transformation.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “Black Money” reveals how multi-national companies create slush funds, set up front companies and make secret payments — all to get billions in business. But these practices are facing a new international crackdown, led by prosecutors at the U.S. Department of Justice and allies abroad.
◊“Fringe” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Just seconds before a building is demolished, a mysterious mute child that has been living alone underground is discovered. When the FBI’s Fringe Division investigates, the boy forms an unspoken connection with Agent Olivia Dunham.
◊“HGTV’s Top 10″ (7:30 p.m. on HGTV): Every week, this new series will reveal the best-designed rooms in America and showcase 10 examples of stellar style from the nation’s leading designers and architects. During the countdown of amazing spaces, viewers will see industry experts unlock the design secrets that make these rooms so unique.
◊“It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): The classic Emmy-nominated springtime special is back on network television for the first time since 1982. It will air along with “Charlie Brown All Stars,” in which Charlie Brown’s baseball team walks out on him after losing their 999th game in a row.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): The death of an artist leads detectives to a long string of murders by an untraceable serial killer.  Delroy Lindo (“Kidnapped”) guest stars as a detective struggling to keep control of the case. Jeri Ryan (“Boston Public”) takes on the role of attorney Patrice Larue, and will reprise the character for two future episodes. 
◊“The Mentalist” (8 p.m. on CBS): Patrick Jane and the team go to Hollywood to investigate the murder of a movie producer. Series star Simon Baker’s wife, Rebecca Rigg, guest stars as the victim’s widow.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This is the last installment of the series that began in 1987 and followed seven students starting out at Harvard Medical School. This two-part update returns to reveal what kinds of doctors — and people – they have turned out to be.
◊“The Real Housewives of New Jersey: Preview Special” (10 p.m. on Bravo): The network’s “Real Housewives” franchise kicks off its latest chapter with a sneak peak at the ladies from The Garden State. The hair is big — and so is the drama — on the newest docu-series as five new housewives from New Jersey invite viewers into their inter-mixed and indulgent lives.
◊“Rescue Me” (9 p.m. on FX): The series created, executive produced and starring Dennis Leary returns for Seaosn 5. It revolves around the lives of the men in a New York City firehouse, the crew of 62 Truck, and examines the fraternal nature and relationships of firefighters.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: James Garner was born on the day in 1928, and TCM celebrates by airing six of his films, including 1961′s “The Children’s Hour” (7 a.m.) and 1965′s “36 Hours” (11 a.m.).
◊“Trust Me” (9 p.m. on TNT): On the Season 1 finale, the Mink group wins a huge account. Denise (guest star Donna Murphy, “Hack”) sees Mason as the true creative force behind the victory and offers him a big promotion.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): Malone and his team look for the son of a billionaire who disappears after the small plane he was piloting crashes in a wooded area. Vanessa Marcil (‘‘Las Vegas”) guest stars.
◊“Whose Wedding It It Anyway?” (9 p.m. on Style Network): In Season 9 of the wedding series, viewers will once again witness what goes on behind-the-scenes of real life nuptials, as couples and their planners battle to pull off the perfect “big day.”

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
◊“America’s Next Top Model” (7 p.m. on CW): The girls are surprised to learn they will be working opposite guest judge Clay Aiken (“American Idol”) during an acting challenge. Cycle 11 winner, McKey, stops by to offer support while the girls prepare for their CoverGirl commercial.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The Behavioral Analysis Unit team travels to South Padre Island during spring break to find a serial killer with multiple personalities who is targeting co-eds on vacation. Jackson Rathbone (“Twilight”) and Roma Maffia (”Nip/Tuck”) guest star in the episode directed by Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”).
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): While investigating the shooting of a man in an empty theater, Stella realizes that the crime scene is oddly familiar and staged. Former ‘‘American Idol” contestant Katharine McPhee guest stars.
◊“Dinner: Impossible” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Robert Irvine attemps to overcome culinary obstacles in Season 6. In the premiere episode, he heads to Aspen, Colo., to cook for 200 action sports athletes at the Winter X Games.
◊“Jean Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Anne Heche (“Men in Trees”) narrates this new installment titled “Sea Ghosts” that features footage of white beluga whales swimming among icebergs in Alaska and Canada. In Alaska, Gov. Sarah Palin is fighting the addition of the Cook Inlet Belugas to the endangered species List, while the indigenous hunters, who have ceased killing, agree that this is a necessary step to sustain the species.
◊“Life” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the Season 2 finale, Crews must locate his partner Reese who has gone missing while on loan to the FBI. In the events that transpire, details about the conspiracy against Crews will be revealed.
◊“Mythbusters” (8 p.m. on Discovery): Season 7 of the series that uses science to uncover the truth behind popular myths and legends begins with a two-hour demolition derby special. Hosts Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage tackle four fables of automotive mayhem, including the whether moving the passengers to one side of a bus can stop it from rolling during a sharp right turn (it worked in the movie “Speed”).
◊“The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): After one too many cheap shots on her by the mean moms at Ritchie’s private school, Christine decides to enroll him in public school — which is not as easy as she anticipated. Paula Newsome (“Women’s Murder Club”) and Kathleen Wilhoite (“ER”) guest star.
◊“Night” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): Animal trainer and expert Brandon McMillan hosts this new series that takes viewers into the darkness to experience the wonder and terror of nocturnal nature and all its animal activities.
◊“The Unusuals” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In this new series, detective Casey Shraeger (Amber Tamblyn) has just been transferred to the NYPD’s Homicide unit from Vice and is instantly thrown into a setting of bullets and bodies. As she begins her new assignment, Casey finds that the force is full of secrets.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9
◊“American Chopper” (8 p.m. on TLC): The guys at Orange County Choppers, the world-famous custom motorcycle family business run by Paul Teutul Sr. and his sons, have their work cut out for them in Season 6. In the premiere episode, they tackle two new projects — a B-2 Bomber bike for Northrop Grumman and one for the NHL — and Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. go head to head in a no hold’s barred argument.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Booth and Brennan are on the case when shattered, pulverized human remains are found in a garbage bag at a photo shoot. Meanwhile, Angela’s father (Billy F. Gibbons, ZZ Top) comes to town to seek revenge on Hodgins.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Nick’s case of a deceased skydiver takes an interesting turn when Catherine discovers there may be a connection between the skydiver and a mysterious double murder case. Charisma Carpenter (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Greg Germann (“Ally McBeal”) guest star.
◊“Gallery” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): OETA’s Emmy Award-winning arts and culture series takes viewers inside the studio and the mind of Jean Richardson. She is an Oklahoma artist whose work of painting the horse in abstract is well known nationwide. For Richardson, her horses are not horses; they are a metaphor for the human spirit.
◊“Harper’s Island” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): This new 13-episode mustery series follows a group of strangers who travel to a secluded island for a wedding and are killed off one by one.
◊“How to Find a Husband” (9 p.m. on FLN): In this new series 30-something career woman Sally Gray quits her job and gives herself 10 weeks to find a husband. She hopes that through road-testing everything from speed-dating to online-dating and meeting as many men as she can through family and friends, she will find Mr. Right and inspire single women everywhere to follow their hearts.
◊“Krod Mandoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new series is narrated by Chris Parnell (“30 Rock”) and chronicles the adventures of Krod Mandoon (Sean Maguire, “Meet the Spartans”) and his band of warriors as they take on the evil Chancellor Dongalor (Matt Lucas, Little Britain USA”).
◊“Parks and Recreation” (7:30 p.m. on NBC): This new series stars Amy Poehler (“Saturday Night Live”) as an optimistic town official who turns a construction pit into a park while trying to mentor a bored college intern.
◊“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): Series star Allison Mack (Chloe Sullivan) directed this episode, in which Clark finds Tess in Lana’s (Kristin Kreuk) ransacked apartment and realizes Lana is missing.
◊“Southland” (9 p.m. on NBC): This new drama stars Michael Cudlitz (“A River Runs Through It”) as John Cooper, a seasoned Los Angeles cop assigned to train young rookie Ben Sherman (Benjamin McKenzie, “The O.C.”).  Cooper’s honest, no-nonsense approach to the job leaves Sherman questioning whether or not he has what it takes to become a police officer.
◊“The Zula Patrol” (2:30 p.m. on ION): Wizzy and Wigg want to go to the moon to see the moon-ball championship game in the season premiere episode of this animated series that teaches viewers facts about science and astronomy.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Hilary Duff (“Lizzie McGuire”) guest stars as Morgan Jefferies, a woman of mystery who may be involved in the death of a man who fell victim to a freak accident.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The investigation into a professor’s death takes a dangerous turn when the team finds their lead suspect has ties to a radical animal rights group. Michael Stahl-David (“Cloverfield”) and Polly Walker (“Rome”) guest star.
◊“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (7 p.m. on Fox): The Connors come face-to-face with Weaver in a confrontation that shakes John to the core and changes his reality forever. Nothing will be the same after the “Born to Run” Season 2 finale.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11
◊“Groomer Has It” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): Jai Rodriguez (“Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”) hosts Season 2 of the series in which 12 skilled dog groomers compete against each other in a test of desire, creativity and affinity for animals. They shave, shear and shampoo their way through a series of challenges from grooming potbelly pigs to creating signature looks for a doggie wedding.
◊“Love Finds a Home” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Patty Duke (‘‘The Miracle Worker”) stars in the eighth and final film based on Jeanette Oke’s “Love Comes Softly” novels. Duke plays a headstrong nursemaid who clashes with a frontier doctor (Sarah Jones, “Big Love) while caring for her pregnant daughter-in-law (Haylie Duff, “7th Heaven”).
◊“Nora Roberts’ Tribute” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Former child star Cilla McGowan (Brittany Murphy, “King of the Hill”) buys her grandmother’s farmhouse in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and finds romance with her new neighbor, Ford Sawyer (Jason Lewis, “Sex and the City”). But her newfound happiness is tested when family secrets erupt into a real-life nightmare.
◊“Stories of Augusta” (1:30 p.m. on CBS): Jim Nantz (CBS Sports) hosts this special that gives golf fans an inside look at the Masters’ rich heritage and tradition. Avid golfer and Grammy winning singer Darius Rucker sings “Georgia on My Mind” during the closing montage of memorable moments.
◊“Thrilla in Manila” (7 p.m. on HBO): This new special chronicles the boxing rivalry between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. It also tells the previously unknown story of their final fight in the searing heat of the Philippines through the eyes of the “other man” in the ring – Frazier.

–Penny TV

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Top 55 TV Programs for March 29-April 2, 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 March 29:

SUNDAY, MARCH 29
◊“Any Dream Will Do” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Graham Norton (“The Graham Norton Show”) hosts this new series in which judges and British viewers search for someone with star quality to take on the lead role in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Tony Award-winning composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is the head judge.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team reopoens the 1958 murder case of a successful newlywed real estate developer when new evidence indicates he may not have been killed were his body was found. Ken Howard (“The White Shadow”) and Johnathon Schaech (“That Thing You Do!”) guest star.
◊“A Conversation With … Lee Allan Smith” (6 p.m. on OETA-13): OETA broadcast journalist Dick Pryor talks to Lee Allan Smith about his life and some of the events he helped promote, including the 1989 U.S. Olympic Festival and the Centennial Parade and Spectacular in 2007.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The team helps a family dedicated to protecting the wildlife community build a stronger and safer home, as well as an improved sanctuary for the dozens of animals they rescue. Justin Chambers (“Grey’s Anatomy”) helps welcome the family back on reveal day.
◊“G4 Underground” (8 p.m. on G4, channel 191 on Dish Network, 258 on Cox Digital Cable, 310 on DirecTV): Morgan Webb (“X-Play”) hosts this new documentary series examines controversial issues, tech phenomena and unique personalities that have impacted today’s pop culture.
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): Vicki Lawrence (“The Carol Burnett Show”) guest stars as Miley and Jackson’s Mamaw, who returns to keep an eye out when Robby heads off to his high school reunion.
◊“Jim Gaffigan: King Baby” (8 p.m. on Comedy Central): This new stand-up comedy special taped at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, proves that no other comedian working today can romanticize laziness and over-indulgence like Jim Gaffigan (“My Boys”).
◊“Masterpiece Classic” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): “Little Dorrit,” one of Charles Dickens’ lesser-known novels, becomes a five-part miniseries set in a world of chronic debt and financial collapse. Matthew Macfadyen (“Pride and Prejudice”) plays hero Arthur Clennam, newcomer Claire Foy is Amy “Little” Dorrit and Tom Courtenay (“The Golden Compass”) is her father, who has been incarcerated for 25 years for insolvency.
◊“The Mighty Boosh” (midnight on Comedy Central): This new British comedy follows wannabe glam rocker Vince Noir and jazz aficionado Howard Moon, who are in a band and living alongside a freelance shaman and talking gorilla.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new installment “Kilauea: Mountain of Fire,” filmmaker Paul Atkins witnesses the cataclysmic meeting of 2000 degree lava and 75 degree ocean water in Hawaii. The latest eruption of Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, began in 1983, and it hasn’t stopped since, creating 544 acres of new land and cosuming 200 homes.
◊“The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” (7 p.m. on HBO): Grammy winner Jill Scott stars as
Precious Ramotswe, the sensible and wise proprietor of the only female-owned detective agency in Botswana. The new series is based on Alexander McCall Smith’s mystery novels and was filmed in Botswana.
◊“Predator X” (7 p.m. on History): This new special unveils the discovery of one of the largest ocean predatorsd ever found. Just 800 miles from the North Pole, a team of paleontologists unearthed the fossilized remains of a Jurassic-Age Pliosaur estimated at 50 feet long, 45 tons and 150 million years old.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel, 66 on Cox Cable, 214 on Dish Network, 362 on DirecTV): Storm reporter Lanny Dean and police officer Tim Buckman find themselves on the open road during the Greensburg tornado on May 4, 2007.  For both men, spotting severe weather is part of the job, but the job that day involved dodging an EF-5 tornado packing 200-mile-an-hour winds.
◊“Thrillbillies” (7 p.m. on Fuel TV, 265 on Cox Digital Cable, 618 on DirecTV): This new action comedy series follows a group of redneck friends who are on a journey for the ultimate thrill.

MONDAY, MARCH 30
◊“Atom TV” (1:30 a.m. on Comedy Central): Returning for a second season is this comedy show featuring a selection of random and hilarious web videos, each one of them developed or handpicked by the network.
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): When Chuck expresses his feelings about his complicated relationship with Sarah, a heartless female agent (Tricia Helfer, “Battlestar Galactica”) is sent to evaluate Sarah’s performance as Chuck’s handler.
◊“Greek” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): A secret sorority spy and a new freshman (Jesse McCartney, “Summerland”) stir up some trouble as classes resume at Cyprus-Rhodes University.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): Now that Nathan’s ability has been revealed and he has lost control of his operation, he and Claire go into hiding in Mexico. With Emile Danko (Zeljko Ivanek, “Damages”) now in control of the government operation, his plan to destroy everyone with abilities is set into motion.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Mos Def (“Be Kind Rewind”) guest stars as a man injured in a bicicyle accident who is unable to move or communicate verbally. The episode was shot predominantly from the patient’s perspective.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): Allison dreams about a game show that detects whether or not you’re telling the truth, and when she awakes a game show buzzer goes off in her head whenever someone lies to her. Her newly acquired talent becomes very useful during the murder investigation of a young couple. Mark Steines (“Entertainment Tonight”) guest stars.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:31 p.m. on CBS): After getting invited to a much cooler party, Jeff and Audrey lie to Jennifer and Adam to get out of a dinner they are hosting. At the party, Russell hits on the girlfriend of Jerry Rice (former NFL wide receiver).
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): While investigating the murder of a jogger, Grace worries for her nephew when his father starts dating again. Emmy winner Kathy Baker (“Picket Fences”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Warren Beatty was born on this day in 1937, and TCM will celebrate by airing five of his films, including 1978’s “Heaven Can Wait” (7 p.m.) and 1974’s “Parallax” (11 p.m.).
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): Charlie joins Alan, Herb and his next door neighbor (Michael Clarke Duncan, “The Green Mile”) in a night of alcohol-fueled reminiscences after Chelsea finds nude pictures of another woman on Charlie’s phone.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31
◊“100 Greatest One Hit Wonders Of The ‘80’s” (9 p.m. today through Friday on VH1): Judah Freidlander (“30 Rock”) hosts this five-part special that revisits the era that brought songs that we can’t get out of our head. The special features new interviews with some of the 1980’s top one-hit wonders, including Stacey Q, Animotion, Musical Youth, Frank Stallone, The Mary Jane Girls, Nu Shooz, Thomas Dolby, Kajagoogoo, Bow Wow Wow, Toni Basil and A Flock of Seagulls.
◊“According to Jim” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): When Jim realizes that Cheryl has taken a strong interest in yoga with a male instructor she raves about, he joins her class to find out what the hype is all about. Penny Marshall (“Laverne & Shirley”) directed the episode.
◊“Bad Girls Club Reunion” (8 p.m. on Oxygen): All eight bad girls reunite for one final fling in this special hosted by gossip blogger Perez Hilton (www.perezhilton.com). Hilton does his best to referee as tempers flare and gummy bears fly when the girls rehash all their disagreements.
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The contestants get a blast from the past this week with visits by Season 5 winner Ali Vincent and Season 6 winner Michelle Aguilar, both filling in as host while Alison Sweeney is on maternity leave. The contestants are also surprised by the arrival of some old friends, whose return promises to shake up the competition.
◊“Cupid” (9 p.m. on ABC): This new romantic dramedy stars Bobby Cannavale (“Will & Grace”) as Trevor Pierce, a larger than life character who may or may not be the Roman god of love, Cupid, sent to earth to bring 100 couples together before he is allowed to return to Mt. Olympus.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): As the economy continues to spiral and a new administration promises to deliver comprehensive health care reform, “Frontline” correspondent T.R. Reid investigates the failures and future of the private insurance industry.
◊“My Boys” (9:30 p.m. on TBS): Get ready for a third round of good friends and good times. When the new season opens, P.J. will land her own newspaper column while also starting a new relationship that could finally prove to be “the one.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): Gibbs and the team must work with the shady CIA agent Trent Kort to put away one of NCIS’s most wanted. Christian Clemenson (“Boston Legal”) guest stars.
◊“Osbournes: Reloaded” (8:20 p.m. on Fox): This new series starring Ozzy, Sharon, Jack and Kelly Osbourne will feature audience interaction, rowdy comedy and hilarious stunts that will shock and amuse. The show will also venture off-stage with recurring segments including “Osbourne in the USA,” where members of the family go to work in places such as a fast-food drive-thru; and “Osbournes Meet the Osbournes,” where the family goes cross-country and lives with other Osbourne families.
◊“Pretty Wicked” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): DariDee English (“America’s Next Top Model” Season 7 winner) hosts this new series in which 10 divas put their looks aside and compete to see who is the most beautiful on the inside for a grand prize of $50,000.
◊“Trust Me” (8 p.m. on TNT): When Cochrane’s group is allowed to join in the pitch for a beer account that Sarah brought into the advertising agency, Tony’s temper sends him into an uncontrollable spin. Donna Murphy (“Hack”) guest stars.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
◊“Babar” (2:30 p.m. on ION): The animated series starring the internationally renowned elephant king returns to television, premiering first on ION and then airing Saturday morning on NBC. In this new episode, Alexander learns a hard lesson about responsibility when he lets his rowing team down.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team must profile a self-confessed serial killer who turns himself in but sends them on a massive manhunt to find his latest victims before it is too late. Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”), Ali Landry (“Eve”) and Nicholas Brendon (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) guest star.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): The murder of a corporate “fixer” takes the CSIs into the disparate worlds of political corruption, personal betrayal and silicone dolls. Mykelti Williamson (“Forrest Gump”) guest stars as Chief of Detectives Brigham Sinclair.
◊“Ethanol Maze” (10 p.m. on OETA-13): This special tracks a corn growing season with a Nebraska farmer who hopes the push toward more biofuel production will boost corn prices. It also takes a look at alternative fuels research at the Argonne National Laboratory outside Chicago.
◊“The Final Inch” (7 p.m. on HBO2): This Oscar-nominated documentary chronicles the work, spirit and resilience of the millions of frontline workers in the Indian polio eradication program. More than 465,000 health workers go door-to-door every six to eight weeks, vaccinating more than 58 million children under age five, overcoming physical, logistical and sometimes cultural barriers to ensure every child takes the oral polio vaccine.
◊“I Get That a Lot” (7 p.m. on CBS): Celebrate April Fool’s Day with this new special featuring celebrities working ordinary jobs and confusing customers. Celebrity participants include Jessica Simpson (“The Dukes of Hazzard”) working at a computer repair store; Heidi Klum (“Project Runway”) working the counter at a pizza place; Jeff Probst (“Survivor”) running a cashier at a grocery store; Ice-T (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”) posing as an athletic shoe salesman; LeAnn Rimes (“Northern Lights”) taking food orders at a Nashville diner; and Mario Lopez (“Extra”) selling hot dogs in New York’s Central Park.
◊“Jerusalem: Center of the World” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): This new documentary delved into the historical facts and religious beliefs that have led so many thousands to live and die for this city.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): In the series finale, Sam Tyler’s past, present and future all confront him when he receives a phone call with instructions on how he can return to 2008. All he needs to do is complete three tasks, but a dizzying set of circumstances inside and out of the 1-2-5 makes him think twice.
◊“Rate My Space With Angelo Surmelis” (7:30 p.m. on HGTV): Host Angelo Surmelis returns with a third season of his big-budget makeover series. The premiere episode features an updated craftsman family room.
◊“Reno 911!” (9:30 p.m. on Comedy Central): Two new cops join the squad for Season 6. Sergeant Jack Delan (Ian Roberts) is a macho, by-the-book cop while Deputy Franky Rizzo (Jo Lo Truglio) is a big city cop who doesn’t play by the rules.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Lon Chaney was born on this day in 1883, and TCM will celebrate by airing three of his films: 1923’s “Hunchback of Notre Dame” (5 a.m.), 1925’s “The Phantom of the Opera” (7 a.m.) and 1926’s “Tell It to the Marines” (8:45 a.m.).
◊“Washington Journal” (5:50 a.m. on C-SPAN): Starting today, the top 27 videos in the 2009 StudentCam competition will air  — one each day — followed by an interview with the winning students. Three of the winners are Jenks High School juniors. Sheema Golbaba took second place for her video “The U.S. and Iran: Force or Diplomacy?”, while Kenzie Clark and Alexia Dickey placed third with their documentary “Crossing New Borders.”
 
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): The half-eaten body of Cam’s former fiancee is found in the tiger cage at the zoo, and Booth and Brennan determine the death was no accident. Chad Lowe (“24”) guest stars.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): In the show’s 200th episode directed by William Friedkin (“The Exorcist”), Langston is shocked when his former student is found murdered and becomes the focus of a CSI investigation into the world of Mexican wrestling.
◊“Eleventh Hour” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): When a psychotic woman accuses the Deputy Director of the FBI of stealing her baby and keeping her forcibly medicated as part of a cover up, Dr. Hood is the only one who believes she may be telling the truth. Helen Slater (“Supergirl”) and Melissa Sagemiller (“Sleeper Cell”) guest star.
◊“The Entrepreneurs” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Anchored by CNBC’s Donny Deutsch, this installment features celebrity chef Rick Bayless from Oklahoma City and his business partner Manuel Valdez, who turned a love of Mexican food into the multi-million dollar Frontera Foods empire with a highly popular line of authentic Mexican food products, a hit TV show on PBS, and a series of best selling cookbooks.
◊“ER” (8 p.m. on NBC): In the two-hour series finale, Gates works on a teenager with serious alcohol problems following a dangerous drinking game with friends. Old friends from County General show up to lend their support as Dr. Carter (former cast member Noah Wyle) opens a medical facility for the underprivileged in Chicago. Alexis Bledel (“Gilmore Girls”) and Ernest Borgnine (“From Here to Eternity”) guest star.
◊“ER Retrospective” (7 p.m. on NBC): As television’s most Emmy-nominated series comes to a close, this hourlong retrospective takes a look back at the past 15 seasons at County General’s ER. Clips from some of the most memorable episodes will be featured along with interviews with many of the past and present stars of “ER.”
◊“Free Radio” (10 p.m. on VH1): This series, back for a second season, chronicles the story of Lance, a  fictitious radio show intern (Lance Krall, “The Joe Schmo Show”) who fills in as host of the popular L.A. morning show, “Moron in the Morning,” after the original host defects to satellite radio.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): Meredith, Cristina and Bailey come to Lexie and Sadie’s rescue when a routine surgery goes horribly wrong. Melissa George (“In Treatment”) guest stars.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Alec Guinness was born on this day in 1914, and TCM will celebrate by airing six of his films, including 1969’s “Our Man in Havana” (10:15 a.m.) and 1970’s “Cromwell” (4:15 pm.).

FRIDAY, APRIL 3
◊“Bang for Your Buck” (8:30 p.m. on HGTV): This new series will help homeowners find concrete answers to ensure a return on their remodeling investments. Each week, viewers will see how three different homeowners – all living in the same city – renovated the same room of their house for the same amount of money. Designers Monica Pedersen, Sabrina Soto, Lisa LaPorta and Lytel Young will help determine which homeowner has earned the most “bang for their buck.”
◊“Escape to Chimp Eden” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): South African chimpanzee rescuer Eugene Cussons returns for a second season, and cameras follow him to Angola and Sudan to liberate chimps locked within crates, tethered by a chain and inappropriately raised as human children.
◊“Ghost Whisperer” (7 p.m. on CBS): Melinda reconnects with some high school classmates after one of them dies mysteriously.
Rachael Leigh Cook (“She’s All That”) as one of Melinda’s former high school friends.
◊“Mistresses” (8 p.m. on BBC America): As the series begins Season 2, twelve months have elapsed and fans find the friends in various states of joy and pain. Struggling to learn from their past mistakes, Katie, Trudi, Siobhan and Jessica face new dilemmas, though the root of their problems remains the same – men and sex.
◊“NUMB3RS” (8 p.m. on CBS): When eight people, including two police officers, are executed in a coffee shop, a Los Angeles police detective gets the team on the case, and they uncover a trail of blackmail, romance and corruption. Jonathan Silverman (“The Single Guy”) guest stars.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): At a romance seminar for seniors led by Pepper McMasters (Marilu Henner, “The Celebrity Apprentice”), Constance is confronted by a lothario (Ed Begley Jr., “Gary Unmarried”) from her past.
◊TCM Birthday Tribute: Marlon Brando was born on this day in 1924, and TCM will celebrate by airing three of his films: 1960’s “The Fugitive Kind” (5 a.m.), 1954’s “On the Waterfront” (10:30 a.m.) and 1957’s “Sayonara” (12:30 p.m.).
◊“Yo Gabba Gabba!” (12:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Guest star Jack Black (“Tropic Thunder”) rides into Gabbaland on his mini-bike and runs out of gas.  Lost and scared, Black meets each of the Gabba characters who become his friends and refuel the mini-bike so he can head home.  Along the way he sings, dons DJ Lance’s orange jumpsuit and teaches the characters and the viewers at home a new Dancey Dance called the “Disco Roll.”

SATURDAY, APRIL 4
◊“5 Ingredient Fix” (8:30 a.m. on Food Network): Host Claire Robinson proves delicious dishes only need five ingredients or less, which makes cooking easier, faster and irresistible.
◊“Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change” (6:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Queen Latifah (“Chicago”), John Mayer (Grammy winning musicain) and Elmo (“Sesame Street”) are featured in this new special that salutes the extraordinary courage and strength of military families and offers the general public a glimpse into what they often must endure.
◊“Cooking For Real” (11 a.m. on Food Network): This new series hosted by Sunny Anderson elevates the everyday meal by taking affordable, easy-to-find, easy-to-use ingredients and infusing them with diverse influences and rich flavor.
◊“Giada At Home” (noon on Food Network): In the Season 2 premiere, Giada De Laurentiis celebrates the arrival of spring with an Easter egg hunt and a meal that includes a crispy rack of lamb and lemon thyme bars.
◊“Love Takes Wing” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): When a fatal illness breaks out in a small mid-Western town, everyone must put aside their prejudices and trust in the skills of the town’s new doctor. Lou Diamond Phillips (“Wolf Lake”) directed and co-stars in the movie, which also features Cloris Leachman (“Malcolm in the Middle”), Sarah Jones (“Big Love”) and Haylie Duff (“Backwoods”).
◊“Nora Roberts’ High Noon” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Emilie de Ravin (“Lost”) plays a hostage negotiator who gets a nice break from her demanding job and her duties as a single mom when a handsome bar owner (Ivan Sergei, “Crossing Jordan”) begins to court her. But her life takes a turn for the worst when she is attacked by an unknown assailant and begins to receive a series of threatening messages.
◊“Special Agent Oso” (7 a.m. on Disney): Sean Astin (“Rudy”) provides the voice of Oso, a fuzzy, lovable, bumbling stuffed panda bear who is a special agent-in-training. This new animated series for preschoolers emphasizes discovery, humor and organizational skills.

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Top 55 TV Programs for March 22-28, 2009

    Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of March 22:

SUNDAY, MARCH 22
◊“Big Love” (8 p.m. on HBO): In the third-season finale, Nicki’s web of secrets gets more tangled when a surprise visitor comes to see her at the compound.
◊“Camp Woodward” (7:30 p.m. on Fuel TV): This series, which followed three teenaged action sports athletes spending the summer at a sports training facility in Pennsylvania, ends its run. See what new tricks and life lessons Larry Schmidt and Cody Davis and BMXer Hunter Bagent take away from their camp experience.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team tries to determine if a homeless and severely delusional paranoid schizophrenic killed his former psychiatrist by arson in 2004 — before dropping out of college and fully losing his grip on reality. Songs recorded by John Lennon are featured throughout the episode.
◊“The Color of Magic” (6 p.m. on ION): Based on the first two books in best-selling author Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, this four-hour miniseries follows the adventures of a wizardry student (David Jason, “Hogfather”) who guides a tourist (Sean Astin, “Rudy”) through a magical realm.
◊“Craig Ferguson: A Wee Bit O’ Revolution” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): “The Late, Late Show” host Craig Ferguson steps out from behind his desk for his first stand-up comedy special in which he speaks about his experiences in rehab and living life on the edge.
◊“Dateline” (6 p.m. on NBC): With exclusive accounts from insiders and whistleblowers speaking out for the first time, NBC News’ Chris Hansen reports on who knew what and when, and explains how risky home loans helped cause a chain reaction that led to failures on Wall Street and the near collapse of the American Economy. 
◊“Eastbound & Down” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Kenny says goodbye to his life as a school teacher after scoring a big-league job offer in Miami.
◊“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (7 p.m. on ABC): The team travels to Tucson, Ariz., to rebuild the home for the family of a 14-year-old girl suffering from a life-threatening blood disease who has dedicated her life to spreading awareness about blood donations. Jo Frost (“Supernanny”) volunteers with Designer Eduardo Xol at one of the family’s blood drive events for collecting and redistributing toys for ill children in the community.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): Complications arise when Gath and Shiloh military officials gather to sign the much-anticipated peace treaty.David’s noticeable absence at the peace treaty signing is called into question by Gath’s leader, impeding the ceremony.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A search and rescue operation is launched when a California family looking for a Christmas tree in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains gets lost when a snowstorm hits.
◊“The Unit” (9 p.m. on CBS): Series star Dennis Haysbert (Jonas) directed this episode in which the Unite fights to rescue Jonas’ old friend. But a broken helicopter gas tank and nearby guerillas impede their mission.
◊“Yellowstone” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new special follows the grey wolf, grizzly bear and herds of buffalo and antelope over the course of a year in one of the world’s most spectacular wildernesses.

MONDAY, MARCH 23
◊“Chuck” (7 p.m. on NBC): Chuck doesn’t know who to trust anymore when he finds the creator of the Intersect computer. Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”) guest stars.
◊“CMT Crossroads: Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson” (9 p.m. on CMT): Known for their outlaw ways and their tremendous songwriting, rocker Shooter Jennings and Grammy nominee Jamey Johnson come together for a concert special taped before an invitation only audience in Nashville earlier this month. The duo collaborate on Johnson’s “High Cost of Living,” “Between Jennings and Jones” and his Grammy-nominated single “In Color.” They also perform Jennings’ “God Bless Alabama” and a cover of his father, Waylon Jennings’ song, “Outlaw Bit.”
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): The identity of “Rebel” is revealed with chilling consequences. Swoosie Kurtz (“Pushing Daisies”) guest stars.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Lucas and Julian hit a setback with the production of the film. Peyton and Haley help Mia with her new single. James Van Der Beek (“Dawson’s Creek”) guest stars.
◊“The Powder & the Glory” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Narrated by Jane Alexander, this one-hour presentation chronicles the lives and careers of Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein, two immigrant visionaries who started with next to nothing and transformed cosmetics into a necessity for all women.
◊“Roomates” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): Tamera Mowry (“Sister, Sister”) stars in this new comedy series that follows a group of friends in Manhattan trying to figure out love and life in their post-collegiate years.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): The death of a woman in the home of a well-known architect (Elias Koteas, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) opens Grace’s eyes to a new world. And Clay has a new friend (Malcolm David Kelley, “Lost”) who is also helping out at the police station.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): In the first-season finale, Amy gives birth to her son as friends and family gather at the hospital to support the Juergens family. After hours of labor the baby is finally born, and a deliriously tired Amy and Ashley decide to name him together.
◊“Sophie” (8:30 p.m. on ABC Family): This new series follows Sophie Parker (Natalie Brown), who appears to have everything in order: a sweet boyfriend, a successful talent agency and good friends. But all at once, everything falls apart.
◊“The Spectacular Spider-Man” (6:30 p.m. on Disney XD): The network will welcome the animated series to its lineup with three back-to-back episodes from the show’s first season. The second season of the series, based on Marvel Entertainment’s popular Super Hero, will debut with all-new original episodes in Summer 2009.
◊“Table For 12″ (9 p.m. on TLC): This new series follows the Hayes family, previously seen on the TLC special “Twins, Twins, and Sextuplets.”  Eric, a police officer, and Betty, a stay-at-home mom, raise a brood that consists of 12-year-old twin boys Kevin and Kyle, 10-year-old twins Kieran and Meghan, and 4-year-old sextuplets Tara, Rachel, Ryan, Connor, EJ and Rebecca, who has cerebral palsy and is extremely special to the family.
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): James travels to California to take a look at what is being hailed as the future of motoring — the hydrogen powered Honda Clarity. The star with the reasonably priced car segment features singer Tom Jones.
◊“Two and a Half Men” (8 p.m. on CBS): The guys bump into Jake’s former teacher (Alicia Witt, Cybill”) who became a stripper after a fling with Charlie. Charlie tries to help her out by giving her a room and a job, but things spiral out of control.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24
◊“According to Jim” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): Penny Marshall (“Laverne & Shirley”) directed this episode in which Jim realizes that Cheryl has taken a strong interest in yoga with a male instructor she raves about. Jim becomes jealous and tries to figure what the hype is all about by joining her class.
◊“Bad Girls Club” (9 p.m. on Oxygen): In the third-season finale, the girls return from Mexico for their final days in the house. But the days don’t end quietly when Amber M. admits that she has a problem with one of the roommate’s closets friends.
◊“Chuck Jones: Memories of Childhood” (7 p.m. on TCM): Oscar-winning filmmakers Peggy Stern and John Canemaker (‘‘The Moon and the Son: An Imagined Conversation”) delve into the memories of Hollywood animator Chuck Jones, who created Daffy Duck, Pepe Le Pew and the Road Runner. The half-hour film also includes an interview with Jones and newly created animated segments.
◊“Cruise Inc: Big Money on the High Seas” (8 p.m. on CNBC): Get a look inside the $30 billion dollar cruise industry in this report from Correspondent Peter Greenberg, who spends seven days aboard the Norwegian Pearl, one of the newest in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet.  The 14-story floating city that sails the Caribbean has a full-service medical center, a state-of-the-art surveillance system and offers passengers everything from sushi-making to Bingo to Botox.
◊“Frontline” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Interviews with leading fiscal experts and insiders in government finance illuminate this film, which investigates the causes, possible outcomes and potential solutions to America’s staggering $10 trillion debt.
◊“Nova: Extreme Ice” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This National Geographic special follows photojournalist James Balog to apline and arctic locations across the Northern Hemisphere to capture time-lapsed footage for his Extreme Ince Survey. His findings reveal massive glaciers and ice sheets splitting apart, collapsing and disappearing at a rate that has more and more scientists alarmed.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): During the search for a missing psychologist, the team discovers the victim’s brother was imprisoned for serial rape, which makes them question if his brother’s past is connected to the disappearance. Meanwhile, Martin’s relationship with Kim (Vanessa Marcil, “Las Vegas”) heats up.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
◊“Great Performances” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Ian McKellen (“Lord of the Rings”) gives a tour-de-force performance as Shapespeare’s tragic titular monarch in this special television adaptation of the Royal Shapespeare Company’s (RSC) production. This marks McKellen’s return to the RSC after a 17-year hiatus.
◊“Law & Order” (9 p.m. on NBC): While investigating the murder of television reporter Dawn Prescott, detectives Lupo and Bernard discover that she was involved in a love triangle involving another reporter at the station.
◊“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the wake of a building collapse in a small town outside Washington, Lightman is brought in to determine who is at fault and winds up discovering a massive cover-up.
◊“Life” (8 p.m. on NBC): When a Los Angeles coroner is found murdered, his co-workers become prime suspects. Crews and Seever are under pressure to quickly solve the case, because if the killer is another coroner, countless murder cases could be compromised.
◊“Revealed” (7 p.m. on Gospel Music Channel): This new series takes viewers behind the scenes with gospel artists, who perform and share the stories behind the hits they have created.  The first episode will feature Third Day with and in-depth look into the making of their album Revelation.
◊“Survivor: Tocantins” (7 pm. on CBS): This special Wednesday episode features a re-cap of what happened during the first 15 days in Tocantins, Brazil, and  includes some never-before-seen footage.
◊“They Killed Sister Dorothy” (7 p.m. on HBO2): Martin Sheen (“The West Wing”) narrates this new documentary tells the story of a U.S. nun’s murder in the Brazilian rainforest and the trial that followed.

THURSDAY, MARCH 26
◊“American Idol Extra” (6 p.m. on Fox Reality Channel): Jillian Reynolds (“Good Day LA”) and Ace Young (Season 5 “American Idol ” finalist) co-host Season 4 of the series that gives viewers the first in-depth interview each week with the Top 10 Idol finalists, moments after their emotional elimination. Constantine Maroulis (Season 4 “American Idol” contender) returns as a special field correspondent.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): The half-eaten body of Cam’s former fiancee is found in the tiger cage at the zoo, and Booth and Brennan determine the death was no accident. Chad Lowe (“Life Goes On”) guest stars.
◊“ER” (9 p.m. on NBC): Many of the emergency room doctors and nurses help out at Camp Del Corazon, a camp for youngsters who have had open heart surgery. Tom Arnold (“Roseanne”) guest stars as the camp counselor.
◊“Hell’s Kitchen” (8 p.m. on Fox): During dinner service in a packed restaurant, tensions always run high. However, when a few celebrities (guest stars Eric McCormack and Robert Patrick) stop by for dinner the intensity really heats up.
◊“In the Motherhood” (7 p.m. on ABC): Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”) and Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) star in this new comedy that takes a look at the importance of family and friends while trying to juggle motherhood, work and love lives in an overly complicated modern world. It is based on a popular Web series of the same name.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Cooper struggles with a patient’s mother, who is allowing her 12-year-old daughter to be sexually active. Josh Hopkins (“Swingtown”) and Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) guest star.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): With the help of her hypnotist uncle, Annie switches brains with Lisa. The Electric Company needs to find a way to switch them back before Annie ruins Lisa’s good name with her neighborhood pranks. Grammy award-winning musician Wyclef Jean guest stars.
◊“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. on NBC): Lyla is still reeling after discovering that her father gambled away her college fund after she has been accepted to the college of her dreams.
◊“The Game” (7:30 p.m. on CW): When the recently fired Tasha discovers that Kelly is still working at ISM, she accuses her friend of betrayal. Stacey Dash (“Clueless”) guest stars.
◊“Her Story” (7 p.m. on ESPN): Hannah Storm (“SportsCenter”) hosts this special that highlights up-and-coming athletes, as well as the issues they face. It includes interviews with Courtney and Ashley Paris, daughters of former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Bubba Paris, who will help the University Oklahoma contend for the NCAA women’s basketball title.
◊“Mistresses” (8 p.m. on BBC America): In the Season 1 finale, Trudi struggles with her shocking discovery about Paul, while Siobhan wrestles with her decision about keeping the baby.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): Fred Savage (“The Wonder Years”) directed this episode in which the catering team works the California College Conservative Union Caucus and anxiously awaits the arrival of keynote speaker Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
◊“Stargate: The Ark of Truth” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): This new movie starring “Stargate” series favorites Amanda Tapping, Beau Bridges, Ben Browder and Claudia Black, picks up after the “SG-1″ series finale. Searching for an ancient weapon which could help them defeat the sinister Ori force, SG-1 discovers it may be in the Ori’s own home galaxy and the crew finds themselves fighting two powerful enemies.
◊“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (7 p.m. on Fox): Fearing for her life, Sarah stashes John in a safe house with the only person she believes she can rely on, Charley Dixon (Dean Winters, “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”).

SATURDAY, MARCH 28
◊The 22nd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson hosts this star-studded, slime-filled live telecast in which youngsters honor their favorites from the worlds of film, music, sports and television. Stars scheduled to appear include Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Alicia Keys, Michael Phelps, Rihanna, Will Smith, Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway and Reese Witherspoon.
◊“Nora Roberts’ Midnight Bayou” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Harvard-educated lawyer Declan Fitzpatrick (Jerry O’Connell, “Carpoolers”) gives up his comfortable life to buy a newly restored plantation manor near New Orleans. Legend has it the place is haunted, and shortly after Declan moves in, he starts hearing voices and seeing inexplicable apparations.
◊“The Penguins of Madagascar” (8:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): This new animated comedy series is based on the penguin brothers from the “Madagascar” movies. It features all-new adventures of Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private, who rule the roost at their Central Park Zoo home. Throughout the season, new animals will be introduced along with old friends from the “Madagascar” movies.

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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 March 15:

SUNDAY, MARCH 15
◊“Au Pair 3: Adventure in Paradise” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): The Caldwell family returns in the third installment of the movie franchise, as the family hits the tropical beaches. Gregory Harrison (“Trapper John, M.D.”) stars.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team members try to curtail their emotions as they search for the person who shot both Jeffries and the elderly long-time owner of the corner convenience store Jeffries had entered on his way home from work.
◊“Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy” (9 p.m. on Comedy Central): Country music star Toby Keith from Moore will be among the roasters making this event unfor-git-able for Larry the Cable Guy. Other roasters include Drew Carey, Nick DiPaolo, Jeff Foxworthy, Greg Giraldo, Lisa Lampanelli, Dan Marino and Jeffrey Ross.
◊“Desperate Housewives” (8 p.m. on ABC): When Susan tries to impress Jessie (Swoosie Kurtz, “Pushing Daisies”), a teacher at work, Jessie comes away with the wrong impression.
◊“Eastbound & Down” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): Convinced he’s lost his stuff, Kenny ecides to give up his comeback dreams and move on as a working stiff. But his resolve is tested by arrogant car dealer Ashley Schaeffer (“Will Ferrell, “Semi-Pro”).
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): As a publicity stunt, Hannah pretends to be the girlfriend of fellow celebrity Austin Rain when, in reality, they can’t stand each other. Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”) guest stars.
◊“HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009” (7 p.m. on HGTV): Tune in to find out who wins the Victorian-style home in Sonoma, Ca. It is part of the $2 million grand-prize package that also includes a 2009 GMC Acadia.
◊“Kings” (7 p.m. on NBC): This contemporary retelling of the biblical David and Goliath story follows the adventures of David Shepherd (Chris Egan, “Eragon”), a young soldier who crosses enemy lines to save the life of another soldier who turns out to be the son of King Silas Benjamin (Ian McShane, “Deadwood”).
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): A winter storm in northern California caused a private plane with three people on board to crash in Yosemite Park.  This episode captures the amazing rescue in blizzard conditions.
◊“Tough Love” (9 p.m. on VH1): In this new series, matchmaker Steven Ward will examine the bad habits of eight women and retrain them on the basics of dating and maintaining a relationship.

MONDAY, MARCH 16
◊“Betty Ford: The Real Deal” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): Jane Alexander (“Tell Me You Love Me”) narrates this new documentary profiling the life of an outspoken former First Lady who became a pioneer in substance abuse treatment. It features never-before-seen photos and film footage, plus interviews with Mrs. Ford, her four children and close friends.
◊“Built From Disaster” (8 p.m. on Science Channel): Engineers and designers learn hard lessons from tragic disasters at stadium, skyscrapers, bridges and ships. This series investigates the lessons learned since catastrophes such as the Hillsborough stadium disaster, the Minneapolis bridge collapse and the skinging og the Estonia in the Baltic Sea.
◊“Death on a Factory Farm” (9 p.m. on HBO): This documentary chronicles an investigation into alleged abuses that took place at a hog farm in Creston, Ohio.
◊“Dhani Tackles the Globe” (8 p.m. on Travel Channel): Dhani Jones, a linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals, embarks on a global sports odyssey as host of this new series.  In each episode, he tries his hand at a new sport, including rugby in England, muay thai in Thailand, hurling in Ireland and dragon boat racing in Singapore.
◊“Gossip Girl” (7 p.m. on CW): The Constance Billard and St. Jude seniors put on a production of “The Age of Innocence” and find their personal lives mirroring conflicts in the play. Sebastian Stan (“Kings”) guest stars.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): Dr. House and the team take on the case of Morgan (Judy Greer, “27 Dresses”) who works in a nursing home with a pet cat who only sleeps next to people if they are about to die – and does so with alarmingly accuracy.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Ted is shocked to learn that Lily is not only responsible for his breakup with Karen (Laura Prepon, “That ’70s Show”), but many of his former girlfriends, as well.
◊“Kyle XY” (8 p.m. on ABC Family): In the series finale, Kyle learns what Cassidy and Latnok’s true plans are for Adam’s experiment and must stop them at all costs.
◊“Medium” (9 p.m. on NBC): When Allison’s old car sputters and dies, Joe surprises her with an immaculate used car after being tipped off to a great deal. Unfortunately, the Dubois’ discover that the car is at the center of a horrific, unsolved crime. Kelly Preston (“The Tenth Circle”) guest stars.
◊“The Navigator” (7 p.m. on TCM): Director John Landis (“An American Werewold in London”) is today’s guest programmer on TCM, and this 1924 Buster Keaton comedy is one of the seven films he picked for broadcast. Among his other selections are three shorts featuring Roscoe “Fatty Arbuckle, a classic musical, a cult horror film and a masterful thriller from Alfred Hitchcock.
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:30 p.m. on CBS): Jeff is surprised to learn that his new friend he made at the gym is gay. Orlando Jones (“Men in Trees”) guest stars.
◊“Runnin’ Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers” (6:45 a.m. on Sundance): Peter Bogdanovich directed this film, which recently won the Grammy Award for best long form music video. It focuses on 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and tells a story three decades in the making of a band and its front man.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): While the squad investigates the death of a drug dealer at an apartment complex, Ham and Butch run into Bobby, who is still undercover.
◊“The Secret Life of the American Teenager” (7 p.m. on ABC Family): Series guest star John Schneider (“Smallville”) directed this episode in which Amy is in the hospital and slides in and out of sleep as she waits to get her epidural during labor.
◊“Speed Dreams” (9 p.m. on Documentary Channel): Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton of McLaren Automotive, Porsche factory GT driver Wolf Henzler and drag racing specialist Jason Whitfield of Whitfield Racing discuss personal experiences on and off the track that have propelled him to auto racing success.
◊“Today” (7 a.m. on NBC): Meredith Vieira and Al Roker will don Irish green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the Emerald Isle.  Today, they will broadcast live from Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow, a sprawling country estate known as one of Ireland’s most famous house and gardens.  On Tuesday, they will broadcast live from The Dublin Castle in Dublin City Centre and from along the route of the famed St. Patrick’s Festival Parade.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Six-time Emmy winner Carol Burnett (“The Carol Burnett Show”) guest stars as a former dancer caught up in the murder of a young couple.
◊“The Mentalist” (8 p.m. on CBS): After Patrick loses his sight in an explosion, he is forced to rely on his other senses to help him solve the murder of a financial adviser. Gregory Itzin (‘‘24”) guest stars.
◊“Modern Toss” (10 p.m. on IFC): This new series is a partially-animated, distinctly adult British comedy complete with gross-out moments, profanity and inappropriate cartoon characters. It was created by former journalists Mick Bunnage and Jon Link is based on their comic and website also dubbed “Modern Toss.”
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): A boxer’s death leads Vance to start up his own investigation, causing  a sparring match with Gibbs, on NCIS, Tuesday, March 17 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Paula Newsome (“Women’s Murder Club”) guest stars.
◊“Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel” (9 p.m. on HBO): March means nonstop basketball action, and this installment serves up three compelling basketball stories, plus a profile of unorthodox skier Bode Miller.
◊“Reaper” (7 p.m. on CW): Ben would like to introduce Nina to Sam and Sock, but he’s concerned they won’t accept her because she’s a demon.
◊“State of Creativity” (9 p.m. on OETA-13):  This new installment of OETA’s documentary series titled “Pizza boxes and 3-D animation” looks at two ideas that are playing important roles in educating Oklahoma’s workforce.
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a missing trial consultant and tries to narrow down the list of suspects involved with his disappearance. Vanessa Marcil (“Las Vegas”) guest stars as a juror on a murder trial on which the victim had recently consulted.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
◊“Better Off Ted” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): This new office comedy follows a successful good guy Ted (Jay Harrington) who runs research and development at the morally questionable Veridian Dynamics. No achievement is too far-fetched and no invention too unorthodox for Veridian.
◊“Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): Agent Hotchner revisits the first case he worked at the Behavioral Analisus Unit when details come forth that one of the deadliest serial killers in New England’s history has struck again after a 10-year hiatus. C. Thomas Howell (‘‘The Outsiders”) guest stars.
◊“CSI: NY” (9 p.m. on CBS): When a former medical examiner is found murdered, a white powder found at the scene provides the CSIs with a major lead in tracking the killer when it is discovered that the powder is heroin made from human bodies. Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (“7th Heaven”) and Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy bassist) guest star as Bonnie and Clyde wannabes.
◊“General Hospital” (2 p.m. on ABC): NASCAR driver Jeff Burton pays a visit to Port Charles and has a comedic run-in with race-car enthusiast and top neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson), who does not recognize the 21-time winner on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition.
◊“Global Warming: The New Challenge With Tom Brokaw” (9 p.m. on Discovery): In this follow-up piece to his Emmy winning 2006 special, journalist Tom Brokaw interviews some of the world’s leading experts about what Americans should be prepared for in the coming years. The special also takes a close look at the most promising scientific, technological, and economic solutions our nation can offer in the fight against global warming.
◊“Inside the FBI” (7 p.m. on Discovery): Discovery Channel was granted unprecedented access to the inner workings of the San Diego field office.  For the first time, viewers will follow along with the agents as they build a case against one of the largest and deadliest gangs in southern California – the Mexican Mafia.
◊“Journey to Planet Earth: The State of the Planet’s Oceans” (10:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Matt Damon (“The Bourne Ultimatum”) hosts this new installment of the award-winning environmental series. It investigates the health and sustainability of the world’s oceans, with a special emphasis on issues affecting marine preserves, fisheries, and coastal ecosystems in the United States and worldwide.
◊“Lie to Me” (7 p.m. on Fox): When Lightman is hired to find a corporate spy at a pharmaceutical company, he discovers a high-level conspiracy surrounding a new drug that could put thousands of lives at risk. D.W. Moffett (“Friday Night Lights”) guest stars.
◊“Life” (8 p.m. on NBC): With Reese still on loan to the FBI, Crews is assigned a new partner, Detective Jane Seever (new cast member Gabrielle Union, “Night Stalker”).
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): When Detective Sam Tyler poses as a streetwise tough to infiltrate a vicious New York City gang suspected of truck hijackings, he’s pushed to the limit not to blow his cover, and he reveals a much darker side. Paige Turco (“The Agency”) guest stars.
◊“The Price Is Right” (10 a.m. on CBS): Making an appearance during a special Dodger-themed showcase are Los Angeles Dodgers players James Loney, Russell Martin, Delwyn Young, James McDonald, and Mark Loretta, as well as former Dodgers Bobby Castillo, Kenny Landreaux and “Sweet” Lou Johnson.
◊“Toughest Cowboy” (10 p.m. on SPIKE): This reality series tested 12 cowboys in three major disciplines — bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. The winner will receive a ranch in Wyoming.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): As Liz spends more time with her boyfriend Drew, she finds that his handsomeness has allowed him to bypass many of the usual frustrations of daily life. Meredith Vieira (“Today”) guest stars.
◊“Hometown Baghdad” (10:30 p.m. on Sundance): Beginning its account in spring 2006, this documentary knits together the daily experiences and testimonies of three Baghdad university students. It is one of three programs airing on the network today to mark the sixth anniversary of the start of the war with Iraq. The other two are “Heavy Metal in Baghdad” (9 p.m.) and “No End in Sight” (12:15 a.m.).
◊“My Name Is Earl” (7 p.m. on NBC): After he apologizes to a crazy witch lady (Betty White, “The Golden Girls”) for all the trouble he caused her as a kid, Earl faces his fears and tries to make it up to her. But when she turns out to be crazier than Earl thought, he and Randy wind up in a life-or-death situation along with a bunch of their friends.
◊“The Office” (8 p.m. on NBC): Michael has big plans for his 15th anniversary party at Dunder Mifflin, but is in for a shock when the new, no-nonsense Vice President (Idris Elba, “The Wire”) has some ideas of his own.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): After Addison discovers that a mentally unbalanced pregnant patient has lost her baby, Violet must convince her that the baby has died and that surgery is necessary. Amanda Detmer (“What About Brian”) guest stars.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Echo becomes the perfect wife for a lonely internet mogul (Patton Oswalt, “The King of Queens”).
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode titled “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s Just Frozen,” Keith gets frozen like a statue when he’s zapped by one of Manny’s gadgets. Making guest appearances are rocker Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy bassist) and Tony Award winning composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda.
◊“Head Case” (9 p.m. on Starz): Dr. Elizabeth Goode (Alexandra Wentworth, “In Living Color”) is back in session for Season 2 of this comedy. She plays the judgmental and unconventional “it therapist” to Hollywood’s celebrity elite. Macy Gray (“Lackawanna Blues”) pays a visit in the season premiere.
◊“Party Down” (9:30 p.m. on Starz): Ken Marino (“Veronica Mars”) and Jane Lynch (“Role Models”) star in this new comedy series that follows a Los Angeles catering team – a sextet of Hollywood wannabes stuck working for tips while hoping for their “big break.”
◊“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (8 p.m. on Cartoon Network): In the first-season finale, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s squad of troopers have a new mission – rescuing the small Jedi team from General Grievous on Hypori.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21
◊“Cops” (7 p.m. on Fox): In the show’s 750th episode, an officer on the graveyard shift in Sacramento, CA, is called to investigate a traffic stop where the driver has passed off illegal substances to the passenger.
◊“The Locator” (8 p.m. Saturday on Wetv): Troy Dunn, an Enid High School graduate who helps reunite loved ones, returns for Season 2 of his feel-good show. He has been reconnecting people for 20 years, however, and has located more than 40,000 men, women and children.
◊“MADtv” (10 p.m. on Fox): Kathy Griffin (“My Life on the D-List”) hosts a special episode honoring MADtv alum Michael McDonald and his fan-favorite characters, including “Stuart Larkin,” “Mofaz,” “Dr. Phil,” “Hugh Laurie” and “Maury Povich.”
◊“Nora Roberts’ Northern Lights” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): In an attempt to start a new life after the death of his work partner, a former Baltimore policeman (Eddie Cibrian, “Third Watch”) accepts a job as chief of police in a small Alaskan town. But the moment he meets a feisty bush pilot (LeAnn Rimes, “Holiday in Your Heart”), he finds himself falling in love.
–Penny TV

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Top 55 TV Programs for March 8-14, 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 March 8:

SUNDAY, MARCH 8
◊“Breaking Bad” (9 p.m. on AMC): Series star Bryan Cranston (Walter White) directed the Season 2 premiere, in which Walt continues to straddle conflicting worlds  — a ruthless swirl of drugs, murder and mayhem and a complex, emotionally fraught domestic life.
◊“Candy Girls” (9:30 p.m. on E!): This new series tracks the efforts of talent agent Danielle to manage some of the most sought-after women in the music video industry.
◊“The Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m. on NBC): Each team must create and costume a comic book character, and present it to the Zappos.com executive. From the beginning, the project manager for the men is caught in a battle of wills with one of his teammates. On the women’s side, one celebrity is uncomfortable in her role as the costume model, while another member of the team falls ill.
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team reopens the 1976 case of a murdered 17-year-old after a newfound photo of her on the back of a motorcycle exposes her connection to a notoriously vicious gang. Jeff Fahey (“Lost”) guest stars.
◊“Hannah Montana” (6:30 p.m. on Disney): Hannah and her dancers are desperate to find a replacement for their usual choreographer, Tina (Carrie Ann Inaba, “Dancing With the Stars”) after she injures herself.
◊“Keeping Up With the Kardashians” (9 p.m. on E!): Life for the Kardashians in Season 3 is filled with ups and downs as each member struggles to find their place in the chaotic household.
◊“The L Word” (8 p.m. on Showtime): In the final episode of the series, what starts out as a celebration of friendship quickly ends in a web of betrayal and deceit. The girls find themselves in the slammer with Sergeant Duffy (Lucy Lawless, “”Battlestar Galactica”), and the investigation into Jenny’s death begins.
◊“A Night With Dwayne Johnson” (6 p.m. on Starz): This programming block features three of The Rock’s films — “National Treasure Book of Secrets” (6 p.m.), “The Game Plan” (8:10 p.m.) and “College Road Trip” (10:05 p.m.). Throughout the evening, an exclusive sneak peek at his newest movie, “Disney’s Race to Witch Mountain,” will air.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel): Hurricane Ike, which hit Texas Sept. 13, 2008, and ranks as the third most-costly U.S. hurricane ever, drew national attention for the calamity it caused, especially in Galveston where many people had to face its wrath.  First-hand experiences are told by a couple who barely survived before being air lifted to safety and a Coast Guard vet who was forced to swim for hours through debris-laden waters before being rescued by a National Guard helicopter.
◊“Tool Academy” (9 p.m. on VH1): The final two contestants face off for one last challenbge before taking final exams with resident relationship counselor Trina Dolenz.
◊“The Unit” (9 p.m. on CBS): While the Unit initiates a new team member, Jonas must coach his daughter before her military-ordered media tour. Julie Chen (“The Early Show”) guest stars as herself.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas in women’s college basketball action airing live at 2:30 p.m. on FSOK.

MONDAY, MARCH 9
◊“American Stamps” (9:30 p.m. on OETA-13): This new documentary focuses on the designers and artists who create postage stamps. It also includes the history of stamps in America, the criteria for selecting stamp subjects and how stamp artwork gets checked for authenticity.
◊“Battles BC” (8 p.m. on History): This new series uses cutting-edge animation techniques and the expertiese of military historians to show leaders from the ancient world in some of the greatest conflicts in history. The premiere episode is “Hannibal: The Annihilator.”
◊“The Big Bang Theory” (7 p.m. on CBS): A train trip to San Francisco takes a major detour when Leonard, Sheldon, Wolowitz and Raj discover that  actress Summer Glau (“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) is onboard. The episode also features a cameo by Nobel Laureate Dr. George Smoot, the father of the Big Bang Theory of Creation.
◊“Castle” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): This new series stars Nathan Fillion (“Firefly”) as Richard Castle, a successful mystery novelist with a mischievous streak. In the premiere episode, Rick is called upon to help Kate Beckett (Stana Katic), a New York police detective, on a case in which a serial killer is staging murder scenes as depicted in Rick’s novels.
◊“CSI: Miami” (9 p.m. on CBS): The CSIs make a shocking discovery about their murder victim, while Horatio tries to save his son from Julia’s erratic behavior. Elizabeth Berkley (“The L Word”) guest stars.
◊“Dancing With the Stars” (7 p.m. on ABC): Season 8 of the ballroom dancing series returns with 13 new competitors. They include Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, (the youngest competitor ever), singers Belinda Carlisle, Jewel and Lil Kim, actors David Alan Grier and Gilles Marini, rodeo star Ty Murray and and Hall of Fame football player Lawrence Taylor.
◊“Heroes” (8 p.m. on NBC): When Sylar comes face-to-face with his long lost father (John Glover, “Smallville”), the reunion proves to be what he least expected.
◊“House” (7 p.m. on Fox): House and the team take on the case of Nick (Jay Karnes, “The Shield”), a book editor who loses his inhibition and starts insulting coworkers at a dinner party one night before falling ill.
◊“How I Met Your Mother” (7:30 p.m. on CBS): Lily and Marshall are less than thrilled when Ted reunites with his ex-girlfriend (Laura Prepon, “That 70s Show”) from college.
◊“One Tree Hill” (8 p.m. on CW): Series star Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley James Scott) directed this episode in which Lucas wrestles with casting for his movie while Peyton tries to prepare for their wedding.
◊“Masters of Illusion” (7 p.m. on My Network TV): Featured are the magic illusions of Joe Monty (“Drill Through Head” illusion), Rick Thomas (“Levitation”), Arthur (“Hour Glass”), Nathan Gibson (Street Magic”), Dale Salwak (“Cabaret”), Taylor Hughes (“Into Box”) and Mac King (“Invisibility”).
◊“Rules of Engagement” (8:30 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.
◊“Saving Grace” (9 p.m. on TNT): Grace’s niece, Sayre, is arrested after attending a Scavenger Party where teens share drugs they raided from their parents’ medicine cabinets. Whne the squad tries to figure out what combination of drugs landed Sayre’s best friend in a coma, they realize some of the drugs were laced with something potentially deadly.
◊“The Wonder Pets! Join the Circus!” (7 p.m. on Nickelodeon):  It’s summer vacation and the Wonder Pets rescue a young circus lion named Cubby from falling off a circus train.  The Penguin Ringmaster is so impressed with the Wonder Pets that he offers them jobs at the circus.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10
◊“The Biggest Loser” (7 p.m. on NBC): The winning team of the 24-hour fitness relay race gets 24 hours of luxury, but some contestants have trouble resisting temptation during the getaway. Oklahoma City musician K.C. Clifford will be featured in a one-minute segment.
◊“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m. on NBC): Former cast member Stephanie March reprises her role as Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot, who returns to the SVU team when a pediatrician found guilty of molesting patients is killed. She shows up at the crime scene after three years in the witness protection program.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): After two Marines are ambushed, the NCIS team finds the investigation leads back to Gibbs’ hometown, where secrets about his past are revealed. Ralph Waite (“The Waltons”) guest stars as Gibbs’ father.
◊“WCG Ultimate Gamer” (9 p.m. on SCI FI): This new series showcases 12 contestants competing in challenges that include traditional video game play as well as real-life video game simulations. The winner will get $100,000 cash and the ultimate Samsung electronics package, as well as become a VIP representative of the WCG (World Cyber Games).
◊“Without a Trace” (9:01 p.m. on CBS): The team investigates when the teenage son of a Secret Service agent disappears and discovers a long festering secret that set in motion a deadly chain of events. Steven Weber (“Brothers & Sisters”) returns as Clark Medina, the New Head of the Missing Persons Squad.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
◊“The Chopping Block” (7 p.m. on NBC): In this new cooking competition series starring chef Marco Pierre White, eight couples compete to open a restaurant in New York City. The series will expose the unseen pitfalls and behind-the-scenes madness that goes into opening a restaurant in the most competitive city in the world.
◊“Clean House Comes Clean” (10 p.m. on Style Network): Through bloopers, never-before-seen footage and commentary from the cast and show participants, viewers get a chance to witness favorite moments from an new perspective in the show’s fourth season.
◊”Criminal Minds” (8 p.m. on CBS): Agent Prentiss has a personal connection to one of the victims in a series of deaths with religious overtones. Walton Goggins (“The Shield”) guest stars.
◊“Ghost Hunters” (8 p.m. on SCI FI): Season 5 kicks off with a trip to Philadelphia to investigate the historic – and allegedly haunted – building that was once the home of famous seamstress Betsy Ross.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): When two air hostesses end up dead, Sam and Annie go undercover. Gina Gershon (“Snoops”) and Mark Linn-Baker (“Perfect Strangers”) guest star.
◊”The New Adventures of Old Christine” (7 p.m. on CBS): Christine is initially flattered when another scatterbrained mother at Ritchie’s school considers her a “rock,” but quickly tires of the responsibility of being responsible. Kristen Johnston (“3rd Rock from the Sun”) guest stars as Christine’s new friend.
◊“Scrubs” (7 p.m. on ABC): Dr. Kelso’s beautiful but unethical replacement, Dr. Maddox (Courteney Cox, “Friends”), shakes things up at Sacred Heart, while J.D. struggles to manage a new crop of incompetent interns and Carla helps Elliott put her ego in check.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12
◊“30 Rock” (8:31 p.m. on NBC): When Liz can’t scheme her way out of jury duty, the “”TGS” cast and crew are left unmanaged.  Chris Parnell (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars.
◊“Bones” (7 p.m. on Fox): Series star David Boreanaz (Seeley Booth) directed this episode in which a bungee-jumping couple plunges off a bridge on their wedding day only to come face-to-face with a corpse lying at the bottom of a gorge.
◊“Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): In this new series, Bridget Marquardt (“The Girls Next Door”) sets out to immerse herself in the local cultures at some of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world.
◊“Celebrity Rehab Presents Sober House” (9 p.m. on VH1): After 30 days of therapy and sober living, it is time for the cast members to leave. Watch as Rodney King, Seth Binzer, Amber Smith, Andy Dick, Steven Adler, Nikki McKibbin and Mary Carey make their final steps toward recovery with the help of Dr. Drew.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS): Langston and Riley are taken hostage during the aftermath of a shootout in a normally quiet Las Vegas neighborhood. Denzel Whitaker (“The Great Debaters”) guest stars.
◊“ER” (9 p.m. on NBC): Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle, “The Librarian”) gets a surprise visit from an old friend while waiting for his kidney transplant.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): After learning at a deposition that more of his patients have died than survived, Derek decides to quit, even as Meredith refuses to give up on him. Loretta Devine (“Boston Public”) guest stars.
◊“Private Practice” (9:02 p.m. on ABC): Addison is attracted to a colleague at St. Ambrose Hospital who turns out to be more than she bargained for. Josh Hopkins (“Swingtown”) guest stars.
◊“Smallville” (7 p.m. on CW): Linda Lake (Tori Spelling, “Beverly Hills, 90210”) returns to Metropolis and threatens to expose Clark’s secret unless he promises to give her exclusive information on the red-blue blur so she can become a star reporter again.
◊“Ugly Betty” (7 p.m. on ABC): Betty meets Matt’s mother (Christine Baranski, “Happy Family”), but things don’t go as she expects. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina gets creative to solve a cash flow problem.
◊“Warriors With Terry Schappert” (9 p.m. on History): This new series travels the globe with Green Beret Terry Schappert as he experiences the training, rituals and weapons of history’s most iconic warrior cultures.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13
◊“Dollhouse” (8:01 p.m. on Fox): Imprinted as a visually impaired woman, Echo must infiltrate a heavily guarded cult in order to rescue a woman held against her will.
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): In the new episode titled “Dirty Laundy,” Manny steals a Skeleckian meteorite in order to power his letter-stealing gizmo.  Making guest appearances are designer Marc Ecko, R&B star Mario and Tony Award winning composer and lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda.
◊“Everybody Hates Chris” (7 p.m. on CW): Chris reluctantly agrees to hold onto a stash of marijuana for a criminal on the run, but he finds it difficult to find an appropriate hiding place that won’t get him in trouble. Tisha Campbell-Martin (“Rita Rocks”) guest stars in the episode directed by Debbie Allen (“Fame”).
◊“The Game” (7:30 p.m. on CW): With encouragement from Melanie and Kelly, Tasha realizes she’s finally ready to introduce Malik to his father, Chauncey (Michael Boatman, “Spin City”).
◊“Most Haunted” (9 p.m. on Travel Channel): The investigative team visits England’s Jedburgh Castle, which has a history of strange sightings, odd happenings and sounds of phantom pipe music.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): The team has only hours to investigate a last-minute tip that could exonerate a dangerous mob boss on the eve of his execution. Gina Gershon (“Snoops”) guest stars as Los Angeles police detective Danielle Hill.
◊“Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” (7 p.m. on Fox): Jesse flashes back to a life-altering mission aboard her submarine, the Jimmy Carter. Sarah and John decide they can’t continue living in their house and make plans to leave.
◊“Wife Swap” (7 p.m. on ABC): After five years and 198 families, the series celebrates its 100th episode by swapping two fan favorites from past episodes. The families selected for the special swap are the storm-chasing, science-obsessed Heene family from Colorado and the psychic, performing arts-loving Silvers from Florida.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14
◊“The Graham Norton Show” (9 p.m. on BBC America): British talk show host Graham Norton brings together the best of trends, current stories and celebrity culture for a fifth season of his multi-award winning show.
◊“Relative Stranger” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Following the death of his father, a former football star (Eriq LaSalle, “ER”) is forced to return home to the family he left six years earlier.  But his return opens old wounds that must be addressed in order for the family to heal.
◊“Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome America. A Final Night With George W. Bush” (8 p.m. on HBO): This special taped during the show’s run at Broadway’s Cort Theatre finds the comedian inhabiting President George W. Bush, one of his favorite characters from “Saturday Night Live.” He provides insights into Bush’s Texas-Connecticut childhood, his academic and social career at Yale, his stint as a major league baseball co-owner, his emergence as a political figure and governor, and his tenure as president.

–Penny TV

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12 TV Premieres and Finales airing Feb. 22-28, 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 Feb. 22.
   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
••“Storm Stories,” 7 p.m. Sunday on The Weather Channel (season premiere).
••“Rampage!” 7 p.m. Sunday on Discovery (series premiere).
••“Hard Time,” 8 p.m. Monday on National Geographic (series premiere).
••“Dark Days in Monkey City,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on Animal Planet (series premiere)(Animal Planet Photo above).
••“The Chris Isaak Hour,” 9 p.m. Thursday on Biography (series premiere).

ENDINGS
••“Rita Rocks,” 7 p.m. Monday on Lifetime (first-season finale).
••“Man vs. Wild,” 8 p.m. Monday on Discovery (third-season finale).
••“True Beauty,” 9 p.m. Monday on ABC (first-season finale).
••“Daddy’s Girls,” 9:30 p.m. Monday on MTV (first-season finale).
••“Privileged,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on CW (first-season finale).
••“The Contender,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on Versus (fourth-season finale).
••“Top Chef,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo (fifth-season finale). 

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Top 55 TV Programs for Feb. 22-28, 2009

    

   Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
   But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Feb. 22:

SUNDAY, FEB. 22
◊The 81st Annual Academy Awards (7:30 p.m. on ABC): “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is up for 13 Oscars, including best picture and best actor for Shawnee-born Brad Pitt. Another nominee with Oklahoma ties is Ron Howard, who was born in Duncan and is up for best director for “Frost/Nixon.” Host Hugh Jackman (pictured above in ABC Photo) is from Australia, but he has worked with an Oklahoman (James Marsden in the “X-Men” movies) and he has been in “Oklahoma!” on stage.
◊“100 Most Outrageous Moments 2” (8 p.m. on NBC): This special features plenty of missteps, misstatements and mistakes from television shows, newscasts, sporting events, political speeches and the like, but it also includes several viewer-submitted videos.
◊“The Barbara Walters Special” (6 p.m. on ABC): Sitting down with Barbara Walters for her 28th annual Oscar special are Academy Award nominees Anne Hathaway and Mickey Rourke, Academy Award host Hugh Jackman and teen pop stars the Jonas Brothers.
◊“HGTV Showdown” (8 p.m. on HGTV): Kim Myles, last season’s “HGTV Design Stars” winner, squares off with this season’s champion, Jennifer Bertrand, as they pull out all the stops to create dazzling children-friendly spaces.
◊“Jimmy Kimmel Live” (11:05 p.m. on ABC): The talk show will host his fourth consectuive post-Oscar celebration that will air live from the El Capitan Entertainment Center in Hollywood.
◊“Nature” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): In the mid-1990s, wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park. “In the Valley of the Wolves” traces three years in the life of the Druid wolf pack with a look at its relations with other packs and the fate of its members.
◊“The Oscars Red Carpet 2009″ (7 p.m. on ABC): Co-hosts Tim Gunn (“Project Runway”), Robin Roberts (“Good Morning America”) and Jess Cagle (Entertainment Weekly managing editor) will interview celebrities and comment on fashions during guest arrivals.
◊“Rampage!” (7 p.m. on Discovery): See firsthand what happens when people, machines and nature to on the rampage in this eight-part series featuring raw footage and the stories behind it.
◊“Storm Stories” (7 p.m. on The Weather Channel, 66 on Cox, 214 on Dish Network, 362 on DirecTV): Storm tracker Jim Cantore returns as host for a new season of stories that chronicle survivors and rescuers battling amazing weather events. The season premiere focuses on the May 2008 Windsor tornado that touched down in  northern Colorado and hit a daycare center.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Theatre and Drama Department and include 1968′s “The Producers” (9:45 a.m.), 1954′s “Susan Slept Here” (1:15 p.m.) and 1983′s “The Dresser” (8:45 p.m.).

MONDAY, FEB. 23
◊“American Experience” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): The new installment “A Class Apart” recounts the struggle of Texas field hand Pete Hernandez and his lawyers to get him a fair trial for the murder of his employer. At the time, equal protection covered only blacks and whites, not Mexican-Americans.
◊“Antiques Roadshow” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): A set of 1914 and 1915 Cracker Jack baseball cards is estimated to be worth $30,000 to $40,000.
◊“Battle for Tobacco Road: Duke vs. Carolina” (8 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary chronicles what many hardwood observers consider college basketball’s fiercest rivalry. It also examines the different cultures and characteristics of the programs in Durham and Chapel Hill that are separated by fewer than 10 miles.
◊“Daddy’s Girls” (9:30 p.m. on MTV): As Season 1 comes to a close, Vanessa and Angela have learned a lot about what it means to be adults, great friends and successufl entertainers.
◊“Hard Time” (8 p.m. on National Geographic): This new six-part series offers an inside look at Georgia’s prison system, where military-style discipline is the order of business. The series visits with prisoners at all levels, from a boot camp for young offenders to death row.
◊“Man vs. Wild” (8 p.m. on Discovery): In the Season 3 finale, host Bear Grylls reveals the tradecraft and survivla tips needed to stay alive in some of the toughest and most remote locations on the planet, including the salt flats of Mexico and the ice in Siberia.
◊“Rita Rocks” (7 p.m. on Lifetime): In the first-season finale, Rita gets a promotion to manager at Bed & Bath Max, which results in longer hours.  She realizes she can’t do it all and quits the band.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Agriculture Department and include 1937′s “The Good Earth” (8:15 a.m.), 1945′s “San Antonio” (2:45 p.m.) and 1955′s “East of Eden” (9 p.m.).
◊“Top Gear” (7 p.m. on BBC America): Mark Wahlberg (“The Departed”) is featured in the “star in a reasonably-priced car” segment.
◊“True Beauty” (9 p.m. on ABC): The contestants in this reality series though they were being judged on their looks, but they were actually being judged on their compassion, sportsmanship, charity, respect for their elders and other qualitiestraits. In the finale, find out who displayed more than beauty to win a spot in People magazine’s “Most Beautiful People” issue.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas A&M in women’s college basketball action airing live at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Kansas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

TUESDAY, FEB. 24
◊“Black to the Future” (8 p.m. today through Friday on VH1): David Alan Grier (“Chocolate News”) hosts this four-part special celebrating the contributions of blacks to American pop culture.
◊“Dark Days in Monkey City” (9 p.m. on Animal Planet): John Rhys-Davies (“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”) narrates this new series that reveals tales of love, treachery, betrayal and triumph among monkeys living in the deserted city of Polonnaruwa on Sri Lanka. It blends live action with graphic novel-style animation to accentuate the stories that are based on the Smithsonian Primate Project, the longest-running study of primates in the world.
◊“NCIS” (7 p.m. on CBS): The death of a NCIS agent leads Gibbs and Tony into the desert to locate a woman who holds the answer to the mystery. Lance Henriksen (“Millennium”) guest stars as Sheriff Clay Boyd.
◊“Nova” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): This new installment titled “Rats Attack” focuses on a horrendous event that happens every 48 years Mizoram, India. The ordeal is known locally as mautam, and it happens when an indigenous species of bamboo blooms and spurs an explosion in the rat population that feeds off the bamboo’s fruit.
◊“Privileged” (8 p.m. on CW): As Marco and Keith prepare for their wedding with the help of wedding planner Olivia (Kathy Griffin, “My Life on the ‘D’ List”), Megan discovers that her father Arthur is drinking again.
◊“The Real Housewives of Orange County Reunion Special” (8 p.m. on Bravo): Bravo programming executive Andy Cohen hosts this special that reunites the ladies of Orange County to give their side of the story on what went on after the cameras stopped rolling.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Languages Department and include 1960′s “Two Women” (5:15 a.m.), 1956′s “Gervaise” (4:45 p.m.) and 1950′s “Rashomon” (9 p.m.).

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25
◊“America’s Ballroom Challenge” (8 p.m. on OETA-13): Jean Louisa Kelly (“Yes, Dear”) hosts this two-hour special that features 24 couples competing in the world’s grandest ballroom dancing competition in Columbus, Ohio. All four major dance styles will be featured — American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard, and International Latin — and an international panel of judges will decide which couple walks away with the crown.
◊“The Contender” (8 p.m. on Versus): The fourth-season finale will feature a bout between the show’s top two cruiserweights live from MGM Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.
◊“Guy’s Big Night” (9 p.m. on Food Network): Chef Guy Fieri cooks up his favorite recipes in this primetime special. Plus, there will be unexpected guests and a DJ spinning music for the feast.
◊“Human Prey” (8 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series tells the stories of real people who’ve been attacked by wild animals and lived to tell the tale.
◊“Life on Mars” (9:06 p.m. on ABC): Sam recognizes a killer from the future and must find a way to stop him in 1973. Former presidential candidate Fred D. Thompson (“Law & Order”) guest stars as Chief Harry Woolf.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Medical Department and include 1958′s “Cat on the Hot Tin Roof” (9 a.m.), 1936′s “Camille” (3 p.m.) and 1989′s “My Left Foot” (11:15 p.m.).
◊“Top Chef” (9 p.m. on Bravo): The three remaining chef’testants face an extra special challenge in the Season 5 finale. The winner gets $100,000, a culinary tour of the French Alps and a feature in Food & Wine Magazine.
◊Oklahoma State University takes on Colorado in men’s college basketball action airing live at 9:30 p.m. on KOCB-34.

THURSDAY, FEB. 26
◊“The Beast” (9 p.m. on A&E): Barker and Ellis are assigned to go undercover when Chicago Police Department Officer Owens is reported missing. Lou Diamond Phillips (“Lone Rider”) guest stars.
◊“The Black List: Volume Two” (7 p.m. on HBO): Award-winning journalist Elvis Mitchell interviews a host of influential blacks, including Laurence Fishburne (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”), Tyler Perry (“Madea Goes to Jail”), Maya Rudolph (“Saturday Night Live”), Melvin Van Peebles (“Blackout”) and singer Charley Pride.
◊“The Chris Isaak Hour” (9 p.m. on Bio): Singer/songwriter Chris Isaak hosts this new talk and music performance show. Through a blend of storytelling and performance, each guest will be interviewed by Isaak and relive the highs and lows of their careers. The series premiere will feature Trisha Yearwood and will include the first ever performance of “Breaking Apart,” a duet from Isaak’s new album.
◊“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (8 p.m. on CBS):  The CSIs are called to three different crime scenes in one night that are seemingly unrelated, but each case’s forensic evidence reveals a common link. John Schneider (“Smallville”) guest stars.
◊“Grey’s Anatomy” (8 p.m. on ABC): One of Meredith’s oldest friends becomes an intern at Seattle Grace, causing turmoil at the Hospital. Mary McDonnell (“Battlestar Gallactica”) guest stars in this episode directed by Eric Stoltz (“Mask”).
◊“NEWBOs: The Rise of America’s New Black Overclass” (8 p.m. on CNBC): This new documentary provides a close-up look at the experiences of several self-made black multimillionaires, many of whom grew up poor, are mostly under age 40, and have primarily made their vast fortunes in the sports, entertainment and media industries. Among them are LeBron James, Terrell “T.O.” Owens, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Wyclef Jean and Lil’ Wayne.
◊“Secrets of the Furious 5″ (7 p.m. on NBC): This new animated special picks up where the feature film “Kung Fu Panda” left off, with Po put in charge of training a new class of students.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Geology Department and include 1970′s “Paint Your Wagon” (7:45 a.m.), 1939′s “The Rains Came” (5 p.m.) and 1974′s “Chinatown” (11:15 p.m.).

FRIDAY, FEB. 27
◊“15 Most Unforgettable Hollywood Tragedies” (7 p.m. on E!): This special combines news footage and interviews to count down 15 of the most memorable Hollywood tragedies that made headlines.
◊“The Electric Company” (4 p.m. on OETA-13): Hector mysteriously loses his agility right before his big basketball game in the new episode titled “Trouble Afoot.” Guest star Whoopi Goldberg (“The View”) performs “The Electric Comoany Rap” with Hector and Shock.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Political Science Department and include 1946′s “Notorious” (6 a.m.), 1972′s “1776″ (4 p.m.) and 1949′s “All the King’s Men” (9:15 p.m.).
◊“Yo Gabba Gabba!” (12:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon): Rachel Dratch (“Saturday Night Live”) teaches a “Dancey Dance” to the Gabba gang, who learn the importance of cleaning up in this new episode. Musical guest Chromeo perform a song titled “Nice and Clean.”

SATURDAY, FEB. 28
◊“America” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): Emmy winner Rosie O’Donnell (“The Rosie O’Donnel Show”) executive produces and stars in this new movie based on E.R. Frank’s book of the same name. The film takes viewers on the emotional journey of America, 17, as he navigates the United States foster care system.
◊“Ice Queens” (11 a.m. on MTV): This new special follows the lives of three young female figure skaters as they gear up for the South Atlantic Regional Championships. Along the way, they’ll test out their programs at smaller competitions, work with their coaches to perfect their spins and jumps and somehow manage to fit school into the mix.
◊TCM’s “31 Days of Oscar” film festival offers viewers a cinematic education. Today’s course offerings come from the Athletic Department and include 1978′s “Heaven Can Wait” (9:15 a.m.), 1984′s “The Natural” (4:30 p.m.) and 1976′s “Rocky” (8:45 p.m.).
◊“VH1 Storytellers: Kanye West” (8 p.m. on VH1): This hourlong special features Kanye West performing songs from his critically acclaimed album 808’s & Heartbreak in addition to past hits.  Viewers also get to hear the inspiration and stories behind each song.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Oklahoma State in women’s college basketball action airing live at noon on KAUT-43.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech in men’s college basketball action airing live at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
Oklahoma State University takes on Texas in men’s college basketball action airing live at 5 p.m. on ESPN.

–Penny TV

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